Discover Gloucestershire’s ghoulish side this Halloween, with spooky celebrations promising fang-tastic fun for the whole family in October half term.
SoGlos never misses a trick (or treat), with its spooktacular Halloween guide revealing the very best the county has to offer for frightful family fun while the little terrors are off school.
October half term activities at Over Farm
When and where?
Spookyard at Over Farm takes place throughout the half term holiday, from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October 2022. Gates to the farm open at 10am and Halloween-themed activities get underway from 11am.
What's happening?
This year, Over Farm announced that Spookyard 2022 will be its biggest Halloween festival ever. As well as Batilda Bristles and Minerva Moon opening the doors of their Broomstick School to new recruits, Witch Hazel and Wizard Wibble will be extending invitations to their ‘monster mash-ups’.
Don’t forget to go dressed for the occasion if you want to get involved in the annual competition to determine the spookiest, the smartest, the cutest and the fanciest visitors to Over Farm this Halloween.
Tickets for Spookyard also include entry to Over Farm’s animal trail, meaning families can be out and about all day, feeding the animals, exploring the Maize Maze, enjoying tractor trailer rides and playing rounds of mini golf.
SoGlos loves
Come October, Over Farm’s pumpkin field will be open too, so you can use the
opportunity to find the perfect canvas for some lantern carving while you’re at
it – you’ll need to book separate tickets for PYO though.
The important bits
Tickets for Spookyard cost £17 on the gate for adults (£14 online), £22 on the gate for children (£18 online) and £66 on the gate for families (£55 online) – but be warned, they often sell out in advance.
How to book
Visit overfarm.co.uk/events/spookyard to book tickets online and see Spookyard at Over Farm for more information about the event.
October half term activities in Cheltenham
October half term activities at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
Families can enjoy a fang-tastic day out at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham this October half term, with a whole host of activities from escape rooms to adventure golf and plenty of Halloween-themed fun.
What's happening?
Little ghouls can get their groove on at The Play Farm on Saturday 29 October 2022. From 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the venue is hosting a Halloween kids rave with disco dancing, spooky games, mocktails, prizes and glitter or neon face painting, alongside the chance to clamber over its huge soft play frame. While Hollywood Bowl invites families to take to the lanes from 7pm on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 October 2022 for a spooky Halloween party with drinks, unlimited nachos and fries and two games of bowling.
Potterheads of all ages can have a magical time this Halloween, too, with 20th anniversary screenings of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets at Cineworld, as well as a Harry Potter-themed charity quiz at Brewhouse and Kitchen on Thursday 27 October 2022, where there are prizes up for grabs, including meals and drinks vouchers. The family-friendly quiz starts at 5pm, entry is free and fancy dress is highly encouraged. The Botanist also has a week of spooky-themed fun, with a Halloween quiz on Tuesday 25; musical bingo on Wednesday 26; and Halloween request night with a live band on Thursday 28 October 2022. While Flight Club hosts a Spooky Brunch Social on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October 2022 with limited edition cocktails and fancy dress encouraged.
The Brewery Quarter is also one of Cheltenham's student hot spots with discounts on movie tickets at Cineworld; escape room experiences at Escape Hunt; bowling; and games of golf at Mr Mulligans - not to mention food and drinks at the plethora of restaurants at The Brewery - perfect for catching up with friends and family during half term.
SoGlos loves
Adding to its stellar line-up of restaurants, which includes Pho, Mowgli, Hub Box and family favourites Nando's, Creams and Five Guys, The Brewery Quarter has just announced that Pizza Express is opening a new restaurant at the venue - and while the official opening date hasn't been announced yet, it's hoped that the popular pizza joint will open in late autumn 2022.
The important bits
Tickets to The Play Farm's Halloween kids rave cost £12 per child and £3 per adult, with babies under one able to come along for free with a paying sibling. Hollywood Bowl's Halloween party costs from £9 per child and £11 per adult.
20th anniversary screenings of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets take place from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October 2022 at Cineworld in both standard and 4DX, with tickets costing from £12.99 per adult and from £6.99 per child.
How to book
Visit thebreweryquarter.com.
October half term activities at Regent Arcade
When and where?
Celebrating the spooky season, Cheltenham's Regent Arcade will be hosting a number of fun Halloween events throughout the half term holiday, from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 October 2022. The shopping hub is open from 9am to 6pm.
What's happening?
Throughout the October half term, brave visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of Halloween activities at Regent Arcade, including a trick or treat trail, as well as chance to relax with magical story time sessions from Julia Donaldson's iconic book, The Gruffalo — with the loveable monster himself making a special appearance at the shopping centre as well.
Kicking off the Halloween festivities early, children will also be able to enjoy free face painting to see themselves transformed into everything from seasonal pumpkins to creepy vampires.
SoGlos loves
Not only are Regent Arcade's events a great way to occupy the kids while they're off school, but they're totally free to take part in, too!
The important bits
Cheltenham's Regent Arcade trick or treat trail will start from Monday 24; storytelling takes place on on Friday 28; the Gruffalo will be there on Saturday 29; followed by free face painting on Sunday 30 October 2022.
How to book
There's no need to book in advance but for more information. visit regentarcade.co.uk.
October half term activities in the Cotswolds
October half term activities at Cotswold Farm Park
When and where?
Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power is opening its pumpkin patch every day from 9.30am throughout the October half term, from Friday 21 to Monday 31 October 2022.
What's happening?
It wouldn't be Halloween without a pumpkin to carve — and families have the pick of the bunch at Cotswold Farm Park's smash-hit pumpkin patch, with gourds of all shapes and sizes to choose from.
Explore the pumpkin trail and autumnal activities, before searching the patch for your perfect pumpkin, with this year's crop promising to be bigger, better and plumper than ever before.
With plenty of stylish selfie stations dotted around the field, it's a great opportunity to get a gourd-geous new family photo, too.
SoGlos loves
Tickets to Cotswold Farm Park include the pumpkin patch, allowing animal-loving families to make a day of it, meeting fluffy chicks and bunnies in the Discovery Barn and feeding the greedy goats, sheep and cattle in the paddocks.
The important bits
Entry to Cotswold Farm Park’s pumpkin patch is included in the cost of admission, which starts from £14 per adult, £13 for children aged four to 15 and £9 for toddlers aged two to three. It's free for babies aged one and under.
Pumpkin Field only tickets are also available, costing £6 for adults, £4 for children, £3 for toddlers and free of charge for babies.
How to book
Visit cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/pumpkin-patch to book tickets online and see Pick your own pumpkin at Cotswold Farm Park for more information about the event.
October half term activities at Sudeley Castle
When and where?
Enjoy an autumnal day out at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe this October half term and witness history in the making, as a team of archaeologists unearth a long lost Tudor garden, while Past Times Living History bring the Tudors to life.
What's happening?
Throughout this October half term, little history buffs can watch a team of archaeologists work to reveal the remains of a lost Tudor garden in the grounds of Sudeley Castle. The lost garden - originally created by Thomas Seymour for Queen Katherine Parr - is believed to consist of extensive walkways, water features and possibly even a banqueting house, with visitors to the castle able to take a daily 45-minute tour of the dig site to get a close-up look at what's been discovered.
Costumed performers from Past Times Living History will be at the castle from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 October 2022, telling the tale of Queen Katherine Parr's grisly afterlife; while her sister and serial Lady in Waiting, Anne Herbert, highlights some of the nastiest jobs from Tudor times, Thomas Seymour talks executions and Princess Elizabeth provides skincare tips on how to achieve her pallid complexion - just don't try them at home! Little ones can enjoy playing gruesome games, following a spooky trail, hearing scary stories and seeing Sudeley's popular Stunt Rats, too.
Meanwhile, on the Sudeley Sculpture Safari, visitors can discover a procession of wild animals from elephants to orangutans made from natural materials like bark, grass and moss, hiding in the grounds.
SoGlos loves
One for the grown-ups, on Sunday 23 October 2022, visitors can spend an evening with bestselling author Alison Weir, where they can join her on a tour of the DigVentures archaeological dig site, enjoy a drinks reception, hear her talk about her book Six Tudor Queens: Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife and buy a book to be signed, with tickets costing £15 each.
The important bits
Sudeley Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm until Sunday 30 October 2022. Admission costs £19.50 for adults and £8.75 for children aged three to 15. Children under three go free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are also available for £48.
Halloween activities and archaeological dig tours are all included in the price of admission.
The DigVentures daily tour takes place at 12pm each day from Tuesday 25 to Sunday 30 October 2022.
How to book
Visit sudeleycastle.co.uk.
October half term activities at the Corinium Museum
When and where?
The Corinium Museum will be launching its brand-new Gladiators - A Cemetery of Secrets exhibition on Saturday 22 October 2022, offering little ones and bigger kids the opportunity to meet some real-life gladiators throughout the half term.
What's happening?
For something slightly different this October, keen explorers will have the chance to discover the ancient world of gladiators at the Corinium Museum - with an exclusive exhibition featuring Roman skeletons launching just in time for Halloween.
As well as bringing the Roman period to life through special archaeological finds, the museum will also be hosting a selection of talks, re-enactments, lectures and historical activities - plus, kids can even take part in a Roman market and get involved with dressing up!
Visitors will have the chance to investigate six skeletons and try to work out who they were in a previous life, whether a criminal, a soldier, a gladiator - or even something else.
SoGlos loves
Tickets to the Gladiators - A Cemetery of Secrets exhibition are included in admission to the museum, allowing families to discover more about Cirencester's rich history.
The important bits
Entry to the Corinium Museum starts from £7.40 per adult, £3.45 for children aged five to 16 and is free for under fives.
The museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm until 5pm on Sunday.
How to book
Visit coriniummuseum.org/gladiators to book tickets online and for more information about the event.
October half term activities in the Forest of Dean
October half term activities at Forestry England sites
When and where?
Forestry England runs several visitor sites in the Forest of Dean, including Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, Mallards Pike, Wenchford, Symonds Yat Rock and the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.
What’s happening?
With ancient woodlands and spellbinding installations to explore, get the kids out and about during the October half term and wander into the spooky Forest of Dean.
Hire bikes and ride the nine-mile Family Cycle Trail; hunt for art installations along the famous Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst; and crunch through fallen autumn leaves, with easy-to-follow walking routes at the main Forestry England sites. Most sites have their own café too, so you can warm up with a hot chocolate after your adventures.
Children can also learn about the forest's own creepy crawlies and become mini superheroes by following the interactive Superworm trail at Beechenhurst!
SoGlos loves
October is a gorgeous time of year to explore the Forest of Dean and soak up the changing colours of the ancient woodlands — perfect for getting some autumnal family shots for the 'gram.
The important bits
Parking charges apply at the six Forestry England sites, while members can park for free.
The Superworm trail starts at the visitor centre at Beechenhurst and takes approximately one hour to complete. Trail activity packs are available to purchase at Beechenhurst Café and the ranger hatch for £3.50.
How to book
There's no need to book, but for more information about Forestry England's Forest of Dean sites, visit forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean.
October half term activities at Dean Heritage Centre
When and where?
With a whole host of spooky activities taking place across the week, Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley is open on Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, during October half term.
What's happening?
Kids can pick a pumpkin from Dean Heritage Centre's very own pumpkin patch and carve it into a creepy jack-o'-lantern to take home, all ready for Halloween — with carving sessions taking place from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October 2022, at 11am and 1.30pm.
Elsewhere, they can run into witches in the cottage, hear some spine-tingling ghost stories, follow the Halloween trail and head to the craft hut for some special, spooky-themed craft activities. Budding witches and wizards should be sure to visit on Thursday 27 October 2022, when spell school is being held in the Victorian schoolroom.
SoGlos loves
Encouraging little monsters to be more eco-conscious this Halloween, Dean Heritage Centre is introducing a zero-waste initiative with its pumpkin carving activity. Participants will each get an information sheet with handy tips on how to use all of their pumpkin — from cooking up pumpkin soup with the leftover flesh, to using the seeds to grow your own pumpkins.
The important bits
All Halloween events are included with the cost of admission, but Dean Heritage Centre is asking for a £2 donation per child for the pumpkin carving activity.
Tickets to Dean Heritage Centre cost £8 for adults, £6 for children aged three to 16-years-old and are free for children under three.
How to book
There's no need to pre-book but for more information, visit deanheritagecentre.com.
October half term activities in Gloucester
October half term activities at Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
When and where?
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is hosting a selection of spook-tastic Halloween events this year, taking place throughout the half term holiday from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 30 October 2022. Doors to the museum open at 10am each day, with last admission into the galleries at 3pm.
What's happening?
This year, little witches and ghouls can look forward to painting their very own spooktacular wooden decoration to take home and display at Halloween craft events - choose from bats, pumpkins, ghosts and more.
Alternatively, brave guests can tackle the Halloween Trail and hunt for gold spiders hidden in cauldrons around the museum galleries. Once all the spiders have been found, a hidden word will be revealed and little ghostbusters can claim their prize!
Of course, visitors will also have the chance to see all of the museums' regularly changing exhibitions, the soldiers of the month display and more - plenty to keep the kids entertained this half term.
SoGlos loves
Not only is the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum providing spooky seasonal fun, it also offers a fascinating insight into the lives of local servicemen over the last 300 years.
The important bits
Both the Halloween Crafts event and Halloween Trail will run from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 and Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 October. Tickets for the Halloween Crafts costs 75p per child; museum admission is required for the Halloween Trail, which costs £3 per child and £5 per adult.
How to book
Visit soldiersofglos.com or call (01452) 522 682 for more information about the event.
October half term activities at Blackfriars Priory
When and where?
Make the most of spooky season with two fun craft sessions from the Museum of Gloucester, taking place on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 October 2022 at the beautiful Blackfriars Priory.
What's happening?
The Museum of Gloucester is taking over Blackfriars Priory this Halloween half term for a series of autumn-inspired craft sessions in this spectacular setting.
On Monday 24 October 2022, little ones can take part in autumn craft sessions with a chance to make their own woodland windchime, creepy crawly or frosted fairy wings; while on Tuesday 25 October 2022, the Museum of Ghoulster shows trick or treaters how to make their own sweet sack, ghoulish grub or winged creature costume, all from sustainable, recycled materials.
After a morning or afternoon of crafting, pop into the Blackfriars café to warm up with a coffee or a hot chocolate - with Bailey's hot chocolates available for the grown-ups, too.
SoGlos loves
As well as their creepy handmade creations, kids can get their hands on a Halloween-themed goody bag for just £3.50 from the Museum of Gloucester reception, for an extra treat to take home.
The important bits
Autumn craft sessions take place from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm on Monday 24 October; and the Museum of Ghoulster sessions take place from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022 - with all sessions being held at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester.
Tickets cost £4.50 per child, while accompanying adults can attend for free.
How to book
Visit museumofgloucester.co.uk/events.
October half term activities at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
Visit the National Waterways Museum Gloucester over half term from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 October 2022 for some cosy family fun and fresh air. It's open from 10am to 4pm.
What's happening?
The National Waterways Museum is welcoming visitors this October half term for some cosy family fun and fresh air, with a host of autumn activities in addition to its usual family-friendly activities and play spaces in the galleries.
Take part in a Pi-Rats trail throughout the museum or choose a fascinating activity from the activity station, with something on offer for all ages; or wrap up and enjoy autumn colours along the canal towpath, offering plenty of opportunities for leaf collecting and wildlife spotting.
SoGlos loves
On Wednesday 26 October 2022, join the Canal & River Trust explorers team for a day of autumnal crafts. Just drop in!
The important bits
Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £5 for children aged six to 15 and are free for children aged five and under. A family ticket costs £20. Tickets allow you to return as many times as you like for 12 months.
There is no need to pay for the museum if you just want to go along and relax in the café.
How to book
There's no need to book - just turn up and join the fun!
October half term activities in Stroud
October half term activities at Berkeley Castle
When and where?
Berkeley Castle near Stroud is open from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 October, as well as on Sunday 30 October 2022, during October half term.
What's happening?
Monsters-in-the-making will get to learn how to frighten their friends at Ghoul School, enrolling for new students at Berkeley Castle just in time for Halloween.
Described as an interactive, self-led audio adventure, children will meet a bunch of terrifying teachers as they follow the trail around the castle, with a timetable of ghastly lessons educating them in everything from Halloween history to becoming a successful vampire.
Anyone visiting on Sunday 23, Monday 24, Tuesday 25 or Sunday 30 October 2022 can look forward to Halloween-themed face painting, too!
SoGlos loves
A medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century, there are sure to be some haunted rooms at Berkeley Castle — not least because King Edward II was imprisoned and allegedly murdered there back in 1327. Brave visitors can even see the cell he was kept in!
The important bits
Ghoul School tickets cost £1 per child, in addition to standard admission fees. Tickets to Berkeley Castle cost £14 for adults, £7 for children aged three to 16 and children under three-years-old go free.
Face painting costs an additional £4 on the day and only cash is accepted.
How to book
Visit berkeley-castle.com/ghoul-school to book tickets online and see Ghoul School at Berkeley Castle for more information about the event.
October half term activities at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
eek! week at Slimbridge Wetland Centre is taking place from Saturday 22 to Monday 31 October 2022, with daily activities from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
What's happening?
Explore the wetlands and all of their weird wonders this October half term, with Slimbridge's interactive eek! week trail bringing a spooktacular selection of sensory activities for the whole family to test their bravery.
Find out what lurks beneath the water, pond dipping for critters; dare to reach inside the touch and feel boxes; and get even closer to nature, listening out for toads, feeling the texture of a newt and examining owl poo.
Don't miss the chance to grab a photo with the bat cut out, too!
SoGlos loves
During eek! week, kids will get to play with the iSandbox, conjuring up swarms of moths and butterflies with the augmented reality technology, which is designed to create interactive, sensory learning experiences.
The important bits
There are no additional costs for eek! week, with all activities included in the admission price. Tickets to Slimbridge Wetland Centre cost from £15 for adults and from £8.63 for children aged four to 16. Children under four go free.
How to book
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/eek-week to book tickets online and see eek! week at Slimbridge Wetland Centre for more information about the event.
October half term activities at Cattle Country Farm Park
When and where?
Cattle Country Farm Park's Halloween pumpkin patch is open every day throughout the October half term, from Friday 21 to Sunday 30 October 2022. It opens at 10am and closes at 4pm.
What's happening?
Celebrate spooky season at Cattle Country Farm Park, with thousands of pumpkins and gourds to pick from its homegrown patch.
Decorate your pick of the crop at the pumpkin carving station and don't forget to strike a pose at the pumpkin patch photo booths for a family selfie.
There's also a ghoulish Halloween trail to follow, marshmallow toasting, face painting and a daily fancy dress parade to keep the little monsters entertained, as well as a new seasonal menu to try in the GRAZE Café.
SoGlos loves
Perfect for rainy October days, there's lots of indoor activities for children at Cattle Country Farm Park — from meeting furry friends in the covered Animal Barn to zooming down slides and climbing around the indoor play barns — as well as the outdoor attractions.
The important bits
Tickets cost £12.50 for children aged four to 17, £10 for adults and toddlers, and are free for children under one.
Entry to the pumpkin patch also includes a full day of fun at the farm park and all pumpkins are priced by size, starting at £1.
How to book
Visit cattlecountry.co.uk/pumpkin-patch to book tickets online and see Pumpkin patch at Cattle Country Farm Park for more information about the event.
