Discover Gloucestershire’s ghoulish side this Halloween, with spooky celebrations promising fang-tastic fun for the whole family in October 2026 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.
Planning your Gloucestershire October half term
When is October half term in Gloucestershire?
Most Gloucestershire schools break up for October half term on Monday 26 October and reopen on Monday 2 November 2026.
Where can I find family-friendly activities in Gloucestershire during October half term?
Family attractions across Cheltenham, Gloucester, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Stroud and the Forest of Dean are offering Halloween-themed, seasonal activities and events throughout October half term, from historic castles to nature reserves.
Where can I find pumpkin patch experiences in Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire has plenty of places to pick your own pumpkins this Halloween 2026! Check out SoGlos's list of the best pumpkin picking patches in the county to visit this October half term.
Cotswolds things to do in October half term
October Half Term: Ghosts, Pumpkins & Tudor Tales at Sudeley Castle
What's on?
Sudeley Castle and Gardens in Winchcombe is inviting families for a week of historical hijinks this Halloween half term, from Monday 26 October until Sunday 1 November 2026.
Why go?
Little ghost hunters can get a sweet treat at the end of Sudeley Castle's pumpkin trail if they can spot all of the ghostly statues hiding around the castle and gardens.
Visitors can meet the Wise Woman and learn all about Tudor superstitions to protect them from evil spirits, as reenactors bring history to life.
While animal lovers won't want to miss taking part in Sudeley Castle's special Owl Experiences, getting to fly these majestic birds and seeing them swoop and soar beneath the vaulted ceiling of the Castle Coach House.
SoGlos loves
Sudeley Castle's gardens and grounds are spectacular in every season, but as the leaves start to fall and the ivy turns from green to vibrant red, there's something magical about visiting in autumn.
Families will love seeking out the castle-themed outdoor adventure playground and 10-piece obstacle course, too – ideal for energetic kids who need to burn off some of their boundless energy!
How much does it cost?
Most Halloween activities are included with the price of admission to Sudeley Castle, which costs £24 for adults aged 16 and over, £10.50 for children aged three to 15, and is free for children under three, with family tickets for two adults and up to three children also available for £59.50.
Owl Experiences cost an additional £15 per person and must be booked online in advance.
How do I book?
Visit sudeleycastle.co.uk/october-half-term-ghosts-pumpkins-tudor-tales.
Halloween activities, talks and family events at Cirencester History Festival
What's on?
Taking place between Friday 23 October and Sunday 1 November 2026, Cirencester History Festival is a must-visit for families this October half term, with a programme of expert talks spanning centuries of global goings-on and spellbinding activities for children, including crafts and storytelling.
Why go?
An exciting line-up of some of the UK's most renowned history broadcasters and authors will be exploring a range of fascinating topics at Cirencester's best-loved cultural venues, sure to pique the interest of grown-ups and history-mad teens and children alike.
Halloween and history go hand in hand too, with a whole host of creative activities for families, like making your own 'curse tablet' at Corinium Museum; sewing a Halloween pouch with The Barn Theatre costume team at The Old Department Store; and spooky stories with the team from Chedworth Roman Villa at Market Place.
While for families with older children, there's the release of a brand new film, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House, at The Barn Theatre; and a special offer where anyone under the age of 22 can get £5 tickets to any of the talks in the programme, with several relevant to children and young people.
There's a discussion of global politics that's ideal for students, with Lord Peter Ricketts and Luke Harding; an exploration in the children of WWI aimed at eight year-olds to teens, with Jamila Gavin; and a 'must-see' for A‑Level history students and anyone fascinated by historical mysteries – a re-examination of the 'Princes in the Tower' with Philippa Langley.
SoGlos loves
There really is something for everyone at Cirencester History Festival, with talks about everything from Arthurian Britain and ancient Rome, to Hitler's U Boats and The Beatles.
And it's not all Halloween when it comes to family events, with other activities for children including a celebration of 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh at Cirencester Library, and a young archaeologists club at Corinium Museum; while families can pop into The Old Department Store throughout the week to sew their own stitch into the Cirencester Tapestry – a community art project celebrating the Bayeux Tapestry's return to England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years.
While new for 2026, local community groups and businesses are joining the festivities, too, with loads more events for people of all ages in the Festival Fringe programme – featuring history-themed walks and tours, exhibitions and displays, workshops, films and talks around town.
How much does it cost?
Prices for talks and events vary, with many of the family activities completely free. Tickets for headline talks cost around £12.50 per person, or £5 for anyone aged under 22.
How do I book?
Visit cirencesterhistoryfestival.org to book tickets and explore the full programme – or check out SoGlos's headliner and full line-up announcements for more information.
Gloucester things to do in October half term
Spookyard and Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Over Farm
What's on?
Over Farm in Gloucester is hosting one of Gloucestershire's most wholesome Halloween days out, as its popular pumpkin field opens from Saturday 3 October 2026, and its fang-tastic family day out, Spookyard, takes over the farm every day during October half term.
Why go?
Little ghouls and goblins will love getting all dressed up in their best costumes and spending a day out in the crisp autumn air at Spookyard – with spook-tacular daily live shows, The Gloucester Apocalypse and The (Kick the) Bucket List, pumpkin displays, a scarecrow trail, 'monster' duck racing, corn cannons and a maize maze, and all of Over Farm's usual farmyard fun including big bouncy pillows, friendly farm animals, mini golf, tractor and quad train rides.
And after months of careful growing, there are thousands of plump pumpkins prime for the picking in Over Farm's fields, from giants perfect for jack o' lantern carving, to a whole host of edible varieties for making pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, and all sorts of delicious seasonal dishes!
Head over during the day while the sun is shining to soak up the blue skies and bright colours, or for an extra atmospheric experience, head to Pumpkins After Dark to go pumpkin-hunting in the moonlight, with extra special evening entertainment including fire dancing, live music and haunted tractor trailer rides.
SoGlos loves
Over Farm was crowned the Gloucestershire Lifestyle & Community Awards Family Day Out of the Year in 2026 – and Halloween is one of the most magical times of year to visit, with pumpkins as far as the eye can see and spooky fun for everyone in store! Don't miss grabbing a hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows over the fire pits for a sweet treat after hunting for the perfect pumpkin in the fields.
The farm has been hosting Halloween events and pumpkin picking since the 90s, and was one of the UK's very first attractions to do so. Until recently, it was also the home of the popular Frightmare scream park and scare mazes – and there are rumours of Frightmare-inspired news coming in October...
How much does it cost?
Tickets for Spookyard cost from £12.49 for children under 14, and from £10.49 for adults.
Pick Your Own Pumpkins tickets cost from £2.99 each, and Pumpkins After Dark tickets cost from £10.99.
Entry to Over Farm is free for babies who aren't confidently walking yet.
How do I book?
To book tickets to Spookyard, visit overfarm.co.uk/spookyard-halloween-festival.
To book Pick Your Own Pumpkins, visit overfarm.co.uk/pick-your-own/pumpkins, or for Pumpkins After Dark, visit overfarm.co.uk/pick-your-own/pumpkins-after-dark.
Stroud things to do in October half term
Halloween at Berkeley Castle
What's on?
One of England's oldest castles invites brave visitors to experience a historical Halloween, with spooky seasonal activities taking place every day from Sunday 25 to Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Why go?
Berkeley Castle is extra eerie and atmospheric during autumn – and there's tonnes of Halloween fun to be had for children of all ages during October half term.
Visitors can gather around for spooky storytelling with the beheaded queen, where she'll share tales of mystery and folklore; meet the Tudor Witch and her animals to find out whether you'd have been branded a witch back in the olden days; venture down into the cellar to meet the Old Wise Woman; and take on the special 'chopped or non-chopped' Halloween quiz with Wee Jobbie the Gaoler and Grim Mr Reaper – if you dare!
There's plenty of real-life historical horrors to witness, too, including the medieval dungeon, trip steps and murder holes, the Minstrel's Gallery where England's last court jester fell to his death, and the infamous cell where King Edward II was imprisoned until he was killed.
SoGlos loves
As the site of one of history's most famous – and brutal – murders, those who believe in the supernatural could well hear the cries of King Edward II's ghost ringing out on a visit to Berkeley Castle this Halloween 2026.
But with its hallowed halls carrying centuries of history, it's a magical place to visit whether you believe in ghosts or not.
How much does it cost?
Halloween activities are included within the price of admission to Berkeley Castle, which costs £17 per adult, £9 per child aged three to 16, and is free for children under three.
Family tickets for two adults and two children are also available for £48.
How do I book?
For more information, see Experience Halloween at one of England's oldest castles, or to book, visit berkeley-castle.com/halloween-at-the-castle.
Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What's on?
Slimbridge Wetland Centre near Stroud transforms into an illuminated wonderland this autumn 2026, as its Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience returns for the October 2026 half term.
Why go?
Inviting visitors to experience this popular family attraction at its most magical, the Mystical Marsh Lantern Trail takes place after dark and features giant, illuminated sculptures of the plants and creatures that live at Slimbridge – from colourful toadstools to frogs, birds, and bats.
As well as admiring the spectacular handcrafted lanterns as they make their way around the trail, families also have friendly characters to meet, like the Marsh Witch and the Bat Professor – and there's the option to have a go at making your own lanterns, and toasting marshmallows over a fire, too.
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience is at Slimbridge Wetland Centre on Friday 16, Saturday 17, and Sunday 18 October 2026, then every day from Friday 23 October until Sunday 1 November 2026, with 15-minute entry timeslots between 5.45pm and 7.30pm. There are also dedicated Twilight SEND sessions on selected days, designed so visitors who prefer a less intense sensory experience can enjoy the fun, too.
SoGlos loves
As one of Gloucestershire's most unique and important habitats, Slimbridge Wetland Centre does important work all year round to protect native and migratory wildlife and conserve biodiversity.
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience literally shines a spotlight on some of the incredible creatures and plants that call this environment home, and helps visitors learn all about them in a creative way that builds emotional connections with the natural world around them.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost £14.95 each, with children under three able to visit for free with a paying adult.
Lantern-making and marshmallow-toasting experiences cost an extra £3.50 each.
How do I book?
For more information, and to book tickets, visit wwt.org.uk/mystical-marsh-lantern-experience.
