Things to do in Shropshire October half term and Halloween 2026
If you’re looking for things to do in Shropshire this October half term, there are plenty of spooky and family-friendly activities to choose from. From Halloween trails and pumpkin picking to animals, museums, historic attractions and outdoor adventures, there’s something for children of all ages.
I’ve put together this guide to the best Shropshire October half term and Halloween events in 2026, including ideas for family days out, Halloween activities and places to pick and carve your own pumpkin.
I’ll be adding more events as they are announced, so bookmark this page and check back if you’re planning your October half term in Shropshire.
When is October half term in Shropshire 2026? Most Shropshire schools have their October half term from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October 2026, although dates can vary between schools.
This post covers the county of Shropshire only. If you are looking for October half term days out in nearby counties, please see below:
Apley Farm Shop Shropshire October half term 2026
Head to Apley Farm Shop for a family-friendly Halloween pumpkin experience – Apley’s Haunted Harvest. You can pick your own pumpkin from Apley’s home-grown pumpkin field, choosing from a range of sizes and colours. For the full Haunted Harvest experience, hop aboard the Pumpkin Express tractor ride through the fields before choosing your pumpkin and heading to the carving cavern to carve it. Be aware that the event takes place outdoors and the fields can become muddy in wet weather, so suitable footwear and clothing are recommended. Numbers are limited so advance booking is essential.
Is this event dog friendly? Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads in the pumpkin field.
Dates: 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 24th to 31st October 2026.
Website: Apley Estate
All Hallows at Blists Hill Victorian Town
Step back in time at All Hallows at Blists Hill Victorian Town, where traditional autumn folklore takes centre stage. Wander through the historic streets as stories of witches, ghosts and old superstitions bring the past to life, and discover seasonal traditions including harvest customs and carved turnips. With family-friendly trails and costumed characters, this atmospheric event offers a different take on Halloween in a unique Victorian setting.
Date: 17th October to 1st November 2026.
Website: Ironbridge Gorge National Trust
Boscobel House English Heritage Shropshire October half term 2026
Whilst there’s no particular event listed at Boscobel House this half term, it’s well worth a visit to find out how King Charles II used it as a place of refuge after defeat in the Civil War. See the priest hole he spent a night in and hear tales of his visit. Stroll down to see a descendant of the oak tree Charles hid in all day while Cromwell’s soldiers were searching for him. Don’t forget to visit the playground, take part in interactive stories and activities and find out about courtly etiquette.
Dates: Open every day in October 2026.
Website: Boscobel House
Exotic Zoo Shropshire October half term 2026
This Halloween, the zoo gets a spooky makeover! Explore haunted woods, pick your own pumpkin, and enjoy all the usual animal zones. Other activities include pumpkin picking, Creepy Crawly Cave, tarantula meet & greets, bush-tucker trials, and plenty of photo opportunities. Visit in the evening to trick-or-treat through the haunted woods after dark, meet witches, vampires and zombies, see nocturnal animals in action, carve pumpkins, and join in spooky crafts in the Creepy Café.
Daytime event dates: 24th October to 1st November 2026.
After dark dates: 30th and 31st October 2026.
Website: Exotic Zoo
Hawkstone Park Follies
Head to Hawkstone Park Follies for a family-friendly Halloween Trail through the atmospheric grounds. Follow a themed route around the park, solving light-hearted spooky clues and discovering interactive elements along the way. The trail is included with standard admission, so there’s no separate ticket to book.
Dates: 23rd to 31st October 2026.
Website: Hawkstone Park Follies
Park Hall Farm
Head to Park Hall Farm for Pumpkin Fest this October half term. All paying children will be able to choose a free pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin carving equipment is on hand in the pumpkin shed, so you can scoop out and carve it at the farm. Other entertainment includes a spooky trail, pumpkin alley and the little scare house if you’re feeling brave. For extra Halloween fun, play a game of Mummy Wrap or Pass the Pumpkin or listen to the singing pumpkins. Usual farm activities, indoor and outdoor play, a tractor ride and the role play village are all open too.
Dates: 2nd October to 1st November 2026.
Website: Park Hall Farm
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings English Heritage
Halloween Half-Term at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings offers spooky craft activities for children, including making spiders, rats and other Halloween decorations to take home. There’s also a Dorothy Clayden Rat Trail through the exhibition, where children can follow knitted rats and discover the story behind the site’s wartime rat killer. The craft activities are suitable for children aged 2–12, with older siblings welcome.
Dates: 29th to 31st October 2026.
Website: English Heritage Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.
Shrewsbury Town Ghost Tours
Shrewsbury Town Ghost Tours led by Shropshire Museums take you on a spooky walk through the historic town, with stories about its fascinating history and the ghosts said to haunt the streets within the loop of the River Severn. The tours last around 90 minutes and are suitable for children aged 8 and over, making this a good option for older children and families looking for something a little more spooky this Halloween.
Are Shrewsbury Town Ghost Tours Dog Friendly? Yes – well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the ghost tours.
Dates: 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd October 2026.
Website: Shropshire Museums.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre October Half Term 2026
Bones! at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is a hands-on activity for children aged 4–11. Young explorers can investigate owl pellets to discover what owls eat, learn what mammoth bones can tell us and compare them with the bones of other animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult and advance booking is essential.
Dates: 26th to 30th October 2026.
Website: Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Stokesay Castle
While there’s not yet an event listed this half term, it’s a good time to explore the historic charm of Stokesay, a moated manor house with a timber-framed gatehouse and parish church, largely unchanged since 1291. While built like a castle, it was actually a lightly defended mansion. Visitors can enjoy an engaging audio tour, and families can take part in a puzzle quest inspired by local legends. Just outside, the dog-friendly cottage tearoom offers outdoor seating, a play area, and stunning views of the Welsh Border hills.
Dates: Open throughout October 2026.
Website: Stokesay Castle
Dog Friendly Shropshire this October Half Term
If you’re planning an October half term day out with your dog, there are several dog-friendly options included in this guide. However, dog policies can vary between the main attraction and individual Halloween events, so it’s always worth checking the current rules before you visit. The dog-friendly options include:
- Apley’s Haunted Harvest: dogs are welcome in the pumpkin field on leads.
- Hawkstone Park Follies Halloween Trail: dogs are welcome on leads.
- Blists Hill Victorian Town: dogs are generally welcome at the attraction, although restrictions may apply to individual Halloween activities.
- Shrewsbury Town Ghost Tours: well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
For more dog friendly things to do that aren’t specific to half term, check out my Dog Friendly West Midlands post, which includes Shropshire attractions.
