Things to do in Herefordshire October half term and Halloween 2023
There are some lovely things to do in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas this October half term and Halloween. This is a comprehensive list of days out in Herefordshire, as well as other activities such as pumpkin picking. You can jump straight to each one using the links in the table below. Please do let me know if I’ve missed any brilliant events off the list, I’d be happy to add them in. Advance booking is essential at all attractions unless otherwise stated.
This post covers the county of Herefordshire only. If you are looking for October half term days out in nearby counties, please see below:
Berrington Hall National Trust Herefordshire October half term
Become a detective this October half term at Berrington Hall and find out which plant poisoned the hall’s scullery maid. This child-friendly murder mystery trail allows visitors to explore the garden and solve the clues to win a prize. The trail pack also includes coloured pencils and a colouring sheet. Full details are on the Berrington Hall website.
Dates: 28th October to 5th November 2023.
Brockhampton National Trust Herefordshire October half term
Follow the monstrous mushroom trail around Brockhampton this October half term. Something odd has been happening and some of the fungi have grown to a massive size! Explore the orchard trail looking for giant fungi and learning about the interesting species that grow here in the UK. Record your findings on the trail sheet as you go. The trail costs £3 including a colouring sheet, coloured pencils and a prize. Find out more on the Brockhampton website.
Dates: 28th October to 5th November 2023.
Croft Castle National Trust Herefordshire October half term
There are some rotten apples at Croft Castle this October half term. Children can follow a trail to find out why something’s not right with certain pieces of fruit. Learn about creatures in the orchard and how the apples (including rotten ones) help wildlife to survive at this time of year. The trail costs £3 includeing a prices, coloured pencils and a colouring sheet. Full details are on the Croft Castle website. You can also read my review of a day at Croft Castle.
Dates: 28th October to 5th November 2023.
Goodrich Castle English Heritage Herefordshire October half term
Broomsticks at the ready for a bewitching day out at Goodrich castle. Listen to stories from spooky storytellers with the backdrop of a creepy castle. Discover the legend of Halloween and the Book of the Dead. Enjoy frightful fun along the way. There’s even a Halloween Quest to discover the ingredients for a magic potion. Complete activities and solve clues to become an apprentice wicked witch. Full details are on the Goodrich Castle website. You can also read our review of a family day out at Goodrich Castle.
Dates: 28th October to 5th November 2023.
The Nest
Pick and carve your own pumpkins from The Nest this October half term. Afterwards, make time for a spooky photo and follow the bat trail before decorating a cookie. Find out more on The Nest website.
Dates: Starts on 28th October but the details only say half term week so it’s not clear when this goes on until.
Pumpkin Pete’s
Pumpkin Pete’s advertises itself as the most affordable day out in the area. I’m not sure about that, but they do sell particularly reasonably priced pumpkins, with small ones starting at just £1. Choose your pumpkin from the 6 acre pumpkin patch and stick around for a dino experience. Buy some food from one of their food vendors, including the popular Beefy Boys. There are plenty of photo opportunities and other activities, as well as a real farm experience. Don’t forget to take a tractor ride and visit the play barn. Check out the pumpkin page of their website to find out the different activities taking place on specific days.
Dates: There are some dates earlier in October when activities and pumpkin picking take place. During half term, they are open on 28th to 31st October 2023. No dates in November have yet been announced so it’s not clear whether they will extend the opening for the rest of half term.
Ralph Court Gardens
Ralph Court Gardens really does go all-out for Halloween. Combining light and sound effects, smoke, glowing pumpkins and animated characters, this is a Halloween experience suitable for all ages. Choose between a daytime visit or exploring after dark.
Daytime event
Children can play on inflatables, and visit the graveyard, flower seller and haunted house. Check out the coffin measuring service and watch animatronic witches make potions with their coven. Lookout for Halloween characters in the themed areas and little ones can win a gift for completing a free quiz. This year, the Gremlins have arrived at Ralph Court Gardens. Make sure they don’t get wet!
Dates: 2nd October to 5th November 2023.
Evening event
From 6pm to 8.30pm, head to Ralph Court Gardens to meet the shy ghosts and pumpkin trio. Look out for the graveyard where previous visitors have ended up and don’t forget to visit the Ralph family haunted house. Displays are for all ages and the haunted Manor is just for those who like a fright! Each evening, a unique light show takes place combining smoke with Halloween tunes to bring the gothic house to life. Advance booking is essential for the evening event. Full details are on the Ralph Court Gardens website.
Dates: 20th October to 4th November 2023.
