Best October half term and Halloween events West Midlands 2023

There are some lovely things to do in the West Midlands and surrounding areas this October half term and Halloween. This is a comprehensive list of days out in the area, 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 West Midlands County only. If you are looking for October half term days out in nearby counties, please see below:

• Herefordshire
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Warwickshire
• Worcestershire

Aston Hall West Midlands October Half Term

Three events take place at Aston Hall this Halloween. However, each one is on very limited dates, so head to their events page to check when the one you prefer is taking place. Choose between: 

• Aston Hall’oween: Visitors can meet a witch-hunter and help them to find witches. 
• Ghost Hunting Academy: See if you’ve got what it takes to be a paranormal investigator. 
• Ghostly tales: Take a family-friendly ghost tour around one of the most haunted buildings in Birmingham. 

Dates: Selected dates from 28th October to 3rd November 2023. 

Black Country Living Museum

Head to the Black Country Living Museum for their fun Halloween Nights after dark event. Go trick or treating around the BCLM site to discover spooky spectacles. Look out for street entertainers including circus performers, magicians and fire-jugglers. Head to the BCLM website for full details and to book. You can also read my review of a family day out at the Black Country Living Museum.  

Dates: 28th to 31st October 2023. 

Cadbury World

Freddo is hosting the spookiest stage show around this October half term at Cadbury World. Fangtastic Freddo will have you howling with laughter and joining in with games, dancing and spooky songs. Dress to impress if you want to take part in the day’s fancy dress competition. Look out for meet and greets with Cadbury characters. For full details and to book, head to the Cadbury World website. You can also read my review of a family day out at Cadbury World. 

Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023. 

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust West Midlands October Half Term

There’s a Monster Mash ball at Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust this October half term. It’s all aboard the narrowboat to the ball, ready to dance the night away. Look out for classic Halloween tracks and a UV show from Krazy Kris. All children will be given an activity bag and can enjoy something tasty to eat while they complete an activity card. The trip takes around an hour and they encourage guests to dress up. This is a fun event rather than scary, so it’s suitable for all ages. Find out more and book your spaces on the Canal and Tunnel Trust website. 

Dates: 27th to 31st October 2023.

Legoland Discovery Centre

It’s Brick or Treat this October Half Term at the Legoland Discovery Centre. Go on a “scarevenger” hunt looking out for perilous pumpkins in haunted Miniland and help to solve a puzzle by following clues. Enjoy the Great Monster Chase 4D film and help to build a giant vampire with LEGO! You can add to the LEGO pumpkin patch too by making your own LEGO pumpkin. Master Model Builders will be on hand with tips to help you win a prize. Look out for LEGO characters who will be on site to meet and greet visitors. For full details and to book, head to the Legoland website.  

Dates: 30th September to 5th November 2023.

National Sea Life Centre West Midlands October Half Term

Two events are taking place at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, West Midlands this October half term. One is in the daytime and the other is a VIP, after dark event. Full details of both events are on the National Sea Life Centre website, where you can also book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry. You can read my review of a day out at the National Sea Life Centre. 

Halloween Ascarium

The National Sea Life Centre Aquarium in Birmingham becomes a spooky Halloween “Ascarium” this October half term. Follow the immersive trail and help the witches to find the missing ingredients for their potion. They’re hidden throughout the aquarium’s tanks. Look out for spooky sea creatures as you make your way around. Then, head to the witches’ lair and they’ll cast their spell to open the treasure chest and reveal your reward. 

Dates: 8th October to 5th November 2023.

Spooky Sharks After Dark

If you’re looking for a really special experience this Halloween, book an out of hours VIP sharks after dark tour. Take a private tour after the aquarium closes to the public. Groups of up to six people will be able to discover the Sea Life Centre’s secrets. The expert team will be on hand to debunk fishy myths and look out for tricks and treats along the way. Halloween costumes are encouraged!

Dates: 27th October 2023.

Selly Manor Museum

Choose between three Halloween events this October half term at Selly Manor. Each takes place on a different date, so head to the Selly Manor website to check dates and details of all events and to book. Choose between: 

• Museum Heist escape room: Solve clues to steal a necklace and escape from the manor. 
• Pumpkin Carving Workshop: Carve your own Halloween pumpkin. 
• Trick or Treat at the Manor: Dare to venture into the Manor for family frienly frightening fun. 

Dates: 26th October to 3rd November 2023 – do head to the website to check which date your favourite event will be taking place.