Things to do in Shropshire October half term and Halloween 2023
There are some lovely things to do in Shropshire and the surrounding areas this October half term and Halloween. This is a comprehensive list of days out in Shropshire, 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 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
There’s lots going on at Apley estate during October half term 2023. The main event is the Halloween harvest. This year, scarecrows have arrived at the farm shop, complete with a storytelling tent. Children can listen to a spooky story before following a trail to find the scarecrows. Then, select a free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and adults can enjoy a free hot drink. There’s even a small funfair for children. If you just want to go and pick a pumpkin, don’t worry about booking a ticket for the Halloween harvest, you can just pay £1 to head to the pumpkin patch.
Dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 28th to 31st October 2023 and 1st to 5th November 2023.
Additional events on selected dates:
Visit Apley on 21st or 31st October for the Apley Playbarn fancy dress Halloween party. There will be food, a disco and plenty of games.
On Saturday 28th October, Apley will be putting on a Halloween fireworks display. Enjoy the family funfair rides and dramatic fireworks set to spooky music.
All events are listed on the Apley events page
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Head to Blists Hill this October half term to find out how the Victorians coped with the rats that shared their living spaces. Take part in games and activities including:
- Sweep the rat
- Catch the rat’s tail
- Facts and stories about pests
- Throw the rat
- Make your own rat
- Print a personalised rat catcher poster
Some activities incur an additional cost. Full details on the Ironbridge Museums website.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
Boscobel House English Heritage Shropshire October half term
Boscobel House welcomes visitors for Halloween half term. Grab a broomstick and enjoy a story from the spooky storytellers. Learn about the legend of Halloween, the book of the dead and plenty of frightful fun. Search for ingredients for a magic potion on the Halloween quest, solving clues and completing activities to become the witch’s apprentice. Full details on the Boscobel House website.
Dates: 21sst October to 5th November 2023.
Coalport China Museum
Head to Coalport China Museum this October half term and children can make their own clay creation to contain their spells and potions. Demonstrators will help children to make a unique container with air-dry clay. Children will then be able to take their creation home to paint. This activity costs £2 each on top of the museum entry price. Full details are on the Ironbridge Museums website.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
Enginuity
Head to Enginuity this October half term to find out how to design your own scare machine. All designs will be put on display at the museum and at the end of the week, there’s a prize for the best design. This is a free activity included with Enginuity admission. Full details on the Ironbridge Museums website.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
Exotic Zoo Shropshire October half term
Head into the haunted woods to pick your pumpkins this October half term, when Exotic Zoo will be unveiling a new species! Look out for bug eating, a handling cave for creepy crawlies and a Halloween trail with prizes. A series of live shows take place on the deadly stage with Scott, the zoo’s director. Pre-booking is not required for Halloween activities. Head to the Exotic Zoo website to find out more.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
Hawkstone Park Follies
Head to Hawkstone Park Follies this October half term to discover the Dragon Curse. The follies trolls have turned the dragons into pumpkins and it’s time for visitors to help the fairies to set the dragons free. This is an interactive Halloween trail, which is included with the admission price for all children. There is a certificate for anyone who completes the trail. Visitors are encouraged to book online in advance. It is possible to purchase tickets on arrival, but they are more expensive than buying online. Full details are on the Hawkstone Park website.
Dates: 23rd October to 5th November 2023.
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. Full details are on the Park Hall Farm website.
Dates: 13th to 15th, 20th to 22nd and 27th to 31st October 2023 and 1st to 4th November 2023.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre October Half Term
There’s some spooky science happening at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre this October half term. Find out how you can make a cup scream, see a face jump onto a pumpkin and create a parachute for a spider. Children can also make a skeleton out of paper to take home. The event costs £4.50 per child and prior booking is essential. Full details are on the Discovery Centre website.
Dates: 30th October to 3rd November 2023.
Stokesay Castle
If you’re heading to Stokesay Castle this Halloween half term, you’d better get your broomstick ready! Listen to spooky storytellers telling enchanting yarns and learn about the legend of Halloween and the Book of the Dead. Then, head off on a spooky quest to discover ingredients for a magic potion. Solve clues and do activities to become a witch’s apprentice. Full details are on the Stokesay Castle website.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
