Things to do in Staffordshire October half term and Halloween 2023
There are some lovely things to do in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas this October half term and Halloween. This is a comprehensive list of days out in Staffordshire, 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 Staffordshire only. If you are looking for October half term days out in nearby counties, please see below:
Alton Towers Staffordshire October half term
Scarefest is back at Alton Towers this Halloween. There will be live entertainment for all ages and the park is open until 9pm each day so visitors can enjoy the rides in the dark. This year, there’s a brand new escape room that will inflict fear on willing victims. The Daz Games room is called Panic and those brave enough to enter will find themselves in the dark. They have only 7 minutes to undertake a series of tests to challenge both body and mind. Find the symbols to help you escape whilst trying to avoid being captured by the game’s inhabitants.
Other entertainment includes:
Altonville Mine Tours: Tiny’s Revenge
There has been some unusual activity in the abandoned Altonville mines. Local law enforces have detained the Skin Snatchers but how long can they keep them behind bars? Tiny has avoided capture and is believed to be at large in the mines. Explore them at your peril.
The Invitation
This is an audio experience requiring visitors to put on headphones and head to the lakeside cemetery. Here, you’ll have a “grave” experience. A funeral director is dying to assist visitors to descend into a burial chamber and choose their own resting place. Some caskets are already full, but there’s plenty of space for you. This experience is recommended for visitors aged 12 and over.
The Attic: Terror of the Towers
Look out for the governess who is haunted by the death of the children she looked after and wants revenge. She will get her own back by seizing the spirits of the living. The ghost of the governess haunts the attic which is where you will go if you dare. This is only recommended for visitors aged 12 and above.
Darkest Depths
Board the Mutiny, a notorious ghost ship. Earn a piece of eight by heading on an adventure to the bottom of the sea. Avoid the calls of the sirens, dodge the swords of ghoulish pirate mutineers and face the Kraken, legendary monster of the sea. Recommended for visitors aged 12 and up.
Other scare attractions include the Alton Towers Dungeon, the Alton Ancestors and the Burial grounds scare zone.
If this all sounds a bit frightening, there is plenty for younger visitors as well. Head into Haribo’s trick or treat town and knock on some doors looking out for tricks and haribo treats. There’s also a CBeebies Land Monster Ball, Freaky Fun Zone and cBeeebies Land rides open until dusk.
Dates: 7th, 8th and 13th to 31st October 2023
Head to the Alton Towers website for further details and to book. You can also read my review of a trip to Alton Towers theme park, water park and cBeebies hotel with little ones.
Biddulph Grange Staffordshire October half term
There’s a spooky plant trail at Biddulph Grange this October half term. Some scary plants have escaped into the garden and children need to help find them before they take over. When gardeners did secret experiments in the greenhouse, they managed to grow both botanical beasts and spooky plants. There were too many to name, so each one has a number. Find all the numbers to receive a prize. Full details are on the Biddulph Grange website.
Dates: 21st to 31st October 2023.
Drayton Manor Park Staffordshire October half term
Drayton Manor has two options this Halloween, with the Spooky Family Fun event being less scary for younger children. There’s a trick or treat trail, hay bale trail, trick or treat with Sir Topham Hatt, Rory’s Book Bash, the Thomas Land Spooky Show, Spooky decorations and over 50 rides and attractions open.
Those looking for a slightly more scary experience can book the Haunted Manor event. All attractions in the Spooky Family Fun event will be on offer, but you can also take advantage of new scare zones, ride the haunted express, and look out for rides and scarier family fun after dark. Full information is on the Drayton Manor website. You can also read my review of a family day out at Drayton Manor.
Dates: 5th October to 5th November 2023.
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses Staffordshire October half term
Make your own broomstick this October half term with Flat Pack Forest Schools. Other activities include pumpkin bowling and autumnal crafts. Booking is not required and the family activities cost an additional £3 per child on top of the entry price. Full information is on the Kinver Edge website. You can also read my review of a family day out at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses.
Dates: 28th to 31st October 2023.
Lower Drayton Farm
Take a tractor and trailer ride to visit the “pick your own” pumpkin patch at Lower Drayton Farm in Staffordshire this half term. It’s one of the largest pumpkin fields around, so you’re bound to find your ideal pumpkin. Then, head indoors to the carving barn to turn it into something fabulous. Grab a photo in the photo booth and then head to the outdoor play area. Visitors can also meet the animals and pick your own potatoes, carrots and sweetcorn. Hot food and drinks will be on sale, including pumpkin soup! Prior booking is necessary and you’ll need a separate ticket if you want to visit the indoor play areas. Full information is on the Lower Drayton website.
Dates: 1st, 7th, 8th and 14th to 31st October 2023.
National Forest Adventure Farm
Two events take place at the National Forest Adventure Farm for Halloween 2023. The daytime entertainment is designed with children in mind. But if you’re looking for something a little more frightening as an adult only group or with teens aged 16 and over, check out Screamfest.
Halloween Spook-tacular
There’s a Halloween Spook-tacular taking place at the National Forest Adventure Farm this October half term. Children can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, with every child aged two and over getting a free pumpkin. Enjoy spooky shows and the mega slide mountain, the biggest outdoor slide in the UK. The animal barn and paddocks, outdoor adventure play, indoor soft play, tractor ride and barrel stampede are all open too. Fairground rides will be available at an additional cost. Event tickets must be booked online in advance via their website. You can also read my review of the National Forest Adventure Farm Halloween Spook-tacular.
Dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 28th to 31st October 2023 and 1st to 3rd November 2023.
Screamfest
Screamfest is back at the National Forest Adventure Farm this Halloween. This is an evening event for those aged 16 years and over because it’s quite intense! Scare attractions include Hillbilly Joe’s Zombie Zoo, Love Hurts, Creed Farm, Freak Out on Tour and Insomnia. Other entertainment includes roaming performers, fairground rides, live music, dancers and food and drink available to purchase. Find more information and book in advance on the Screamfest website.
Dates: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th to 22nd and 24th to 31st October 2023.
Statfold Barn
It’s a Halloween Spooktacular at Statfold Barn this October half term. Ghosts and ghouls have taken over. There’s plenty of family fun with spooky train rides and trick or treat trails. Venture through haunted woods, take a tractor ride and be brave with creepy crawlies in critter corner. There are birds and reptiles to visit with handling sessions too. Singing pumpkins, a live Monster Mash show and other activities keep little ones entertained. Visit on 30th or 31st October to meet one of the UK’s biggest dragons and get some tips from a dragon tamer. On 28th and 29th October, stay after dark to enjoy the fireworks spooktacular.
For an extra cost, visitors can add an indoor climbing experience or even enjoy a retro roller disco in the skating arena. Head to the website for full details and to book. You can also read our review of a family day out at Statfold.
Dates: 28th to 31st October 2023.
Trentham Gardens Staffordshire October Half Term
There is spook-tacular entertainment on offer at Trentham Gardens this October half term. Watch a pumpkin panto, navigate a labyrinth and search for a spiral path to the top of the pumpkin maze. Whilst visiting Trentham, visitors can pick your own pumpkin. Autumnal treats will be on sale, including toffee apples and hot chocolates. Head to the Trentham website for further details.
Dates: Selected dates from 14th to 31st October 2023.
