Things to do in Staffordshire October half term and Halloween 2026
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There are lots of things to do in Staffordshire during the October half term and Halloween 2026, from spooky family events and Halloween attractions to pumpkin picking, autumn days out and activities for younger children. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best October half term days out in Staffordshire, including family-friendly Halloween events and activities taking place around the county.
You can use the links below to jump straight to the Staffordshire October half term event or attraction you’re looking for. I’ll keep this post updated as more events are announced, so it’s worth checking back if your favourite attraction hasn’t released its Halloween plans yet. Advance booking is recommended for most events unless otherwise stated.
Staffordshire’s October half term runs from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026, although some Halloween events run before or after the school holiday.
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 2026
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.
Spooky Days
Children can enjoy spooky shows, meet characters and witness the vibrant colours of Dia de los Muertos this October half term at Alton Towers. Take part in the Haribo trick or treat, knocking on doors to be given sweet treats – and a few tricks! Dress up for the CBeebies land Monster ball, learn dance moves from the Alton Ancestors and experience family rides at dusk. Don’t forget to ride the spooky Curse at Alton Manor too.
Fright Nights
Experience the terror of fright nights with scary rides, live entertainment and a spooky atmosphere after dark. Experience this year’s new Edge of the Forest live-action scare maze in a forgotten cottage containing a lurking presence that is said to play tricks on your mind. Scare Maze: Compound forces visitors to navigate a terrifying science facility without becoming subject to a DNA experiment. Look out for Tiny in the Altonville Mine Tour, and enter the Dark Hollow and Burial Ground scare zones. Don’t forget to enjoy your favourite petrifying rides after dark, including Wicker Man and The Curse at Alton Manor.
Dates: 26th and 27th September, 2nd to 4th, 9th to 11th and 16th to 31st October and 1st November 2026.
Website: Alton Towers
Biddulph Grange Staffordshire October half term
Biddulph Grange Garden – Great Pumpkin Parade Trail
Biddulph Grange Garden is getting into the Halloween spirit with its Great Pumpkin Parade Trail, making it a fun option for an October half term day out in Staffordshire. Families can follow a map around the gardens, searching for pumpkins and completing spooky challenges with the Halloween Friends along the way. The trail is designed for children and families and there’s no need to book in advance. This is a free activity so only the usual admission costs apply.
Dates: 17th October to 3rd November 2026.
Website: Biddulph Grange National Trust
Drayton Manor Park Staffordshire October half term 2026
Drayton Manor goes all out for Halloween in Staffordshire, with its Blazing Halloween event combining spooky family entertainment with the theme park’s rides and attractions. Younger visitors can follow a Trick or Treat Trail, meet Halloween characters and enjoy themed entertainment, while older children and braver visitors can take on the Revenge of the Haunted Express. There are also fire shows, a spectacular end-of-day lake show and end of season fireworks on selected dates, making this a great option for a full day of family Halloween fun.
Dates: 10th, 11th, 16th to 18th and 23rd to 31st October and 1st November 2026.
End of season fireworks dates: If you book a ticket for the Halloween event on 31st October or 1st November, your ticket will include the end of season fireworks.
Website: Drayton Manor
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses
For a spooky evening in Staffordshire, head to Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses for Halloween Illuminations. As darkness falls, the historic Rock Houses are transformed with atmospheric lighting, eerie sounds and spooky surprises. Children can make their own magic wand before meeting the mysterious White Witch, hearing eerie tales beside the fire and exploring the illuminated rock houses. It’s a great choice for families looking for a Halloween event in Staffordshire.
Worth knowing: there are steep paths and steps along much of the route and the experience is mostly outdoors.
Dates: 23rd to 31st October 2026.
Extra spooky fright night for children aged 12+ and adults: 31st October 2026.
Illuminations with none of the Halloween frights: 25th October 2026.
Website: Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses
Lower Drayton Farm
Lower Drayton Farm near Penkridge is home to Staffordshire’s biggest pick-your-own pumpkin patch, making it a popular choice for a Halloween or October half term day out. Families can head into the pumpkin fields to choose their own pumpkin, with plenty of varieties and sizes to choose from, before getting creative in the indoor pumpkin carving barn. There are also seasonal photo opportunities, Witch School, farm animals, pumpkin-themed activities and a Pumpkin Café, making this much more than simply a pumpkin-picking experience. The farm is close to Junction 13 of the M6, making it an easy option for families travelling from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Visit on a Friday evening from 5pm to experience the pumpkin patch after dark, complete with a bar, food, life music and spooky characters.
Pumpkin Patch Dates: 26th and 27th September and 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th and 17th to 31st October 2026.
After dark dates: 16th, 23rd and 30th October 2026.
Website: Lower Drayton Farm
National Forest Adventure Farm
Two events take place at the National Forest Adventure Farm for Halloween 2026. 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.
Pumpkin Village
Visit Pumpkin Village at the National Forest Adventure farm in half term 2026. Enjoy pumpkin picking, live music and food and drink stalls. Visitors can also choose to add a ticket for the National Forest’s indoor and outdoor play areas although the animals, tractor and trailer and mega slides won’t be open. Tickets need to be booked in advance. Dogs can join you in the pumpkin village, but they’ll need their own ticket too! Dogs are not allowed in the farmhouse kitchen, soft play or animal barn.
Dates: 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 24th to 31st October 2026.
Website: National Forest Adventure Farm
Screamfest
Screamfest is a Halloween attraction set in the National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire, offering a full night of scares, spectacle and entertainment. Expect roaming performers, fairground rides, live music and dance, food and drink, and immersive scare experiences. Ideal for those aged 16+ looking for a thrilling, carnival-style evening out.
Dates: 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and 21st to 31st October 2026.
Website: Screamfest
Statfold Country Park
Pick between chilled out Spellbound Halloween during the day, or petrifying Scream Park after dark at Statfold Country Park this October half term and Halloween.
Spellbound Halloween
Statfold Country Park’s Spellbound Halloween is a magical and spooky family day out in Staffordshire, with witches, Halloween characters and plenty of themed entertainment to keep children occupied. Families can enjoy spooky trails and activities alongside Statfold’s heritage railway, with steam train rides, the museum and other attractions adding to the experience. It’s a good option for families looking for something a little different from a traditional Halloween event. It’s described as “big on spooks and low on scares”.
Dates: 24th, 25th and 28th to 31st October 2026.
Website: Statfold Country Park
Statfold Scream Park
Statfold Scream Park is a thrilling Halloween experience designed exclusively for those aged 16+. Set in the eerie countryside near Tamworth, this after-dark event features three intense scare mazes, each crafted with live actors, strobe lighting, smoke effects, and atmospheric set designs to test your courage. Beyond the mazes, enjoy electrifying live entertainment, a haunted fairground with additional rides (tokens required), and a selection of delicious street food. With tickets ranging from entry-only options to the comprehensive Night Terror Pass, Statfold Scream Park offers a spine-chilling adventure for those brave enough to face the terror lurking down the track.
Dates: 22nd to 24th and 29th to 31st October 2026.
Website: Statfold Scream Park
Trentham Gardens Staffordshire October Half Term 2026
Trentham Gardens has a few events taking place at Halloween, with each one offering something slightly different:
- Gandey’s Circus: Take a seat in the haunted big top, to enjoy a spooky circus show. Dates: 23rd October to 1st November 2026.
- Halloween half term event: Fairground rides, pumpkin hunts, face painting and live music ensure plenty of fun for the whole family this half term at Trentham Gardens. Dates: 24th October to 1st November 2026.
- Trentham Halloween Festival: An after dark event including live entertainment, fairground rides, food and drink and live music K-pop Demon Hunters style. Dates: 31st October and 1st November 2026.
Website: Trentham
Dog friendly Staffordshire October half term
If your dog is coming along for your October half term adventures, there are several dog-friendly options in Staffordshire. Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses is a particularly good choice for a walk, with dogs welcome in most outdoor areas, while Trentham Gardens and Cannock Chase also offer plenty of opportunities to get out into the countryside. Dogs can also visit some attractions at certain times or in outdoor areas, although restrictions can apply during special Halloween events, so always check the individual attraction’s current dog policy before you visit. For more ideas, take a look at my guide to dog friendly days out in the West Midlands region, which includes Staffordshire.
