Things to do in Warwickshire October half term and Halloween 2023
There are some lovely things to do in Warwickshire and the surrounding areas this October half term and Halloween. This is a comprehensive list of days out in Warwickshire, 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 Warwickshire only. If you are looking for October half term days out in nearby counties, please see below:
British Motor Museum Warwickshire October half term
Discover a roadmap to the future this October half term at the British Motor Museum. The world of cars is changing, so the latest exhibition at the museum is called “Transitions: The Impact of Innovation”. Find out how cars are changing in terms of energy, control, materials and their impact on the earth.
Several activities take place over half term, with some being restricted to certain dates. Follow the Transitions Family Tour with resident scientists to check out the exhibition. In the learning space, visitors can build their dream car and the “fix it” trail allows children to use parts from the past, present and future to design their own vehicle. With a nod to Halloween, black cats are hiding throughout the museum. But you’ll have to use a torch to look for them and make sure you take note of the colour of their eyes! Find out more about these activities, plus science shows and STEM activities that take place on certain days over on the British Motor Museum website.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
Enchanted Tea Room
The Enchanted Tea Room in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire has various events taking place in October and November. Enjoy afternoon tea with your favourite characters, whether spooky or not so spooky! Bookings include homemade sandwiches, cakes and scones as well as a meet and greet with your chosen characters. Themed events during October half term include:
- Abba / Mama Mia
- Princesses
- Toy Box Friends
- Villains
- Hocus Pocus
- Rapunzle & friends
- Snow Sisters
- Rotten to the Core (Descendants)
- Wednesday
Head to the Enchanted Tea Room website for full details of all events and to book.
Dates: Various dates, ongoing.
Hatton Adventure World
Spooktacular things are happening at Hatton this October half term. Take the little ghouls tractor ride and look out for some fun, bewitching surprises. Every child can choose a free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and carve it on site. You can even brave a visit to the haunted house. Enjoy an illusion show full of magic and mayhem, visit the zombie marsh and explore the village of trick or treat. Handle creepy critters and Slytherin snakes and you can even take part in zombie laser combat! Don’t forget to visit farmyard favourites, scales and tails and the superslides. Head to the Hatton website for full event details and to book.
Dates: Weekends from 14th October, plus 28th to 31st October.
Kenilworth Castle Warwickshire October half term
Two events take place at Kenilworth Castle this October half term and Halloween 2023. One is suitable for the whole family, the other is only for those aged 16 and over who are feeling brave! Both events can be booked on the Kenilworth Castle website. You can also read my review of a dog-friendly family day out at Kenilworth Castle.
Halloween Half Term at Kenilworth Castle Warwickshire
Broomsticks at the ready, it’s time for a bewitching day out at Kenilworth Castle! Listen to spooky storytellers telling ghostly yarns. Then, it’s time for Monster Hunting Academy. Visitors will learn how to identify all sorts of monsters, and how to banish them too!
Dates: 21st October to 3rd November 2023.
Halloween Ghost Tales of Kenilworth Castle
Brave visitors can visit Kenilworth Castle after dark to listen to historic storytellers spinning yarns from years gone by at Kenilworth. Hear about the supernatural sightings, ghosts and historical horrors that give the castle its eery atmosphere after dark. This is only suitable for visitors aged 16 years and over. They advise bringing a torch to this event, things are going to get dark!
Dates: 27th October to 3rd November 2023.
Mary Arden’s Farm
Learn about the historical traditions associated with All Hallow’s Eve this October half term when you visit Mary Arden’s Farm. Find out how people kept the spirits at bay in Tudor and medieval England. Take part in fun, hands-on activities and learn about the superstitions of the past so you can compare them with the Halloween traditions we know today. Then, it will be time to get hands-on and crafty. Make a protection charm to keep the sprites away and concoct a potion using ingredients from the garden. Next, it’s time to take part in an interactive retelling of Macbeth. Choose between being a witch or a warrior. Don’t forget to pick out a pumpkin and carve it with your best design while you’re there. For more details and to book, head to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website.
Dates: 31st October and 2nd and 4th November 2023.
Middleton Hall Warwickshire October half term
There’s a spooktacular children’s trail at Middleton Hall and Gardens this October half term. Walk around the hall and gardens following spooky clues to find a password that will unlock your treat. Full details are on the Middleton Hall website, where you can also buy tickets in advance.
Dates: 26th to 31st October 2023.
Warwick Castle
Pay a daytime visit to Warwick Castle this October half term, or choose to brave the haunted castle after dark. There will be plenty of Halloween fun whenever you choose to visit but the castle after dark event is recommended for children aged 10 and over as it may be a bit too scary for younger ones. Full information about both events is on the Warwick Castle website. You can also read my review of a family day out at Warwick Castle.
The Haunted Castle
Join the spookiest residents of the castle for some haunting fun this half term. Head to Dead Centre Stage for frightful family fun and games. Sing and dance with colourful characters during interactive family shows. Look out for quizzes, spooky stories, games and even a Halloween disco. Make your way to spooky school to hear about Halloween health at the castle, giant slaying and spooky stories. The all-new Witches den sees the witches of Warwick singing and dancing in a spooky live show. Look out for ghosts roaming the grounds and Halloween decorations in the castle.
Dates: 21st October to 5th November 2023.
Castle After Dark
For spine-chilling scares, visit Warwick Castle after dark. The courtyard transforms into a festival of frightful entertainment with scare attractions providing terror at every turn. This is the darker side of Halloween, with terror around every corner. Live bands and DJs perform on the main stage and visitors can enjoy the eery atmosphere in the castle’s grounds. Street food will be on sale in the courtyard, along with fearless performers including firebreathers. Look out for spine-chilling scares including the castle dungeon and underground scare mazes. This event is only recommended for visitors aged 10 and over.
Dates: Selected dates from 21st to 31st October 2023.
