As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the region transforms into a Halloween haven filled with fun, spooky activities and enchanting adventures for families. From thrilling ghostly experiences to pumpkin picking, there’s something for everyone in West Oxfordshire during the October half-term. Here’s a guide to some of the best events, complete with detailed descriptions, locations and dates.
1. Halloween at Blenheim Palace
- Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
- Date: 25th October – 3rd November 2024
Experience Halloween in grand style at Blenheim Palace. This year’s theme features a host of spooky activities including guided ghost tours, a pumpkin trail throughout the stunning grounds, and children’s Halloween crafts. The historic palace provides a majestic backdrop for a memorable day filled with thrills and chills.
2. 'Scarily Ever After' at Fairytale Farm
- Location: Fairytale Farm, near Chipping Norton
- Date: 26th October – 3rd November 2024
This Halloween half-term, Fairytale Farm presents an enchanting showdown between Beauty & the Beast. Explore the magical world of Fairytale Farm and help Beauty decide her fate in this thrilling tale. Join us for a spellbinding adventure filled with pumpkins, potions and Halloween fun!
3. Halloween Spooktacular at Cogges Manor Farm
- Location: Cogges Manor Farm, near Witney
- Date: 25th October – 4th November 2024
This family-friendly event offers pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling and walk through the Witch's House. Kids can dress up in their favourite costumes and take part in a creepy costume parade. Explore the haunted barns and discover the darker side of farm life after dark!
4. Ghost Fest at Kenilworth Castle
- Location: Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth
- Date: 21st October – 29th October 2024
Prepare for spine-tingling tales at the Ghost Fest hosted at Kenilworth Castle. Families can explore the haunted grounds while listening to ghostly stories that bring the castle’s rich history to life. This eerie experience is perfect for older children and adults seeking a thrill in a historic setting.
5. Warwick Castle Haunted Castle & Castle After Dark
- Location: Warwick Castle, Warwick
- Date: 21st October – 29th October 2024
Warwick Castle transforms into a haunted experience with its Haunted Castle and Castle After Dark events. Explore the castle grounds by day with family-friendly activities and take part in the spooky after-dark experiences featuring live performances and eerie storytelling. It’s an ideal outing for those looking for a mixture of history and Halloween fun.
6. Bunkers Hill Pumpkin Hunt
- Location: Bunkers Hill Plant Nursery, near Enslow
- Date: 26th October – 3rd November 2024
The family-favourite pumpkintastic event returns this October half-term. Visit the Pumpkin Palace, climb straw-henge and guess the weight of Big Bertha! Explore the nursery looking for hidden pumpkins to find the mystery word and wander through the fields to pick your perfect pumpkin.
7. Pumpkin Festival at Hadsham Farm
- Location: Hadsham Farm, Horley
- Date: 19th - 31st October 2024
Grab a sledge and head to the pumpkin patch where you can choose your perfect pumpkin. Once you've selected your pumpkin, return to the barns to pick up a carving kit and get creative! Enjoy the spooky sensory trail winding through the farm's wooded area, and let the kids have fun in the indoor sandpit play area and outdoor playground.
8. Perry Tree Farm
- Location: Adderbury
- Date: 26th October – 3rd November 2024
Perry Tree Farm hosts a variety of activities during the Halloween season, including pumpkin picking and animal encounters. It’s a lovely spot for families to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing the festive spirit of Halloween.
9. The Story Museum
- Location: The Story Museum, Oxford
- Date: 28th October – 1st November 2024
Celebrate Halloween with stories at The Story Museum. During the October half-term, there will be special storytelling sessions, craft activities and exhibitions that inspire creativity and imagination in children of all ages.
Conclusion
When planning your visit to West Oxfordshire for the October half-term and Halloween festivities, book your accommodation with Pass the Keys, which offers a variety of well-equipped properties to suit all types of travellers. From cosy apartments to spacious family homes, you’ll find the ideal spot for your stay. Simply visit the Pass the Keys website: www.passthekeys.com/westoxfordshire