Halloween Half-Term Activities Across Britain
From haunted castles to illuminated trails, families can find a variety of events across the UK for the autumn half-term.
Families looking for half-term activities across Britain have a range of options, from spooky historical sites to illuminated nature trails. With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, many attractions are leaning into ghoulish themes.
In South Wales, a 19th-century castle is set to transform into a Halloween and folklore-themed 'creepy quest.' Children can participate in a hunt for clues with the chance to win a prize. The Tower of London is also preparing a "ghoulish display" for the occasion.
For those interested in light displays, the 'Lightpool' Festival in Blackpool will feature a free trail of 30 light artworks, complemented by other Halloween activities. Glasgow Botanic Gardens' Zombie Zoo is another option, transforming into a fictional zombie containment facility for Halloween.
Nature enthusiasts can explore autumn trails. Westonbirt National Arboretum boasts 2,500 tree species offering a spectrum of autumn colors. In Wales, the Sgwd yr Eira waterfall, part of the Four Waterfalls walk near Ystradfellte in Brecon Beacons National Park, provides scenic opportunities. Gigrin Farm near Rhayader also offers views of red kites.
Theme park enthusiasts can visit Alton Towers, which will be undergoing a Halloween makeover including live-actor scare mazes. In London, a sprawling park is home to 600 wild-roaming red and fallow deer, offering a glimpse of wildlife within the city.
Further north, near the Scottish border, marshes north of Carlisle provide opportunities for birdwatching with large gatherings of starlings. The Samhuinn Fire Festival in Edinburgh and Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London, also offer cultural events during this period, with dancers in vibrant costumes expected in Trafalgar Square for Diwali.