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10 Things to Do for Less this October Half-term

You can enjoy discounted entry to a host of family-friendly events and attractions across Britain when you travel by train this October half-term

October half-term is just around the corner and we’ve rounded up the best deals on activities and days out to keep the kids entertained during the school break.

With National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab) you can make incredible savings on some of Britain’s top attractions and days out when you travel by train, including 2FOR1 and 1/3 OFF deals on spook-tacular Halloween themed events, family days at iconic landmarks, and lots of fun activities to suit the unpredictable Autumn weather. 

Don’t forget, when you travel with a Family and Friends Railcard, up to 4 adults can save 1/3 off most rail journeys when travelling with up to 4 kids – who get 60% off! At just £35 a year, a Railcard will provide you with savings too good to miss. 

For more Halloween inspiration, check out 10 Fangtastic Halloween Days Out by Train.

1. Halloween at Hampton Court Palace

Experience the eerie side of history at Hampton Court Palace this Halloween. Explore haunted corridors, meet ghosts from the past, enjoy spooky stories and lots of treats. Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages. 

Halloween at Hampton Court Palace runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.

2. Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum

Gather your friends and family for an exciting digital folklore adventure for 7 to 12 year olds and imaginative adults to play together. As the spirit and human worlds collide, mischievous Stranger Folk are slipping through a mysterious rift. Download the free app, follow the Old Crone’s magical challenges, and help save the day.

Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum runs from Saturday 10 October to Sunday 8 November.

  • Nearest station to Winkworth Arboretum: Godalming

3. Hey Duggee at Kew Gardens

Celebrate Autumn on a trail full of fun challengers at Kew Gardens! Inspired by the global hit animated CBeebies TV series, join Hey Duggee’s Squirrel Club on an autumn adventure set in the heart of Kew. This outdoor trail features interactive challenges that encourage fun, exploration and learning in nature.  

Hey Duggee at Kew Gardens runs from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November. 

4. Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday  

Jump racing returns with a bang, crackle, and boom at Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday. Alongside the excitement on the racetrack, kids can prepare to be dazzled by frivolous fairground rides, enthralling live entertainment, and over 20,000 fireworks.

Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday takes place on Saturday 1 November.

  • Nearest station to Ascot's Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday: Ascot (Berks) 

5. London Transport Museum: Along the Piccadilly Line

Come to the Museum over the October half-term and celebrate the 120th anniversary of London’s Piccadilly line. The Piccadilly line opened in 1906 and now stretches over 70km with 53 stations. This half-term you can take part in fun family activities celebrating this historic Underground line and the people and places it connects us to.

Along the Piccadilly Line Runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.

6. Black Country Living Museum: October Half-term – Myths & Superstitions

Something strange is stirring in historic streets of Black Country Living Museum. Ghostly apparitions, curious cures and mysterious goings-on await. Join us for a journey into the myths and superstitions of Black Country history, and see which you believe.

October Half-term – Myths & Superstitions runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.

  • Nearest Station to Black Country Living Museum: Tipton 

7. Howl‘o’ween at Chessington World Of Adventures Resort

Celebrate the spookiest time of the year with Halloween fun for families of all ages! Packed with spooktacular Halloween entertainment, including brand-new shows, Enchanted Hollow Trick or Treat, theme park rides at dusk and so much more spooky fun!

Howl‘o’ween runs from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November.

8. FRAMELESS: The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

The global competition that has spent a decade using humour to campaign for wildlife conservation, is coming to FRAMELESS. This brand-new retrospective experience brings together 10 years of the competition’s funniest images presented at full scale inside the habitats where they were captured. Journey through 7 different natural habitats and come face-to-face with some of the most humorous creatures that dwell in these environments.

9. Paradise Park Halloween Trail

This Halloween, Paradise Park is getting a creepy makeover! Explore the gardens on Gristle Grotlin’s Creepy Creatures Discovery Trail, a fun, immersive and musical adventure filled with weird and wonderful characters. How many creepy creatures will you discover?

Paradise Park Halloween Trail runs from Saturday 3 October to Sunday 1 November.

10. Leeds Castle: Horrible Histories Halloween – Silly Ghosts and Ghastly History

Horrible Histories is once again invading Leeds Castle – bringing all of history’s nastiest, ghostliest secrets with it. The Castle grounds become a ghost getter’s trail, crawling with royal spirits, witch trials and superstitions gruesome enough to make your skin crawl (in a good way). Live performers will show you the way… if you dare.

Horrible Histories Halloween – Silly Ghosts and Ghastly History runs from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November.

  • Nearest station to Leeds Castle: Bearsted

Family & Friends Railcard

  • For up to 4 adults travelling together with up to 4 kids

  • Just £35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years

  • 1/3 off rail travel for adults and 60% off for kids

Offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.

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