Get ready for a spook-tacular October half-term full of Halloween events and autumnal activities
From silent discos to steam trains, look no further for half-term days out across Winchester district this October
Schools out, ghouls out. It's October half-term in Winchester and we have some great ideas to get you and your little ones into the Halloween spirit. From ghost stories and monster making, to wizards and witchcraft there is something for everyone in and around Winchester this October half-term.
There's pumpkin carving, face painting and storytelling with a witch at Marwell Zoo, as well as more witchy fun at The Watercress Line where you can walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where he received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film. Over at Hinton Ampner you'll find pumpkin displays and a witchy Halloween half-term trail to follow.
Don't miss Halloween-inspired craft activities, from making candle holders to printing t-shirts, at The Arc, before rounding off a spooktacular week with a Halloween UV Pumpkin Party at Winchester Science Centre. Fancy dress very much encouraged!
We'll be updating this page for October 2025 with more events as they are announced.
Alternative half-term activities in Winchester
Prefer to swerve Halloween? We've got you covered, with plenty of family-friendly things to do over half-term where there are no skeletons in sight.
Why not visit some of the city's more peaceful spots, like Winchester Cathedral or The Hospital of St Cross. Spot the signs of autumn with a walk up St Catherine's Hill, around the river in Alresford or along Bishop's Waltham's old railway line footpath. You'll find natural play areas and dens to explore in Winchester's West Wood or Forest of Bere, just outside of Wickham.
There are lots of family-friendly theatre shows on at Theatre Royal Winchester over October half-term. You could also try out Winchester Cathedral's Jane Austen interactive family trail or book onto a guided tour of Winchester especially for children.
