Schools out, ghouls out. From spooky trails to steam trains, look no further for October half-term events and family days out across Winchester district.
It's October half-term (Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November 2026) in Winchester and we have some great ideas to keep you and your little ones busy over the school break. There's plenty to do if you want to get into the Halloween spirit, from ghost stories to pumpkin patches, as well as loads on if you'd rather swerve anything spooky and spend October half-term soaking up autumn in Winchester instead.
Curated by the Visit Winchester team.
Last updated: 3 September 2026
October half-term events across Winchester district
CLOSES: 1st Nov 2026
CLOSES: 8th Nov 2026
CLOSES: 2nd Nov 2026
CLOSES: 30th Oct 2026
Family Halloween guided walking tour of Winchester
Guided walking tours of Winchester
CLOSES: 31 October 2026
DATE: 31 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
CLOSES: 31st Oct 2026
Halloween Witches of Watercress Woods
The Watercress Line
CLOSES: 31 October 2026
DATE: 29 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
CLOSES: 31st Oct 2026
Folklore and Fable Autumn Trail
Gilbert White's House
CLOSES: 1 November 2026
DATE: 24 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
CLOSES: 1st Nov 2026
CLOSES: 25th Oct 2026
Halloween events in Winchester
Twilight Tour: Halloween Special
Jane Austen's House
CLOSES: 1 November 2026
DATE: 31 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
CLOSES: 1st Nov 2026
CLOSES: 1st Nov 2026
CLOSES: 8th Nov 2026
CLOSES: 30th Oct 2026
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.
For family-friendly theatre shows on over October half-term, check out Theatre Royal Winchester or The Nutshell.
Autumn ideas for half-term in Winchester
Winchester Cathedral Tower Tours
Winchester Cathedral
DATE: 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
The Hospital of St Cross Chapel Tower Tours
The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty
DATE: 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
Enjoy a half-term day out at one of our top attractions
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