Discover Gloucestershire’s ghoulish side this Halloween, with spooky celebrations promising fang-tastic fun for the whole family in October half term.
SoGlos never misses a trick (or treat), with its spooktacular Halloween guide revealing the very best the county has to offer for frightful family fun while the little terrors are off school.
When is October half term 2025?
Gloucestershire state schools break up for October half term on Friday 24 October and re-open on Monday 3 November 2025.
Cheltenham things to do in October half term
Halloween half term at The Brewery Quarter
What is it?
Families looking for a fang-tastic time this October half term need look no further than The Brewery Quarter, with Halloween-themed fun for kids of all ages — and grown-ups, too!
Why go?
Early birds can enjoy up to 50 per cent off bowling at Hollywood Bowl when you book to play before 11am, using code SPOOKY50.
While brave adventurers aged 15 and over can step into a sinister world full of horrifying secrets at Escape Hunt, with virtual reality game Sanctum challenging visitors to solve the puzzles to save their souls — before tucking into Halloween treats at Creams Cafe just next door.
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Who says kids get to have all the fun? Grown-ups looking to get in on the Halloween action will love the Halloween Brunch Weekender at Flight Club, with two hours of thrills, spills and fun; and don't miss queens Demeanor McCall and Misty Monique at The Alchemist's Drag Brunch — promising fierce cocktails, delicious dishes and devilish entertainment.
Horror season at Cineworld also gives scary movie fans the chance to see some of their horror favourites on the big screen — with showings of cult classic A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 and a special 20th anniversary screening of The Descent.
When is it on?
Hollywood Bowl is offering 50 per cent off games every day during half term.
The 20th anniversary cinema screening of The Descent takes place on Saturday 25 October; while the screening of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 takes place on Wednesday 29 October 2025.
Flight Club's Halloween Brunch Weekender is available from Friday 31 to Sunday 2 November 2025.
The Alchemist's Drag Brunch takes place on Saturday 1 November 2025.
How much does it cost?
Hollywood Bowl costs from £7.90 per adult and £6.90 per child, per game.
Sanctum at Escape Hunt costs £27 per person.
The Alchemist's Drag Brunch costs £35 per person.
Flight Club's Halloween Brunch Weekender costs from £33 per person.
Cineworld's Horror Film Season tickets cost £5.99 per adult.
How do I book?
To book activities or restaurant tables at individual venues, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Cotswolds things to do in October half term
October activities at Westonbirt Arboretum
What is it?
It wouldn't be autumn in Gloucestershire without a visit to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, with its world-famous collection of trees becoming 'nature's fireworks' as their leaves change to gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow.
And this October 2025, there're plenty of activities for the whole family to get involved in, too, from exploring the science behind the colour change and learning about 'fabulous' fungi, to discovering your inner artist with hands-on crafts.
Why go?
Visitors of all ages are invited to 'look beyond the autumn colour to observe the finer details of nature', with an 'exquisite' outdoor exhibition of botanical illustrations by the Bedgebury Florilegium Society to explore; and a Drawn to Nature autumn trail encouraging families to embrace their artistic side, by picking up a free sketchbook and charcoal on entry to capture the textures, shapes and stories of the arboretum's trees.
Those with younger children can also get involved through The Art of Autumn family trail, with fun activities including drawing – with free activity packs including a crayon and sketchbook to collect – and discovering science facts.
Families can further explore the science behind the autumn colour change, with the Autumn's Wonders activity days; and learn all about the 'fabulous fungi find of the day' and even make their own clay mushrooms, at the Fabulous Fungi discovery day.
There are also Guided Autumn Family Walks for those with younger children; a Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day, where families can help re-plant an area of woodland; and an Autumn Coppice Market, with the arboretum's resident 'coppicers' selling and demonstrating traditional crafts and skills.
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Westonbirt's autumn colour is world famous, with people from far and wide flocking to the arboretum to get their 'leaf peeping' fix all season long.
And on its guided autumn family walks, visitors can make sure they're getting around the best bits, while learning all about the season's impact on woodland flora and fauna through fun games and activities, too.
How much?
All of Westonbirt's October activities are free after admission. From Monday 29 September until Sunday 16 November 2025, standard weekday adult entry costs £17; £11.50 for young people aged 19 to 25; £5 for children aged 5 to 18; and free for under 5s.
When?
The Drawn to Nature and The Art of Autumn trails run until Sunday 30 November 2025.
The Autumn's Wonders activity days run from Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October 2025, from 10.30am till 3.30pm.
The Fabulous Fungi discovery day takes place on Saturday 18 October 2025, from 10.30am till 3.30pm.
The Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day is on Saturday 11 October 2025, from 11am till 3pm.
The Autumn Coppice Market takes place from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 October 2025, from 10am till 4pm.
And its Guided Autumn Family Walks are on Monday 27 October and Friday 31 October 2025, from 10:30am till 3pm.
How to book?
Visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/autumn for more information, including how to register for the Community Woodland Public Volunteering Day and Guided Autumn Family Walks.
Pumpkin picking at Bibury Trout Farm
What is it?
Prepare for a gourd-geous autumn activity this October 2025, as Bibury Trout Farm transforms into a Halloween haven with a pick-your-own pumpkin patch!
Located on the River Coln, in Bibury near Cirencester, Bibury Trout Farm is a working farm producing hundreds of thousands of trout every year.
And beyond the thriving springs, it's a great destination for a family day out, with lots to see and plenty of activities to get involved with.
Why go?
If you're looking for a new and unique spot to grab your spooky pumpkins from this year, this is definitely the place.
Found near the farm's overflow car park, the Bibury Trout Farm pumpkin patch is jam-packed with plenty of orange jack-o-lanterns of all shapes and sizes waiting to be picked and taken home for carving.
And once you've chosen your favourites, head to the Halloween-themed areas for a frightening photo op!
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The fun doesn't end post-pumpkin-picking either, as the farm has a playground area for little ones, as well as crazy golf; a farm shop to browse; fish to catch straight from the water; a cafe full of treats for lunch; and a nature trail to follow for an outdoor adventure.
How much?
Entry to Bibury Trout Farm's pumpkin patch is free, but one-hour time slots must be booked in advance with slot tickets covering entry for groups of up to eight people.
Please note pumpkin prices vary depending on size and the extra activities available on site, such as catching your own fish, do come at a cost.
When?
The pumpkin patch will be available to visit on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025 initially, then from Friday 24 until Friday 31 October 2025.
Time slots are available from 10am until 4pm each day, with last entry at 3pm.
How to book?
Visit biburytroutfarm.co.uk/pumpkin-picking and choose your desired time slot.
Halloweek at Sudeley Castle and Gardens
What is it?
Sudeley Castle and Gardens in Winchcombe is hosting Halloweek this October 2025, with spooky surprises and fun family events all week long!
Why go?
Brave explorers can follow the pumpkin trail around Sudeley's spectacular gardens and grounds to find the hidden pumpkins and witches' marks to earn themselves a Halloween treat – with fancy dress highly encouraged.
On Friday 31 October 2025 from 10am to 4pm, families can come face-to-face with the castle's resident ghosts to hear spellbinding stories all about Sudeley's dark past and learn about historic Halloween superstitions and ceremonies at Tudor All Hallows Eve.
Then on Halloween night, it's time to do the Monster Mash as Sudeley opens the gates after dark for Phantoms & Fireworks – with a Ghouls School Disco and family-friendly, low noise fireworks display!
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With Sudeley Castle's gardens and grounds bursting with colour as the seasons change, autumn is one of the prettiest times of year to visit the historic attraction – with crimson vines creeping over the Tithe Barn; the leaves turning all shades of orange, red and amber; gentle mists rolling in; and the late afternoon sunshine turning everything to gold!
How much?
The pumpkin trail and Tudor All Hallows Eve are included with the price of admission, which costs £23 for adults and £10 for children aged three to 15, with family tickets for two adults and three children costing £58.
The Phantoms & Fireworks event costs from £12.50 per child.
When?
Halloweek at Sudeley Castle takes place from Saturday 25 October until Sunday 2 November 2025.
Tudor All Hallows Eve takes place from 10am to 4pm; and Phantoms & Fireworks takes place from 6.30pm on Friday 31 October 2025.
How to book?
Visit sudeleycastle.co.uk.
Gloucester things to do in October half term
Halloween half term fun at Ultimate Warriors
What is it?
Looking for a family thrill without the scares this Halloween? Discover your inner 'legend' at Ultimate Warriors — suitable for all ages — and take part in thrilling challenges throughout the October half term.
Why go?
Come rain or shine, a fresh challenge awaits daring kids this Halloween, with exciting new equipment and obstacles to tackle.
Visitors can look forward to climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping and more at the Gloucester venue — with plenty of activities at varying degrees of difficulty, so the whole family can get involved.
Children can race their friends and family to see if they could be crowned champion, while developing some nifty skills along the way.
Plus, after a wild session of energetic fun, families can refuel at the venue's on-site cafe, choosing from a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and a full hot menu featuring pizzas, toasties, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, fries, nuggets and more.
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Looking to host an epic birthday party this October? Celebrate in style with Ultimate Warriors' party packages, jam-packed with action and adventure for your bold thrill-seeker on their special day.
From £21 per person, the full party package includes one hour on the obstacle arena, socks, headband, a friendly party host, party room, unlimited squash and water, slushies and a hot food buffet.
When is it on?
Ultimate Warriors welcomes adventurous children to burn off some energy every day during October half term.
Please note, opening times vary per day.
How much does it cost?
Toddler sessions for children up to five years old cost £9.50 for 85 minutes, including one adult; open sessions, for children aged five and over cost £14.50 per child for one hour, or £19.50 per child for two hours; younger family sessions, suited to little ones aged two to seven, cost £14.50 per child for 55 minutes, with the first adult going free.How do I book?
Tickets to Ultimate Warriors must be booked online in advance at ultimatewarriors.co.uk.
Stroud things to do in October half term
Time Travelling Scarecrow Hunt at Painswick Rococo Garden
What is it?
The spooky scarecrows return to Painswick Rococo Garden this October, ready to be hunted down by curious children and their families.
Painswick Rococo Garden is the UK's only complete surviving rococo garden, created in the 1700s by Benjamin Hyett to entertain guests at Painswick House.
Why go?
This year, the scarecrows are time travellers, venturing from the past and future!
From Roman gladiators and steampunk explorers to robot gardeners from the year 2035, the straw characters are taking over the Rococo Garden and challenging visitors to spot them all.
Built by local organisations, schools and community groups, each scarecrow has its own little backstory to discover, making the trail a light-hearted adventure for families, friend groups and anyone who loves a seasonal day out in Gloucestershire.
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October is a spectacular month to visit Painswick Rococo Garden.
As the leaves change, the trees and hedgerows that line the gardens put on a breathtaking show of amber, crimson and gold – creating a colourful masterpiece that makes the perfect background for an Insta post!
How much?
Entry to Painswick Rococo Garden costs £12.20 per adult, £10.95 for seniors aged over 60, £5.70 per child aged four to 16-years-old, with under-fours going free.
Plus, save with family tickets priced at £31.50 for two adults and up to four children.
When?
From Saturday 18 October until Sunday 2 November 2025 – not including Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 October.
Painswick Rococo Garden opens from 10am until 5pm, with last entries at 4pm, from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
How to book?
There's no need to book, the trail is included in the price of admission to Painswick Rococo Garden via rococogarden.org.uk.
Halloween at Berkeley Castle
What is it?
Built for war and once home to a king who met a grizzly end, Berkeley Castle is a top destination for spooky fun and hair-raising history.
This Halloween 2025, its offering ghostly guests the chance to explore its hallowed (and potentially haunted) halls and take part in some spooky activities across the wicked weekend.
Why go?
Step into the shadows of the Great Hall and find an enchanting owl, with its striking eyes and curious gaze falling upon whoever opts to approach it.
The bravest of castle explorers can gather for a round of spooky storytelling, too, where tales of mystery and folklore will send a delightful shiver down the most valiant spines.
And finally, venture deep underground to visit the Old Wise Woman hidden away in the castle's cellar – if you dare...
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A medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century, visitors may play witness to some haunting at Berkeley Castle – not least because King Edward II was imprisoned and allegedly murdered there back in 1327.
How much?
All Halloween activities are included in the general admission to Berkeley Castle, which is priced at £16 per adults and £8 per child, with those under three going free.
Families of two adults and two children can save with the £45 family ticket, too.
When?
The Halloween activities at Berkeley Castle take place from Sunday 26 until Wednesday 29 October 2025, during normal operating hours between 11am and 5pm.
How to book
Visit berkeley-castle.com to book tickets online.
Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What is it?
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience is a brand-new, family-friendly evening event at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, running throughout the October half term school holidays.
Visitors are invited to witness the wonder of the wetlands in a whole new light by following a magical lantern trail, filled with glowing creatures, hand-crafted lanterns and interactive experiences.
Why go?
Instead of the usual Halloween frights, Slimbridge is offering a spectacular and atmospheric alternative, celebrating the beauty of nature after dark.
Wander through a shimmering firefly tunnel, encounter giant glow-in-the-dark insects and spot owls, mice and kingfishers brought to life with lantern artistry by The Lantern Company.
With experts on hand to help track down bat puppets and even catch glimpses of real bats with detectors – it’s both enchanting and educational.
Visitors can also meet the marsh witch to cast wishes, create their own lanterns for £3.50 or cosy up with toasted marshmallows by the firepit.
And street food from the Kingfisher Kitchen keeps the adventure fuelled, serving until 8pm each evening.
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Slimbridge makes its Halloween activities accessible to more families, with dedicated SEN sessions.
By softening the lighting, lowering music levels and ensuring actors take a gentler approach, families who might otherwise find large-scale events overwhelming can still enjoy the magic of the trail. A thoughtful touch that ensures more people can share in the wonder of this unique autumn experience.
How much?
Tickets cost £12.95 per person, with children under three going free.
When?
The Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience launches with an opening weekend on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October, then runs throughout the October half term school holidays from Friday 24 October until Saturday 1 November 2025.
