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 2024?
Gloucestershire state schools break up for October half term on Friday 25 October and re-open on Monday 4 November 2024.
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?
Little horrors will love busting out their spookiest moves at The Play Farm, with a Halloween party complete with disco lights, UV effects, glow sticks, sweeties and even a visit from Casper the Cow during every session throughout the week.
Early birds can enjoy up to 50 per cent off bowling at Hollywood Bowl when you book to play before 12pm.
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.
SoGlos says...
Who says kids get to have all the fun? Grown-ups looking to get in on the Halloween action will love the Spooky Brunch Social at Flight Club, with a welcome witches brew (cocktail), a bottle of prosecco per guest, pizza to share and an hour at the oche.
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 and special 20th anniversary screenings of Saw taking place in Cheltenham.
When is it on?
The Halloween disco at The Play Farm and 50 per cent off games at Hollywood Bowl are both available every day during half term.
Flight Club Spooky Brunch Social is available on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October 2024.
Cinema screenings of A Nightmare on Elm Street take place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26; while 20th anniversary screenings of Saw take place on Sunday 27 and Thursday 31 October 2024.
How much does it cost?
The Play Farm costs £7.95 for children aged six months to four years; £8,95 for children aged five and up; and £3.50 for adults — with the Halloween disco included within the cost of admission.
Hollywood Bowl costs from £7.90 per adult and £6.90 per child, per game. Sanctum at Escape Hunt costs £27 per person.
Flight Club Spooky Brunch Social costs from £30 per person. Standard cinema tickets at Cineworld cost from £5 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
Halloween trails at Sudeley Castle and Gardens
What is it?
The historic Sudeley Castle is transforming its gardens and grounds into a series of spook-tacular trails this October half term.
Why go?
Giving visitors the chance to come face-to-face with medieval monsters, creepy characters from the dark days of history — and even, perhaps, a real-life ghost — there's something to excite everyone at Sudeley Castle this Halloween.
There are two family trails to choose from, with the mythical monsters trail — which features a dress-up medieval monsters' ball and an archaeological dig — open daily; and a special spooky trail with smoke, lights and special effects taking place at dusk on selected dates. And for the first time ever, Sudeley Castle is also hosting guided ghost tours around the grounds, where brave souls may meet the spirits and spectres that haunt the castle, like its infamous Victorian housekeeper, the Lady in Green.
SoGlos says...
With the Halloween trails included within the price of general admission, families can really make the most of Sudeley Castle's award-winning gardens and grounds, taking in the imposing ruins and admiring spectacular autumn colour as they explore — not to mention burning off some energy at its epic adventure playground.
As well as all the Halloween-themed fun, Sudeley Castle's history exhibits — which document its past as a royal residence of King Henry VIII and tell the fascinating story of how its longest-serving chatelaine, Lady Ashcombe, came to the castle — are a must; as is a visit to St Mary's Church to see the final resting place of Sudeley's most famous resident, Queen Katherine Parr.
When is it on?
The medieval monsters trail is open daily from Saturday 26 October until Sunday 3 November 2024.
The special effects trail is open from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday 27, Tuesday 29 and Thursday 31 October 2024.
The evening ghost tours take place from 6.30pm on Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October 2024.
How much does it cost?
General admission to Sudeley Castle costs £22 for adults, £10 for children aged three to 15, or £56 for a family of two adults and up to three children.
Tickets for the exclusive ghost tours cost £40 each.
How do I book?
To book, visit sudeleycastle.co.uk.
See Meet mythical monsters, creepy characters and go on a real-life ghost hunt at Sudeley Castle this Halloween for more information.
Halloween talks, walks and family events at Cirencester History Festival
What is it?
The first ever Cirencester History Festival is a must-visit this October half term, with a programme of expert talks spanning centuries of global goings-on and spellbinding activities for children, including costume making and storytelling.
Why go?
An exciting line-up of some of the UK's most renowned history broadcasters and authors will be exploring a range of fascinating topics at Cirencester's best-loved cultural venues, sure to pique the interest of grown-ups and history-mad teens and children alike.
Halloween and history go hand in hand too, with a whole host of creative family activities like making your own historical villain Halloween costume or black cat decorations with The Barn Theatre and New Brewery Arts; baking a traditional pie with the Cotswold Cookery School; crafting your own medieval 'book of beasts' at Cirencester Library; sculpting a clay gargoyle at the Corinium Museum; and meeting a Roman doctor and beautician from Chedworth Roman Villa.
SoGlos says...
There really is something for everyone at the new Cirencester History Festival, with talks about everything from ancient Greece to Soviet Russia and beyond — via a timely talk on the pagan roots of Halloween!
Events for the little ones include a talk and signing at the Corinium Museum and Octavia’s Bookshop from much-loved children’s author Annelise Gray on her thrilling Circus Maximus Roman adventure series.
When is it on?
Cirencester History Festival is running at venues across town between Saturday 26 October and Sunday 3 November 2024, with events taking place in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.
How much does it cost?
Prices for talks and activities vary, with some completely free or costing between £3 and £5, and headline talks costing around £12 per person.
How do I book?
Visit cirencesterhistoryfestival.org to book tickets.
See Top podcasters and TV broadcasters complete all-star lineup for first Cirencester History Festival for more information.
Medusa-themed time-travelling trail at the Roman Baths
What is it?
The Roman Baths is teaming up with children's author Marie Basting to launch an all new time-travelling trail, inspired by her new book Auntie Medusa and Me, for the October half term and to celebrate Halloween.
Why go?
Explore the historic Roman Baths in a brand-new way this October half term, by following a brand-new family trail around the ancient site.
Auntie Medusa and Me follows the story of Silvia, an ordinary girl who finds herself thrown into Ancient Rome, discovering that she's in fact a demi-goddess!
Now Sylvia needs help to find the Gorgan Medusa's snake haired head, join her on an adventure through the Baths that are jam-packed with fun facts, mythic monsters and a legendary goddess or two.
Smaller visitors will love the Snake Seeker trail, while families with older children will adore the Medusa Mystery trail.
SoGlos says...
You don't have to travel to Europe to find evidence of the Ancient Romans — it can be found right across the border at the Roman Baths!
Gorgons don't come quite as frightfully fierce as Medusa, with her hair made of snakes and her ability to freeze mere mortals with just one ferocious look into their eyes. Come face-to-face with the Gorgan during a unique experience at the Roman Baths.
When is it on?
Families can access the trails throughout autumn, until Friday 1 December 2024.
How much does it cost?
Standard admission for the Roman Baths costs £17 for children aged six to 18 and £24.50 for adults over 19-years-old on weekdays; and £19.50 per child and £27 per adult on weekends and bank holidays — with trail access included in the admission price.
How do I book?
Admission tickets can be booked via the Roman Baths website at romanbaths.co.uk/tickets.
Gloucester things to do in October half term
Halloween trails, spooky movies and photo opportunities at Gloucester Quays
What is it?
Gloucester Quays is getting spooky this October 2024, with a Halloween trail, seasonal photo opportunities and a load of free treats being given out in-store.
Why go?
Families can follow a fun Halloween trail around the centre, keeping their beady eyes out for the pumpkin patches displayed in store windows. Find all the patches and answer each question correctly to receive a sheet of spooky stickers to take home.
Snap some selfies at the phone box inside the centre or the pumpkin bench outside Pillar and Lucy Warehouse — and be on the lookout for witches, too. If you're brave enough to approach them, they might just give you a chocolate treat!
There are seasonal food and drink offers available too, from buy three get one free on autumn muffins at Bakers + Baristas to bottomless pancakes from 3pm to 5pm at Bill's until the end of October.
SoGlos says...
Don't miss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — the long-awaited sequel to the 1980s cult classic — while it's on the big screen at Cineworld Gloucester. With Tim Burton back to his zany best, the film will delight fans of the original, while still delivering plenty of fun for new viewers, as the Deetzes return to the haunted house where it all began and unleash the underworld's most notorious bio-exorcist for the second time.
For older viewers, there's also a 20th anniversary special screening of Shaun of the Dead, starring Gloucestershire's own Simon Pegg — way more fun than having a cold pint at The Winchester and waiting for this all to blow over...
When is it on?
The spooky telephone box will be in-store from Wednesday 2 October; the pumpkin bench is back from Wednesday 16 October; and the Halloween trail is on from Friday 18 October until Saturday 2 November 2024.
How much does it cost?
Gloucester Quays asks customers for a £2 donation to the Pied Piper Appeal to take part in the Halloween trail.
Halloween photo opportunities are free.
How do I book?
To book cinema tickets, visit cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/gloucester-quays.
For the Halloween trail, simply pop into Gloucester Quays during its standard opening hours and pick up a leaflet from the customer services desk.
For more information, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
Halloween fun at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
What is it?
Looking for a family thrill without the spookiness this Halloween? Develop some wicked ninja skills at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester, suitable for all ages, and take part in exciting challenges throughout the October half term.
Why go?
Offering plenty of obstacles with varying degrees of difficulty, the whole family can get involved in a selection of activities this October half term, including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping — and even take on the warped wall!
With the venue inspired by the hit television show Ninja Warrior UK, children can race their friends and family and see if they could be crowned champion, whilst advancing those nifty ninja abilities along the way.
Families can refuel after a session of adrenaline pumping fun at the venue's on-site cafe, too, choosing from a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
SoGlos says...
Got a ninja in need of an epic birthday party this October? Celebrate in style with Ninja Warriors' party packages, jam-packed with action and adventure for your ninja on their special day.
Each party includes an hour of action on the park; 45 minutes in your very own party room; Ninja Warrior UK headbands and gloves for all guests; unlimited squash and water; buffet-style hot food; and more.
When is it on?
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is open every day during October half term, welcoming ninjas from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am until 6.30pm on Sunday.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost from £13.95 for children aged five and up.
How do I book?
Tickets must be booked online in advance via ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/gloucester.
Stroud things to do in October half term
Halloween Light Trail at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What is it?
A brand-new, Halloween themed light trail, transforming Slimbridge Wetland Centre into a magical world as night falls, this October half term.
Why go?
It's a rare opportunity to explore Slimbridge after dark, following the lights into the land of the Marsh Witch, where you'll find potions, pumpkins, bats, broomsticks and more.
Designed to ignite children's imagination rather than scare them, there's the chance to make a wish with the fabled witch, get creative with arts and crafts and toast marshmallows around the firepit, too.
SoGlos says...
We're spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas light trails in Gloucestershire but this year, Slimbridge is well ahead of the game with its all-new Halloween light trail.
Not only this, but it's also living up to its reputation as one of the county's most accessible attractions with dedicated sensory-friendly sessions, especially for visitors with additional needs, on Friday 11, Saturday 12, Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Friday 25 October 2024.
When is it on?
Slimbridge's Halloween Light Trail is open on Friday and Saturday evenings from Friday 11 October until the end of the month, as well as every day throughout October half term. Time slots are available from 5.30pm to 8pm.
How much does it cost?
Tickets to the Halloween Light Trail cost £14.50 for adults, £12.50 for children and under fours go free.
How do I book?
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/halloween-light-trail to book tickets.
See New Halloween light trail comes to Slimbridge Wetland Centre this half term for more information.
Dragons and Wizards at Berkeley Castle
What is it?
A new event for 2024, featuring animatronic dragons and an interactive Wizard School, for a mythical family day out at Berkeley Castle during October half term
Why go?
Children have the chance to step into a world of fantasy, coming face-to-face with a giant dragon and meeting baby ones roaming the grounds.
Plus, join Berkeley Castle's very own Wizard School to learn from a wise wizard who'll be teaching a crash-course on mastering magic, covering his top tips on how to train a dragon.
SoGlos says...
Berkeley Castle is a medieval fortress, dating back to the 12th century, so it's easy to see why dragons and wizards feel quite at home! But it also means there's hundreds of years of history to explore — don't miss the dungeons, where you can see the real cell where King Edward II was imprisoned.
As a bonus, the Strictly Come Dancing Costume Exhibition is on until the end of October, so shimmy over to admire some of the sparkling outfits worn on last year's series while you're there.
When is it on?
Dragons and Wizards at Berkeley Castle takes place from Sunday 27 to Wednesday 30 October 2024. The castle is open from 11am to 5pm.
How much does it cost?
All Dragons and Wizards activities are included in the cost of general admission, which is priced at £16 for adults, £8 for children aged three to 16. Admission is free for children under three.
How do I book?
Visit berkeley-castle.com/dragons-wizards to book tickets.
See You can meet a giant dragon in Gloucestershire this Halloween for more information.
Halloween activities at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
What is it?
As autumn takes hold, National Waterways Museum Gloucester is looking forward to half-term indoor fun. Head to the museum at Gloucester Docks from Tuesday 29 October to Saturday 2 November 2024 for a variety of spooky indoor children's activities.
Why go?
Try the quackers Halloween duck trail — a raft of ducks in Halloween costumes have got lost on the canal and are taking shelter at National Waterways Museum Gloucester. Can you and your family find them all?
SoGlos says...
As well as a host of activities to keep the little ones entertained, the cheerful and bustling museum cafe has some delicious seasonal cakes and hot drinks available. The cafe is open to all whether you're calling in to the museum for a visit or just hungry for a snack and a cuppa. Filled with light, it has a lovely atmosphere at any time of day.
When is it on?
The duck trail runs from Tuesday 29 October to Saturday 2 November 2024. If you fancy extra activities, visit on Tuesday 29 October 2024 from 10am to 2pm for a drop-in water safety activities for younger children with Canal & River Trust explorers.
On Thursday 31 October 2024, there's the chance to make badges with Canal & River Trust explorers. Make a vintage canal badge or design your own. A drop-in session, aimed at all ages, runs from 10am to 2pm.
How much does it cost?
All activities are free with your day ticket or annual pass.
Museum day tickets cost £10 for adults; £6 for children aged between five to 16; fours and under go free; £9 for concessions; £25 for a family of two adults and two children.
Museum annual passes cost £15 for adults; £8 for children aged between five to 16; fours and under go free; £13.50 for concessions; £37 for a family of two adults and two children.
How do I book?
There's no need to book, just turn up and join in the fun.
