Have the October school holidays crept up on you? Terrified about how to keep the little horrors out of mischief? Fear not - there’s no shortage of Halloween-themed treats and devilish delights across 1066 Country to keep everyone entertained this half term. 


SPOOK-FREE FUN FOR LITTLE MONSTERS

  • ENCHANTING STEAM TRAIN EXPERIENCE: All aboard the Spellbound Express at Kent & East Sussex Railway! Have your photo taken with a friendly Baby Dragon, be amazed by Merlin the Magician’s ancient sorcery and learn to mix potions and practice spells with Wendy the Wicked Witch. With three departures per day, it’s ideal for younger mischief-makers, who will each receive a magical activity pack and special Junior Spellcaster certificate. (21 Oct / 23 Oct / 28 Oct / 30 Oct. Info here)

  • GOURD TIMES GALORE: Michelham Priory House & Gardens is the place for pumpkin spice and all things nice. Explore the historic house on a Spider Treasure Hunt, earn sweet treats along the outdoor Pumpkin Trail, get creative in the Halloween-themed crafting zone and work on your witchling skills racing broomsticks! (25 Oct – 2 Nov. Info here)

  • TALES THAT IGNITE THE IMAGINATION: Brimming with family events and free workshops, horror stories are an optional extra at the Hastings Storytelling Festival. Celebrate the art of storytelling through a powerful programme of puppetry, dance, theatre, talks and even a ‘toybox’ parade, and look out for festival Patron Axel Sheffler (of The Gruffalo fame) who will be joining in the fun. (17 Oct – 26 Oct. Info here)

  • MAKE YOUR OWN MAGIC: The world of wizardry will come to life at Bodiam Castle in the most magical of surroundings. Young apprentices can get hands on with seasonal spell craft, whether using cauldrons to make magical potions or enjoying wand-creating and spell-practising workshops. (18 Oct / 19 Oct / 25 Oct / 26 Oct. Info here)

  • GET YOUR SHRIEK ON: For seasonal surprises, freaky photo ops and devilish décor, Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park is hard to beat. Gaze in wonder at the eerily graceful Sugar Skill Witch as she puts in supernatural appearances throughout the day. For eight-legged excitement and a chance to learn why arachnids are so misunderstood, experts will also be spinning their webs of wisdom in the Spider’s Den (25 Oct – 2 Nov. Info here)

  • PUMPKIN PARADE: Why not carve out some time to pick your perfect pumpkin at Tibbs Farm this month. For more Halloween-themed high jinks, there’s also a spooky hedge maze with 1.5km of twists and turns to lose yourself in, a scarecrow trail to explore, face painting fun, the chance to feed their friendly pigs, plus boo-tiful homemade treats to pig out on afterwards. Fancy dress encouraged! (18 Oct / 19 Oct / 25 – 31 Oct. Info here)

SPINE-TINGLING ANTICS FOR BIGGER GHOULS 

  • THRILLING TREE-TOP ADVENTURES: Go Ape Bedgebury is an exhilarating way to give daring darlings an adrenaline rush to remember. From tackling tricky crossing to clambering up rope ladders, this exhilarating aerial extravaganza may not be for the faint hearted. But, when it comes to having fun in the great outdoors and conquering any fears of heights, it’s definitely a breath of fresh air. (17 Oct – 2 Nov. Info here)

  • ESCAPE THE DEMONIC DOG: Set in Victorian London, you’ll need your wits about you to navigate the immersive Sherlock Holmes Experience: Hounds of the Baskervile at Knockhatch Adventure Park. Look out for hidden clues throughout the fang-tastic interactive quest and use your powers of deduction to solve one of the detective’s most baffling cases. (25 Oct – 31 Oct. Info here)

  • SPOOKY FOOTSTEPS: Join the Rye Town Crier’s Ghost Walk and uncover some of the town’s haunted history. During the two-hour tour your guide will share some of the strangest stories and paranormal tales from Rye’s dark history, including grisly legends that still echo through local lore. (18 Oct / 25 Oct / 31 Oct / 1 Nov. Info here)

  • CREEPY CULT CLASSIC: Head to The Stables Theatre to enjoy the dystopian musical that is the Little Shop of Horrors. This twisted tale of botanical bloodlust may be over 40 years old, but the dark comedy’s escalating horror and infectious songs will keep you mesmerised! Whatever you do, don’t feed the plants… (21 Oct – 1 Nov. Info here)

EXPLOSIVE EVENTS TO LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

  • FLAMES & FOLKLORE: No visit to 1066 country at this time of year is complete without experiencing bonfires at their brightest. Having evolved from a traditional protest to a much-loved community event, each town still has its own Bonfire Society to raise smiles as well as funds under the “We Burn For Good” motto. From Hastings (18 Oct) to Ninfield (1 Nov), Battle (8 Nov) and Rye (15 Nov) to Robertsbridge (22 Nov), you’ll be spoilt for opportunities to watch their torchlit processions and spectacular fireworks finales.  (Oct – Nov. Info here)

  • FULL-THROTTLE FOREST FUN: For a zipline adventure with a twist, Go Ape Bedgebury is also running a series of Sundown Adventures after dark this autumn. Turn up the heat as you explore the wooded canopy under glowing lights and starry skies. (17 Oct – 9 Nov. Info here)

For more ways to swap screens for screams and tricks for treats this month, discover what’s on in our fiendishly-good corner of the UK.

Related

Kent & East Sussex Railway
Steam Railway
KESR

The picturesque heritage line weaves between Tenterden and Bodiam for 10.5 miles. Experience the travel & service from a bygone age.

Michelham Priory
Historic House / Palace
Michelham Priory

Discover the enchanting Michelham Priory, the perfect family day out, featuring England’s longest medieval moat and a rich history spanning over eight hundred years.

Bodiam Castle
Castle / Fort
Bridge leading across moat to Bodiam Castle, East Sussex. ©National Trust Images John Millar

Bodiam Castle is one of Britain’s most picturesque castles in the heart of an historic landscape.

Drusillas Park
Animal Collection / Zoo
Drusillas Park

Widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe, the award-winning Drusillas Park in East Sussex offers a fun finding-out day out for all the family.

Tibbs Farm Cafe, Farm Shop and PYO
Café
Cafe, Food & Drink, Tibbs Farm, 1066 Country, Farm Shop

Tibbs Farm is a fantastically traditional mixed family farm with Café and Farm Shop overlooking hop gardens and views through the picturesque Tillingham Valley towards Rye. Extensive pick-your-own fruits in summer, as well as pumpkins and Christmas trees.

Go Ape Bedgebury
Experiences
Go Ape Bedgebury
Knockhatch Adventure Park
Adventure Park / Playground
Knockhatch Adventure Park

The fun goes on and on and at Knockhatch Adventure Park whatever the weather. Explore the zoo, enjoy the family rides and discover the amazing indoor and outdoor play areas! Come rain or shine, kids will love every minute at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

Rye Town Crier's Ghost Walk
Guided Walk
Town Criers

Enjoy a 2+ hour guided ghost walk around some of Rye's spookiest spots, with the Town Crier, hearing about some of the town's most notorious paranormal tales.

The Stables Theatre
Theatre
The Stables Theatre

A Theatre and Arts Centre in Hastings' Old Town. The theatre is open all year round and hosts a mix of plays, live music & performances. Please see our website for current listings.