As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps up, October brings an abundance of autumnal activities for all the family, making it the perfect time to escape your everyday routine, explore the great outdoors, and indulge in some seasonal fun.
Whether your family is feeling eager for spooky thrills or more tranquil adventures, Kent offers a wealth of activities to keep everyone entertained, many of which extend to the end of the month and through half-term.
Here are our top picks for things to do during a short break in Kent this October, wherever you happen to be visiting.
🍂 Autumn Colour at Hever Castle & Gardens (29th September — 31st October 2025)
Immerse yourself in the stunning autumnal displays at Hever Castle, where the historic grounds come alive with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. Pack your walking boots and enjoy the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot as you explore the beautiful landscapes of this former Royal residence, stopping to admire the castle at its romantic best as the Boston Ivy that adorns it turns a vivid shade of red.
👻 Halloween Half-Term Events Across Kent
Kent’s historic castles and expansive gardens provide the ideal setting for Halloween thrills, with several hosting their own unique blend of spooky activities that are great for families.
Hever Castle — Halloween Half Term (18th – 26th October 2025)
One of Kent’s family favourite Halloween spots, Hever Castle’s Halloween Half Term runs from 18 to 26 October, and is included in general admission tickets. Here you’ll find the Bones & Giggles Trail, spooky storytelling sessions and themed craft activities for children of various ages. Younger visitors might enjoy making little skeletons or silhouette art, while older ones can solve clues in the garden.
Leeds Castle – Guardians of the Grounds (18th – 26th October 2025)
At Leeds Castle’s Guardians of the Grounds event, families are invited to follow a magical quest: solving riddles, meeting costumed characters, and entering into a bit of fantasy storytelling as they wander through castle lawns and gardens. This immersive experience is bound to spark young ones’ imaginations, filling their autumn break with wonder.
Dover Castle – Halloween Half Term (18th October – 2nd November 2025)
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Dover Castle this half-term. Families can meet vampires and witches – and who better to teach you about monsters than the creatures themselves? Interactive shows, storytelling, and spooky characters reveal the secrets of the Monsterverse at Dover Castle this Halloween, delivering good fun for all ages.
Scotney Castle – The Goblin King’s Lost Path (18th October – 2nd November 2025)
This half term, join the Goblin King and his mischievous friends on a quest through the enchanting labyrinth of the Scotney Castle gardens. Solve riddles, discover secrets hidden behind doors, and cast spells through a series of trails for younger and older children alike. Tickets include a small gift and a sweet treat upon completion – but get in fast! Pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entry.
🎃 Pumpkin Festivals and Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins Across Kent
Kent goes all out for pumpkin season, making it the perfect time for some screen-free family fun. Whether you’re looking to carve up a masterpiece or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
Pumpkin Party Trail at Chartwell, TN16 1PS (18th October – 2nd November)
Something funny is happening at Chartwell this harvest – the pumpkins are misbehaving! From the larger ones to smaller ones, the roundest ones to the ones with lumps and bumps, they’ve all rolled away from the patch and are causing chaos in the gardens. Can you discover what the gourds are up to by taking part in their challenges and games?
Children’s Half-Term Scavenger Hunt & Halloween Activities at Gingerfields, Sittingbourne, ME9 7PE (25th – 26th October)
A spooktacular event filled with fun and entertainment, Gingerfields’ scavenger hunt will have your little ones searching high and low for Mildred the Witch’s special ingredients – then choosing a pumpkin to decorate and take home. What’s more, adults go free and can enjoy complimentary hot drinks – keeping you toasty while you supervise your little ones.
Pumpkin picking spots in Kent
Master your wheelbarrow skills and strike a pose with your chosen pumpkins at these top pick-your-own (PYO) spots across Kent:
- Pumpkin Moon: Sandling, Maidstone
- PYO Pumpkins Canterbury: Hoath Fruit Farm, Bekesbourne Lane, Canterbury
- PYO Pumpkin: Cheeseman’s Green, Sevington, Ashford
- Stanhill Farm: Birchwood Road, Dartford
- Birchden PYO Pumpkins: Groombridge Hill, Groombridge
- PYO Pumpkins: Beluncle Farm, Rochester
- Felderland PYO Farm: Sandwich, Deal
- Bonfire PYO Pumpkin: Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Rd, Faversham
Things to do in East Sussex in October Half-term
Halloween Half Term at Battle Abbey (25th October – 2nd November)
Bring your little monsters to a spooky day out at Battle Abbey this half-term. Don your scariest fancy dress costumes and follow the trail to solve eerie clues and gather for spine-chilling stories.
Half Term Horror at Knockhatch Adventure Park (25th – 31st October)
It’s events abound at Knockhatch this half term, where there’s a family circus and more to entertain the kids! Owl displays, spooky crafts, and a ghost toy hunt will keep the little ones busy, while a horror maze and Sherlock Holmes experience is best suited to the teens among your family.
If you’re planning to extend your stay in Kent or Sussex this October half-term, Bloom Stays has you covered. Check out our latest availability for holiday homes in Kent & Sussex here.
