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.
👻 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.
Autumn Colour at Hever Castle & Gardens (28th September — 1st November 2026)
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.
Hever Castle — Halloween Half Term (17th October– 1st November 2026)
One of Kent’s family favourite Halloween spots, Hever Castle’s Halloween Half Term runs from 17th October to the 1st of November, and is included in general admission tickets. Here you’ll find Spooktacular Science and the Mad Scientists Trail, where they can wander the grounds in search of wild experiments, curious creations, and spellbinding clues to a puzzle – with prizes at the end from the Information Hut. Throughout the event, a timed show brings science-themed fun and surprises to half term, and there’s face painting on selected dates, too.
Leeds Castle – Guardians of the Grounds (17th October – 1st November 2026)
Horrible Histories returns to Leeds Castle this year, bringing all of history’s nastiest, ghostliest secrets with it. From 17th October to 1st November, the castle grounds will unveil royal spirits, witch trials, and superstitions through fantastic live performers across its trail – providing an intriguing, educational experience in the spirit of Halloween. With Horrible Histories’ characteristic excellent storytelling of days gone by, this is a great option for the whole family – including those more easily spooked.
Dover Castle – Halloween Half Term (24th October – 1st November 2026)
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Dover Castle this half-term. Celebrate the season of family activities and entertainment at The Great Pumpkin Party, where there’ll be interactive storytelling and spooky games, as well as a themed trail and seasonal selfie spot. Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without costumes – so there’s also a daily fancy dress competition with prizes.
Scotney Castle – Monsters Around the Moat (17th October – 1st November 2026)
Follow the trail around the moat and help the hidden monsters of Scotney Castle find the way to the monster party on this Halloween adventure, where fun challenges unfold as you go! Guests may choose from two adventures at this event: the Spotter Trail (perfect for younger children, who can search for hidden monsters and discover what makes each creature unique), and the Main Trail (ideal for older kids, with riddles, challenges and clues).
Chartwell – We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt (3rd October – 1st November 2026)
Follow a ghost-filled trail through the garden and into the woodland at Chartwell this Halloween. No less than eight spooky stops greet you along the way, with fun games, activities and playful challenges that are perfect for young families. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky ghosts hiding along the route – can you spot them all? Once you’ve completed your ghost hunt, head to the shop to collect your special sticker reward.
