October Half term is just around the corner…
So before the bell goes and the lockers are cleared for a week or so, check out our top picks of things to do in Kent this October.
There’s plenty for you and the minis to discover, whether spooking and scaring is your thing or gentler autumn walks. It’s a brilliant time of the year to get outside and take a day away. Here are some suggestions for short breaks in Kent this month.
🍂 First up is Autumn Colour at Hever Castle & Gardens, taking place from 1st -28th October. Pack your walking boots and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and spectacular autumn tints in the historic grounds of this spectacular Royal home.
🎃 For a day packed FULL of activities head to Lower Ladysden Farm in Goudhurst for their PYO Pumpkin Festival. They have thought of everything to keep the kids busy… From face painting, pumpkin carving and Halloween inspired cookie decorating. When that’s done head out into their patch to pick up a pumpkin or two to carve up at home.
🍏 The juice is loose! Pick, press and pour your own apple juice at a Kids Juicing Workshop at Brogdale Farm running between the 23rd – 25th of October. Experts will be on hand to help them bottle it ready to take home.
🛶 Looking for a fright from the deep? Book onto the Chilling Tales Canterbury River Tour to discover stories of ghostly sightings, gory torture and beheadings. The Chilling Tales night tour is a deep dive into the hidden horrors of Canterbury and only for the very brave. Not suitable to children under 10, apparently.
🏰 Kent’s spooky castles – ripe for Halloween fun
Kent is spoilt for choice with its historic castles. They make the perfect venue for a Halloween event and reportedly, there’s plenty of ghostly going’s on… you just need to know where to loooooooookkkk….
Halloween at Dover Castle- 21st – 29th October
Head down to Dover Castle for some Halloween fun during the half-term holidays. They have plenty of Halloween-themed activities, trails and shows to choose from; perfect for a day out with the family. The Dover Castle Halloween Ghost Hunt on 28th October is for those who are feeling extra daring.
Halloween at Hever Castle- 21st – 29th October
Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle, and get ready for a Halloween-themed trail, giant spiders, vampires, and roaming ghosts around the grounds.
Halloween at Leeds Castle- 21st – 29th October
If you’re looking for an enchanting Halloween adventure then head to Leeds Castle’s spellbinding experience. Here, young adventurers become spell seekers on a thrilling interactive journey through the mystical Leeds Castle estate. If you collect all the missing pieces of a powerful spell it will unlock the secrets of Leeds Castle and help break the curse that shadows the estate…
🎃 Oh my gourd, Kent has gone crazy for Pick Your Own Pumpkins.
For some technology-free family time and mastering your wheelbarrow riding and pumpkin picking poses, this is where you should head to:
PYO Pumpkin: Sevington, Ashford
Pumpkin Moon: Sandling, Maidstone
Stanhill Farm: Birchwood Road, Darftford
PYO Pumpkins Canterbury: Hoath Fruit Farm, Bekesbourne
Birchden Farm Pumpkins: Broadwater Forest Lane, Groombridge
PYO Pumpkins: Beluncle Farm, Rochester
Felderland PYO Farm: Sandwich, Deal
If you need a place to stay over October Half Term we have you covered.. Check out our latest availability for our holiday homes in Kent here.
