October half-term in Surrey 2026
Schools in Surrey break up for a three week October half-term on Monday 19 October and go back on Monday 2 November 2026, according to the council's published term dates (academies can differ, so check with your school). These are the events and activities running during the break that we have checked against the organisers' own websites.
Halloween falls on the Saturday at the end of half-term this year, so the busiest days are likely to be 30 and 31 October. Book anything with timed entry early.
27 events we have checked
- Half-termFamily days out
Moomins at Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham · 5 September to 8 November 2026
An autumn family trail round the garden inspired by Moominvalley, with characters from the Moomin stories to meet along the way. It is presented by Bakehouse Factory, which makes interactive theatrical events.
- Price:
- Free event; normal property admission applies.
- Ages:
- Children must be with an adult.
- Dates:
- Autumn 2026, open 10am to 4pm on event days, running through October half-term.
- BookPumpkin pickingHalloween
Pumpkin Event at Hobbledown Epsom
Hobbledown Epsom, Epsom · 26 September to 1 November 2026
New for 2026, Hobbledown covers its front lawn in pumpkins, squashes and gourds for families to choose from, all part of a normal day ticket to the adventure park and zoo. In half-term a character trail hands out treats.
- Price:
- From £16.50
- Ages:
- The trick or treat trail is friendly rather than frightening and made for little ones.
- Dates:
- 26 September to 1 November 2026. Trick or Treat Trail on weekends and daily in half-term, 17 October to 1 November.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park Resort, Chertsey · 2 October to 1 November 2026
Thorpe Park's Halloween scare event marks its 25th year in 2026 with a new maze, Tenement, alongside returning mazes, scare zones and shows. The rides keep running after dark, including the Hyperia and SAW coasters.
- Price:
- From £39
- Ages:
- Scare attractions are recommended for ages 13 and over.
- Dates:
- Selected dates: 2 to 4 and 9 to 11 October, then daily from 15 October to 1 November.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween Trail at Discovery Land, Priory Farm
Discovery Land, Priory Farm Estate, South Nutfield · 3 October to 1 November 2026
Discovery Land's outdoor play trail gets a Halloween makeover as the character Brother Hay opens a School of Trickery. Children complete trick training stops through woodland and meadows to earn a trickster rank.
- Price:
- From £9
- Dates:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 3 to 16 October, then daily from 17 October to 1 November.
- BookPumpkin pickingHalloween
Pumpkin Parade at Garson Farm
Garson Farm, Esher · 3 October to 31 October 2026
Garson Farm's pick-your-own pumpkin event has a circus theme for 2026, with carnival-style games and decorated photo scenes among thousands of pumpkins of every shape and size.
- Price:
- Entry tickets are booked online; check prices on the Garsons ticketing site and select the Garson Farm branch.
- Dates:
- 3 to 31 October 2026.
- HalloweenHalf-term
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt family trail at Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park, East Clandon · 10 October to 1 November 2026
A National Trust trail based on the We're Going on a Ghost Hunt picture books, following the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they look for ghosts hidden around the grounds. It is pitched at pre-schoolers, with things to spot and do along the way.
- Price:
- Free after normal property admission. No booking needed.
- Ages:
- Ideal for pre-schoolers and young children.
- Dates:
- Daily from 10 October to 1 November.
- HalloweenHalf-term
Half-term hauntings at Guildford Castle
Guildford Castle, Guildford · 14 October to 31 October 2026
Guildford Borough Council dresses the castle keep for Halloween before it closes for winter. Families can follow a ghost hunt, hear spooky stories and do Halloween colouring inside the medieval keep.
- Price:
- From £2.50
- Dates:
- Wednesday 14 to Saturday 31 October, 12pm to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm). Saturday 31 October 10am to 3pm. Story sessions 28 and 30 October at 12.30pm.
- HalloweenHalf-term
Spooktacular Trail at Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum, Guildford · 14 October to 31 October 2026
A free self-guided Halloween trail at Guildford Museum. Children pick up a sheet and use the clues to find ghosts hidden around the galleries.
- Price:
- Free
- Ages:
- Suitable for ages 4 and over. Adults must accompany children.
- Dates:
- Wednesday 14 to Saturday 31 October, during museum opening hours.
- BookHalf-termFamily days out
Half-term woodland sessions at Painshill
Painshill, Cobham · 17 October to 31 October 2026
Painshill runs outdoor sessions for children over half-term in its 18th-century landscape garden. Whispers in the Woods is an interactive storytelling tree walk with woodland characters, and Woodland Hideouts has children building a den from natural materials.
- Price:
- From £4
- Ages:
- Child-only sessions; all children must be supervised by an adult. Younger children may need help.
- Dates:
- Whispers in the Woods storytelling walks on 17, 21 and 31 October at 10.30am and 26 October at 2pm. Woodland Hideouts den building on 20 and 27 October at 10.30am. Sessions last about an hour.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween at Godstone Farm
Godstone Farm, Godstone · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Godstone Farm runs a Halloween programme through both weeks of half-term, included with a day ticket to the farm park. Expect a mystery trail, crafts, creepy crawly sessions and a pumpkin patch for carving, alongside the soft play and animals.
- Price:
- From £9.95
- Ages:
- Pitched at young children: a little spooky and mostly fun.
- Dates:
- Daily from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Little Pumpkins Week at Bocketts Farm
Bocketts Farm, Fetcham · 17 October to 23 October 2026
The first week of Bocketts' Halloween season is aimed at younger children, with a spooky stamp trail, Halloween crafts and a Pumpkin Village for photos. The usual farm activities and play areas carry on alongside.
- Price:
- Check admission prices on the Bocketts website. Pony rides £3 per person and tractor rides £2 per person.
- Ages:
- Aimed at little ones.
- Dates:
- Daily 17 to 23 October 2026, with discos twice a day.
- BookHalf-termFamily days out
October half-term at Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Museum, Weybridge · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Brooklands marks the centenary of Britain's first Grand Prix with a new detective trail for half-term, The Grand Prix Mystery, performed in two scenes round the museum. Families can also take a short Concorde tour, ride a vintage bus and see the new Grand Prix exhibition.
- Price:
- From £10.70
- Ages:
- Concorde family tours are designed for young children; under 4s go free but need a ticket.
- Dates:
- Daily 17 October to 1 November, 10am to 5pm. The Grand Prix Mystery runs weekdays 19 to 30 October, with scenes at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.
- HalloweenHalf-term
October half-term at Mercedes-Benz World
Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands adds Halloween activities to its usual displays over half-term. Children can hunt for hidden pumpkins round the building, paint a spooky ceramic tea light holder and try face painting.
- Price:
- Pumpkin trail £6 per person and spooky ceramics £6 each. Halloween colouring sheets are free.
- Ages:
- Pumpkin trail recommended for ages 4 to 8; face painting for ages 3 and over.
- Dates:
- 17 October to 1 November 2026. Face painting on 25, 26, 27, 29 and 31 October.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
October half-term at RHS Garden Wisley: spooky plants
RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Wisley's half-term looks at the spooky side of plants, from poisonous species to plants with old healing legends. Families can follow a trail, plant herbs to take home and meet snakes and spiders with Zoolab.
- Price:
- Garden admission applies; free for RHS members and children under 5. Most activities are included. Zoolab sessions £5 per child and potion walks £3 per child, booked online.
- Ages:
- Zoolab and potion walks are recommended for ages 3 and over. Children must be with an adult.
- Dates:
- Daily 17 October to 1 November. Drop-in crafts 10am to 4pm. Zoolab sessions Monday to Friday (not 22 October) at 11.15am and 1.30pm. Potion walks 20, 22, 27 and 29 October at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
- HalloweenHalf-term
October half-term at the Lightbox
Lightbox Gallery, Woking · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Woking's canalside gallery and museum runs two weeks of family activities, with a Halloween-themed art cart and a drop-in Halloween Family Day. It is a useful indoor option for wet half-term days.
- Price:
- The Art Cart is free. Some activities are included with a day pass. Pay What You Wish on Wednesdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
- Dates:
- 17 October to 1 November 2026. Halloween Family Day drop-in on 28 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm or 2pm to 4pm.
- BookPumpkin pickingHalloween
Pick your own pumpkins at Priory Farm
Priory Farm Estate, South Nutfield · 17 October to 31 October 2026
Priory Farm has grown pumpkins since 1986 and this year planted 65,000 seeds across 12 acres, with 27 varieties. Visitors can drive to the field and pick their own, or ride out on a tractor and trailer from Discovery Land.
- Price:
- From £6
- Dates:
- Pumpkin Field open daily 17 to 31 October. The Tractor Adventure runs weekends in October and daily 17 to 31 October.
- HalloweenHalf-term
The Great Polesden Mystery children's trail
Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Polesden Lacey's prized pumpkin has gone missing, and children help Detective Grizwald work out who took it by solving puzzles round the grounds. It runs through both weeks of half-term.
- Price:
- From £3.50
- Dates:
- 17 October to 1 November, 10am to 3.30pm.
- HalloweenHalf-term
Pumpkin spotter trail and Halloween house at Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park, East Clandon · 18 October to 1 November 2026
Families can pick up a sheet and count the wooden pumpkins hidden around Hatchlands' parkland. Inside, the house is dressed for Halloween and shown in low light.
- Price:
- Free trail sheet; normal property admission applies. No booking needed.
- Dates:
- Sunday 18 October to Sunday 1 November. Decorated rooms on house open days.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween at Denbies Wine Estate
Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking · 19 October to 30 October 2026
Denbies runs a short Halloween programme for families over half-term. The outdoor train tour of the vineyard becomes a Spooky Train with creepy crawlies to spot, and Zoolab brings unusual animals for a hands-on workshop.
- Price:
- Check prices and book on the Denbies website.
- Dates:
- Spooky Train 19 to 30 October. Creepy Critters Halloween Workshop 28 and 29 October. Halloween Fancy Dress Disco Friday 30 October.
- BookHalf-termOutdoors
Half-term holiday clubs at Nower Wood
Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve, Leatherhead · 20 October to 28 October 2026
Surrey Wildlife Trust runs drop-off holiday days in the ancient woodland at Nower Wood. Younger children explore nature, while the teen club covers activities such as pond dipping, bushcraft and woodland conservation.
- Price:
- Check prices and book on the Surrey Wildlife Trust website.
- Ages:
- Wild Explorers is for ages 5 to 11; Wild Rangers is for teenagers.
- Dates:
- Wild Explorers (ages 5 to 11) on 20 and 22 October, and Wild Rangers for teenagers on 21 and 28 October, 9.30am to 3.30pm.
- HalloweenHalf-term
October half-term at Watts Gallery: monsters, magic and mischief
Watts Gallery Artists' Village, Compton · 20 October to 1 November 2026
Watts Gallery fills its gallery, house and woodland with Halloween activities for half-term. Children follow a woodland witches trail, mix potions and add their own creature to a monster menagerie.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 20 October to 1 November 2026, 10.30am to 4pm.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
October half-term workshops at Farnham Maltings
Farnham Maltings, Farnham · 21 October to 29 October 2026
Farnham Maltings' half-term programme mixes Halloween crafts with drama and art workshops for different ages. Options include beaded Halloween jewellery, screen-printed trick or treat bags, stage make-up and a trick or treat silent disco.
- Price:
- Each workshop is priced and booked separately; check prices on the Farnham Maltings website.
- Ages:
- Each workshop has its own age range, from 3 to 7 years up to 16.
- Dates:
- Workshops on selected days from 21 to 29 October, including ghost story drama on 21 October, Halloween T-shirt and bag printing on 26 October and special effects make-up on 27 October.
- BookFireworks and bonfiresHalf-term
Mini Fireworks Festival at Godstone Farm
Godstone Farm, Godstone · 24 October to 25 October 2026
A sensory-friendly evening for families who want fireworks without the loud bangs. Low-noise fireworks and lasers close an evening of fire acts, stilt walkers and a kids' disco, with after-hours use of the farm's soft play barn.
- Price:
- From £13.95
- Ages:
- Designed for young children and sensory-sensitive visitors.
- Dates:
- Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, from 4.30pm, with the fireworks finale at around 7pm.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Wizards and Witches Week at Bocketts Farm
Bocketts Farm, Fetcham · 24 October to 1 November 2026
Bocketts' second Halloween week adds science and slime shows and a reptile roadshow to the spooky trail, crafts and Pumpkin Village. It runs to the end of half-term.
- Price:
- Check admission prices on the Bocketts website. Face painting £7.50 per child, pony rides £3 and tractor rides £2 per person.
- Dates:
- Daily 24 October to 1 November 2026.
- BookPumpkin pickingHalloween
Wonderland Pumpkin Festival at Crockford Bridge Farm
Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone · 24 October to 31 October 2026
Crockford Bridge Farm's half-term festival is a two-hour theatrical adventure through Wonderland, with actors and circus performers leading families to a Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Pumpkin hunts, croquet and vintage fairground games fill the route.
- Price:
- From £12
- Ages:
- Best for ages 3 and over, younger siblings welcome. Maximum of two children per ticketed adult.
- Dates:
- 24 to 31 October 2026. Three two-hour sessions a day: 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm. Arrive 15 minutes early.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween holiday activities at Chertsey Museum
Chertsey Museum, Chertsey · 27 October to 29 October 2026
Chertsey Museum runs two Halloween craft sessions in half-term. Children make a 3D flapping bat on the Tuesday and turn a small box into a Frankenstein head on the Thursday.
- Price:
- From £4
- Ages:
- Ages 5 to 12. Five-year-olds must be accompanied.
- Dates:
- Bat Attack on Tuesday 27 October and Frankenstein Heads on Thursday 29 October, each at 11am to 12pm or 2pm to 3pm.
- DetailsHalloweenFamily days out
Halloween craft club
Watts Gallery Artists' Village, Compton · 28 October to 29 October 2026
A two-day Halloween craft club for children at Watts Gallery Artists' Village in Compton, running on 28 and 29 October 2026. Booking is needed through the event page, which gives the session times. It suits families looking for a half-term activity close to Guildford.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- See the event page for times
See them on the map
27 of these events, plotted. Tap a pin for dates, prices and directions.
Questions people ask
When is October half-term 2026 in Surrey?
Monday 19 October to Friday 30 October 2026 for council-maintained schools, with term restarting on Monday 2 November. Academies and independent schools can set their own dates.
What can we do if it rains?
Filter our directory for indoor places, or ask Doodle for rainy-day ideas near you. Several of the Halloween events listed here are indoors or mostly under cover.