CHRISTMAS will soon be upon us, so it’s time to get those festive dates lined up in your calendar.
You don’t need to shell out a fortune for lifetime memories though – we’ve rounded up plenty of activities full of festive cheer that won’t break the bank. From free ice skating to festive illuminations – here are the top memory-making days out for you and your family…
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – the UK’s largest open-air ice rink is built around Hyde Park’s Victoria bandstandCredit: Alamy
Ice skating
Nothing says winter and Christmas quite like a festive ice skating rink.
Blackpool has a synthetic ice rink that stretches 20m long and is FREE to use, including free skate hire – all you have to do is show up and hand over your shoes for some boots.
Meanwhile, Caerphilly On Ice at Caerphilly Castle is selling early bird skate tickets from just £9.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – the UK’s largest open-air ice rink is built around Hyde Park’s Victoria bandstand and has tickets from £9.35 for kids and £12.95 for adults, off-peak.
Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire has a festive ice rink set within its adventure park from November to February, with tickets from £14.
Boxpark Liverpool is bringing back its popular ice rink, with adult tickets from £10 and kids tickets from £8.
Dalkeith Country park has a Winterfest Skating Rink, with £11 tickets for adults and £9 tickets for children.
Aviemore Ice Rink at Macdonald Highland Resort has adult ice skating tickets for £14 and kids tickets for £12.
Ice Skate Birmingham at Centenary Square has early bird adult tickets from £9.50 and kids from £8.50, rising to £14 for adults in peak times and £12 for kids.
Bath on Ice has tickets from £16.50 for adults and £14 for kids, with an outdoor rink beneath the Christmas lights in Royal Victoria Park.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – York’s original and largest open-air ice rink – returns for its 21st year, with adults tickets from £18.09 and kids from £16.99.
Skate Manchester in the city’s Cathedral Gardens has adult tickets from £16.80 and kids tickets from £15.40.
Winter lights festival in Canary Wharf London England, Christmas lights and New year celebrationCredit: Alamy
Light trails
Light trails such as RHS Glow Light Trails at Wisley cost as little as £7.50 per adult and £6 per child when booked for an off peak session in advance.
RHS Bridgewater’s celebration of light in Salford runs from 26 November to 30 December new Super Off Peak tickets starting at £9.25 for adults or £6 for RHS members, and £5.50 for kids.
Gulliver’s Theme Parks has their annual Land Of Lights running from October 24 to January 30, with early bird tickets from £12.50 for both adults and kids.
The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail returns from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with its biggest and brightest trail yet, on Torquay’s seafront.
The Winter light Trail through Trentham Gardens at Trentham Estate near Stoke On Trent is very affordable, with adult tickets from £17 and kids tickets from £12.50.
Lightwaves Salford is running from 23 November to 13 December 2026 and is free to enter, with illuminated artworks along a 2km trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.
Alnwick Garden light trail in Northumberland runs from 20 November to 3 January and has off-peak tickets from £18.15 for adults and £11 for kids.
For a rainproof option, try Noel – a Christmas light show at Liverpool Cathedral from 27 November to 5 December, priced from £10.50 for adults and £8.50 for kids.
The Bristol Light Festival will return for its seventh edition from 18 February to 27 February 2027. It is free to attend, with no booking or ticket required.
The ‘Burning the Clocks’ parade of lanterns moves through Brighton in East Sussex as part of celebration of the Winter Solstice.Credit: Alamy
Lantern parades
For the ultimate wholesome activity, why not take part in a local lantern trail with the kids.
For example, Burning the Clocks in Brighton will return this year with thousands of people making paper lanterns and carrying them through the city before burning them on the beach.
This years theme will be ‘Magicada’ which represents a symbolic rest followed by a noisy awakening – though a date for when it will take place is yet to be revealed.
In Devon, Totnes launches its late night Christmas shopping nights on December 8 with a free Carnival Lantern Parade through the town.
There will be handcrafted lanterns with live music and street performers alongside 70 stalls and 125 independent shops remaining open into the night.
In South London, a light procession takes place through Maritime Greenwich on November 18, ahead of the annual Christmas lights switch-on that evening.
Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade takes place on 23 November, with participants carrying recycled or homemade lanterns through the city streets – the theme this year is ‘Angel’s Message.’
Leamington Lantern Parade in Leamington Spa takes place on December 6, with participants carrying homemade lanterns to a backdrop of stilt walkers and carol singers.
Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light in Newbury town centre takes place on December 13, with lantern-making workshops available to the public in the run-up.
People eating and drinking at Birmingham’s German MarketCredit: Alamy
Christmas markets
The UK is home to some fabulous Christmas markets and most are free to visit.
Most towns have their own, and here are some of the biggest, oldest and quirkiest around the country.
Manchester’s Christmas Marketsfeature 200 wooden chalets across ten city centre locations, with a fairground and a huge Ferris wheel, craft stalls, a pop-up pub and an undercover ice skating rink.
Edinburgh’s Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens are easily some of the prettiest, with wooden chalets, fairground rides and a Ferris Wheel alongside a background of Edinburgh Castle.
York’s St Nicholas Fair looks like something from a Hallmark Christmas movie, with plenty of local traders selling local produce and crafts in wooden chalets.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market was named one of the best in Europe in 2024 – is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany, with traditional arts and crafts plus German food and drink.
Oxford Victorian Christmas Market takes place from November 12 – 15, with costumed traders and Victorian-style street performers, alongside 50 stalls selling decorations, food and drink.
Portmeirion Welsh Christmas Market runs from 4-6 December in Portmeirion Village, Gwynedd, North Wales, featuring 120 stalls and live performances around along the village’s unique streets.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has a load of tickets for just £1 this yearCredit: Getty
The attraction returns to London’s Hyde Park on November 19 and will run until January 3, 2027.
Yes, there are plenty of activities and food stands that cost a fortune, but there are also ways to keep costs down and have a fantastic day out.
This year there are tonnes of £1 entry tickets, which are typically for weekday sessions.
Free activities once you’re inside include:
Visiting Santa’s Grotto in Santa Land is free and comes with a small gift.
Free live music at the Market Square and the Explorer’s Rest.
There’s a free Elves’ Workshop too, with interactive experiences and games for little visitors to enjoy.
Christmas day out at the National Railway Museum
In York, you can visit the National Railway Museum for free and its upcoming Christmas event is also free.
Free Christmas activities include writing a letter to Father Christmas, exploring winter science activities and designing a 2027 calendar.
You can upgrade your experience to meet Father Christmas aboard the Guard’s compartment on a train for £15 per child.
The event runs from December 2 to 23 and each child will get a small gift as well as a hot chocolate.
From your traditional Santa Grottos to storytelling sessions with Mrs Claus check out the National Trust sites nearest to you to find out what’s onCredit: Getty
National Trust Santa Visits
The National Trust is an excellent location for the annual family festive day out.
The buildings are already beautiful and look great spruced up with some decorations, they often have winter trails through the large gardens and many of them feature their own Santa’s grotto.
When booking an activity, you actually get a lot of festive fun for the price of your ticket.
For example, Father Christmas at the Farm, at Tatton Park in Cheshire, features a nativity scene, live music, festive entertainers, a grotto, make-your-own reindeer food and a Christmas pop-up cafe. Adult tickets are £12.50 and kids tickets are £14. Runs from November 21 to December 24.
Father Christmas at Sunnycroft in Telford, Shropshire lets visitors step into the world of The Wind in the Willows with a 20-minute journey through the homes of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad, that ends with a visit to Father Christmas.
One child and one accompanying adult costs £25. Runs from December 4-13.
Storytelling with Santa at Kingston Lacy in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, lets kids enjoy a story read by by Father Christmas, plus a gift and a photo opportunity. Tickets cost £15.50 per child and includes one accompanying adult. November 28 – December 23.
Visit Father Christmas at Gibside Stables in Gateshead lets visitors join playful forest elf Happy Holly Berry and Father Christmas for a festive story, then receive a small gift and a photo opportunity. Kids tickets tickets cost £18 and the adult is included in the price. Runs from November 29 to December 23.
Find out more about the National Trust Santa visits here.
It is also worth keeping your eye out for the Coca-Cola Christmas truck datesCredit: Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Christmas Truck
The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck tours each festive season, offering free drinks, festive photo opportunities and interactive games.
Admission is free and you don’t need to buy tickets or book in advance.
Coca-Cola usually reveals the tour schedule around mid-November, featuring around 15 stops across the UK.
The stops usually run from around midday to 8pm, between late November and Christmas.
Day Out With The Kids has their own trucktracker, which they’ll update when the 2026 dates come through.
Christmas light switch-ons and parades
Across the UK there are also a number of Christmas light switch-ons and parades that don’t cost a penny to watch.
For example, you could head to Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights switch-on in central London, which will take place on November 4, with the theme ‘Press Play on Christmas’ and neon lights inspired by 1990s nostalgia.
Neighbouring Covent Garden has its Christmas lights switch-on on November 12, featuring more than 300,000 lights and free festive entertainment around the piazza.
Also in the area is Regent Street’s Festive Spirits switch-on on November 5, with a traffic-free event, family entertainment and in-store experiences.
Darlington Town Centre Christmas switch-on takes place on November 15, hosted by radio DJs and starring pantomime characters, plus a fireworks display after the switch-on.
Rochdale Town Hall hosts Ignite Fire Festival – with a magical trail of fire, lights and sound from November 20-22 that ends with the town’s Christmas light switch-on.
Preston’s Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the Flag Market on November 21, with East 17 headlining an evening of live music, entertainment, magic, football, pantomime and plenty of festive fun.
The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On took place on September 4 and the lights will run nightly until january 3 – six miles of illuminations along the Promenade from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road.
Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell, sitting next to soon-to-be free agent Tarik Skubal at their lockers in the aftermath of their team’s elimination from the National League Championship Series elimination, made a promise:
“I’ll be recruiting,” he interjected with a smile, as Skubal declined to comment on free agency, saying it was too soon to try to predict what the future would hold for him.
That would be Snell’s side project between rounds of video games — 2K specifically. (Skubal admittedly “sucks” at the game, but Snell says his teammate “has heart, though.” The rest can be taught.)
The expected lockout, and MLB’s insistence on a salary cap in their CBA proposals, have also cast doubt on what the system will look like next year — whenever the season begins.
Not to mention, the stars in the Dodgers’ lineup, already the oldest in the majors (weighted by at-bats and games played), will be another year older.
Could this be the end of an era?
“I don’t feel that at all,” Skubal said. “It’s hard to win the World Series, and this group has done it the last two seasons. Obviously, not this year, but … I think that this group is incredibly talented. And the preparation and the work ethic that this group has — I don’t buy into that narrative.”
Said Snell: “We’re only getting better.”
Plenty of people outside of the Dodgers’ downcast clubhouse Thursday evening saw the Brewers’ four-game sweep of the defending back-to-back champions as the fall of a dynasty. But the players inside fervently disagreed.
“When you have Shohei Ohtani on your team, Yoshinbou Yamamoto, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and the years ahead of these guys, you can never think that it’s going to be the end,” Rojas said. “And I know this organization so well, they’re not going to be satisfied with this loss. I think they’re going to move forward and continue to improve the team in any capacity, and I believe that we’re going to be even better next year.”
Said Hernández: “I don’t know what’s going to happen with me personally, moving forward for next year. But this team is well-positioned to keep winning and keep competing deep into October. So not only is this locker room very talented, but there’s a lot of guys knocking on the door in the minor-league system that can be really impactful players. So the organization is in good hands.”
Rookie Josue De Paula showed down the stretch, and with his plate discipline even in high-octane moments in the postseason, just how impactful the young players in the Dodgers’ system could be. And there are more behind him.
This offseason, the Dodgers front office will try to strike a balance between continuity and fresh faces. For some of their impending free agents, who spoke highly of the organization, that meant uncertainty in the immediate aftermath.
“I love this place,” Hernández said. “I’ve played for three other teams, but every time I look at my career, I obviously go back to this place. I’ve been here the longest. I hope I get back. I feel like I have a lot left. … I would love to have one more try, trying to win another one. But I don’t really know what’s going to happen.”
Vesia, too, said he’d love to return.
“From the coaching staff, to the front office, to the players that have taken me under their wing, have helped mold and shape me into who I am and how I carry myself, how I go about my business,” Vesia said of his six years in the organization. “And if it wasn’t for the people in this room, I would not be where I’m at today. So, very thankful. This whole experience has been life-changing.”
Skubal is in a unique situation. In line to be the top free agent pitcher in this year’s class, he held his cards closer to the vest. But he gave a glowing review of his time with the Dodgers.
“It was an honor and a privilege to be here and compete with these guys, and to wear L.A. across your hat and across your chest,” he said. “It’s something that I took a lot of pride in. And, obviously, didn’t end the way that I wanted it to. But that’s life. That’s baseball. I had a ton of fun here, and I loved competing with these guys.”
Pensioners could get it for free – saving themselves an annual fee of £180
Not everyone can get it for free – but it’s worth checking(Image: Getty)
Pensioners could be missing out on a free TV Licence – saving them £180 per year.
The standard annual TV Licence costs £180 for a colour licence. Meanwhile, a black-and-white licence costs £60.50, following an increase on April 1, 2026.
There are around 23.3 million TV licences in force – a fall of 539,000 year on year, according to a BBC report on July 14, 2026. This generated income of £3.9 billion, up £36 million year on year, “largely driven by the licence fee uplift.”
Pensioners could get a free TV Licence
You need a TV Licence to watch or record live programmes on any channel, including the BBC. A licence is also required to watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, whether you’re streaming live or watching a downloaded programme on a TV, computer, tablet or smartphone.
If you need one, you could get a free licence if you’re 75 or over and you get Pension Credit. You can also get a discounted TV Licence if you’re blind or live in residential care.
If you’re 75 or over, you could get a free TV Licence
You can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
get Pension Credit
live with your partner who gets Pension Credit
The licence covers everyone who lives at your address. If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply from age 74. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before you turn 75, after which your free licence will take effect.
If you don’t have Pension Credit but think you may be eligible for it, it’s worth checking, TV Licensing suggests.
You can apply online here. If you would prefer to apply for a free TV Licence by phone, call 0300 790 6117* to speak to an advisor. Lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm, from Monday to Friday.
*Calls to their 0300 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number, whether from a mobile or landline. If you get inclusive minutes, calls to an 0300 number will be included free of charge.
If you’re in residential care or sheltered accommodation
You can get a heavily discounted TV Licence if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation. TV Licensing says that this is known as an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence and costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.
You must be either:
retired and over 60
disabled
You should speak to your care home managers to find out if your accommodation qualifies. They are responsible for arranging this type of licence, gov.uk advises.
If you’re registered blind
If you’re blind (severely sight-impaired) and can provide the required evidence, you can apply for a 50% concession. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you.
A blind concession TV Licence costs £90 for colour and £30.25 for black-and-white annually. If you’re partially sighted (sight impaired), you’re not eligible.
If someone you live with is blind (severely sight impaired), you can apply for a blind concession, whatever their age. If you already have a TV Licence but it isn’t in the blind person’s name, you’ll need to transfer it into their name. You can do this by submitting a first-time blind application and entering the existing TV Licence number for your address when you apply.
EVERY parent knows that taking a toddler on holiday often feels less relaxing getaway and more like a parenting shift in a different location.
Don’t worry – we’ve found the ultimate cheap holiday for parents with under 5’s where everything’s taken care of for you – plus the kids even eat for free.
Parkdean Resorts offer four-night Tots Breaks where children under 5 eat for freeCredit: Alamy
Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)
Parkdean Resorts are running Tots Breaks packages, four-night stays starting from £99.
If you’re visiting as a family of four, that works out to a tiny £6.19pp per night.
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These action-packed breaks are bursting with free activities and entertainment that’s sure to keep the little ones smiling.
However, the best part may just be the food. On a Tots Break, kids eat completely free for the entire duration of your stay.
That means hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are totally sorted, saving a family up to £70 on their holiday dining.
Fussy eaters are well-catered for with the Starland Krew Menu, with kid-friendly classics like tomato pasta, beef burgers, and chicken strips with chips.
You won’t need to constantly dip into your wallet to keep them entertained, either. These breaks are packed with free activities tailored specifically to young children.
Kids can burn off energy at the Tots Adventure Playground, get stuck into messy play, or enjoy the musical Tots & Tunes sessions.
Plus there’s even adorable ‘Mini Olympics’, mini archery, and mini fencing classes.
And if your kids are completely obsessed with their favourite TV characters, you’re in luck.
There are plenty of activities for under 5’s across Parkdean Resorts’ holiday parksCredit: Parkdean Holidays
Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)
Parkdean Resorts host Milkshake! Mornings packed with stories and singing, plus the chance to meet PAW Patrol legends like Chase and Marshall in the flesh (well, in the fur).
The fun is perfectly timed for early bedtimes, too. Early evening entertainment includes toddler discos, ‘kideoke’ sing-alongs, and even a fun ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event.
When it’s finally time to crash, the accommodation is set up for families.
The standard Bronze caravans are spacious, featuring stylish cream-coloured interiors, fully equipped modern kitchens, and TVs for a chilled movie once the kids are asleep.
Tots Breaks are available across dozens of Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide throughout the year.
Participating parks include Sandford in Dorset, a peaceful woodland park close to Poole and Bournemouth, and Trecco Bay in Wales, which is one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.
If you have older children, they may enjoy a Parkdean Resorts’ Nickelodeon Weekender instead.
These breaks start at £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58pp per night for a family of four.
Nickelodeon-themed entertainment includes ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder, learning the Pup Pup Boogie dance, and meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Families can even enjoy a ‘Movie with the Stars’, where you’ll sit down to a movie night alongside the actual characters from the film.
Kids under 5 can enjoy three meals a day as part of the Tots Break packageCredit: Parkdean Holidays
Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)
Colombia has opened an embassy in West Jerusalem under new far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella, who is reversing his predecessor’s break with Israel by also restoring a free trade agreement.
Trump Accounts promise children a financial head start. Al Jazeera’s Emma Withrow spoke with one parent asking why he can’t opt out, or choose investments that align with his beliefs. Here’s what the rules actually say.
OCTOBER half-term is fast approaching, and keeping the kids entertained without spending loads can feel scarier than Halloween itself.
Luckily, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to keep the half term action-packed, with brilliant cheap and free events popping up across the UK.
Meet a whole host of strange and wonderful characters at Playful Park of Peculiar in LondonCredit: High Street Kensington
From giant inflatable monster takeovers, to ‘Wizard Schools’ and Hey Duggee-themed trails, there are options for families of all ages.
Here’s our pick of the best free and cheap family days out for October half-term.
Free
Spooky Season at the National Railway Museum, York
Visit the National Railway Museum between 24 October – 1 November follow a spooky storytelling trail through spectacular vintage trains.
Drop into free daily storytelling sessions, creepy craft workshops and more, while getting to see everything from steam locomotives to the Japanese shinkansen.
For even more hands-on action, grab tickets to the Wonderlab gallery, where the interactive science exhibits have been given a thrilling seasonal twist.
Tickets are free, just make sure to book online in advance.
The Playful Park of Peculiar & Halloween Trail, London
Head to High Street Kensington for a family-friendly Halloween trail that will lead you in and out of shops along one of London’s prettiest streets.
The free trail takes place from October 23 – 31, but if you visit on Halloween, you’ll also get to visit Big Kensington Vintage Flea market which will be specially stocked with Gothic furniture and florals.
Plus, from 4:30pm – 7.30pm that night, Holland Park transform into the Playful Park of Peculiar.
This is a free trail complete with decorations, illuminations and even live characters and performances to meet along the way.
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
For a proper scare this Halloween, head to Lancashire’s Pendle Hill, which is widely known as one of the UK’s most haunted spots.
The area is famous for hosting witch trials in 1612, and there are plenty of ghostly and historical walking tours that delve deep into its past.
Brave a guided ghost walk for £10pp and explore the very villages where the accused witches once lived.
After working up a fright in the dark, you can calm your nerves and warm up with a well-earned pint by a roaring fire in one of the area’s cosy local pubs.
Halloween trails, murder mystery and more on the English Riviera
Brave the hair-raising ‘Abbey After Dark’ scare trail at Torre Abbey, hunt for mini monsters at the illuminated Babbacombe Model Village, or explore ancient underground caves on a creepy ghost walk at Kents Cavern.
If you need a break from the scares, take a brisk walk along the stunning South West Coast path before warming up with a cosy pub lunch.
Derry Halloween Festival
Derry is home to the largest Halloween Festival in EuropeCredit: AlamyVisit Lightpool Festival in Blackpool to see impressive illumination displays for freeCredit: Alamy
Visit the home of Halloween this October half-term, as Derry celebrates the 40th anniversary of Europe’s largest Halloween festival.
Families can tackle the ‘Awakening the Walled City’ trail, where the streets come alive with giant illuminated statues, creepy roaming characters, and thrilling fire shows.
Down in the city centre, the streets are packed with free entertainment and live shows to keep the kids entertained, with acrobatics, circus performers and spooky street theatre.
The fun wraps up on Halloween night with a costume carnival parade through the city and a dazzling fireworks finale over the River Foyle.
Halloween in the City, Manchester
From October 24 – 31, Manchester city centre will be taken over by giant inflatable ghosts and aliens as the popular MCR Monsters return to the city to celebrate their 10th birthday.
Families can join in the completely free monster birthday bash, featuring a Rave Yard disco, live storytelling and a brilliantly bizarre Monster Bake-Off.
Kids are also encouraged to don their best fancy dress alongside creepy creatures in the Walk the Plank monster procession.
To top it all off, little trick-or-treaters can tackle the Kids’ Halloween Hunt on New Cathedral Street to bag themselves a party bag stuffed with free sweets.
Lightpool Festival, Blackpool
Blackpool‘s Lightpool Festival is back with a bang this October half-term, celebrating its 10th anniversary with another completely free program of illuminated entertainment.
Running from October 21 – 31, the seaside town‘s landmarks will be transformed by mesmerising 3D projection shows and interactive artworks including neon jellyfish and giant glowing sculptures.
Make sure to visit the famous Tower Ballroom to catch the ‘Carnival Magic’ show, an explosive performance packed with puppets, fire-breathers, and dancers.
With zero cost to explore all the indoor and outdoor displays, it’s the perfect family evening out to brighten up the dark autumn nights.
£5 and under
Dressing up is encouraged for the Creepy Circus trail and Zombie Apocalypse Party in WeymouthCredit: GettyGlide through Scarecastle Tunnel in StaffordshireCredit: Canal & River Trust
The Creepy Circus, Zombie Apocalypse party & more, Weymouth – £2.75pp
Head on a haunted trail through Weymouth this October, and meet the cast of theCreepy Circus (made up of live actors) along the way…
Beginning in the city centre, you will explore the seaside town as a team, stopping to collect clues from witches and mystery circus characters.
The trail takes place from October 25 – November 1, from 10am – 6pm daily and costs £2.75pp.
Plus if you’re in Weymouth on Halloween night, there’s a Zombie Apocalypse party at The Donkey Social with totally free entry. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there’s prizes up for grabs, too.
Wizard School & more in Southampton – from £4
There’s plenty of spooky happenings in Southampton this October, with options for families of all ages.
Tudor House will offer free admission on October 30 on a Halloween-themed open day. The site is Southampton’s oldest museum, and was built in the late 15th century.
There will also be additional themed crafts, face painting and more from £4.
Families visiting on October 26 or 27 can take part in ‘Wizard School’ sessions, and even create their own wand to take home (£8 per child).
Scarecastle, Staffordshire- £5
Brave the dark depths of a two-mile long underground canal tunnel on a spooky ‘Scarecastle’ boat trip this October.
The tunnel opened in 1777, and helped to connect the Midlands canal network to Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.
Running daily from October 25 to 31, this historic tunnel is transformed into a floating Halloween tour packed with surprises.
Tickets cost £5 each. Pre-book your spot in advance online.
£10 and under
Take on the Enchanted Forest and Woodland Witches trail at Stockeld ParkCredit: Alamy
Southampton Ghost Tour – £10pp
The Southampton Ghost tour winds through underground medieval vaults and includes visits to haunted historic buildings such as the Merchants Hall, Tudor House and The Red Lion pub (which boasts an impressive 21 ghosts)
It starts at 6pm on Halloween night, but if you can’t make this one there are more options with various dates hosted by the likes of Dark Encounters and Get Your Guide.
Halloween at Stockeld Park, Yorkshire – from £9pp
At Yorkshire’s Stockeld Park, families can explore an Enchanted Forest on a Woodland Witches trail, tackle interactive challenges and even take on a giant Mummy Maze.
Beyond the witchy fun, there are tractor rides to pumpkin patches and even a Zombie Laser Tag arena.
For a special after-dark treat, you can grab tickets to the brand new Pumpkin Nights to watch spectacular fire-eating shows under the stars.
The events run every weekend throughout October, with event tickets priced individually. The cheapest event costs £9pp.
£15 and under
Explore the autumn colorus of the great outdoors this October with walking trailsCredit: AlamyCastle Howard Arboretum has 120 acres of woodland and rare red squirrels to seeCredit: PA
Illuminated Halloween trail, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Dorset – £14 per adult, £8 per child
As darkness falls, Moors Valley begins to glow with a spectacular illuminated Halloween trail packed with eerie encounters.
Wander beneath towering giant skeletons, dodge creepy characters like manic barbers, and tip-toe through a creepy carnivorous garden.
The route also features a brilliant food village where you can stop to sip a hot chocolate or toast some marshmallows.
The event takes place from October 23 – November 1. Pre-book timed entry tickets online, costing £15.75 for adults and £13 for children.
Kew Gardens is teaming up with Hey Duggee for an autumnal outdoor adventure trail for little ones this October half-term.
Kids can grab a map and explore the famous gardens while taking on interactive challenges, stopping to collect Squirrel Club badge stamps along the way.
After earning their final badge and grabbing a quick photo with a Duggee sculpture, there’s plenty more to explore such as the Children’s Garden.
Running daily from October 17 – November 1, the trail is completely free with standard garden entry. You can bag £10 entry tickets if you visit on a Tuesday throughout autumn.
Castle Howard Arboretum, North Yorkshire – from £12.75 per adult, £8.50 per child
Visit Castle Howard Arboretum this October half-term for a spectacular display of autumn colours across 120 acres of beautiful woodland.
After exploring hidden glades and tranquil lakes, you can sit down for a family meal in the cosy on-site cafe.
Make sure to look out for the resident red squirrels, named David Attenborough and Cinnamon.
Enjoy getting out in the fresh air this half term, with adult tickets from £12.75 and kids from £8.50.
Welsh School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Carmarthenshire – £10pp
Pack your broomsticks, as the British Bird of Prey Centre is transforming into the Welsh School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this October half term.
Trainee wizards can get stuck into a timetable of spooky activities, including crafting their own wands and brewing potions.
You can also upgrade for £10 to a masterclass where you’ll learn how to fly an owl and more.
The event runs from October 26 – November 1, with all standard classes and bird shows included in your regular centre admission ticket (£14 per adult, £8.50 per child).
