October half-term 2023: Halloween trails and pumpkin picking
October half-term is the perfect time for pumpkin picking and Halloween trails: farms open their patches, forests put up spooky trails and children can run wild in the autumn leaves. In most of England, October half-term 2023 falls from 23 to 27 October, right before Halloween. Here are nine spots across the UK with ages, distances and difficulty, plus a kit list and snack stops.
Why kids love pumpkin picking and Halloween trails
Pumpkin picking turns a muddy field into a treasure hunt, and Halloween trails add costumes, clues and a little bit of spooky fun. Children choose their own pumpkin, push it in a wheelbarrow and carve it at home. Trails in woods and gardens get them walking further than usual without noticing.
It's also one of the best outdoor activities with kids in autumn: fresh air, colourful leaves and a sense of occasion before the dark evenings set in.
Which ages it suits
Pumpkin patches work for all ages, while longer woodland trails suit children from about four.
| Activity | Toddlers (1–3) | Pre-schoolers (3–5) | School age (6–11) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin picking | yes, with a carrier | great | great |
| Short Halloween trail (under 1.5 km) | yes | great | good |
| Longer forest trail (2–4 km) | carrier or buggy | with breaks | great |
| Evening light or spooky trail | not ideal | check the scare level | great |
9 October half-term spots with distance and difficulty
Most pumpkin farms are flat and easy, while woodland and arboretum trails are longer but still family-friendly. Check opening hours, booking and prices on the official website before you go.
| Place | Area | Activity | Distance | Difficulty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulleys Farm | West Sussex | pumpkin picking | short | easy | ££ |
| Crockford Bridge Farm | Surrey | pumpkin picking | short | easy | £ |
| Garsons | Surrey | pumpkin picking | short | easy | £ |
| Kenyon Hall Farm | near Warrington | pumpkin picking | short | easy | £ |
| Craigie's Farm | Edinburgh | pumpkin picking | short | easy | £ |
| Hatton Adventure World | Warwickshire | Halloween events | short | easy | ££ |
| Westonbirt Arboretum | Gloucestershire | autumn colour trail | 2–4 km | easy | ££ |
| Forestry England woods | England-wide | Halloween and Gruffalo trails | 1–3 km | easy to moderate | £ |
| National Trust gardens | UK-wide | Halloween trails | 1–2 km | easy | ££ |
Price per person: £ = under about £8, ££ = about £8–£20, £££ = over £20. Rough guide only, prices change.
Find outdoor days out near London on the Kid.ooo map
Tulleys Farm in Sussex is one of the best-known pumpkin events in the South East. Closer to London, Crockford Bridge Farm and Garsons have pick-your-own pumpkin fields. Up north, Kenyon Hall Farm near Warrington is a firm favourite, and in Scotland Craigie's Farm has pumpkin fields with views over Edinburgh.
Hatton Adventure World near Warwick puts on Halloween-themed fun for younger children. For autumn colour, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is spectacular in October. Forestry England woods and many National Trust gardens run family trails over half-term.
Safety and kit
Wellies, waterproofs and a torch are the October half-term essentials.
- Footwear: wellies or waterproof boots, as pumpkin fields turn to mud after rain.
- Layers: a warm jumper and a waterproof jacket, plus hats for later in the day.
- Torch or head torch: for dusk walks and evening trails.
- Pumpkin knife: leave carving to adults, and use child-safe carving kits for kids.
- Costumes: make sure they're short enough not to trip over and warm enough to wear outside.
- Road safety: use reflective bands if you walk home after dark.
Snacks and stops on the way
Pack a flask of hot chocolate, apples and something sweet, and plan a café stop for after the trail. Most pumpkin farms have a café or food stalls, but queues are long at weekends. Our guide to apple picking and farm cafés lists farm shops and cafés that also suit half-term.
Find kid-friendly cafés near your trail on the Kid.ooo map.
Parent tip: plan around the busiest days
Go on a weekday morning early in half-term, before the best pumpkins are gone and the car parks fill. Book timed tickets where you can, and take a few small coins for extras like face painting. If the weather is wild, swap the trail for an indoor day from our list of the best soft play centres in the UK.
For family days out and foodie ideas, take a look at @abbyteh on Instagram.
Find nearby trails and playgrounds in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share trails, farms, playgrounds and cafés. Use it to find things to do with kids near me this half-term, and playgrounds near me for a quick run-around on the way home.
Find trails and playgrounds on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite pumpkin patch or Halloween trail? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan their October half-term.
Frequently asked questions
When is October half-term 2023?
In most of England, October half-term 2023 runs from Monday 23 to Friday 27 October, though some areas break a week later. Scottish schools have a longer October break earlier in the month, so check your council's dates.
When should you go pumpkin picking?
Most UK pumpkin patches open from late September or early October until Halloween. Weekday mornings in half-term are quieter and the best pumpkins are still in the field.
Do you need to book pumpkin picking?
Popular farms often sell timed tickets for weekends and half-term, sometimes with a small entry fee and pumpkins paid for separately. Check the farm's website before you set off.
What should kids wear for pumpkin picking?
Wellies, old clothes and a waterproof jacket, because fields get very muddy in October. Bring a sturdy bag, or let the farm's wheelbarrows do the heavy lifting.
Find family places near you
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