HALLOWEEN & OCTOBER HALF TERM EVENTS 2026

Info: Meet Professor Fizzle, a brilliant (if slightly clumsy) inventor who has created the BRAVE Machine to help with all the things that can feel a little scary at Halloween. But there’s a problem... the machine isn’t quite finished! Children will need to help Professor Fizzle complete BRAVE through a brand-new performer-led adventure all about courage, asking for help, and discovering that being brave can look different for everyone.

Dates: Tuesday 20th October – Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Discovery Village, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA

Website: Discovery Village

Info: As darkness falls, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens come alive with a magical world of light. Wander through the gardens and woodland valley after dark, where familiar plants and pathways are transformed by light, colour, shapes and textures.

Dates: Friday 24 October – Saturday 31 October 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Info: Join the magical autumn trail as you help Pippa, Mapperton’s mischievous cat, and her friends solve the mystery of the missing pumpkin. Follow the mapped route through the gardens, discovering beautifully decorated autumn scenes and helping Pippa uncover clues along the way. Each child will receive a special activity booklet and prize for completing the trail.

Dates: Sunday 25th – Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Mapperton Estate, Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR

Website: Mapperton

Info: Help the Sea Witch and Warlock look after their ocean home and fellow sea creatures by completing magical challenges throughout the aquarium. Will you be brave enough to step up and help complete 'spook-splash-tic' challenges and fill in your activity sheet as you go?

Dates: Saturday 3rd October – Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: SEA LIFE, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: Weymouth SEA LIFE

Info: Don your wellies and visit Bincombe Bumps for pumpkin picking, outdoor play areas, Haunted House, Trick or Treat, drinks, lunches and seasonal sweet treats.

Dates: Selected dates from Saturday – Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: West Farm, Bincombe, Nr Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5PS

Website: Bincombe Bumps Events

Info: Explore Minterne Gardens and discover the Halloween characters!

Dates: Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026

Address: Minterne Gardens, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU

Website: Minterne Gardens

Info: Nothe Fort have conjured up a whole cauldron full of activities with a Halloween mouse hunt, spooky bingo games, family ghost tours, wand-making workshop, pumpkin golf, fiendish games and creepy crafts!

Dates: Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF

Website: Nothe Fort

Info: Details of this year’s Halloween Hunt are still under wraps, but be prepared for an enchanted adventure featuring clues, puzzles and plenty of seasonal surprises. During half term, children can also enjoy forest walks, mini golf, play areas and the steam railway.

Dates: Thursday 1st October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: Returning this autumn, the family-friendly event transforms the woodland into an unforgettable illuminated trail filled with eerie encounters, immersive scenes and spooky surprises around every corner.

Dates: Thursday 22nd October – Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET

Website: Forestry England

Info: Passengers can look forward to a journey filled with Halloween magic, mysterious encounters and plenty of unexpected moments along the way. With a spooky atmosphere, immersive entertainment and fun for the whole family, the Ghost Train promises a Halloween experience unlike any other.

Dates: Friday 30th – Saturday 31st October 2026

Location: Norden Train Station to Swanage Train Station

Website: Swanage Railway

Info: The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with 100 years of history, 300 tanks, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. During half term, enjoy family activities, trails, tours, soft play and the outdoor play area.

Dates: Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG

Website: Tank Museum

Info: Explore the haunted woodland trail, follow eerie clues, carve your own pumpkin and get creative with a range of Halloween activities on selected dates. With no jump scares, it’s the perfect Halloween day out for little monsters and the whole family.

Dates: Saturday 24th – Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR

Website: The Blue Pool

Info: Discover a world of spook-tacular fun at Abbotsbury Swannery! Six ghoulish games are hidden around the grounds, each waiting to be discovered. With creepy challenges, mysterious characters and Halloween fun around every corner, there’s plenty to keep little witches, wizards and explorers entertained.

Dates: Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4JG

Website: Abbotsbury Swannery

Info: Have a ghoulishly good time ghost hunting in the historic house on an indoor trail. Follow the garden trail, play some garden games, and make something in the drop in craft sessions which run on selected dates.

Dates: Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Russell-Cotes Museum, West Cliff Promenade, West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA

Website: Russell-Cotes Museum

Info: Little ones can enjoy potion making to create their own glow-in-the-dark slime, and decorate a trick or treat bag to take home, alongside playful games and a themed afternoon tea they’ll love.

Dates: Various dates in half term

Address: Dobbies, 24 Wareham Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8BY

Website: Dobbies

Info: Explore the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises hidden along the way. Match each spooky item on your trail sheet with its corresponding letter, solve the Halloween puzzle and take on the themed quiz as you go! When finished, head to the Pier Gatehouse to claim your treat and be entered into a prize draw. Children can also enjoy themed crafts and games on selected dates.

Dates: Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Swanage Pier, Pier Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AP

Website: Swanage Pier

Info: Activities throughout the day range from trying Tudor food, dancing, and clothing; to writing with a quill or kicking a Tudor football. Come and see demonstrations of how a whole host of crafts were done in the 16th Century, and maybe have a go at a few!

Dates: Monday 26th – Friday 30th October 2026

Address: Athelhampton House, Athelhampton Road, Puddletown, Dorset, DT2 7LG

Website: Athelhampton House

Info: Explore the castle with a new family quest! Step back into a time where everyday life was filled with folklore, mystery, and superstition, where every home had its own secrets. You can also bring your own teddy or borrow one and take them for a tour around the site before attaching it to the zip wire by the castle keep.

Dates: Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ

Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

Info: Follow the trail in the gardens to discover the pumpkins and solve clues along the way.

Dates: Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR

Website: Sherborne Castle

Info: Can you find the stars hidden around the Castle? Design a planet to add to the night sky scene. On Tuesday and Thursday, children can also make their own rocket a design a planet sun catcher.

Dates: Sunday 25th October – Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: Head through the enchanted forest, the spooky sports sand bowl and back along the beach as you search out the activity stations. Start your journey by making your wand and fill in your wizards passport as you go. What will you find out along the way?

Dates: Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Address: Knoll Beach, Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ

Website: National Trust Studland Bay

Info: Visit the Littledown Miniature Railway for a scary train ride through the old trees.

Date: Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Littledown Parkland, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX

Website: Littledown Railway

Info: The Halloween Disco hosted by Get Up and Groove will be jam packed with games, epic dance competitions and tons of disco fun!

Date: Friday 30th October 2026

Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX

Website: BH Live Active

Info: The Boo & Bounce events will have multiple bouncy castles to enjoy and depending on the date you choose there will also be a giant games zone, entertainment from The Lovely Bubbly Show or a spooky disco party with Get Up and Bounce. On Halloween there’s a special Spooks Fest with themed activities and entertainment.

Dates: Monday 26th – Wednesday 28th, Saturday 31st October 2026

Locations: Poole & Bournemouth

Website: Get Up & Bounce

Info: Balloon Madness will be hosting a Halloween disco with a bouncy castle, soft play, craft table, games, prizes and more.

Date: Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall, Churchill Close, Sturminster Marshall, Dorset, BH21 4BQ

Facebook: Balloon Madness

Info: The Cumberland Hotel will be playing all the best pop songs, chart hits and Disney tunes so kids can sing, jump, and dance like a star.

Date: Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: The Cumberland Hotel, 27 E Overcliff Dr, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 3AF

Website: The Cumberland Hotel

Info: Get ready for a wickedly fun afternoon of entertainment. Bring the whole family to the Halloween Spooktacular – packed with laughter, magic and plenty of spooky surprises. Featuring Bournemouth’s best and most established entertainers, this is the ultimate treat for all ages.

Date: Monday 26th October 2026

Address: Barrington Theatre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH

Website: Barrington Theatre

Info: On Monday, Upwey Wishing Well will be hosting a fun Mickey & Mini Halloween Party, on Wednesday there’s a Fairy Godmother Princess & Glass Slipper Princess Party, and on Friday kids can enjoy games and activities at the Halloween Breakfast!

Dates: Monday 26th, Wednesday 28th & Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Upwey Wishing Well, 161 Church Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QE

Website: Upwey Wishing Well

Info: Get ready to haunt the town! Whether you're a creepy clown, ghoul, witch, zombie, vampire, or something delightfully spooky, Weymouth want you to join the Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat in full costume!

Date: Friday 30th October 2026

Location: Starting at Millenium Square in Weymouth

Website: We Are Weymouth

Info: Wimborne DSME are a group of like-minded model engineers and railway enthusiasts who run a miniature railway as well as many other engineering based activities. Get ready to ride the rails with a Halloween theme.

Date: Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Wimborne DSME, Merley Park Road, Ashington, Broadstone, Dorset, BH21 3DA

Website: Wimborne DSME

Info: Dewflock will be hosting their themed days again and activities include exploring the pumpkin field, maize maze, indoor barn with games, bouncy castle, face painting, meet the farm animals and more.

Dates: Various dates from Saturday 10th – Friday 30th October 2026

Address: Dewflock Farm, Winterborne Monkton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NP

Website: Dewflock Farm

Info: Enjoy time in the play area and decorate and accessorise pumpkins to take home and display. A pizza buffet will be served to the little ones, and grown-ups can purchase hot drinks and cakes from the café.

Date: Friday 30th October 2026

Address: Wild Ones Play Café, 1442 Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7AS

Website: Wild Ones Play Café

Info: Pick, carve and decorate your pumpkin in the barn, decorate Halloween biscuits, and enjoy other activities and prizes.

Date: Friday 30th October 2026

Address: Coppet Hill, Purcombe Farm, Bridport DT6 6RL

Tickets: Coppet Hill

Info: Join Outalimits for some spooky Halloween fun with music, party dances, best costume prizes, giveaways and of course amazing Halloween decorations.

Dates: Saturday 24th, Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th October 2026

Locations: Poole, Bournemouth & Verwood

Tickets: Outalimits Discos

Info: On Tuesday, Lollipops are hosting a Glass Slipper Princess and Fairy Godmother Pumpkin Party and on Thursday kids can have fun at the Monster Ball. Expect soft play fun, games, themed activities, and much more.

Dates: Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th October 2026

Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Dorset, BH4 9EH

Website: Lollipops Play Café

Info: Get ready for a magical, spooky adventure with Peppa Pig. Ticket includes soft play fun, a themed buffet of tasty treats, Halloween songs, and a special meet-and-greet with Peppa Pig!

Date: Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Peek-A-Boo & Brew, 214a Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8DX

Website: Peek-A-Boo & Brew

Info: Mixing bubbles, music and comedy, Richard engages and delights audiences. Be amazed as Richard performs some wonderful bubble tricks which will include breath taking giant bubbles.

Date: Thursday 29th October 2026

Address: The Life Centre, 713 Wimborne Rd, Moordown, Bournemouth BH9 2AU

Facebook: The Lovely Bubbly Show

Info: Fancy spending Halloween in the woods? This family friendly event will have food, drink and music.

Date: Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Angus Wood, Wimborne Road, Tarrant Keyneston, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9JJ

Facebook: Blandford Environmental Trust

Info: Beneath the looming shadow of Corfe Castle, wind through Dorset Adventure Park’s haunted forest. Every turn hides a new nightmare. Face your fears, uncover the hidden code and push through each twisted encounter. Piece together your code to escape … or be lost to the darkness! (Not recommended for under 13’s)

Dates: Friday 30th & Saturday 31st October 2026

Address: Dorset Adventure Park, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5JG

Website: Dorset Adventure Park

Info: Head to Blandford Animal Farm for some spooktacular half term fun at the sanctuary. Meet and feed the animals and if you're lucky you'll see a very special spooky guest who will be making appearances at regular times throughout the day.

Dates: Saturday 24th, Tuesday 27th & Thursday 29th October 2026

Address: Blandford Animal Farm, Higher Shaftsbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT118ST

Website: Blandford Animal Farm

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON STAGE!
Date: Wednesday 28th October 2026

Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS

Website: The Regent

ONCE UPON A RHYME
Date: Sunday 25th October 2026

Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT

Website: Tivoli Wimborne

THE AMAZING BUBBLEMAN
Date: Saturday 24th October 2026

Address: Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY

Website: Electric Palace

STEVE BACKSHALL: DEADLY LIVE!
Date: Friday 30th October 2026

Address: The BIC, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH

Website: BIC

BETTY AND THE YETI
Dates: Thursday 22nd – Friday 30th October 2026

BRIANIAC LIVE
Date: Thursday 29th October 2026

Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG

Website: Lighthouse Poole