HALLOWEEN & OCTOBER HALF TERM EVENTS 2025

Info: Unlike traditional Halloween events that focus on spooky scares, Wizard Glowbeard’s adventure is completely scare-free. Instead, children will dive into a two-hour guided play session filled with songs, activities, storytelling, and imaginative role play.

Dates: Friday 24th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Discovery Village

Info: Visit Athelhampton, one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses surrounded by stunning architectural gardens and learn about Tudor living history.

Dates: Monday 27th – Friday 31st October 2025

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

Website: Athelhampton House

Info: Explore the Park to seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails. Families can also enjoy themed a pitch’n’putt, traditional lawn games, activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize. Spend the day exploring the Castle, climb the tower, visit the woodland playground and head to the Café for a treat. Plus, older children can enter the Zombie Barn if they dare!

Dates: Sunday 26th – Thursday 30th October 2025

Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS

Website: Lulworth Castle

Info: It’s the last week of the season and families can enjoy pumpkin carving, live music, Cider pressing, outdoor BBQ, shooting range, horse shoe painting and more.

Dates: Monday 27th October – Saturday 1st November 2025

Address: Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Edmondsham Road, Verwood, Dorset, BH21 5RJ

Website: Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Info: Head to the Castle reception to purchase your activity trail booklet and take a trip around the park to get into the spooky season.

Dates: Wednesday 22nd October – Wednesday 5th November 2025

Address: Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

Website: Durlston Country Park

Info: Learn all about spooky and spectacular spiders and answer questions on the Halloween trail.

Dates: Friday 24th October – Tuesday 4th November 2025

Address: Stour Valley Nature Reserve, 43 Granby Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3NZ

Facebook: Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Info: Trouble is brewing at Kingston Lacy and the strange folk have arrived. Gather your team for an exciting digital adventure for 7-12 year olds and imaginative adults, and help send them back through the cracks between our world and theirs.

Dates: Wednesday 1st October – 9th November 2025

Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Website: National Trust Kingston Lacy

Info: There’s strange reports of ghostly figures roaming around the castle. Can you help the resident ghost detective, Godwin, with his investigation? Explore the Castle to discover what these figures are doing in the ruins and don’t forget to collect your stamp at the end.

Dates: Monday 29th September – Saturday 29th November 2025

Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EE

Website: National Trust Corfe Castle

Info: This trail is perfect for young adventurers and their families, offering a delightful mix of storytelling, nature exploration, and fun activities. Get ready to uncover the secrets of the woods where every leaf tells a story and every branch hides a mystery.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Location: Poole Harbour

Website: National Trust Brownsea Island

Info: Head on an adventure through the beach, dunes, and woodland where nocturnal creatures leave clues behind for brave explorers to uncover. With 10 different activity stations to complete, you’ll track the secrets of which animals come out at night through games, puzzles, and hands-on fun.

Dates: Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: National Trust Studland Bay

Info: As well as seeing over 230 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes, children can enjoy the brilliant play areas and the activity centre will be open with crafts, competitions and trails. Plus, there’s free entry for all children in full fancy dress on Friday 31st October.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Monkey World, Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Website: Monkey World

Info: Wander the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises lurking in unexpected places. Solve the Halloween word puzzle and tackle the themed quiz as you go! Once you’ve completed your quiz sheet, head to the Pier gift shop to collect a treat and enter the prize draw for a chance to win some Halloween goodies!

Dates: Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Swanage Pier

Info: There’s a whole cauldron full of activities at Nothe Fort with a Halloween mouse hunt, pumpkin golf, games in the family room, ghosty boo bowling, creepy crafts and a spooky cave adventure (Wednesday & Thursday only).

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Nothe Fort

Info: A mischievous character has cast a spooky spell over Moors Valley and the rangers need your help to stop it. Purchase your trail pack from the Visitor Centre, solve the riddles, discover clues and uncover who caused the mischief. During half term, children can also enjoy forest walks, mini golf, play areas and themed crafts on selected dated.

Dates: Friday 3rd October – Tuesday 4th November 2025

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

Website: Moors Valley Country Park

Info: As dusk falls and darkness creeps in, wander the glowing paths and uncover Halloween surprises hidden deep in the woods. But be warned… the darker it gets, the spookier it becomes.

Dates: Thursday 23rd October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Forestry England

Info: Explore the animal park and gardens to find the hidden spooky pumpkins. Plus, on Thursday and Friday, children can take part in a witches broom making workshop.

Dates: Saturday 18th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Kingston Maurward Animals Park & Gardens, Dorchester DT2 8PX

Website: Kingston Maurward Animals Park & Gardens

Info: Try your hand at sculpting spooky sand pumpkins with help from the team and follow the Halloween Hunt for prizes! And, there’s FREE ENTRY for all adults and children in full fancy dress.

Dates: Saturday 25th – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Sandworld, Preston Beach Road, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX

Website: Sandworld

Info: Gear up for spooky outdoor adventures with themed Laser Tag, Axe Throwing or Archery. On a Laser Tag session, children can take part in a spooky candy hunt, survive a haunted warzone, shoot arrows at zombies and pumpkin smashing.

Dates: Saturday 18th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Laserguys, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9HT

Website: Laserguys

Info: Events running through half term include a rock pooling walk, fossil polishing, clay modelling and drop in activities. On Friday, step into the shadows of Lyme Regis Museum where fossils, ghostly tales, and ghoulish fun awaits! Families will enjoy spooky stories, creepy crafts, face painting, torchlight tours and more.

Dates: Selected dates from Saturday 25th - Friday 31st October 2025

Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA

Website: Lyme Regis Museum

Info: There will be nine friendly ghosts hidden around the gardens, find them all to uncover the mystery word! Explorers will also discover fact and quiz signs, learning facts about autumn and nature as they also complete a Halloween quiz during their visit. In addition to this, there's also bug experiences on Tuesday and Wednesday during half term.

Dates: Saturday 18th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH

Website: The Walled Garden

Info: Families can swoop into a world of mythical fun with a jam-packed programme of dragon-themed activities designed to spark creativity, courage, and a little bit of chaos! Embark on a hunt to track down elusive dragons hiding in historic corners and create your very own dragon companion.

Dates: Saturday 11th October - Saturday 1st November 2025

Address: Museum of East Dorset, 23-29 High Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1HR

Website: Museum of East Dorset

Info: Family-friendly spooky fun - theatrical, magical, and full of surprises. Board the beautifully decorated heritage steam train at Norden Station. Meet the friendly witch, who’ll weave spine-tingling stories as you travel. Spot ghostly surprises and glowing pumpkins along the route.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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. This half term, they’re celebrating Women in Warfare. Enjoy family activities exploring all the roles women have taken in war from WWI to the modern day.

Dates: Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Tank Museum

Info: Explore the new family-friendly haunted forest trail, filled with fun spooky surprises. With activities which include pumpkin carving, bat box making and face painting.

Dates: Saturday 25th – Friday 31st October 2025

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

Website: The Blue Pool

Info: Embark on an adventure through 27 acres of the enchanting Himalayan gardens, where surprises lurk around every corner. Encounter giant bats, eerie spiders, and countless other spooky delights!

Dates: Friday 17th – Friday 31st October 2025

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

Website: Minterne Gardens

Info: Look out for ghosts, ghouls and dinosaurs in the woodland walk and have fun seeing how many ghosts you can spot floating in the trees. There’s also themed crafts on Tuesday and a Halloween magic family fun night on Wednesday.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU

Website: Red House Museum

Info: Families can follow the spooky trail around the historic house every day during half term and children can make a Halloween ‘scream’ catcher or spooky wreath decoration on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Russell-Cotes Museum

Info: Pick up a FREE pocket map and guide from the Visitor Centre and follow the pink and blue waymarked trails, looking for wonderful hand painted wooden discs to discover more about the wildlife found in the reserve.

Dates: Wednesday 22nd October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Higher Brockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QH

Facebook: Hardy’s Birthplace & Thorncombe Wood

Info: In addition to a gaming session, visitors can enjoy a schedule of spooky activities which include fancy dress, photo contest, games as well as the opportunity to meet the Gaming Ghoul; a mysterious, hooded figure lurking around every session.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: High Score Arcade, Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SS

Website: High Score Arcade

Info: Skeletons are hiding, treats await, and whispers of Mary the Nurse echo through the galleries...cleaners will not enter the museum at night. Do you dare explore the Ghoulish Gallery? Plus children under 16 go FREE!

Dates: Monday 27th October - Saturday 1st November 2025

Address: Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8BJ

Website: Royal Signals Museum

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

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Sherborne Castle

Info: Design your own ingredient to add to the Castle’s magic potion and get creative with crafts in the Education Room on Tuesday and Thursday.

Dates: Sunday 26th – Thursday 31st October 2025

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

Website: Highcliffe Castle

Info: Bunty the Bone Dog has lost their bones – can you help find them? The spooky Halloween adventure will take you around Upton Country Park. Purchase your trail map from the Welcome Centre and when complete, return it for a creepy cuddly prize.

Dates: Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ

Website: Upton Country Park

Info: Get ready to follow an immersive trail, protect the ocean, and complete spook-splash-tastic challenges to become a true Sea Defender.

Dates: Friday 3rd October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: Visit SEA LIFE

Info: Betty the Witch and Bernie the Wizard have messed up their spell and made Avon Heath's animals disappear! Only their shadows remain. Can you help them fix their mistake and finish the trail? There’s more exciting activities happening during half term with creepy crawlies, workshops and craft sessions.

Dates: Wednesday 1st October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Avon Heath Country Park, Brocks Pine, St Leonards, BH24 2DH

Facebook: Avon Heath Country Park

Info: Head to the Visitor Centre for a series of activities which include a spooky scavenger hunt, Halloween trail, twilight walks, crafts and more.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Broadway, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 4EW

Website: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Info: Explore the model town and take part in the special Halloween Quiz, face painting, storytelling and more.

Dates: Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

Address: Wimborne Model Town, King Street, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1DY

Website: Wimborne Model Town

Info: Get ready for frightful fun on the Halloween Trail, packed with creepy clues, spooky surprises, and ghostly giggles for the whole family! Then, unleash your inner monster with a mask making activity to take home. AND, children dressed up in full Halloween costume go FREE!

Dates: Monday 27th October – Saturday 1st of November 2025

Address: Shire Hall Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY

Website: Shire Hall Museum

STEVE BACKSHALL: DEADLY LIVE!
Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025

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

Website: BIC

ANNIE
Date: Wednesday 29th October – Saturday 1st November 2025

Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU

Website: Bournemouth Pavilion

THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW
Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025

Address: The Factory Space, 1172-1180 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6DY

Website: The Factory Space

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025

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

Website: The Regent

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Date: Monday 27th October 2025

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

Website: Tivoli Wimborne

FUN FOR LITTLE ONES: A TRIBUTE TO MS RACHEL
Date: Thursday 30th October 2025

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

Website: Electric Palace

FRANKY
Date: Saturday 25th October 2025

VILLAINS UNLEASHED
Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025

MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW
Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025

JUSTIN TIME TO ROCK
Date: Thursday 30th October 2025

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

Website: Lighthouse Poole

THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW
Date: Monday 27th October 2025

SPOOKY SCIENCE SHOW
Date: Friday 31st October 2025

Address: The Barrington Centre, Penny's Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH

Website: Barrington Centre

SHIVERS & SHADOWS
Date: Sunday 26th October 2025

Address: Child Okeford Village Hall, The Hollow, Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8E

Website: Artsreach

SHIVERS & SHADOWS
Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025

Address: Buckland Newton Village Hall, Major's Common, Buckland Newton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7BZ

Website: Artsreach

PRINCESS LIVE!
Date: Saturday 25th October 2025

Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE

Website: Verwood Hub

Little Bear Woods (Ringwood)

Purple Moon (Bournemouth)

Glow Wonderland (Poole)

Itsy Bitsy Dance (Poole & Bournemouth)

Jiggy Wrigglers (Poole)

Moo Music (Bournemouth)

Bloom Toddler Classes (Bournemouth)

Tappy Toes (Colehill)

STEMventures (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole)

Moo Music (Sturminster Newton, Blandford & Gillingham)

Over the Moon (Blandford)

Jiggy Wrigglers (Blandford)

Mini Professors (Weymouth)

Parnham Park Forest School (Beaminster)