Looking for things to do with the children this October half-term? From pumpkin trails and spooky owl encounters to creative workshops and countryside adventures, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Wiltshire and the surrounding area.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Wiltshire countryside. With colourful landscapes, crisp mornings and Halloween just around the corner, October half-term brings plenty of opportunities for family adventures.
If you’re staying at The Retreat at Longs Farm in Sutton Mandeville, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the region’s best family attractions. We’ve rounded up our favourite activities taking place during October half-term, 24 October to 1 November 2026, all within approximately 45 minutes of The Retreat.
Halloween Fun at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm
For little ones who love animals, pumpkins and a little Halloween magic, Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm is a fantastic family day out. The farm transforms into Cholderton Scare Breeds Farm for the Halloween season, with a packed programme of activities. Children can enjoy a Halloween farm trail, explore the pumpkin patch, make their own witches’ broomsticks and get creative in the Creepy Craft Barn. There are also special events throughout half-term, including spooky magic shows on 27 and 29 October and a family Halloween circus on 30 October. And, of course, there are plenty of friendly farm animals to meet along the way!
Best for: Toddlers and primary-school-aged children.
Admission: Standard Halloween admission is advertised at £10 for adults and £9 for children, with under-twos free. Special events may cost extra.
🔗 Visit Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm
Spooky Owl Week at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
Get ready for a wonderfully spooky experience at the Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover. During Spooky Owl Week, the Trust’s magnificent owls take centre stage in a special Halloween-themed flying display, complete with storytelling and atmospheric effects. Young visitors can also tackle the giant pumpkin trail, solving riddles as they explore the grounds, with a Halloween treat waiting at the end. For families looking for something extra special, the Trust also hosts Owl-O-Ween on 29 and 30 October, featuring evening owl displays, ghostly storytelling and a Halloween trail. It’s a brilliant opportunity for children to learn about these fascinating birds while enjoying a little seasonal fun.
Best for: Children of all ages, particularly animal lovers.
🔗 Discover the Hawk Conservancy’s Halloween events
The Great Pumpkin Party at Stonehenge
One of Britain’s most famous landmarks is getting into the Halloween spirit! This October half-term, Stonehenge is hosting its Great Pumpkin Party, bringing a little spooky fun to this extraordinary prehistoric setting. Alongside exploring the ancient stone circle, families can enjoy interactive storytelling, Halloween games, a themed trail and seasonal photo opportunities. Children are encouraged to dress up, with a daily fancy-dress competition adding to the fun. It’s a lovely way to combine a little history with activities designed especially for younger visitors.
Best for: Primary-school-aged children and families interested in history.
Admission: Halloween activities are included with standard Stonehenge admission.
🔗 Explore Halloween at Stonehenge
Spooktacular Adventures at Longleat
For a full day of family adventure, Longleat is difficult to beat. This October half-term, the estate is celebrating Halloween with a Shaun the Sheep-themed pumpkin takeover. Alongside the seasonal activities, families can enjoy the famous safari, explore the grounds and discover the many attractions that make Longleat such a popular day out. With so much to see and do, we’d recommend allowing most of the day for your visit. For older children and teenagers, Longleat is also offering Halloween Ghost Tours, exploring some of the eerie stories associated with Longleat House. These are not recommended for children under 13.
Best for: Families of all ages, with some Halloween experiences suitable only for older children.
Pumpkin Picking at Ansty Farm Shop
Nothing says Halloween quite like heading into a pumpkin patch to choose your very own pumpkin! Just down the road from The Retreat, Ansty PYO & Farm Shop is a lovely family-run business nestled in the Wiltshire countryside. Their pumpkin patch is open for 2026, with a wonderful selection of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colours, from tiny miniature pumpkins to enormous orange varieties and unusual colourful squash. The farm has also hosted pumpkin games and children’s trails in previous years, so keep an eye on their social media for details of any additional half-term activities. After choosing your pumpkins, why not stop at the farm shop and tea room for a homemade cake and a warming drink?
Best for: Families with children of all ages.
🔗 https://www.anstypyo.co.uk/pumpkinpicking
Pumpkin Carving at The Wardrobe, Salisbury
Get into the Halloween spirit with a little pumpkin carving at The Wardrobe, home to The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, in Salisbury’s historic Cathedral Close. Children can get creative carving their very own spooky pumpkin, with all the equipment provided. Once their masterpiece is complete, they can explore the museum and gardens on a special Halloween trail. It’s a lovely hands-on activity for families, combining a little Halloween fun with a visit to one of Salisbury’s historic buildings. Why not make a morning of it and enjoy a wander around the Cathedral Close or stop for a hot chocolate in one of Salisbury’s independent cafés afterwards?
Best for: Families with children who enjoy arts, crafts and Halloween activities.
🔗 Find out more about Pumpkin Carving at The Wardrobe
Make October Half-Term Memories at The Retreat at Longs Farm
Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Cranborne Chase National Landscape, The Retreat at Longs Farm is the perfect base for a family half-term adventure, with Salisbury, Stonehenge, Shaftesbury and plenty of exciting family attractions all within easy reach. Sleeping up to eight guests, our spacious country house offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Spend your days exploring pumpkin patches, Halloween trails and autumn countryside, before returning for a family tennis tournament, a cosy evening by the log burner or a film night in the snug.
We’re fully booked for October half-term 2026, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year! 🍁
With plenty of space for the whole family, beautiful surroundings and so much to discover nearby, The Retreat is a wonderful place to make lasting autumn memories.
Book your October half-term 2027 stay directly with us for the best available rates and something lovely to look forward to.
Click here to explore the property and book your stay, or email hello@hostwithgrace.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7444 720 729.