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October is a great time to visit the Cotswolds with the whole family. If you have little ones who love animals, adventure, history and a good Halloween treat, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained during the October half-term.
There’s plenty to keep the family busy, from getting lost in a maze and picking pumpkins to meeting Tudor ghosts. Here are some of our favourite things to do with the kids over October half-term.
What To Do During October Half-Term
Get Spooky This Half-Term
Sudeley Castle: Ghosts, Pumpkins and Tudor Tales:
Step into the spooky side of Cotswold history at Sudeley Castle this October half-term, where the grounds and historic rooms will be transformed for Ghosts, Pumpkins and Tudor Tales.
Families can follow a pumpkin trail around the castle, keeping their eyes peeled for hidden ghost statues along the way. Alongside the trail, children can enjoy discovering the castle’s Tudor history and some of the ghostly tales and legends associated with Sudeley.
Owl Experiences will also be taking place from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, giving visitors the chance to get up close to these birds and even fly an owl in the castle’s historic Coach House.
Pumpkin Picking at Cotswold Farm Park
Nothing says October break quite like pumpkin picking!
The popular Cotswold Farm Park Pumpkin Patch returns throughout the October half-term, giving families the chance to head out into the patch and choose the perfect pumpkin to take home.
The experience includes pumpkin picking and carving, with face painting and seasonal photo opportunities also available. Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friend with you! Following the pumpkin picking, why not make your way around the park and meet the resident animals and enjoy the play areas.
For the younger members of the family, Fairytale Farm by Chipping Norton is the perfect place to visit this October. From 24 October to 1 November 2026, the farm is hosting Scarily Ever After, a family-friendly Halloween adventure filled with pumpkins, puzzles and fairytale fun.
Children can follow Hansel and Gretel’s puzzle trail, complete a Spellbook Passport and discover the Woodcutters’ Pumpkin Patch, where every child receives a pumpkin to take home. There’s also gingerbread decorating with Ginger the Witch, Halloween crafts and optional face painting.
And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Illuminated Evenings are running every evening during October half term, with the farm transformed by twinkling lights and magical displays. They’re included with standard daytime admission, so you can stay on and enjoy the farm after dark.
If you’re visiting on Friday 30 October, you can also stay for the Potions & Spells Halloween & Illuminations Party, with party activities taking place from 5–7pm.
Family Days Out
Located close to Burford, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to a huge variety of animals, making it an easy choice for a full family day out. From giraffes and rhinos to penguins and big cats, there’s plenty for everyone to discover. October is also a great time to explore the park’s gardens as the seasons change, and for the little ones there’s the added excitement of Bella the train, which is scheduled to run until the end of October, weather permitting.
The Cotswold Motoring Museum is a great day out for a rainy day in October. Situated in the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the museum is filled with vintage cars, motorbikes, caravans, memorabilia and toys. The younger visitors will particularly enjoy seeing Brum, the famous little car from the children’s television series. There are seven galleries to explore, covering everything from the history of motoring to toys and classic vehicles, making this much more than a museum for petrol heads.
Don’t forget to combine your visit with a wander around Bourton-on-the-Water.
Outdoor Adventure Seekers
Far Peak is a great option for those looking to burn off some energy over the half-term! Near Northleach, Far Peak Climbing offers climbing and outdoor adventure activities, with sessions designed for children, families and beginners as well as more experienced climbers. Kids can take part in instructor-led taster sessions, while the site also has bouldering and a low ropes course.
The low ropes course is suitable for children from three years upwards, with obstacles including balance beams, rope bridges, monkey swings and zip lines. For older children and teenagers, climbing sessions and tasters are a great way to try something completely different from the usual Cotswold day out.
When is October half term in the Cotswolds?
October half term dates vary between schools and local authorities, so check your school’s term dates before planning your stay. Many Cotswold attractions run their half-term activities during the final week of October.
Where to Stay This October Half-Term
After a day of pumpkin picking, climbing, animal encounters and Halloween adventures, there’s nothing better than returning to your cosy holiday cottage in the Cotswolds. At StayCotswold, we have a fantastic collection of family and dog friendly Cotswold accommodation to choose from over the half-term. Feeling inspired to visit the Cotswolds? Explore more things to do in the Cotswolds for further inspiration!
