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As autumn settles over the Cotswolds and thoughts turn to cosy times ahead, some of the region’s most familiar places begin to reveal their spookier side.
Halloween sees the Cotswolds come alive with family-friendly things to see and do. Whether you choose to pick your own pumpkin, explore an illuminated palace trail or enjoy a slightly spookier ghostly walk, take a look below and be sure to book ahead.
Spooky events in the Cotswolds for Halloween
Here are some of the Halloween events we are most looking forward to in 2026:
Pumpkin Patch at Cotswold Farm Park
Selected dates from 2–31 October
Pull on your wellies and head to Cotswold Farm Park for a fun-filled autumnal day of pumpkin picking.
The pick-your-own patch will be open on selected weekends during October and from 21st to 31st of October. The dog-friendly patch is set on flat, buggy-friendly ground, with carving kits available and face painting (additional cost) planned on selected dates. You can also combine your visit with a full day meeting the animals and exploring the rest of the farm park.
Pumpkin Patch and Scarecrow Trail at Cirencester Park
10–31 October
The Old Kennels at Cirencester Park will once again welcome families to its autumn pumpkin patch, complete with a scarecrow trail and tractor rides through the park.
Choose your favourite pumpkin from the field, follow the trail while enjoying the autumn scenery of the Bathurst Estate. Located close to the centre of Cirencester you can walk in via Cecily Hill gate before heading back into town for a spot of lunch, shopping or a warming drink in one of the town’s independent cafés.
Find the latest information on the Cirencester Park Pumpkin Patch.
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
22 October–1 November
Enjoy a spooky night in the grounds of Blenheim Palace this October.
As darkness falls, the palace grounds will be transformed by an illuminated Halloween trail filled with ghostly lights and plenty of surprises. Follow the trail through the Spider’s Lair, a ghostly pirate wreck and immersive installations before ending with a suitably seasonal treat from one of the food stalls.
The experience takes place entirely outdoors and follows a route of just over one kilometre, so warm clothing and sensible footwear are recommended. Timed tickets and parking should be booked in advance.
If you prefer your Halloween fun during daylight hours and a treat over a trick, book your spot for a Halloween Afternoon Tea in the Orangery Restaurant.
Ghosts of Roman Britain at Chedworth Roman Villa
24 October–1 November
The Romans had plenty of their own stories about restless spirits, strange creatures and things that went bump in the night. And this October Chedworth Roman Villa will spend a whole month exploring the ghostlier side of Roman Britain through family trails and seasonal activities around the historic site.
Find out more on the National Trust website.
Halloween at Berkeley Castle
25–28 October | 11am–5pm
With ancient stone walls, shadowy cellars and centuries of stories, Berkeley Castle needs very little help creating a suitably spooky atmosphere.
Meet the Tudor Witch and her animals, hear tales from a rather unfortunate beheaded Queen and test your Halloween knowledge with the copped or non-chopped halloween quiz. The Halloween activities are included with standard castle admission, making this a wonderfully entertaining way to explore one of the region’s most historic attractions.
Ghosts, Pumpkins and Tudor Tales at Sudeley Castle
26 October–1 November
Follow a trail of pumpkins through the grounds and into the rooms of Sudeley Castle as you look to uncover the spookier stories this October half term.
Try not to lose count of the ghost statues as you wander around the pumpkin trail before experiencing a ghostly talk in the castle’s chapel. And between the 26 – 30 October you can buy tickets to an owl experience in the vaulted Castle Coach House.
A Candlelit Experience at Kelmscott Manor
29–31 October
For a more atmospheric take on Halloween, visit Kelmscott Manor – the former country home of William Morris – as it is illuminated by candlelight this Halloween.
2026 sees the first-ever evening candlelit guided tours and spaces are limited. The evening dates are for 16 years and above only with daytime experiences available on selected dates without age restrictions.
Discover more about the Kelmscott Manor Candlelit Experience.
Make a Halloween Break of It
With so much to see and do this October half term it’s best to plan your visits across your entire stay – one day won’t be enough to fit everything in. Find your perfect base among our collection of Cotswold holiday cottages and turn pumpkin picking, ghostly trails and castle adventures into a memorable autumn break. For more family days out and activities, take a look at our guide to October half term in the Cotswolds.
Please check directly with each location and book in advance before travelling as event dates may change.
Cotswold Holiday Accommodation During Halloween
Explore our autumn collection of Cotswold holiday homes and find a cosy base for your Halloween break. If you capture the spooky season at its best, remember to tag @staycotswold in your Instagram photographs – we would love to see where your Cotswold adventures take you. Ready to plan your visit to the Cotswolds for Halloween? Explore many more things to do in the Cotswolds for extra ideas and inspiration!
