Looking for things to do with the kids this October half-term? The National Trust has plenty of autumn adventures and spooky Halloween fun planned across Kent and East Sussex, from ghost hunts and magical trails to pumpkin picking, fairground rides and creative workshops!
Whether you’re exploring beautiful autumn gardens, searching for hidden monsters or following in the footsteps of the Gruffalo, here are some fantastic family days out to enjoy this October.
Halloween & Half-Term Activities in Kent
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt at Chartwell
3 October – 1 November
Join the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill for a spooky adventure inspired by the bestselling We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt children’s books! Pick your bunny name, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick and watch out for warty toads as you cross the stepping stones. Find all the ghosts and collect a sticker at the end. The trail is free with normal admission. Find out more here.
Autumn Festival at Emmetts Garden
9 October – 1 November
Celebrate autumn at Emmetts Garden with a packed programme of family activities, including a fun woodland trail, children’s fairground rides, Halloween workshops and seasonal entertainment.
Highlights include:
- Fun-Gus Saves the Forest Trail: 9 October – 1 November, £3 per trail including a prize.
- Children’s Fairground: 23 October – 1 November, suitable for ages 2–8, £10 per wristband for unlimited rides throughout the day.
- Spooky Woodcraft Workshops: 29 October – 1 November, £8 per child, ages 8+. Advance booking essential.
- Spiderweb Weaving Workshops: 29 October – 1 November, suitable for ages 2+, free with admission.
Normal garden admission applies to all activities. Find out more here.
The Pikachu Art Adventure at Ightham Mote
1 October – 1 November
Calling all Pokémon fans! Discover 30 Pikachu trading cards, each brought to life by a different illustrator, as Ightham Mote celebrates the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 30th anniversary.
Learn fun facts about the much-loved character and have a go at designing your very own Pikachu trading card.
Free with normal admission. No booking required. Find out more here.
The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Knole
Until 1 November
The deep dark wood has arrived at Knole! Follow a magical family trail through the parkland and into the Orangery, searching for 12 giant, hand-painted sculptures inspired by Julia Donaldson’s much-loved story, The Gruffalo.
A lovely autumn adventure for younger children and fans of the classic book.
The trail is free with normal admission. Find out more here.
Pumpkin Picking at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
27-28 October
Head to the vegetable patch at Sissinghurst Castle Garden this October half-term and pick your very own pumpkin to take home!
Feeling creative? Join a pumpkin carving workshop and turn your pumpkin into a spooky Halloween masterpiece.
- £5 – Pick your own pumpkin.
- £10 – Pumpkin picking and carving workshop.
Advance booking is essential as pumpkin numbers are limited. Find out more here.
Monsters Around the Moat at Scotney Castle
17 October – 1 November
The monsters of Scotney Castle are enjoying a rare day off, but they’ve lost their invitation to a mysterious gathering!
Follow the Halloween trail around the grounds, spot hidden creatures and solve clues to uncover the secret party message.
There are two trails to choose from:
- Spotter Trail: Perfect for younger children, with hidden monsters to find.
- Main Trail: Ideal for older children, with riddles, challenges and clues to solve.
Trails cost £3.50 plus normal admission. All visitors must pre-book car parking due to ongoing works. Find out more here.
Halloween & Half-Term Activities in East Sussex
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Sheffield Park and Garden
3 October – 15 November
Step into a magical world where the human and spirit realms collide! Sneaky goblins and mysterious creatures are causing trouble, and it’s up to your team to save the day.
Using a mobile app, families can explore Sheffield Park and Garden, complete challenges and harness the elements to seal the magical rift before the creatures take over.
Suitable for ages 7–12. Free with normal admission. Download the app before visiting. Find out more here.
Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle
10 October – 1 November
Calling all young witches and wizards! Spell Quest returns to Bodiam Castle this Halloween, inviting families to embark on a magical adventure filled with mystery, activities and ancient secrets.
Choose your magical path, complete challenges around the castle and see if you have what it takes to become a master of wizardry!
Children are encouraged to dress in their spookiest costumes, pose for magical photographs and enter the best-dressed competition. Trails cost £3.50 and include a small prize. Find out more here.
With so many Halloween adventures and autumn activities to choose from, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained this October half-term!
Find out more about National Trust days out in Kent and East Sussex here.
