October half term activities in Somerset 2024
If you’re looking for fun things to do in October half term in Somerset 2024, I’ve put together a bumper list of family-friendly half term activities! From spooky-licious Halloween trails to pumpkin picking, train riding, theatre shows and awesome autumn walks, there’s tons of activities to keep kids entertained all over the county.
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October half term events
Pumpkin picking
One of autumn’s most delightful activities, pumpkin picking is fast becoming an October tradition in the UK. Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram, prefer plucking your own gourd fresh from the soil or just love getting into the spirit of Halloween, I’ve rounded up the best places to go pumpkin picking in Somerset.
One of autumn’s most delightful activities, picking pumpkins, is fast becoming an October tradition in our family. Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram, prefer plucking your own gourd fresh from the soil or just love getting into the spirit of Halloween, I’ve rounded up the best places to go pumpkin picking in Somerset.
- Best places for pumpkin picking in South Somerset
- Best pumpkin patches Somerset West
- Pumpkin picking near Bath
- Pumpkin picking North Somerset
Best places for pumpkin picking in South Somerset
The Trough Patch, pumpkin picking Yeovil
2024 dates: 12 & 13 October, 19 & 20, 26-31 October, 10am – 4pm
Family-run farm shop and cafe on the edge of Yeovil, The Trough, has planted over 40,000 pumpkins for you to get your woollen mits on! Become the number 1 pumpkin picker in your family by selecting the ultimate jack-o-lantern. No booking is required, prices vary depending on size. Dogs on leads welcome.
Fairfield Pumpkins, Yeovil
2024 dates: 12-13, 19-20, 24-31 October
Fairfield pumpkins’ 4-acre patch will be ripe for the pickin’ this October. Previous years have also included a barnful of activities, farm animals (they run a goat dairy and cow farm alongside), pop-up food stalls, crafts and woodwork, a spooky maize, and pumpkin carving demonstrations.
Free entry to the pumpkin patch.
Roth Bar and Grill Pumpkin Festival, Bruton
2024 dates: 27 October, 10am-4pm
Roth Bar and Grill’s annual Pumpkin Festival includes pumpkin carving competitions, scrummy food cooked over fire, family fun activities supported by their local charities and recipe cards to take home with your own pumpkin.
After all the pumpkin fun, explore the Hauser & Wirth Somerset exhibition ‘Phyllida Barlow. unscripted’ and Oudolf Field in its autumn glory.
Thistledown Farm pumpkin patch, Babcary
Sadly Thistledown Farm won’t be hosting their traditional ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkins’ this year, they’re letting the fields rest and prepare for an even larger and more exciting harvest next year.
But don’t worry, you can still get your pumpkin fix this season from their growing field. They are offering:
Pumpkin delivery within a 5-mile radius Wholesale pumpkin options Pumpkin collection on October 19th & 26th, 9-12pm (More dates coming soon)
Pumpkin Rolling, Forde Abbey
2024 dates: 26-31 October
Purchase a pumpkin grown and harvested from the Forde Abbey Patch, carry it to the top lawn and get rolling! Roll to your heart’s content, then take your bulbous ball of orange home for Halloween.
Best pumpkin patches Somerset West
Thurloxton Farm, pumpkin picking Taunton
2024 dates: open from 19 October
Thurloxton Pumpkin patch, on the Quick family’s Pick Your Own fruit-growing farm, sits at the foot of the Quantocks near Taunton. Take a spooky walk to the pumpkin fields to pluck your prize pumpkin, before taking it to the carving barn and getting involved with games such as “Hit the Witch” giant apple catapult.
Fiamma Pizza will be serving delicious handmade wood-fired pizzas every day.
Tickets £12 on weekdays, £14.50 on weekends for pumpkin pickers, accompanying pickers £3.50, pumpkin not included.
Pitt Farm Pumpkins, Wellington
2024 dates: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25-31 October
Grab a wheelbarrow and go and pick your own pumpkin at Pitt Farm. There are over 30 different varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd for the taking as well as a TRex maize maze, bale mountain, tractor to climb on and snacks and drinks on offer at the pop-up cafe.
Pumpkin prices start from 2 for £1, and up to £15 for the whoppers.
Tickets: £1.50 Per Person (3 years and above, under 2s go free but require a ticket).
Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton
TBC
This lovely farm with cafe/florist/wedding/events venue and lake are opening up their pumpkin patch in Somerset once again for some picturesque pumpkin patch picking ! Entry is FREE and you’ll only pay if you pick any pumpkins. Small – £2 Medium – £3 Large – £5.
Pumpkin picking near Bath
Palette and Pasture Frome
2024 dates: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-31 October
Pumpkin picking near Frome happens at Palette and Pasture on rural Pyle Farm. Go pumpkin hunting and pick as many as you like during your 2-hour time slot. Pumpkins range from warty (£2.50) to whoppers (£12.50)! Be sure to bring cash for any extra pumpkins that catch your eye on the day as their card machine does not always work in the field.
There are also goats and sheep to meet and feed, pedal tractors, a digger pit and inflatable sessions for little ones (weather dependent). PLUS an Ice Cream Parlour serving Palette and Pasture’s very own gelato, made from their dairy herd. Spooky-licious.
If you would like to book a Professional Pumpkin Photo Shoot please contact Childsplay Photography directly: Book Your Photoshoot Here
Entry Ticket to the Pumpkin Patch: 1 Person £1 / Group of 3 £3 / Group of 4 £3.80 / Group of r £4.50 / Group of 10 £8
Bath Pumpkin Patch, Bath
2024 dates: Weekends from 28 September-27 October
There are 8 acres to scour to find the pumpkin of your dreams on this family-run farm, just 10-minutes from Bath (just round the corner from Avon Valley Adventure Park).
There’s lots of fun to be had inside, and the kiddos quickly got into it – welly wanging, an al fresco piano, hay bale spider, pumpkin-populated photo opps, storytime with a witch (by a gnarled and extremely fit for purpose ‘haunted tree’), plus Newton Farm food/drink kiosk, mask making and facepainting (the latter charged extra).
If you’re looking for a cheaper pumpkin patch experience, with gorgeous countryside views this could be for you!
Book free tickets in advance to secure your place.
Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch
2024 dates: 28, 29 September, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 October.
In addition to pumpkin picking, Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch will be packed with spooky characters roaming the grounds, thrilling fairground rides (additional charge), Pumpkin Paintball, fire shows, Scarecrow Shoot’em, brand-new apple cannons, a Pumpkin Slingshot, and a fun fair—plus much more! It’s a true pumpkin-packed extravaganza!
Tickets for Pumpkin Patch: £4.99 per person (£6.99 for Pumpkin Nights) and rides/games are charged extra. Tickets to the Pumpkin Patch do not give you access to Avon Valley Park which is closed at this time.
Pumpkin Patch Nights at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
2024 Dates: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 October
Make October nights unforgettable with Halloween fun at Avon Valley’s Pumpkin Patch Nights! As dusk falls, the patch comes alive with vibrant lights. Alongside pumpkin picking, enjoy festival vibes, a pop-up bar, firepits, street food, live performers, stunning seasonal entertainment, and enchanting lighting.
FEARless at Avon Valley
FEARless at Avon Valley is back for 2024, running on select nights: 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 31 October and 1-2 November. Designed for 11-15 year olds, this immersive, family-friendly experience offers four scare attractions with just the right amount of fright.
The evening includes epic fire shows, spooky street performers, funfair rides, and side stalls. For adults, there’s the FEAR at Avon Valley Scream Park, plus a licensed bar, and delicious street food.
Halloween events Somerset
Ninesprings Halloween Trail, Yeovil
2024: TBC
Pick up a trail leaflet from the frightful ‘Friends of Yeovil Country Park’ stall opposite Ninesprings Café between 11am – 2pm, and follow the pumpkin markers through the eerie woods. Find the missing letters hidden at several marked stops along the way to help craft a spell and receive a prize. A buggy friendly/little legs short route will be available and clearly signposted. The trail takes around one hour to complete and the last entry will be at 2 pm.
£2 per child, under 3s go free.
Spooky Tales with Micheal Loader at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells
2024 dates: TBC
Dress in your most gruesome outfit for a scare of stories, told in puppet form with relish and wonderment by storyteller Michael Loader, who’s been ‘haunting’ the Palace since last century with tall tales and scintillating stories. Good for 5 years and up.
American Halloween, American Museum & Gardens
2024 dates: 26 October-3 November
Celebrate Halloween in American style at the American Museum & Gardens, just outside Bath. Explore the Halloween Creature Garden Trail – follow clues, open sensory boxes, and discover hidden letters to unlock the trail code and earn a candy treat, join a Museum Bat Search, and Monster Mask Trail.
Family activities in the Stables feature a reading corner, colouring, crafts, and puzzles. On Halloween Day (October 31), there’ll be trick-or-treating (11am–1pm), a dog costume competition (12:30pm), and a kids’ costume parade (2pm). d
Don’t miss Halloween Evening Theatre (October 28 & November 3) and Pumpkin Painting (November 1–3). Trails cost £2 each or £3.50 for both. No booking required.
Cubs Halloween party
TBC
If you’re looking for Halloweeny October activities this Somerset half term, Ilminster’s Cubs soft play for under-8 year olds will be running two spooky soft play sessions from 1.30-3.30pm and 3.30-5.30pm. Halloween treats will be on sale and there’ll be a prize for best fancy dress.
Discover what’s on half term at Cubs here.
Puxton Park spooktacular supper
Puxton will also be hosting a fang-tastic Spooktacular Supper on 30 October from 6-8 pm! For £15 per person, guests will get a buffet, children’s entertainment, Halloween disco, games and access to the soft play area.
There’s also pumpkin picking and a haunted attraction for over 12s, Puxton Phobia!
Halloween trail at Stuart’s Cafe, Dillington Estate
TBC
What was once The Green House, is now Stuart’s Cafe. Join them this half term for a spooky half term halloween activities – £3 per child with sweet prizes.
What’s on October half term at The Museum of Somerset, Taunton
For a spookylicious way to bring in Halloween, turn up in your scariest costume on 31 October 2024 and explore the museum after dark. Make a lantern, find the doors and see what trick or treat lies behind them!
Half term October activities (26 October-2 November) at The Museum of Somerset include are focused around the Castle Quest – becoming a knight for the day, meeting flying falcons and listening to live medieval music.
Lytes Scary Halloween Trail
2024 dates: 26-31 October
National Trust Halloween events are always one of my favourite things to do during October half term in Somerset. Discover what’s lurking in the woods at Lytes Cary – be they witches, ghosts, or evil spirits? Can you crack the spoooooky riddle?
Find out more about Somerset October half term 2024 at Lytes Cary
October half term children’s activities at Barrington Court
Have a go at the Autumn Pumpkin Trail – October Half Term (26-31 October 2024) and explore the grounds to find pumpkins hiding around the estate.
Grab a mini wheelbarrow and help gather windfall apples for harvesting (28 October-3 November). Home to over 100 varieties of apples, once collected, they will go off to be turned into delicious cider.
Join the Ranger team in the apple orchards for Wildflower Seed Sowing (29-31 October) into plug trays ready to be nurtured and planted out next year.
Tyntesfield Halloween half term trail
2024 dates: 26-31 October
Gertrude the witch, who lives in Tyntesfield’s woods, is having a rough day—her cat Whiskers ruined her Book of Spells & Potions, leaving her unable to finish her Frog Fudge for Halloween. Enjoy activities at seven stations along the trail from Home Farm to the Kitchen Gardens. Return to Gertrude and if you can tell her the missing ingredients, she might reward you with a prize! Don’t miss the stunning Tyntesfield autumn harvest display in the Orangery (26 Oct-5 Nov 2024).
More details on halloween things at Tyntesfield
Autumn colour at Stourhead National Trust
One of the world’s finest landscaped gardens, the preposterously scenic Stourhead is beautiful all year-round, but in Autumn, the estate really likes to show off. Hillsides swathed in woodland are transformed into a patchwork of golds, scarlets and burnt orange, making for some seriously seasonal scenes. Viewpoints gaze out to follies, a Palladian bridge (one of only four in the UK) and temples set around a glassy lake, tinged with the reflections of the fiery leaves.
There’s also an impressive manor house, grotto, a gothic cottage filled with pumpkins to explore, and the meandering pathways are buggy-friendly to boot!
Family Halloween Woodland Experience, ROAM, Dillington Estate
2024 dates: TBC
For wholesome things to do in autumn, enter the wonderful woodland of ROAM Outdoors Activity Centre family for some spooky Halloween activities! Follow the Halloween Trail to unlock a prize, carve a Pumpkin and eat ghostly marshmallows. Visitors will also have access to rope and tyre swings, the log-stacle course, slack line and mud kitchens. £10 per person, includes hot soup and crusty bread.
Hestercombe October half term things to do
2024 dates: 26-31 October
Join Hestercombe for a spooky Halloween celebration! The event features a family-friendly trail through the gardens, where you can solve puzzles and discover creepy creatures.
Don’t miss the haunted house experience, potion making workshop from Sciencedipity (29 and 30 October only) and Halloween crafts (28 October to 1 November).
Visit Hestercombe’s Halloween page for more details and ticket information.
Halloween at Wookey Hole
2024 dates: weekends from 5-26 October, 26 October–3 November
Pondering what to do in October half term? There’s no spookier time of year than to visit the enchanting realm of the Witch of Wookey than Halloween!
Once you’ve explored the caves, join in the Giant Pumpkin trail, 4D cinema, to see a new adventure with the crazy characters of Happy Family: Next Level 4D, watch a Halloween circus show, check out the vintage attractions, and take part in the daily best-dressed competition at 2.30pm in the Theatre. The Halloween adventure continues in the Circus, where you’ll enjoy a spooky 30 minute original show, ‘Ghost Pirates’.
Check ticket prices for Wookey Hole halloween 2024
Halloween at Heritage Railway Station, Midsomer Norton South
2024 dates: 27 October
Hop on an atmospheric Halloween Steam Train ride at Midsomer Norton, with an all day rover ticket you can travel as many times as you wish! Trains depart 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00. There will be Halloween activities and the shop and buffet will be open between 10:00 and 15:30. Accompanied children aged 16 and under in Halloween costume travel free!
Check ticket prices for Halloween steam trains
Dunster Castle school of magic
2025 dates: 5 October- 3 November
Another mystery that needs your help. Are you up for the challenge? The Pumpkin Games trophy has gone missing and you have a list of suspects. Compete in the games and follow the clues to find out what happened to the trophy. £3 per trail (on top of normal admission) including a prize.
Check ticket prices and event info for things to do October half term at Dunster Castle
Halloween Trail, Torre Cider Farm
2024 dates: TBC
A night of spooktacular fun and thrills for brave little adventurers. Step into the enchanting Apple Orchard for Fright Night, where the crisp autumn air carries whispers of mystery and excitement… As the sun dips below the horizon, and the moon casts its silvery glow over the orchard, you’re in for a magical evening of frights, games, and delectable treats!
£3 per child, includes sweet treats. Prizes for the best dressed. Pizza, hot chocolate, mulled cider, toasted marshmallows will be available to buy and there’ll be pumpkin decorating and apple bobbing and a spooky scavenger hunt to join in with. Bring your own torch!
Come to Torre Cider Farm for kids’ (under 12s) pumpkin carving (24 October, 11-11.45am). Over 12s get to have a go on 25 October, 10.30am-12pm.
Halloween Zombie Outbreak at Mendip Activity Centre
2024 dates: 4 October-3 November
Are you brave enough to join Mendip’s Zombie Outbreak Response Team? Halloween activities will be taking place at Mendip Activity Centre throughout the month of October – expect spooky decorations, zombie targets, Halloween-themed tobogganing and more! All archery, air rifle, axe throwing, archery active, and tobogganing sessions will have a spooky Halloween twist.
Creative activities October half term Somerset
Half term at East Quay, Watchet
2024 dates: 26 October-3 November
There’s all sorts of free (donations welcome) creative things to do in October half term 2024 at East Quay, Watchet.
- Neon Patterned Stained Glass, 29th October, 11am-1pm, all ages
- Witchy Crafts (30th October), 2-4pm, all ages
- Lantern Making, (31 October): Craft tissue paper mâché orb lanterns, to light up the courtyard during the Lantern Parade on 9 November as part of the Light Night celebration.
See the full list of half term events at East Quay here
Crafts at Glastonbury Abbey
Somerset October half term at Glastonbury Abbey features all kinds of family crafts. TBC. Check their website for what’s on.
October half term 2024 Somerset: animals
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
2024 dates: 31 October
Head to Ferne Animal Sanctuary for a faboolous time filled with exciting and creative activities, including making Popsicle Stick Bats, Cardboard Tube Bats, Pom Pom Bats, and Cardboard Tube Spiders. Get crafty with Pumpkin Collage Faces and decorate your own Paper Pumpkin Templates for a frightfully fun experience.
What’s on in Somerset October half term 2024: History and Heritage
Spooky Specials at East Somerset Miniature Railway, Shepton Mallet
2024 dates: 26, 27, 30 October
Take the kids for a spine-tingling steam train journey to Mendip Vale. Back at the station find your way round the ghoulish trail, check out the newly-refurbished museum, ticket office and period waiting room.
Science Tricks and Treats at the Fleet Air Arm Museum
2023 dates: 23-27 October, 11-11.45am, 12.45-1.30pm
Head to Fleet Air Arm in Yeovilton this October Half Term for a series of exhilarating science shows at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Join the Explorer Dome team for shows at 11:00, 12:30 and 14:30 Monday to Friday, to be wowed by this collection of fun and unexpected science demonstrations and experiments.
The Gartell Light Railway
2024 dates: 27 October
This delightful narrow gauge railway in South Somerset is privately operated by the Gartell family and their friends and only opened to the public on selected dates throughout the year. This October, the railway will open on 27 October for your train-riding pleasure.
Monsters at Haynes International Motor Museum
2024 dates: 26 October–3 November
For October half term things to do, how about uncovering the scary secrets at Haynes Motor Museum this Halloween? Hidden in plain sight are some of the spookiest automotive monsters of all time. Don’t get caught out, spot them before they spot you!
And, don’t forget, you can have as many October half term days out here as you like – your ticket is valid for a year.
Find out more about October half term days out at Haynes here.
Things to do in Somerset for families October half term: Theatre
Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton
- The Amazing Bubble Man: 27 October 2024, 2pm
Buy October half term kids tickets at Brewhouse here.
What’s on October half term near Somerset
Blackmarsh Farm Maize Maze Sherborne
2024 dates TBC
If you’re looking for Halloweeny things to do this half term, just over the border in Dorset, Blackmarsh Farm (previously known as The Toy Barn) just outside Sherborne, is running a Halloween Maize Maze. Find the pumpkin patch in the maze so you can take one home, seek out the Spider Turret and Bat Bridge and complete some fact sheets about creepy crawlies! Kids also get to play on the outdoor play equipment and go-kart track.
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