
October half-term is just around the corner and the perfect opportunity to make the most of the crisp autumn weather and family-friendly attractions in and around Christchurch. Whether you're looking for spooky Halloween events, pumpkin-picking adventures, outdoor activities or coastal walks, Christchurch offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained throughout the school holidays.
If you’re looking for an adventure, Sundown Adventures is the perfect activity! As the evenings draw in, visitors can tackle the Go Ape treetop courses under the atmospheric twilight lighting for an exciting experience, perfect for older children and teenagers.
Set within the beautiful Moors Valley Country Park, just a short drive from Christchurch, it is a fantastic way to get some fresh air whilst having fun. Moors Valley Country Park also offers miles of walking and cycling routes, adventure play areas, activities, and dog-friendly trails. A Halloween-themed illuminated trail also takes place over the October half-term.
Witchville at Picking Patch this year will be the perfect adventure for all ages! During the day, families can explore the Witchling Maze and discover surprises waiting for them throughout the Living Maize. Witch crafts will also be available, along with pumpkin picking and carving, and a Halloween Express ride for the whole family to enjoy. Dogville even has an obstacle course for your four-legged friends!
As night falls, the maze will become the Scare Maze, with live scare actors waiting inside for you to enter, for those who are feeling brave enough!
Beaulieu is a fantastic day out anytime of year, but during October half term, it offers additional seasonal activities for families to enjoy.
This year, Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm, and Finn McMissile, from Disney and Pixar’s Cars franchise, will be on display, as well as props from the films! Additionally, in the Motor Museum, families can enjoy the recently opened display ‘Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story’, and the new ‘Stop, Look and Listen’ trail.
In the wider Beaulieu Grounds, the new folklore trail will allow you to enjoy the fresh air whilst discovering ingredients and folklore along your way in the palace grounds. At the end of the trail, in the Bothy in the Victorian Gardens, children can then make their very own potions!
If you decide to explore Palace House, you’ll be greeted by friendly, costumed staff who will welcome you into your tour, and you are now able to explore recently opened rooms in the former private side of the house, including the Circus Room! Ghost stories are also told in the Palace House throughout the October half-term, if you are brave enough to listen.
A quieter day out could include taking part in the Old Thatch Autumn Trail in Wimborne. Surrounded by autumn colours and seasonal decorations, families can enjoy a relaxed day outdoors while searching for clues to fill in their answer sheets along the historic Castleman’s Trail. It's a wonderful option for younger children and those looking for amore laid-back half-term activity.
For a free family day out, it doesn't get much better than Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Quay. The cooler autumn weather makes this beautiful stretch of coastline ideal for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting.
At Mudeford Quay, crabbing is very popular from the Quayside, with the stone walls providing ideal crabbing platforms. Make sure that you return all crabs to the water after brief observation to support sustainable populations for future generations. Ensure that you also keep them in seawater-filled buckets away from direct sunlight, and limit observation time to prevent stress.
Several cafes and pubs along thequayside offer a nice bite after a morning or afternoon of crabbing. There is alsoa playground not too far away, on Mudeford Beach, with a zipwire and a pirateship for climbing.
Christchurch is perfectly placed to help you make the most of every school holiday. With plenty to explore throughout the year, it's easy to see why so many families choose to call this part of Dorset home.
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