Fun family days out

Make the most of the half term with these fun activities and family attractions

Explore pumpkin trails

Pumpkins, spooky trails, and adventure play is waiting to be explored at Raby Castle, Durham, this half-term. The spooktacular Halloween Trail is open daily, where children can follow activity sheets on a spellbinding quest around the Deer Park looking for hidden creatures and clues. Dressing-up is essential for the little ones and bringing your best dressed pumpkins is encouraged. Your designs will be put on show for everyone to see, before being judged by the castle’s garden team, and the chance of winning an annual pass for 2023. If you’re feeling brave, try the after dark trail ,where the inhabitants of Plotters Forest take on a life of their own for more spooky fun.

Ride the spooky train

Hang out on a Halloween Ghost Train with Count Brian the Vampire, Veronica the Witch, Bob the Zombie, and lots more creepy critters on the heritage East Lancashire Railway. Enjoy fun onboard with your new spooky friends and help break a spooky curse. After your trip, more frightful fun is on offer across the road at the Bury Transport Museum, where you’ll find Carn-Evil, which is home to a haunted cottage, spooky sizzler twister and lots of other family-friendly rides.

Hop on a boat

While away the day with an unforgettable boat trip along the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, and float across the famous “Stream in the Sky”. Claiming World Heritage status, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towers over the canal network, offering boaters stunning views of the valley below – just remember to bring your camera and a head for heights! After cruising over this historical feat of engineering, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before reaching The Bridge Inn at Chirk for refreshments and a chance to find your land legs again.

Fright night

Keep the teens happy on a visit to the London Dungeons. Journey through the capital’s most perilous past on the Tyrant Boat Ride, hold your nerve in the frightful Torture Chamber and on the plunging Drop Dead: Drop Ride, and settle your nerves in the Ten Bells pub – Jack the Ripper’s local haunt. This Halloween, experience the terrifying seasonal show, “50 Berkeley Square”, set in the spine-chilling attic of London’s most haunted house. From scary dolls and creaky rocking chairs to paranormal activity, the only question is: are you brave enough to enter?

History made fun

The Horrible Histories series is a huge hit with kids, teaching them about past events in their own quirky way, and now you can learn all about London while sailing along its most famous river on the Terrible Thames tour! This fun 45-minute trip starts at The Tower of London, with a live action crew filling you in on facts and figures inspired by the buildings you pass as you cruise along. Guy Fawkes and the Houses of Parliament, King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Boudicca, and Jack the Ripper all get a mention in this brilliant whistle-stop tour. It’s fabulous, interactive fun with some great storytelling – and, of course, lots of “poo” jokes that the kids (OK, and adults too) will love!