What’s on in Northamptonshire this October Half Term

Keeping the family occupied in the school holidays is often a tough job, so I’ve done the hard work and pulled together a list of some amazing events and activities happening across Northamptonshire this October Half Term. I’ve divided into 4 sections: Northampton, Daventry/ West Northants, North/East Northants and South Northants so you can go straight to the area you want.

In case you missed my earlier local posts:

Where to Pick Pumpkins in Northamptonshire 2026

Fireworks Displays in Northamptonshire 2026

Free Activities In Northamptonshire October Half Term edition-Coming soon!

Northampton

Delapre Abbey

Lots of activities running 24th-31st October, including Halloween Harvest Afternoon Teas, Preacher the Storyteller and Outdoor cinema featuring Hocus Pocus and The Lost Boys

Northampton and Lamport Railway

Saturday 31st and Sunday 1st November – Halloween Trains. We’ve got daytime ‘Hocus Pocus Trains‘ running all weekend, suitable for all ages.For that extra spooky experience we also have 3 special ‘Eerie Night Express‘ trains running after dark on the Saturday (still suitable for all ages).

Daventry/West Northants

Canons Ashby

17th October-8th November – Poisons, Potions and Plants trail. Plus spooky storytime on 27th October from 10.15-10.45

North/East Northants

Fineshade Wood

Thursday 29th October from 10am-Gruffolo Granny Storytelling. Come to the forest for a day of family fun this October half-term and hear the new Gruffalo story. There’s also a visit from The Gruffalo!

The Chester House Estate

24th-31st October – Spooksville…if you dare! Explore a range of spooky surprises – including a haunted pumpkin patch, hay bale tractor maze, ghost hunts, and pumpkin carving.

Mini Meadows

17th-31st October Halloween Pumpkin Palace – Head to our Pumpkin Palace, where children can choose their pumpkin and enjoy mess-free pumpkin carving and wand making, every day from 10am–4pm.

Wicksteed Park

24th-1st November -There is so much to do at Wicksteed Park this half-term! Your wristband gives you unlimited access to all open rides, admission to Halloween Haunt Chapter 3, admission to Zoolab’s spooky potions show in Wicky Bear’s Theatre and the chance to solve a mystery in our outdoor trail area!

Boughton House

24th-31st October – The Duke’s Magical Maze and Menagerie. Follow an enchanting outdoor trail inspired by Boughton’s rich history and legends, where hands-on games, pumpkin picking, interactive challenges and immersive storytelling bring the landscape to life.

Stanwick Lakes

24th October-1st November – join the Half Term Lost Keepers Trail no booking necessary – just purchase your trail leaflet from the Visitor Centre (and collect your reward once done). Plus there are various events throughout the week including willow lantern workshops, harvest mouse walks and a family fabric painting workshop.

Rushden Transport Museum and Railway

Thursday 29th October 3-5pm enjoy a ghoulish afternoon tea in the buffet carriage. Tickets must be bought in advance.

Friday 30th an Saturday 31st Halloween Ghost Train – Ticket includes a spooky train ride and sweets for children on the train.

Rockingham Castle

Wednesday 28th-Saturday 31st October – Halloween Fun. Follow the carved pumpkin trail through the Castle to solve the creepy crossword. Ghoulish games and a terrifying trail await all who enter the gardens. Join our most gruesome guides beneath the Castle Towers, pick your pumpkin, and try to ‘hit the witch’ for your chance to win a prize in our pumpkin rolling challenge!

Lamport Hall

Thursday 22nd & Thursday 29th October 11-12 – Standing In The Wings – Let Us Read You a Story – Halloween special. Come down to our magical woodland summer house to read spooky and Halloween themed stories suitable for all ages. Price includes a spooky themed sweet treat. £4 per child, £3 for additional siblings, under 1s and over 11s free.

Castello Lounge, Wellingborough

Monday October 26th Stay & Play FREE EVENT 10-11am, 11.30-12.30pm or 1-2pm

Saturday October 31st Kids Halloween Disco £5 (cash) per child, book using link above or pay at bar

South Northants

Castle Ashby Gardens

24th October-1st November Pumpkin Hunt

Evenley Wood Garden

24th October-1st November – Halloween Spooktacular. Our Halloween Spooktacular offers a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. From pumpkin carving workshops (extra charge)to wand making (pre book only) and spine-chilling storytelling sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.