Somerset is a rather spectacular place to explore come autumn, from the magical woodlands that take on a golden glow to the rolling hills that promise a myriad of winding paths to follow.
And when it comes to family fun, you’re spoilt for choice as attractions everywhere pull out all the stops for an unforgettable half term experience - think pumpkin picking (and even pumpkin rolling) and spooky trails full of tricks and treats.
So, whether you’re looking for some crafty afternoons or spot of historical amusement the whole family can enjoy, here are our picks of the best things to do this October half term in Somerset…
Meet the Witch of Wookey Hole Caves
The Mill, High Street, Wookey Hole, Wells BA5 1BA
Aspiring young witches and wizards should head to the incredible Wookey Hole Caves near Wells this October half term for a dose of magic and spookiness. Running every weekend from the 5th of October and then every day from the 26th of October through to the 3rd of November, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained throughout their visit to one of Somerset’s top places to visit.
Begin your adventure with a tour through the atmospheric cave chambers, learning about the legend of the formidable witch, before joining the giant pumpkin trail and solving a mystery to win a prize. Afterwards, there’s a visit to the 4D cinema, a wander around the museum, a giant soft play area, and finally a visit to the circus for a 30-minute show themed around ghost pirates! If all of this excitement makes you hungry, there’s a restaurant and ice cream parlour to replenish you, while the shop is on hand for memorable gifts to take home with you.
Roth Bar and Grill Pumpkin Festival
Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton BA10 0NL
Head to Bruton on Saturday the 26th of October for Roth’s Annual Pumpkin Festival, a no-holds-barred event for the whole family. Kids can get involved with pumpkin carving, led by no less than an expert from Aardman Animations, alongside Morris dancing, live music, and lots of other pumpkin-themed activities including face painting and lawn games. There are craft workshops available too, inviting you to build a folk-inspired giant, try your hand at making a flower crown, or print a flag.
At 3pm there’s a procession through the garden (dressing up is actively encouraged) with a final gathering in the farmyard, followed by tasty treats cooked to perfection in their fire pits and accompanied by seasonal spiced drinks. Competitions abound as well, with judging for best costume, quirkiest pumpkin and best-carved pumpkin (make sure to bring one with you). Tickets to this event are free, but you’ll need to book your places in advance.
Zombies, tricks and treats at Mendip Activity Centre
Lyncombe Drive, Churchill BS25 5PQ
Head to Mendip Activity Centre this October half term and you’ll find a host of blood-pumping activities to keep everyone entertained. Opened in 1987, not far from Weston-super-Mare, the centre is a national activity, training, and education provider for those who love the great outdoors. Get yourselves apocalypse-ready with zombie outbreak response training, where children eight years and older can learn the skills of archery, air rifles, and axe throwing to defend themselves against marauding zombies.
For kids aged four to 12, the centre’s toboggan slope has been transformed into a spookily spectacular realm of lights, decorations, and music to make your descent all the more ghoulish, with a trick or treat given at the end for bravery. Children are actively encouraged to dress up for their visit, while the Alpine Lounge is on hand for tasty meals and treats. These events are very popular, so we recommend booking before you go.
Pumpkin Rolling, Forde Abbey & Gardens
Forde Abbey Estate, Chard TA20 4LU
Make the most of the last few weeks of opening at the beautiful Forde Abbey & Gardens, a gorgeous 30-acre estate with award-winning gardens and a magnificent house near Chard. This October, from the 26th to the 31st of October, you can purchase your pumpkin from Forde Abbey’s own patch before carrying it up to the top lawn and rolling it down the hill – lots of fun for children and grown-ups alike!
After you’ve had your fill of rolling, pay a visit to the 900-year-old Abbey that’s been at times home to Cistercian monks, 19th-century philosophers, and politicians. Famed for its incredible collection of Mortlake tapestries, a visit offers a rare insight into a medieval holy dwelling, from the chapel and cloisters to the state room and refectory. Outside, the incredible garden is home to England’s highest, powered fountain as well as an arboretum, bog gardens, delightful herbaceous borders and stunning views – no wonder it’s one of Somerset’s most beautiful places to visit.
Dunster Castle School of Magic, Dunster Castle
Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY
Perched high on a wooded hill overlooking the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside, it’s no surprise that Dunster Castle near Minehead has a magical air about it! With a history spanning a thousand years, from medieval fortress to Victorian family home, there’s so much to see and do here you’ll easily spend a day exploring one of Somerset’s most beautiful castles.
Half term sees the return of The Pumpkin Games at the School of Magic, where a lost trophy needs to be found. With a list of suspects and clues scattered around the castle, if you can find out what happened and guess the culprit, you’ll get a prize – but watch out for pesky imps who want to sabotage the game. After you’ve explored the castle and solved the challenge, take a wander down into the pretty village of Dunster with its shops, tearooms, and beautiful medieval architecture.
Delve into Halloween at the American Museum & Gardens
Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD
For a true taste of an American Halloween, head to the American Museum & Gardens in Bath for a spooktacular experience. Created back in 1961, the museum showcases American history and decorative arts, while outside there are 125 acres of Grade II listed gardens to explore. This half term, peek behind the red, white, and, blue curtain to see just how those in the US celebrate at this time of year.
Running from the 26th of October to the 3rd of November you can take part in the sensory Creature Garden Trail with a ‘candy’ treat at the end, a museum bat search, and an assortment of family activities indoors in the Stables. On the 30th of October and the 1st of November there’s also storytelling, on the 28th of October and 3rd of November there are evening theatre productions and pumpkin painting on the 2nd and 3rd of November. On Halloween itself, trick-or-treat events will take place in the garden, with a dog costume competition and a children’s costume parade around lunchtime, so make sure your little ones and furry friends are dressed up in their finest!
Undertake a Castle Quest at the Museum of Somerset
Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AA
Head to the Museum of Somerset this half term for a host of fun activities to keep little ones entertained. Situated within the castle in Taunton, ‘Castle Quest’ heralds the arrival of Knight School, where kids can learn what it takes to become a brave knight, build their own shield, and have lessons on how to use it. You can also have a go at building your own castle in miniature in their ‘Build a Fortress’ area, meet a real-life falcon and other birds of prey, delve into the dressing-up box to blend in with the castle and learn how to play instruments and dances from the medieval and Tudor times.
There’s also the opportunity to have a mini castle tour around the building for little ones, led by hugely entertaining guides. These events run from the 29th to the 31st of October, while a castle trail, where you can uncover stories and locations within the castle, runs from the 26th of October through to the 2nd of November.
Lytes Cary Manor, near Somerton
Near Somerton, TA11 7HU
Owned by the National Trust, Lytes Cary Manor is a small, stunning medieval manor house with beautiful Arts and Crafts-style gardens to explore near Somerton. Little ones will enjoy the October half term trail, which runs from the 26th of October through to the 3rd of November. Participants will be given a trail sheet, pencil, and a mask to wear as they explore the manor clues and answers.
Grown-ups meanwhile will love immersing themselves in the living history of Lytes Cary Manor, which includes a 12th-century chapel, pretty farm buildings, and magnificent gardens that include a topiary, herbaceous borders, an orchard and a croquet lawn. Once kids have finished the trail, there’s a wooded play area for them to let off steam in, plus three waymarked walks within the 350-acre estate where dogs are welcome to join you. Afterwards, indulge in a sweet treat in the tea room and have a rummage in the second-hand book shop in one of the old cow sheds.
Pick your own pumpkins at Palette and Pasture
Pyle Farm, Trudoxhill, Frome BA11 5DL
If you’re out exploring in and around Frome, make sure to head to Palette and Pasture, who make their own gelato using the milk from their dairy herd and sell it in their fantastic ice cream parlour. With 14 different flavours to choose from, you can enjoy them by the scoop or opt for a sundae, milkshake or devilishly delicious hot chocolate. For savoury lovers, there are burgers off the barbeque available too.
There’s also the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin from their huge patch, with wheelbarrows on hand so you can pick as many as you like to take home and carve, with dogs on leads welcome to take part too. In addition, there’s a fantastic outdoor play area with a pedal tractor race track and digger pit, bouncy castles and farm animals to pet. Make sure to book your ticket online ahead of your visit.
Apple harvesting at Barrington Court
Illminster, TA19 0NQ
Saved from disrepair by Colonel Lyle (of Tate & Lyle) and now managed by the National Trust, Barrington Court near Illminster is a beautiful estate with gorgeous gardens and 70 acres of park and farmland to explore. This October half term, children are encouraged to take part in the annual apple harvesting in the orchards, where you’ll be given your own mini wheelbarrow to go around and pick up over 100 varieties of apples, which will then be turned into lip-smacking cider.
While the main house is closed for ongoing conservation work, the ground floor of Strode House is open for visitors. At the same time, you can join the ranger team in the orchard to help sow wildflower seeds and also take part in the hunt for pumpkins, which are hidden across the estate. Afterwards, head to the café to fill rumbling tums before taking a peek in the shop and second-hand bookshop.
Get creative at East Quay, Watchet
East Quay, Watchet TA23 0AQ
If you’re out and about exploring Somerset’s beautiful coastline and happen upon the pretty harbour town of Watchet, head to the fantastic East Quay, a social enterprise centre that’s always hosting events. Over the October half term, there’s a host of free family workshops, running from the 26th of October through to the 3rd of November, from 10am until 5pm every day.
On Tuesday the 26th, you can get involved by designing and painting vivid neon circles for their patterned stained glass window display, while on Wednesday the 30th from 2pm until 4pm there are witch-themed crafts to be made. On Thursday the 31st, you can get involved by crafting paper mâché into lanterns for their Lantern Parade, which takes place on the following Saturday. Grown-ups will enjoy a peruse amongst the art galleries and shops while East Quay Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon breaks.
Feeling inspired to whisk the family away for an October half term getaway? Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in Somerset and start planning your escape today.
