October half term events and activities

A family playing outside at Osterley Park and House, London

This half term, why not get involved in some of our great family activities? Follow a wildlife trail, discover historical stories or get creative with natural materials. Wherever you go, there’ll be plenty to do with the kids this October.

Which places are open?

  • More than 100 gardens and parks are open in England and Northern Ireland. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends, school holidays and bank holidays 
  • Many historic houses are open in England. If you book a ticket for an open garden or park, you may also be able to visit the house. Visits to the houses are limited to ensure safe, social distancing and so we can't guarantee you’ll be able to view the house on the day you visit 
  • We’ve opened many of our cafés and shops at these places to help make your visit feel as close to normal as possible 
  • Hundreds of coast and countryside car parks are open in England and Northern Ireland and most don’t need to be booked 

What's closed?  

  • In line with Welsh Government legislation and the 'fire break' lockdown, all our places in Wales will temporarily close from Saturday 24 October to Monday 9 November  
  • Following the latest official guidance, all National Trust houses in Northern Ireland are now closed. All cafés in Northern Ireland are now takeaway only  

Before visiting, please always check local and national government guidance on travelling. You can check the property webpage in case of local restrictions. We're following government advice closely and will reopen more places as soon as we can. 

Half term events & activities near me
Boy on the shoulders of his mother surrounded by autumn leaves at Sheringham Park in Norfolk

October half term in the East of England 

Looking for something to do with the family? Take your kids on an October half term outing in the East of England. You can take a scenic cycle ride at places like Blickling, Norfolk, or spot wildlife at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire. Take in the autumn colour on a family day out.

Plan your half term fun
A family at Aira Force in Ullswater

October half term in the Lake District 

Pull on your wellies and get ready for October half term in the Lake District. Walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter at Hill Top, where you can spot all kinds of wildlife from sheep to blackbirds. Or head into the woodland at Allan Bank for a nature adventure, where you can take in all the sights of autumn.

Plan your half term activities
A family walking at Morden Hall Park, London

October half term in the Midlands 

Enjoy some half term fun in the Midlands this October. Take your pick of autumnal activities, like red deer spotting at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, and woodland walks for the kids to run wild, which you can find at places like Upton House, Warwickshire.

Plan your family half term
Scarecrows at Castle Ward's PumpkinFest

October half term in Northern Ireland 

There are lots of beautiful autumn sights for all the family to see this October half term in Northern Ireland. Try out the 'Follow the flow' family water trail at The Argory to discover the power of water and the history of the estate. There are also lots of family nature walks and trails at Rowallane Garden, where you can expect a dazzling display of autumn colour in the garden and the kids can run around to let off some steam.

Uncover what's on near you
Family visitors playing in leaves in autumn

October half term in the North East of England 

There are lots of fun memories to be made in the North East this October half term. Become a nature detective when you spot wildlife at places like Gibside and Wallington, and explore caves and autumnal woodlands at Cragside.

Plan you half term fun
Family on the mill meadow at Quarry Bank in autumn

October half term in North West England 

Looking for some fun outdoors in the North West this October half term? Follow nature trails at places like Speke Hall, and build a den for the whole family to enjoy. Step back in time to find out what life was like for our ancestors at Quarry Bank, where you can learn more about the children who worked there during the Industrial Revolution.

Plan your half term adventure
A family in the garden in October at Ham House and Garden, Surrey

October half term in London and the South East 

Russet-coloured trees, crunchy leaves and conkers galore make the perfect backdrop for some October half term fun in the South East. You and the kids can appreciate the wonders of the natural world at places we care for. You can embrace this spectacular season with nature activities at Basildon Park, Berkshire or having fun finding fungi at Polesden Lacey, Surrey. Bring the family on a half term autumn adventure.

Plan your autumn adventures
Visitors in the garden in October at Stourhead, Wiltshire

October half term in the South West 

In the South West this October half term, history lovers can enjoy autumnal days out at Corfe Castle, Dorset, exploring the ruins and learning more about the stories of our ancestors. In Gloucestershire, head over to places like Dyrham Park and Snowshill for some autumn wildlife spotting.

Plan your fun-filled half term
Autumn half term adventures this way

October half term in Yorkshire 

Keep the kids busy this October half term in Yorkshire. Become an autumn explorer on the nature trail at Fountains Abbey, brush up on your nature facts on the pumpkin trail at Wentworth Gardens or stop by the bug hotel, Bugsby Hall, at Ormesby Hall.

Plan your half term
Visitors on a guided nature walk on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset

Useful ideas for your outdoor adventures 

Make the most of your time outside with our collection of outdoor spotter guides and activity sheets. Learn how to identify different trees with our leaf guide, learn what creepy crawlies you can see in your garden or spot different kinds of wildlife on a day out by the sea. We've got lots of fun activities to try on your next family adventure to help you get closer to nature.