October 1/2 Term Activities
🍂 Make Dairy Barns Your Norfolk Autumn Escape
October is a wonderful time to explore Norfolk, with pumpkin patches, woodland adventures, wildlife walks and Halloween celebrations all around the county.
Whether you're planning a day out at BeWILDerwood, enjoying the seasonal magic at Wroxham Barns or simply taking a peaceful walk around Hickling Broad, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the autumn season.
At Dairy Barns in Hickling, we're lucky to be surrounded by the beautiful Norfolk Broads and within reach of so many wonderful family attractions.
We hope this guide gives you some inspiration for your October half-term plans. Gather the family, wrap up warm and enjoy everything this lovely season has to offer.
Happy Halloween and happy autumn exploring from all of us at Dairy Barns! 🎃🍁
🎃 1. Magic & Mischief at Wroxham Barns
When: 23 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Wroxham Barns, near Wroxham
Wroxham Barns is a wonderful choice for a family day out, and this October it’s getting a magical Halloween makeover!
Meet Wilma the Witch, try your hand at potion making and spell casting, tackle spooky challenges and have a go at Broomstick Bootcamp. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy the usual Adventure Farm attractions, including animal encounters, adventure play, mini golf and train rides.
Little ones can get into the Halloween spirit while parents enjoy a relaxed day out with plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Our tip: The pumpkin patch is also open on selected October dates, so check the calendar if you’d like to combine pumpkin picking with your Halloween adventure.
Find out more: Wroxham Barns
🍂 2. Halloween at BeWILDerwood
When: Selected dates in October, including 24 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Horning, Norfolk
If your family loves climbing, exploring and letting their imaginations run wild, BeWILDerwood is a fantastic place to visit during half-term.
This enchanting woodland adventure park is bringing back its Halloween fun, with the chance to dress up, meet the quirky characters and go Twig or Treating. For an extra-special experience, families can also follow the glowing light trail as the day draws to a close.
It’s a lovely alternative to traditional scary Halloween attractions, with plenty of outdoor adventure for children who prefer their spooky season magical rather than frightening.
Our tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring waterproof layers so the children can enjoy the woodland whatever the weather.
Find out more: BeWILDerwood
🎃 3. Pensthorpe Pumpkin Festival
When: 23 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Pensthorpe Natural Park, near Fakenham
For a wonderful autumn day out, head to Pensthorpe Natural Park, where pumpkins, wildlife and family activities come together for the season.
The Pumpkin Festival offers several ways to enjoy the park, from visiting the pumpkin patch to exploring the gardens, wildlife areas and play spaces. There’s also a spooky twist on the much-loved maize maze, making it a great choice for families looking for a little Halloween excitement.
With options for different budgets, you can choose pumpkin festival entry, a combination of pumpkins and play, or a wider autumn visit.
Our tip: Check the ticket options before booking, especially if you want to visit both the pumpkin festival and the wider park.
Find out more: Pensthorpe Natural Park
🧙 4. The Halloween Garden at Holkham
When: 27–31 October 2026
Where: Holkham, North Norfolk
Holkham is a lovely destination for a family autumn adventure, and its Halloween Garden promises plenty of seasonal fun.
Children can enjoy Halloween-themed trails, storytelling, crafts, face painting on selected dates and pumpkin carving. There are also spooky games and activities designed to bring a little Halloween magic to the Walled Garden.
If the children still have energy to burn afterwards, you can explore more of the Holkham estate, enjoy the fresh sea air or take a family walk through the beautiful surrounding landscape.
Our tip: Make a day of it by combining the Halloween Garden with a walk and a warming drink afterwards.
Find out more: Holkham – October Half-Term
👻 5. Halloween Days at ROARR!
When: 23 October – 1 November 2026
Where: ROARR!, Lenwade, near Norwich
For families who love dinosaurs as much as Halloween, ROARR! is well worth considering.
The popular dinosaur adventure park is hosting its Halloween Days, with themed mazes, entertainment and craft activities. The Spooky Maze is ideal for younger visitors, while older children can explore additional haunted mazes if they fancy a bigger challenge.
With plenty of attractions to enjoy alongside the seasonal activities, it’s an excellent option for a full day out.
Our tip: Check the age suitability of the different mazes before visiting, as some attractions may be better suited to older children.
Find out more: ROARR!
🐐 6. Pumpkin Festival at The Goat Shed
When: 22–30 October 2026
Where: Honingham, near Norwich
If you’re looking for a relaxed countryside celebration of autumn, The Goat Shed’s Pumpkin Festival offers a lovely mix of family activities and seasonal treats.
Follow the pumpkin trail through the maze, enjoy the G.O.A.T. Kart Track, explore the mud kitchens and let the children enjoy the farmyard play. There’s also live music, street food, independent shops and the chance to gather around the fire pits for toasted s’mores.
General admission is advertised at £6 per person, with under-threes going free. Check the organiser’s website for current ticket details and availability.
Our tip: This is a great option for families who want to combine outdoor play with a bite to eat and a browse around local businesses.
Find out more: The Goat Shed Pumpkin Festival
🚂 7. Kids Go Free on the Bure Valley Railway
When: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Aylsham and the Norfolk Broads
Fancy a slightly different family adventure? A trip on the Bure Valley Railway is a lovely way to enjoy the Norfolk countryside during autumn.
The narrow-gauge steam railway travels between Aylsham and Wroxham, offering a nostalgic journey through the countryside. It’s a wonderful experience for little train enthusiasts and grown-ups alike.
A Kids Go Free offer is advertised for October half-term, with up to two children aged 0–15 travelling free with a full-fare-paying adult. Check the railway’s terms and timetable before setting off.
Our tip: Pair your train journey with a stroll around Wroxham or a stop for lunch to make a full day of it.
Find out more: Bure Valley Railway
🕵️ 8. Free Halloween Fun in Norwich
When: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Norwich city centre
You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep the children entertained over half-term.
Norwich has several family-friendly activities planned, including a free Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Chantry Place. It’s a fun way to get the children exploring while hunting for clues and enjoying the Halloween atmosphere.
There are also additional family events across the city, including activities at the National Centre for Writing and seasonal entertainment at Castle Quarter.
Our tip: Combine the scavenger hunt with a visit to the city’s shops, a family lunch or a walk around Norwich’s historic streets.
Find out more: Visit Norwich – October Half-Term
🍁 9. Enjoy an Autumn Nature Adventure at Hickling Broad
When: Throughout the autumn season, subject to access and opening arrangements
Where: Hickling Broad and Marshes, right here in the Norfolk Broads
Sometimes the simplest days out are the most memorable, and you don’t have to travel far from Dairy Barns to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
Hickling Broad and Marshes is a wonderful place for families who enjoy wildlife, peaceful walks and exploring the great outdoors. Wrap up warm, follow the paths, look out for birds and see how many signs of autumn the children can spot.
Turn the walk into a mini adventure by making a nature checklist: colourful leaves, feathers, interesting seed heads and birds on the water. Remember to leave natural treasures where they belong and follow any reserve guidance.
Our tip: Check the Norfolk Wildlife Trust website for current opening information and any seasonal activities before visiting.
Find out more: Norfolk Wildlife Trust – Hickling Broad