With swathes of golden-hued leaves and free-roaming pigs on the hunt for acorns, the New Forest really is a charming place to visit in autumn.
If you want to get out and about this October half term, there’s plenty going on to ensure you make the most of your family’s New Forest adventures!
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
With exhibits tracing the history of motoring, interactive displays and famous cars from the screen, a trip to the National Motor Museum always promises a great family day out. Alongside all the museum’s usual entertainment, this half term is also your last chance to see the Disney and Pixar Cars display, featuring Lightning McQueen and other characters from the movies.
Ghost Stories at Palace House, Beaulieu
For the ultimate Beaulieu day out, head to Palace House next, a grand Victorian manor that takes you back to the 19th century. Learn all about the history of the estate and its inhabitants with lavishly decorated rooms and cooking demonstrations in the authentic Victorian kitchen. During half term, you’ll also be treated to some traditional ghost stories too – make sure to keep an eye out for spooky spectres roaming the halls!
Love a good scare? Check out some of the spookiest locations in the New Forest for a chance to see more ghosts and ghouls.
New Beaulieu Trail
Half term is also the perfect time to enjoy Beaulieu’s brand new trail. Follow the folklore trail through the museum, Palace House, Abbey, gardens and surrounding grounds to uncover the magical items on your list. Head to the Bothy in the Victorian Vegetable Garden to mix your ingredients and create a magical potion!
Halloween Spooktacular at Paultons Park, Romsey
Another of the New Forest’s premier family attractions, Paultons Park boasts a plethora of rides, attractions and themed worlds to suit all ages. There’s all sorts of special Halloween fun happening across the park during half term. From seasonal stage shows and character meet-and-greets to interactive dark rides and late-night openings, there are plenty of ways to get into the spooky spirit.
Halloween Events at New Forest Activities, Beaulieu
Enjoy a range of themed activities at New Forest Activities to explore the lovely local area and indulge your competitive side! Special October and Halloween events include spooky night-time canoe tours to experience the river by moonlight, Battlezone Apocalypse laser tag where you’ll get a chance to take down ghoulish enemies, themed archery with spooky targets and a pumpkin-shooting challenge and river tours with a treasure-hunting twist. Whatever your activity of choice, the whole family can get involved.
Halloween at Hurst Castle, Lymington
Hurst Castle, an imposing Tudor fortress, is a fantastic, atmospheric setting for spooky Halloween adventures. There is a range of seasonal activities happening during the half-term holidays, with a sinister descent into the basement, a maze to solve, the Treasure Trail and themed arts and crafts to keep everyone entertained.
Halloween at Calshot Castle
The New Forest’s other Tudor coastal fort sits at the end of Calshot Spit and makes another awesome location for a bit of October fun. Throughout the half-term week, the site will be throwing a range of Halloween-themed activities, including a spooky trail, crafts and games, all in a great setting that’ll set your imagination running wild.
Pumpkin Picking & Halloween Village at Picking Patch, Fordingbridge
For an escape into all things Halloween, head to the Picking Patch, which is transformed into the Halloween village of Witchville during October. Whether you’re after a chill afternoon of pumpkin-picking or are brave enough to set off into the Scare Maze come evening time, there’s all sorts of seasonal fun to be had. Other activities include the Graffiti Lab, a ride on the Halloween Express and the Witchling Maze for younger explorers.
Halloween at Exbury Gardens
The diverse gardens at Exbury are a delight to visit at any time of year. In autumn, you’ll see a vibrant palette of red, orange, yellow and gold thanks to the various Nyssa and Acer trees dotted across the site. As well as enjoying the changing season itself, there are plenty of special events going on throughout half term, including Halloween face painting, pumpkin carving, craft workshops, a haunted circus trail and the ghost train!
Frightful Fun at Longdown Activity Farm, Ashurst
Pay a visit to Longdown this break for farmyard fun with an autumnal twist. As well as all the usual animal encounters and attractions, you’ll be able to encounter creepy crawlies on Saturday 31st, along with earlier visits from a singing princess on Wednesday 28th and Crazy M the trickster on Thursday 29th.
Halloween at Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood
Experience the magic of autumn and thrills of Halloween at Moors Valley with a range of activities and special events occurring throughout half term. Younger visitors will love the Great Halloween Mystery, a trail to uncover what has happened to the giant Halloween pumpkin. The woodland will also be transformed into an illuminated trail with spooky surprises. Other half-term specials include seasonal crafts, night-time Go Ape sessions and Halloween-themed laser tag, not to mention all the park’s usual activities.
Staying in the New Forest in Autumn
Our family-friendly holiday cottages in the New Forest serve as the ideal base for your autumnal adventures. From cosy cottages hidden away in the countryside to swish modern stays, we’ve got something to suit every family.
Still planning your escape? See our current availability for October half-term New Forest getaways.
