Holly Price
The October half-term in Kent is filled with exciting events and activities, making it the perfect destination for families, couples, or groups of friends looking to fully embrace the autumn season. Kent offers something for everyone, whether you’re searching for spine-tingling Halloween thrills at historic sites, outdoor adventures in the stunning countryside, or cultural experiences in charming towns and cities. From pumpkin picking and ghostly castle tours to scenic coastal walks and visits to world-famous landmarks, Kent provides the ideal setting to create unforgettable memories during the autumn break.
Making a trip of it? Explore our range of holiday cottages in Kent.
Halloween Events in Kent
With schools out from Monday, 27th October, the half-term is the perfect occasion to celebrate all-things spooky. Below, you’ll find a range of different Halloween events to enjoy in Kent, along with a selection of PYO pumpkin patches to enjoy!
Halloween Half Term at Dover Castle
Location: Dover Castle, CT16 1HU
Dates: Sat 18th October – Sun 2nd November 2025
Made with little monsters in mind, Dover Castle is playing host to a range of spooky activities that all the family can enjoy during half term. Meet a vampire, a witch and perhaps even solve the quest of the castle in between enjoying the shows and interactive displays.
Walmer Castle’s Scarecrow Trail
Location: Walmer Castle & Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ
Dates: Sat 18 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 2025
Back for another year, the Walmer Castle Scarecrow Trail will feature scarecrows crafted by local groups and clubs with the theme of ‘Remembering Heroes’. This family-friendly event is a fun way to experience the Halloween season while enjoying the beautiful grounds of this historic site. It’s easy to see why this is a favourite activity for visitors to Walmer and the surrounding areas.
Halloween Trail at Betteshanger Country Park
Location: Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, CT14 0BF
Dates: Sat 18 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 2025
This October, Betteshanger Country Park is transforming into a spook-tacular adventure for all ages! There will be a Halloween Trail through the winding woodland paths, where guests can solve riddles and spot spooky surprises. You’re encouraged to dress in your best costumes, bring your little ghouls and goblins, and enjoy a fang-tastic day of autumn fun—perfect for families, friends, and anyone ready for a little spooky season magic.
Halloween Half Term at Hever Castle
Location: Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Dates: Sat 18th Oct – Sun 26th Oct
Interactive and entertaining, Halloween Half Term at Hever Castle is set to be teeming with spooky stories, skeleton parties and craft workshops. Wander the grounds in search of the resident skeletons and search for clues to claim your reward. For the grown-ups who love ghostly goings-on, there is also a Haunted Hever Castle Evening.
Halloween Fireworks Special
Location: Quex Adventure Park, Birchington-on-Sea, Kent, CT7 0BH
Dates: Sat 1st November 2025
Quex Park Fireworks is the perfect event for all the family. Including fireworks, bonfires, music, fire performers and children’s entertainment – it’s set to be an October-extravaganza that everyone will enjoy. There is also a trick-or-treat trail and other Halloween-themed activities – keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook account for more information.
Kids Go FREE at Howletts Wildlife Park
Location: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL
Dates: Sat 18 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 2025
Enjoy a wild adventure this October at Howletts Wild Animal Park, where kids go free during the October half term. Explore the park’s vast grounds, home to a variety of animals, including elephants, gorillas, and tigers. It’s a fantastic family-friendly day out, offering the chance to learn about endangered species whilst having fun. If you’re visiting Canterbury this half term, this is a must-do activity. Stay nearby in one of our Canterbury Cottages for the full experience.
Halloween Spooktacular at Kent Life Farm
Location: Kent Life Farm, Lock Lane, Maidstone, ME14 3AU
Dates: Sat 18 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 2025
For a day packed with spooky fun, head to Kent Life Heritage Farm this October half-term. From pumpkin carving to face painting, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. Meet the friendly farm animals and enjoy seasonal treats at the café. This event is always a hit with families and is sure to be one of the highlights of the half-term. Located in Maidstone, we have a variety of holiday homes in Kent in nearby areas for those looking to getaway with the kids.
More Halloween Events in Kent
There are lots of spooky goings on at Halloween throughout Kent. Some other events include:
- Guardians of the Grounds at Leeds Castle: a family-friendly event that follows an enchanting trail around the castle grounds.
- Halloween Horrors at Fort Amherst: For grown-ups looking for a seasonal scarefest, Fort Amherst has over 40 years’ experience in providing fright night fun!
- Ghost Hunting Tours: Available at different locations throughout Kent, Ghost Hunter Tours offer adults-only adventures of the supernatural kind. On Halloween itself, they are running a tour of Dover Castle.
Where to go Pumpkin Picking in Kent
From family-friendly festivals to pick-your-own experiences at farmers’ fields, pumpkin picking is an essential part of the Halloween festivities. We’ve listed some of our local favourites below!
Pumpkin Picking at Lower Ladysden
Location: Hoath Fruit Farm, Canterbury, CT3 4AB
Dates: Every weekend throughout October + half term
Lower Ladysden takes the PYO experience to another level, with nighttime slots, fairground rides, hot and cold foot outlets and plenty of props for family photo opportunities! They grow a range of pumpkins, squash and gourds onsite, from your speciality soup essentials to decorative options. You’ll need to book tickets for your visit, which you can do so here.
PYO Pumpkins Canterbury
Location: Lower Ladysden PYO, Winchet Hill, Goudhurst TN17 1JX
Dates: 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th to 31st October
Nothing captures the essence of autumn quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch, and Pick Your Own Pumpkins in Canterbury is the perfect destination. Explore a wide selection of pumpkins, from traditional orange to unique shapes and colours, all set against the picturesque Kent countryside. It’s a fun way to embrace the Halloween spirit. Just a short distance from the city, Canterbury’s charming atmosphere makes it the ideal spot for a cosy autumn escape.
Felderland Farm PYO
Location: Felderland PYO Farm Deal Road, Worth, Deal CT14 0BE
Dates: 18th October onwards
Another pumpkin patch experience perfect for families looking to create picture-perfect moments, Felderland Farm is a great option for those staying in the Deal area. From seasonal snacks and drinks to fearsome face painting, families can expect a quintessential autumn experience.
Delf Farm Shop Pumpkin Picking
Location: Deal Rd, Sandwich CT13 0BU
Dates: 18th October onwards
A beloved local farm shop with a garden centre (and homemade cakes on offer,) Delf Farm Shop is once again opening its sprawling pumpkin patch from the 18th – 31st October. During half-term week, they will also have a Dinky Doughnut stall on-site.
Explore Kent this October Half Term
Kent is the perfect destination for an October half-term break, with plenty of events to enjoy, whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, spooky Halloween events, or something more relaxing. With so many things to do in Kent this October half term, you’re sure to create lasting memories no matter where you visit.
