We round-up some of the best half-term and Halloween 2019 events happening around the country
Cornwall
Eden Project
There is a lot happening at the Eden Project for half-term and Halloween between October 19 and November 3, including a puppet cabaret show, a spooky woodland, web-weaving workshops and the chance to create potions in the Eden Cottage.
There will also be ice-skating, pumpkin-carving, an Owl Sanctuary and spooky tales read by professional storytellers.
And there will be a Halloween Disco: Little Monsters’ Ball on October 26.
For more information click here.
Flambards
The Cornish theme park Flambards has science shows and pumpkin trails.
Junior scientists can enjoy slime-making workshops.
And Flambards’ Victorian Village hosts a spooky pumpkin quiz trail.
Plus on October 23, the theme park is staying open late to stage a Halloween Firework Spectacular.
Fireworks at Flambards
For more information click here.
Blackpool
Blackpool is a popular destination at this time of year thanks to its famous illuminations.
This free nightly display along the entire length of the promenade – which runs until November 3 – attracts more than three million visitors to the area every year.
But there is plenty more going on as well over half-term including the town’s Lightpool Festival which offers more free entertainment between October 11 and 26.
Blackpool Carvinal of Lights
This features performance and light-based art installations, including a replica planet Earth in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the world premiere of a large-scale Sun in the Winter Gardens and a display of giant illuminated see-saws in the town centre.
Blackpool Tower Projections is also taking place – where Blackpool Tower is bathed in a sea of light, colour and sound as multi-media shows are projected on to the building (from now until November 3).
And there are other shows including Carnival Magic – a puppet and dance show featuring fire breathing robots and a 20-piece band, on October 25 and Pyronix – this Belgian performance group will do a music and fire show on October 26.
For more information click here.
Kent
Dover Castle promises visitors they can descend into a tunnel of terror, and meet a ghost or two on spooky tours over half-term.
Visitors will also be able to have a go at making a menacing mask or witch’s cat to take home.
Events run from October 19 to 27 between 10am and 4pm, for more information click here.
Hampshire
Marwell Zoo in Winchester is putting on a monster trail around its large 140-acre site. Visitors must track down 12 hidden monsters around the zoo, including a panteater, spitopotamus and a scary scornbill.
There is also broomstick-flying with Marwell’s resident and wise old wizard Lowedolf, spooky story telling and optional extras such as wand decorating or monster making for £1 each. The special events are on from October 26 to November 3.
Read our review of the zoo here.
Paultons Park will have more than 4,000 pumpkins, ghostly scenes, spooky meet and greets, Freaky Fancy Dress competition and a Little Monsters Ball finale to finish each day.
And there is a new Legend of Paultons Manor theatrical show featuring spectacular illusions and slapstick comedy. Book online here.
Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace has half-term Halloween events from October 26 to November 3. There are train rides through a terrifying tunnel, performances in the Great Court and spooky stories in the Cinema.
In addition, the palace has a scarecrow trail for small children and is bringing statues to life inside the Palace.
On November 1, there is a new laser and lighting show in the Great Courtyard, set to music from Star Wars ‘Deep Space and Beyond’. Limited tickets are available, see the website.
Birmingham
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is hosting a Monster Madness Party on Wednesday, October 30, with music, dancing, activities, ghoulish games and prizes. The party runs from 1.45pm to 3.30pm.
Spooky Science Night at Thinktank
At Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, there is a Spooky Science Night on October 31 where you can visit the museum after-hours and try eerie experiments, a silent disco and take in the Science of Fright show.
Thinktank also has Halloween activities throughout the half term week. For more information see the website.