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Things to do in Kent Over The October Half Term

18 September 2025
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 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 below.

October Half Term & Halloween Events in Kent

With schools out from Monday, 26th 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!

A dramatic exterior shot of dover castle with the sunset in the background

Halloween Half Term at Dover Castle

Location: Dover Castle, CT16 1HU

Dates: Sat 24th October – Sun 1st November 2026

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.

An aerial image of walmer castle and gardens with the beach visible beyond

Walmer Castle's Annual Scarecrow Trail

Location: Walmer Castle & Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ

Dates: Sat 17th Oct – Sun 1st Nov 2026

Back for another year, the Walmer Castle Scarecrow Trail will feature scarecrows crafted by local groups and clubs with the theme of ‘Myths & Legends’. 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.

A witch in the woods holding up a pumpkin to cover her face

Halloween Events at Betteshanger Country Park

Location: Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, CT14 0BF

Dates: Various dates throughout October

This October, Betteshanger Country Park is transforming into a spook-tacular adventure for all ages! There will be a Halloween Trail (17th & 18th Oct) 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.

There will also be a woodland trail and pumpkin patch open to explore from the 24th October to 1st November, with a larger Halloween party celebration taking place on the big day itself, Saturday 31st October.

 

A group of children in halloween fancy dress at Hever Castle

Halloween & Half Term at Hever Castle

Location: Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Dates: Throughout October

Hever Castle plays host to a range of different events and activities during spooky season. Grown-ups can embark on After Hours Haunted Castle Tours and autumnal workshops such as sketching and aromatherapy, while little ones will love the Spooktacular Science theme running from the 17 October until 1 November.

An image of spooky woods lit up in red light with lanterns leading the way along a trail

Quex Halloween Fest & Trick or Treat Trail

Location: Quex Adventure Park, Birchington-on-Sea, Kent, CT7 0BH

Dates: Various dates throughout October 2026

Brought to Quex Adventure Park by the same team behind Elf Express, Halloween Fest and the Trick or Treat Trail are two separate activities for different age ranges. The Trick or Treat Trail is suitable for little ones and includes a ride on the slime blaster express along with a trip to the pumpkin patch where you can choose your own, while the Halloween Fest is for those aged 14+ with scare mazes, live bands and a hearty German BBQ.

An exterior shot of Leeds Castle in Kent

Horrible Histories at Leeds Castle

Location: Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Dates: 17th October to 1st November

Dive into the ghastly goings-on of yesteryear with Horrible Histories at Leeds Castle. From 17th October to 1st November 2026, the Castle grounds become a ghost-getter’s trail, crawling with royal spirits, witch trials and superstitions gruesome enough to make your skin crawl (in a good way).  There are other activities also available at the castle throughout October, including Go Ape after dark, visiting the Birds of Prey centre and the vibrant autumn colours of the castle grounds.

Two goats standing beside a pumpkin engraved with Kent Life

Halloween Spooktacular at Kent Life Farm

Location: Kent Life Farm, Lock Lane, Maidstone, ME14 3AU

Dates: Sat 24th Oct – Sun 1st Nov 2026

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.

An atmospheric interior shot of the vaulted ceilings and archways at Fort Amherst, a Napoleonic fort dating back to 1756.

Halloween at Fort Amherst

Location: Fort Amherst, Dock Rd, Chatham ME4 4UB

Dates: Various dates throughout October

Fancy stepping into an 18th-century fort for a day or night of frights this October? Fort Amherst offers a choice of three different experiences this Halloween, with different age categories for each. The ‘Clown Chaos’ experience is suitable for all, and sends all members of the family on a fun quest to capture the clowns and save the fort.

A selection of different coloured pumpkins and gourds at a PYO pumpkin farm in Kent

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!

Lower Ladysden PYO, Winchet Hill, Goudhurst TN17 1JX
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, Hoath Fruit Farm, CT3 4AB
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.

Felderland PYO Farm, Deal Road, Worth, Deal CT14 0BE
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 fun face painting, families can expect a quintessential autumn experience.

Delf Farm Shop, Deal Rd, Sandwich CT13 0BU
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.

 

 

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. Need somewhere to stay? Explore our range of characterful cottages and book your half-term break below.

Lanes End image
Appledore, Rye
Lanes End
Sleeps 10
5
4
No Dogs
Allocated Parking · Garden · Open fire/log burner ·
27th - 30th October £2,645.00
View Property
Little Nest image
St Margaret's Bay, Kent
Little Nest
Sleeps 2
1
1
No Dogs
Allocated Parking · Wifi · Garden ·
27th - 30th October £537.50 £464.37
View Property
Pebbles image
Seasalter, Kent
Pebbles
Sleeps 6
3
2
No Dogs
Allocated Parking · Wifi · Garden ·
27th - 29th October £1,128.00
View Property
Bowden Lodge image
Kingsdown, Kent
Bowden Lodge
Sleeps 12
6
5
3 Dogs
Pets Allowed · Allocated Parking · Wifi ·
27th - 30th October £1,945.00 £1,698.25
View Property
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About Holly Price

Holly is a Freelance Copywriter who joined the Keeper's Cottage marketing team in 2025. Passionate about good food, good wine, good books and good beaches, she's keen to highlight the very best spots to explore and enjoy throughout Kent.

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