Autumn in the New Forest is a season of colour, the leafy canopy turns shades of gold, ponies wander through the morning mist, and the forest floor crunches with fallen leaves. For families, October half-term is the perfect time to explore this magical landscape – and with New Forest camping at Holmsley or Setthorns, the adventure starts right outside your tent.
Here’s your parent-friendly guide to the best things to do in the New Forest during October half-term – from spooky crafts to autumn walks, cosy cafés to woodland encounters.
Spooky Half-Term Highlights
Half-term coincides with Halloween, and the New Forest comes alive:
Spooky Fun – Halloween Crafts (Holmsley Campsite, 25 Oct, 2–4pm)
- Drop in for creepy crafts and curious creatures. Kids can make their own spooky spider to take home and learn fascinating facts about bats. Perfect for all ages – booking not required
Spooky Twilight Wildlife Walk (Holmsley Campsite, 25 Oct, 5:45–6:45pm)
- As dusk falls, set out on a guided forest walk to discover the nocturnal wildlife of the New Forest. Listen for owls and look out for bats in the twilight. Booking required.
Tales and Ghosts of the New Forest Halloween Special (Holmsley Campsite, 29 Oct, 4:30–6pm)
- Gather as twilight falls to hear eerie tales of ghosts, folklore and New Forest legends. Best for families with older children who enjoy a spooky story. Booking required.
Paultons Park’s “Halloween Spooktacular”
- From pumpkins to Peppa Pig in costume, Paultons Park is transformed with decorations, shows and gentle thrills for younger children.
Exbury Gardens & Ghost Train
- All aboard the haunted steam railway! Plus pumpkin carving, spooky trails and autumn colour throughout the gardens.
Other Local Favourites
Moors Valley’s Halloween Trail, Longdown Activity Farm’s haunted barn, and special half-term wildlife activities at New Forest Wildlife Park all add to the fun.
Autumn Walks & Wildlife
Half-term isn’t just about Halloween. The New Forest is at its most beautiful in October, with crisp air and colourful woodland walks.
- Tall Trees Trail (Rhinefield Ornamental Drive): Wander among towering redwoods – a short, child-friendly trail ideal for spotting conkers and leaves
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary: Spot fallow deer at the viewing platform, autumn is rutting season so listen for the calls of stags echoing throughout this area
- Pannage Pigs: local pigs are currently out on the forest to eat acorns, keeping ponies safe. Spotting them is a highlight for families – whilst we can’t guarantee where to find them, we’d recommend looking near Brockenhurst or Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst!
Insider Tip: For some great photos, head out early from Setthorns campsite. Misty heathland and ponies backlit by the rising sun make unforgettable family snapshots!
For more inspiration, see our blog on what to spot on New Forest autumn walks
Practical Tips for Parents
- Layer Up: Days can be mild, but mornings and evenings are chilly. Pack fleeces, waterproofs and wellies for the kids
- Plan Around Daylight: Sunset is around 6pm – start walks early and carry a torch just in case
- Rainy Day Backups: Visit the Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst, warm up in a café, or explore the Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Where to Stay: Holmsley & Setthorns campsites
- Holmsley Campsite – With toilets, showers, electric hook-ups, a shop and play area, Holmsley is family-friendly and open until 31 October. Perfect for combining camping comforts with easy access to the forest and coast
- Setthorns Campsite – Open all year, Setthorns is our back-to-basics woodland retreat (no toilet/shower blocks, so self-sufficiency & chemical toilet required). Ideal for adventurous families who want peace, wildlife and direct access to cycling trails
Both sites offer an unforgettable way to experience New Forest camping in autumn – no matter if you’d prefer convenience or a more rustic escape
Make the Most of Autumn
October half-term is a magical time in the New Forest. With spooky adventures at Holmsley to golden autumn walks, your family will come home with muddy boots, rosy cheeks and plenty of stories.
And right now, you can save with our 25% off mid-week autumn stays – simply book online with code AUTUMN25 before 31 October!
Book your stay today – happy half-term camping from all of us at Camping New Forest! 🎃🍂
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