Halloween Trails & Seasonal Events at Local Attractions
October half term is one of the busiest times of year for family attractions across the New Forest, and several venues typically run seasonal, Halloween-themed trails, crafts and events during the school holidays each year – well worth checking each venue’s own events page nearer the time, since dates and bookings change annually:
- Paultons Park usually runs a half-term “Spooktacular” alongside its regular rides and Peppa Pig World
- Exbury Gardens often puts on a Ghost Train aboard its steam railway during the school holidays
- Moors Valley Country Park typically has a Halloween trail through the forest
- Longdown Activity Farm generally adds a haunted barn and seasonal activities for younger children
- New Forest Wildlife Park usually runs its own half-term events alongside the resident wildlife
Closer to your pitch, our own campsites often put on seasonal craft afternoons and twilight wildlife walks for younger campers during the school holidays – keep an eye on our activities page nearer the time for what’s running this year. If you’re still looking for further inspiration on things to do in the New Forest whilst camping, be sure to check out our Things To Do page.
Autumn Walks & Wildlife
Half term also happens to fall right in the middle of the Forest’s best wildlife-watching season, which makes it an easy sell to kids who’d rather be outside than in the car:
- The Tall Trees Trail on Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is an easy, child-friendly walk, ideal for spotting conkers and kicking through fallen leaves
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is at its best in autumn, which is deer rutting season – listen for the stags calling across the heath, and bring binoculars if you have them
- Keep an eye out for New Forest pannage pigs too, generally spotted foraging for acorns each September and October near Brockenhurst or Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst
For more on pannage and the rut, see our New Forest Autumn FAQs.
Practical Tips for an October Half-Term Camping Trip
- Layer up. Pack fleeces, a waterproof, and wellies – New Forest weather can turn quickly in October, whatever the forecast says in the morning
- Plan around the daylight. The nights draw in fast this time of year, so build any longer walks or wildlife spotting into the earlier part of the day
- Have a rainy-day plan. The New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst, a warm café, or a few hours at Beaulieu National Motor Museum are all easy fallbacks if the weather closes in
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Camping in October
Two of our sites make the most sense for an October half-term stay, depending on how back-to-nature you want to go:
- Holmsley – the more family-friendly option, with toilets, showers, electric hook-up, an on-site shop and a play area. Holmsley typically stays open well into the autumn; see the Holmsley campsite page for this year’s exact closing date before you book.
- Setthorns – open all year round, and a proper back-to-nature woodland retreat with no toilet or shower block, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient (a chemical toilet is required). Misty heathland mornings with ponies backlit by the rising sun are one of the best reasons to stay here in October.
Looking for more ideas to fill the rest of the week? Our full guide to things to do in the New Forest covers family attractions and days out year-round, and check our campsites page for this season’s availability and any current discounts before you book.
October Half-Term FAQs
Everything you need to know about planning a half-term camping holiday in the New Forest.
What is there to do in the New Forest during October half-term?+
Alongside seasonal family attractions like Paultons Park, Exbury Gardens and Moors Valley (many run half-term events – check each venue for this year’s dates), the Forest itself is at its best: autumn walks, deer rutting season, and pannage pigs foraging for acorns all typically fall within October half-term.
Is the New Forest good for a family camping holiday in October?+
Yes – October is one of the best times for a family camping holiday here. The summer crowds have gone, the colours are at their best, and sites like Holmsley have the facilities (showers, an on-site shop, a play area) to make it comfortable even as the weather turns.
What are the best things to do with kids during October half-term?+
Easy family walks like the Tall Trees Trail, wildlife spotting at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and looking out for pannage pigs are all free and simple to fit around a young family’s pace. For rainy days, the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst and Beaulieu National Motor Museum are reliable indoor options.
Which New Forest campsites stay open for half-term camping?+
Setthorns is open all year round. Holmsley typically stays open well into the autumn, with full facilities for families – check the Holmsley campsite page for this year’s exact closing date before booking, since it can vary slightly year to year.
Is it too cold to go camping in the New Forest in October?+
Not if you’re prepared for it. Days are often still mild, but nights can be chilly, so layers, a good sleeping bag rated for autumn temperatures, and a warm hat make all the difference. Holmsley’s electric hook-ups and on-site shop make it the more comfortable choice if you’re camping with younger children in October.
Do half-term events need to be booked in advance?+
Most seasonal half-term events at attractions like Paultons Park and Moors Valley do sell out, especially at weekends, so it’s worth booking tickets ahead once each venue publishes its dates for the year. The same goes for camping itself – half term is one of our busiest weeks, so book your pitch early.
Check our campsites page for current availability before you book.