October is a beautiful time of year in the New Forest. The colours of the leaves, trees and ferns transform the landscape into a vibrant, living painting. Transitioning from the purple hues of late-summer heather to the tangerine tones of October, the Forest is bursting with seasonal magic. You won’t want to miss being immersed in this stunning display – and there’s so much to discover and enjoy.
October Half Term & Halloween Themed events
Half Term runs from 27th–31st October, and there’s plwenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Paultons Park Halloween Spooktacular
Expect spooky-themed food (both sweet and savoury), Halloween gifts, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and thrilling late-night openings. It’s ideal for younger children and families looking for a fun, not-too-scary day out.
Moors Valley Halloween Trail
Running from 22nd October–3rd November, this Halloween trail winds through glowing woodland paths where surprises lurk in the shadows. The darker it gets, the spookier it becomes! Please note, this is an activity you must book in advance.
Longdown Activity Farm: Haunted Barn
Open 25th October–2nd November, this event promises a howlingly good time! Highlights include real barn owls, creepy crawlies and fun with Crazy M on 29th October. There’s also a full day of farm activities and animal encounters to balance out the frights!
Marwell Zoo’s Spooktacular Activities
Marwell is hosting a variety of events over Half Term, including a hay bale maze, pumpkin carving, face painting, storytelling, and of course, all the usual zoo favourites – animals, keeper talks, and more.
Exbury Gardens Ghost Train
Hop aboard the Ghost Train at Exbury Gardens and enjoy spooky stories, pumpkin carving workshops, and creepy craft activities in the gardens.
Visit Hurst Castle (Before It Closes!)
Hurst Castle closes for the season on 4th November, so October is one of the final chances to explore this historic coastal fortress. With its garrison theatre, castle guns, lighthouse, and Tudor tower, it’s a fascinating visit for all ages.
Getting there is part of the fun: walk along the scenic spit or take the ferry. Don’t forget your camera – the views across to the Isle of Wight are stunning!
If you’re staying at Holmsley, the carpark for Hurst Castle is just a 25 minute drive. If you’re at Setthorns, it’s just 20 minutes by car!
Camping in the New Forest
Make the most of this magical season with a camping trip! Two great campsites remain open throughout October:
Holmsley Campsite
A full-facility site with toilets, electric hook-up, waste points, an on-site shop, and a play park. It’s perfect for families and is well-located for both forest walks and visits to the coast (just a short drive from Christchurch).
Image from 2023*
Setthorns Campsite
A more back-to-nature experience. No toilets or showers – you’ll need your own chemical toilet – but it’s worth it for the serene woodland setting. Walking and cycling trails start right from the site, and nearby Sway offers cosy cafés and places to stock up.
Quieter time of year
October is one of the quieter months in the New Forest, especially if you plan your visit outside of the Half Term. It’s the perfect time to slow down, soak up the seasonal colours, and enjoy the Forest at a gentler pace – before the winter sets in.
New Forest Heritage Centre – A Rain-or-Shine Gem
Located in Lyndhurst, the New Forest Heritage Centre is a brilliant stop for all ages, whatever the weather. It offers a fascinating insight into the Forest’s history, wildlife, and people – from ancient woodland traditions to the lives of the commoners who still graze their animals here today.
The museum is great for kids and it’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, especially on a grey or drizzly day!
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu – A Classic Day Out
Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the National Motor Museum is a fantastic day out. Set within the stunning Beaulieu Estate, this world-famous attraction is home to over 280 vehicles – from iconic movie cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James Bond’s Aston Martins, to record-breaking land-speed machines and classic British models.
The museum is mostly indoors, making it an ideal autumn visit, but there’s much more to explore too – including the Victorian Palace House, the Beaulieu Abbey ruins, and beautiful gardens. There’s even a monorail that travels through the grounds, which little ones (and adults) love!
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive – Autumn at Its Most Magical
If you’re in the New Forest during October, a drive or walk along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is a must. Lined with towering redwoods and ancient oaks, it’s one of the most spectacular places to witness the colours of autumn.
There are several walking trails that branch off from here, including a peaceful stroll to the Tall Trees Trail, which showcases some of the tallest trees in the Forest. Bring a flask, your camera, and take your time – it’s truly one of the Forest’s gems, especially as the leaves begin to fall.
Book your escape today
Setthorns Campsite is open all year, and other sites like Holmsley Campsite and Long Meadow are open until late October – so there’s still time to plan your autumn escape.
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