What's on guide - 'Spooktacular' adventures await across Hampshire County Council's outdoor attractions this half term

Get set for a bumper half term Halloween extravaganza at Hampshire County Council's parks, farms and outdoor centres, with a host of activities to fright and delight people of all ages

Oct 22 2026

Here's a selection of what's on: 

At River Hamble Country Park (near Southampton), kids can get creative with a spooky Halloween craft session or go on a journey to uncover the lost Halloween spell.  

Visit Royal Victoria Country Park (Netley) to embark on a witches’ potion trail to find all the magical ingredients for a perfect concoction; or get lost in a field full of giant pumpkins while paying a visit to scarecrow village at the two-day Pumpkins in the Park festival. 

At Staunton Country Park (Havant), little explorers can go in search of creepy crawlies at the Halloween Forest School (also available to book at Queen Elizabeth Country Park). Aspiring sculptors are invited to craft the spookiest (or silliest) Jack-o-lantern at a morning or afternoon pumpkin carving session (also available to book at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens), and would-be Ghostbusters can solve spooky clues on the Curse of Staunton trail. 

Mythical creatures can be encountered at Lepe Country Park on their enchanted Lepe trail or Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s Great Monster Hunt (Petersfield). 

Enjoy autumnal colours on the Autumn spotter trails or a family bushcraft session at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (Romsey). Join a meet and greet with their resident experts to learn about what it takes to care for some of the garden’s rarest trees. Families can enjoy the Friendly Frights Family Trail. 

At Manor Farm (near Botley) find mini potion makers, ghoulish face painting and wicked wand making workshops. Pony Magic is also back for half term, with pony rides available from Monday to Friday. 

Families can enjoy a packed programme of half term activities at Calshot Activities Centre, including £5 off Action Adventure Days with code AAD5. There's a special Halloween event at Calshot Castle on Friday 30 October and Saturday 31 October. Plus, from Saturday 24 to Wednesday 28 October, the fun inflatable ring experience includes a complimentary spooky cookie from the cafe, and free child entry to the Castle, making it a great-value day out.  

There's plenty to discover at Runway's End (Farnborough) this October. Try new challenges on a Half Day Adventure, where activities can include caving, climbing, archery and fire lighting. It's the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy the outdoors. 

Enjoy a full day of activities including off-ground challenges, team-building exercises and target sports at Tile Barn (Brockenhurst). Alternatively, choose from shorter half-day sessions such as high ropes or bushcraft, or build confidence through climbing and archery activities. 

All attractions offer tasty refreshments, drinks and food at on-site cafes.  

Some activities may incur a cost. For the latest updates and availability, visit: Events | Things to do in Hampshire | Hampshire County Council