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October Events And Things To Do

a boy holding up a big orange leaf
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Looking for the best things to do in October? As the long days and the warm weather slowly fades away, we’ve been busy getting excited for all things autumn! From crunchy red leaves and exploring nature, to getting into the spooky spirit for Halloween, there’s plenty of great things to do this October. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best October events and things to do across the UK. So dig out your scarves and wellies, kick those Autumn leaves and get stuck into October!

a boy holding up a big orange leaf

October Events and Things To Do 2023

Slimbridge Wetlands

Eek Week WWT Wetland Centres

Head to a WWT Wetlands Centre near you for a spooky wildlife experience this October. There loads of fun activities to get involved in for family fun!

Take a stroll around your chosen wetland centre and your eyes peeled for different challenges and activities. Will you dare to put your hand in the snake box, take a selfie with a bat or even get close to a toad?

Shape Location Get directions

WWT Wetland Centres across the UK including WWT Slimbridge
Bowditch, WWT GL2 7BT

Opening Times

21st October -5th November 2023

Find out more

Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations are a spectacular light display that brightens up the seaside town of Blackpool. Every year during the Autumn and Winter months, this event transforms the famous Blackpool Promenade into a magical wonderland of colourful lights.

Millions of bulbs and displays stretch for over six miles along the promenade, creating a breathtaking sight that attracts visitors from all around the world. The displays include various themes, from undersea adventures to space odysseys, and even famous characters and symbols.

Shape Location Get directions

Promenade
Blackpool

Opening Times

From September 2023 - January 1st 2024

Pricing

Free

Find out more
Children dressed up in Halloween costume

Pumpkin Trail

Grab your best fancy dress costumes and head to the outdoor pumpkin trail at Wightwick Manor and Gardens.

The trail theme for 2023 is ‘Folklore and Fairy tales’. So get your inner detective working and see if you can complete all the challenges. Have fangtastic fun racing on a broom, try to spot the differences, solve puzzles and much more!

Shape Location Get directions

National Trust - Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton WV6 8EE

Opening Times

from 27th October 2023

Pricing

Normal National Trust Admission applies plus £2 extra for the trail

Find out more
Goodrich Castle

Halloween at Goodrich Castle

Enjoy spooky family fun at Goodrich Castle this Halloween. Solve clues in the Halloween Quest and become a witch apprentice.

Then, get ready to be spooked at the storytelling sessions with a creepy castle backdrop!

Shape Location Get directions

Goodrich Castle
Castle Ln, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6HY

Opening Times

Sunday 28th October- Sun 5th October 2023

Find out more
tiger eating pumpkins at london zoo

October Activities at Longleat

It’s time come out of hibernation this half term and celebrate all things Autumn at Longleat.

See owls fly above you, get creative carving pumpkins and become a mini tractor driver. Then, can you solve the puzzle on the outdoor trail to find the giant pumpkins? There’s a treat in store for those that can!

Before you go head out On a Drive Through Safari. Be amazed at big cats, wolves and many more animals!

Shape Location Get directions

Center Parcs Longleat Forest
Warminster BA12 7PU

Opening Times

21st to 29th October 2023

Find out more

Things to do in October

Conkers

Collect conkers

October is conker season! So why not round up your gang and head out for conker picking. A cherished autumn tradition that brings a sense of nostalgia and adventure to the season.

Conkers, the glossy seeds of the horse chestnut tree, are found within spiky, green shells that eventually fall to the ground as the trees shed their leaves during the Autumn months. This seasonal activity has been enjoyed by generations of children and families, offering a delightful way to connect with nature and revel in the changing colours of autumn.

Conker picking

The conker picking process is simple but enjoyable. All you need is basket or a big pocket for conker collecting. Venture into parks, woodlands, and tree-lined avenues and keep your eyes peeled for fallen treasures! The most prized conkers are large, firm, and richly polished, a sign of their potential strength in the age-old game of conkers.

How to play conkers

Conker fights are part of the conker picking tradition. Participants thread a shoelace or string through a hole drilled in the conker, and then take turns striking their opponent’s conker, hoping to be the first to break it. It’s a game that demands both strategy and a touch of luck, as players aim to amass the most victories.

family at pumpkin patch

Visit a pumpkin patch

Visiting a pumpkin patch is a super fun activity to do in October! When you go to a pumpkin patch, you’ll see lots of big, colourful pumpkins all around. You can walk through the fields and pick your very own pumpkin. Will you choose giant, mini, orange or white?

Pop on a cosy sweater and enjoy lots of laughter as the kids play at the patch. There’s usually a sweet smell of fresh hay and maybe some yummy snacks like hot cider or donuts. Don’t forget to take cute pictures with the pumpkins! It’s a great way to enjoy the autumn season and find the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating your home.

Find your nearest pumpkin patch