{"id":84,"date":"2021-10-21T10:25:32","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T08:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=100491"},"modified":"2021-10-21T10:55:20","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T08:55:20","slug":"october-half-term-holiday-ideas-2021","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/october-half-term-holiday-ideas-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"October half term holiday ideas 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Tanya Smale\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 21 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Autumn is often cited as people\u2019s favourite time of year and the October half-term is always a welcome break before the build up to Christmas. Milder days give us a chance to explore nature in her seasonal splendour, whether kicking through lush carpets of leaves or taking in the stunning autumnal hues through a lens. <\/span><\/p>\n

Halloween is looming, so there are plenty of spooky and magical events on offer for all the family, with pumpkin picking for the younger ones. Older children may enjoy the thrill of the annual deer rut, or may want to try their hand at landscape photography at a shoot-worthy beauty spot. You\u2019ll find plenty more ideas in our guide to how to make the most of the October half term.<\/span><\/p>\n

Great family days out<\/h2>\n

Half-term Halloween hoot<\/a>, Chatsworth House, Peak District<\/h3>\n
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Chatsworth House will play host to some halloween fun this year. \/\u00a9Angelo Hornak\/Corbis via Getty Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Little monsters can enjoy autumnal fun and Halloween horrors at Chatsworth House in the Peak District, Derbyshire. Meet the farmyard animals, join in with creepy crafts, get your face painted and, if you\u2019re feeling brave, dare to ride the Halloween tractor trailer into Warlock Wood where your help will be needed to battle the ghastly ghouls.<\/p>\n

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Self-guided bat trail<\/a>, Northumberland<\/h3>\n
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Look for the common Pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) along a self-guided bat walk.\/Picture \u00a9 Getty Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Get half-term off to flying start with a Halloween fun self-led Bat Trail at Northumberlandia in Northumberland. Download their trail guide to help your wildlife explorers find bats hidden in the woodland and learn all about these amazing creatures along the way. Do allow time to treat your bat spotters to a snack \u2013 and yourself to a well-earned coffee \u2013 in the cafe at the end of the trail. Halloween costumes optional.<\/p>\n

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Wizards of Once Halloween Quest<\/a>, English Heritage sites UK-wide<\/h3>\n
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Join Xar the wizard and Wish the warrior on a Halloween Quest this autumn. \/Illustration \u00a9 Cressida Cowell<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

You\u2019re guaranteed a magical day out when you explore the adventure trails inspired by Cressida Cowell\u2019s bestselling \u2018Wizards of Once\u2019 series at various English Heritage sites. Will you find the ingredients for the Spell to get rid of Witches, and uncover the location of the Cup of Second Chances? Come along in frightful fancy dress for a chance to win a prize.<\/p>\n

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Apple harvest day at<\/a>\u00a0Wightwick Manor<\/a>, West Midlands<\/h3>\n
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Harvest festivals and apple days are a great way to sample local produce. \/\u00a9 Luis Vega\/Getty Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Enjoy the fruits of the season at the Apple Harvest on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October at the National Trust\u2019s Wightwick Manor, West Midlands. Head to their historic orchards to discover heritage apple varieties, try some samples and learn how they grow twelve different apple varieties on one tree. You can purchase pre-picked apples for a donation while stocks last.<\/p>\n

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Allhallowtide at Barrington Court<\/a>, Somerset<\/h3>\n
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Allhallowseve at Barrington, Somerset. \/\u00a9 National Trust.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

This beautiful Tudor manor house, cared for by the National Trust, is a historical treasure in itself, and at Allhallowtide the walled gardens, orchard and barns come into their own. Join the search for the hinky punks, the mysterious lights said to lure travellers from well-trodden paths. Or grab a wheelbarrow and help collect the harvest from over 100 different varieties of apples. It is said every orchard has its own Apple Tree Man, so be sure to pay your respects. Crafts in the cowshed include making fairy doors, and there\u2019s live music from master luthiers Mitchell and Vincent on the 27 October, and storytelling on 23\u201325 and on Halloween itself.<\/p>\n

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Pick your own pumpkin, UK-wide<\/h3>\n
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Picking your own pumpkin is a great non-commercial way to engage with the seasons at Halloween. \/\u00a9 SolStock\/Getty Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Get the children engaged with the harvest element of Halloween by taking them to choose and pick their own pumpkins. PYO sites are widespread throughout the UK at local farm centres, and a quick search will yield your nearest. At the Pumpkin Moon sites<\/a> in Maidstone, Rainham and Faversham, you\u2019ll find over 100 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd. There\u2019s something for everyone, whether you\u2019re looking for a warty and weird Halloween decoration or a delicious culinary delight. You\u2019ll find food and drink stalls, ample parking and fancy dress is encouraged.<\/p>\n

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