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Half term and Halloween events in Norfolk 2026

Looking for the best family activities in Norfolk this October half term?

From spooky Halloween events to cosy coastal adventures, Norfolk offers endless fun for families during the autumn holidays. Enjoy pumpkin picking, Halloween trails, and family-friendly days out at Norfolk's top attractions. Whether you’re exploring the local area,  meeting animals on a local farm, or walking along windswept beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the best things to do in Norfolk with kids this October and November half term — and make unforgettable memories in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.

 

Go to our full family event listings in Norfolk

Want to know what Halloween and October Half Term activities are taking place in Norfolk?  Read on...

 

Adventure into British folklore at Blickling Estate

Make magical autumn memories with a family Halloween adventure inspired by nature and old folklore. Mischievous goblins, crafty boggarts and mysterious Stranger Folk are causing chaos. Will you answer the Old Crone's call and embark on a free app-based outdoor quest? Or take aim at archery, tackle a spooky balance bike course, or craft your own nature wand? Explore the wider estate in search of fungi, fiery autumn colour and seasonal wildlife, with bike hire available Wednesday to Sunday during half term.

Free entry for National Trust members and under-5s.

 Find out more at: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/Blickling

 

 

Halloween Fun at Billingford Lakes from 23rd Oct to 1st Nov

Enjoy a spooktacular day out on our Halloween Discovery Trail at Billingford Lakes! Follow the trail, complete the activity sheet and explore the beautiful Nature Walks, Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Themed Nature Trail, play areas and music area.

Admission is £6 for adults and KIDS GO FREE, with free parking and dogs welcome on leads. After your adventure, visit the lakeside café for refreshments.

Find out more at www.billingfordlakes.co.uk

 

 

Magical Christmas experiences await on The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Mid-Norfolk Railway!

The hugely popular Polar Express™ Train Ride returns to the Mid-Norfolk Railway this November & December! Join in for the most festive Christmas journey surrounded by dancing Chefs and The Conductor making sure that the train is on time! Enjoy delicious Hot Chocolate & a freshly baked cookie all while taking in the magic of The Polar Express™ on your journey to the North Pole – watch out for the man in red himself…..

Only one question remains… Well, ya comin?

Book online at www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com

 

Book early, save big at BeWILDerwood this October!

Halloween is returning to the woods, and there's plenty of spooky fun waiting for little explorers. Follow our Twig or Treat Trail, hear from your favourite BeWILDerwood characters and discover who has left tasty treats and who has left only twigs! Collect the mystery letters along the way, reveal the secret word and claim your prize.

The earlier you book, the more you save. There’s 25% off a limited number of tickets on every open date - Once they’re gone, they’re gone! But don’t worry if you miss out, as all advance bookings receive 12.5% off!

 

The All New Adventures of Peter Pan

“Buckle up and get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt. Join Peter and friends as they take on the dastardly Captain Hook in an epic adventure full of magic, mayhem, and mischief. With spectacular dancing, show-stopping musical numbers and more audience participation than you can shake a hook at, this is the Christmas treat that has something for everyone — kids, grown-ups, and the grown-ups who act like kids!

So, gather your crew and join us for the all-new, laugh-out-loud, high-flying Norwich Theatre pantomime adventure! The All New Adventures of Peter Pan opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on 5 Dec and runs over Christmas and New Year until 3 Jan 27.”

Find out more at norwichtheatre.org

 

 

 

Message from Indigo Dyslexia Centre

“So, a new academic year has begun! Now that classes have resumed and we have already reached the term's end, do you fear your child is slipping behind, having trouble with skills like literacy, writing and focus? Such challenges often point to a hidden learning condition such as dyslexia, which, when overlooked, stalls growth. Securing a dyslexia screening is simpler than it seems. Spotting dyslexia early matters because it enables classrooms to offer targeted support and alleviate stress.”

Find out more and make an appointment at: www.4dyslexics.com

 

 

Calling all witches and wizards! 🪄

We are enrolling again at Magic School! Undertake your training with wand-making and flying classes in our magical woodlands. Complete them all to graduate and claim a small prize*.

Explore spooky woodlands, magical marshes and mythical waterways at Strumpshaw Fen this Halloween. Along the way, discover the magical creatures that call our reserve home. Fancy dress encouraged!

No need to book. Pick up your trail pack at Reception. £3.50 per child. Normal entry charges apply for non-RSPB members.

*Prize: a pack of wildflower seeds to bring nature’s magic to your garden.

Find out more at www.events.rspb.org.uk/events/178808

 

Swim lessons could win your family a trip to Santa’s Lapland

This winter, your child’s swimming journey could lead to something truly unforgettable – a magical family trip to Santa’s Lapland.

Award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active, who run The Reef Leisure Centre and Victory Swim and Fitness Centre in partnership with North Norfolk District Council, are giving one lucky family the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to the home of Santa Claus.

This will have all the festive magic thrown in – think reindeer and husky rides, snow-dusted forests and Father Christmas himself.

What’s included in the prize?

• Three-night trip to Lapland for a family of four (two adults 18+ and two children aged 2–12)

• Return flights, overseas transfer and travel insurance

• Half-board accommodation in a 3* (or higher) hotel/cabin

• A private family visit to see Santa, including a present for each child

• A festive dinner on the final evening

• A full day of activities including husky sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride, snow hockey, mini skidoos, kicksledding, and seeing Santa’s Elves in their igloo and Sleigh Barn

To unlock your chance to win, simply enrol your child in swimming lessons with Everyone Active before Thursday, December 17th 2026, and you’ll be entered into the prize draw to try and win this amazing experience.

If your children are already learning with Everyone Active, the great news is you’re already in the draw.

A Little Halloween Surprise!

There’s a magical little bundle of fur hiding away at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens this autumn – our adorable red panda cub! Born to proud parents Pumpkin and Bamba, this tiny arrival has been keeping our keepers busy and visitors guessing.

But there’s one spooky mystery we can’t solve just yet… is our little cub a boy or a girl? Red panda cubs are notoriously difficult to sex, so we simply don’t know yet!

With Halloween approaching, it seems fitting that our newest arrival is keeping everyone guessing. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of our little mystery panda!

Book discounted child tickets for October Half Term at www.thrigbyhall.co.uk

 

 

You’ll find only treats at Holkham this half term.

Step into the Halloween Garden for a day of spooktacular fun, with magical adventures, ghoulish games, mischievous puppetry and a treasure hunt too! Get creative with crafts, enjoy storytelling, carve a pumpkin, have your face painted and follow the Halloween trail to a chocolatey treat. There’s plenty more to enjoy across the estate - swing through the treetops on the high ropes course, hop aboard the tractor trailer, let little legs run wild in the woodland play area, explore on two wheels and enjoy fabulous views of the autumn colours. Holkham is the place to be this half term.

Find out more at https://www.holkham.co.uk/

 

The Great Little Indoor Adventure Awaits…

There is still time to visit Wroxham Miniature Worlds! Don’t miss out on their latest collections. Discover one of the largest collections of Matchbox diecast vehicles in the country featuring 18,000 vehicles. Then continue exploring their Miniature Worlds featuring model railways of the UK, Europe, and Japan. To their little brick world, full of miniature scenes and a fantastic quiz to challenge the whole family. Learn to fly planes on their simulators and take on your family on our retro gaming arcades. Relive forgotten memories of your childhood toys and share the memories with your children that will last a lifetime.

Find out more at https://wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk/

 

Creative Adventures Await at The Garage This Autumn

Looking for fun, creative and screen-free activities for your little one? The Garage Norwich's My First programme is helping children aged six months to four years discover the joy of creativity through classes, performances and imaginative play.

Through singing, dancing, storytelling and movement, little ones can explore, learn and grow alongside their grown-ups in a welcoming environment. Weekly classes include Play & Sing, Play & Dance, Play & Pretend and Play & Move, as well as ballet, dance, acting and musical theatre sessions for pre-schoolers. Led by The Garage's specialist creative learning team, each session helps build confidence, communication skills and coordination while nurturing imagination and self-expression.

The creative fun continues this autumn with a fantastic programme of family shows. Children can enjoy the playful and thought-provoking So Unfair!, the inspiring A Message For The Future, and the magical Mr Sleepybum's Dream Machine, offering a wonderful introduction to live theatre.

As Christmas approaches, families can look forward to the return of My First Panto. This year's production, Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears, is specially created for children aged seven and under and features music, dancing, laughter and audience participation in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Whether it's a first creative class, a theatre trip or a festive panto adventure, The Garage is inspiring Norwich's youngest creatives to imagine, explore and shine.

Book at www.thegarage.org.uk

 

The gift of friendship

For a unique and thoughtful gift, why not sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star horse or donkey for a friend or loved one, or even yourself?

Standing at an impressive 16.3 hands high, stunning Adoption Star Shire cross Fox is a true gentle giant who loves to bend his head over the fence for a cuddle with his visitors.

For just £3 per month, you can sponsor Fox for yourself or a loved one and ensure he and his four-legged friends continue to enjoy happy and healthy lives at Redwings.

Find out more at www.redwings.org.uk/adopt

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Adventures Await at Pensthorpe This October

October brings autumn colour, pumpkin picking and plenty to discover at Pensthorpe Natural Park.

With 700 acres of nature and wildlife to explore, it’s a beautiful time to wander through the reserve and gardens, enjoy award-winning indoor and outdoor play, and get cosy in the newly refurbished Courtyard Café.

This half term, the Pensthorpe Pumpkin Festival brings even more seasonal fun. Find your perfect pumpkin, enjoy autumnal photo opportunities and take on the ‘Curse of the Cornfield’ maize maze, with Pumpkin Patch entry from just £5.

And this year, the adventure continues after sunset with two special Pumpkin Festival After Dark events. Bring the whole family on 29th October, or gather your friends for an adults-only evening on 30th October. Expect a floodlit pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, fire performers and the chance to brave the maze after dark.

Discover more and book at pensthorpe.com.               

 

Spellbinding half-term fun awaits at High Lodge

Looking for a family day out packed with outdoor adventure and Halloween fun? Head to High Lodge in Thetford Forest this half term, where children can explore the great outdoors, enjoy seasonal activities and make magical memories in the heart of the forest.

This October, families can step into the world of Room on the Broom on a special Halloween trail. Follow Witch and her friends through the woodland, solve clues, complete a Halloween crossword and help track down her missing hat, bow and wand. Along the way, children can enjoy interactive activities that bring the story to life. Trail leaflets cost £1.50, or are available free with a £4 activity pack.

The Halloween excitement continues on 30th October with the popular Hocus Pocus Fun Day. Expect a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment, pumpkin carving, themed activities and plenty of opportunities for little witches and wizards to dress up and join the fun.

Wrap up warm, bring your sense of adventure and enjoy a spellbinding half-term day out at High Lodge.

 

Book early, save big at BeWILDerwood this October!

Halloween is returning to the woods, and there's plenty of spooky fun waiting for little explorers. Follow our Twig or Treat Trail, hear from your favourite BeWILDerwood characters and discover who has left tasty treats and who has left only twigs! Collect the mystery letters along the way, reveal the secret word and claim your prize.

The earlier you book, the more you save. There’s 25% off a limited number of tickets on every open date - Once they’re gone, they’re gone! But don’t worry if you miss out, as all advance bookings receive 12.5% off!

 

Ancient Egyptians, Vikings and Norman Knights at Norfolk Museums

Travel back in time this half-term with Norfolk Museums. Step into a Victorian workhouse and farm at Gressenhall, discover Ancient Egypt at Lynn Museum, meet the Vikings at Ancient House in Thetford, and celebrate the Bayeux Tapestry’s arrival in the UK with a week of medieval fun at Norwich’s own Norman Castle.

Make the most of our county’s wonderful museums with an annual Norfolk Museums Pass, offering a whole year’s admission for the cost of just three visits to Norfolk’s best museums.

Discover more at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

 

Thetford Garden Centre

Rooted in family values and driven by a commitment to sustainability, Thetford Garden Centre offers more than plants. As a proud B-Corporation, it balances people, planet and purpose, creating a space where both gardeners and nature thrive. Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared meals in the welcoming Lime Kiln Kitchen, bring along their dogs, and take part in a calendar of events that run throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just discovering the joy of gardening, Thetford Garden centre is a true destination, authentic and dedicated to making a difference.

 

Give your pupils a residential they won’t forget at How Hill!

“We create memorable opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, connect with nature and bring curriculum topics to life. Through pond dipping, thatching and exploring habitats, children develop curiosity and environmental understanding while building confidence, resilience, independence and stronger friendships. Outdoor learning encourages communication, teamwork and social skills in ways indoor lessons cannot replicate.

Autumn 2027 dates are available, with a few spring and summer term spaces remaining. To discuss your school’s needs or check availability, please get in touch at education@howhilltrust.org.uk or 01692 678555. Bookings are open up to three years ahead, get in early to secure your dates.”

Find out more at www.howhilltrust.org.uk

 

October Half Term at Wroxham Barns

Book online and enjoy a free return visit this October Half Term! Join Wilma the Witch at Wroxham Barns for Magic & Mischief, with potion making, spell casting, a potion trail through the maize maze and Broomstick Bootcamp. There’s also plenty of family favourites to enjoy, including animal encounters, adventure play, mini golf and their train ride. Every child gets a free pumpkin to take home too!

Find out more at www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norfolk’s premium Christmas events return!

Get ready to celebrate Christmas with Thursford this November & December! Escape into a winter wonderland like no other with animatronic characters, dazzling displays, twinkling lights and over 1,000 luminated lantern sculptures (new displays added for 2026). Thursford’s Fantasy Land and Enchanted Journey of Light offer two experiences in one. To include a visit to Father Christmas, book Santa’s Magical Journey (maximum 8 per booking) or book for Enchanted Journey of Light. Free parking and a selection of catering and retail shops available. Don’t miss the ultimate Christmas experiences for ages 1 to 101.

Book now at www.thursford.com.

 

 

Cook Stars Norwich North

Looking for a fun activity where your child learns real cooking skills? At Cook Stars Norwich North, children cook from scratch, build confidence and creativity, and take home something delicious every week. From pizzas and pasta to baking and themed workshops, every class is hands-on and designed for children of all abilities. They provide all ingredients, equipment and aprons, so you just need to book and enjoy.e also offer preschool classes, after-school clubs, holiday workshops and birthday parties. Come and discover the joy of cooking – and watch your little chef shine!

This marketing was supported by Norfolk County Council.

Find out more at https://www.cookstars.co.uk/cooking-classes/norwich-north.

 

 

 

Immerse yourselves in Norfolk’s newest and most unique zoo.

 With 200+ species of invertebrates from all over the world, The Bug Parc offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience exploring some of nature’s weird and wonderful creatures. From tropical butterflies to millipedes and scorpions that glow under UV light, we’re certain that you’ll find something to amaze you. We have a host of outdoor play equipment and games, plus the opportunity to handle some of these incredible creatures if you’re feeling brave!

PLUS….…Our ever-popular family fun days will be running through the half-term holidays. It’s a great day out at The Bug Parc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for Halloween fun from Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November!

*Daytime | 12pm–5pm
Enjoy 26 rides & attractions for the whole family!

* Fairground Frights | 5:30pm–9pm
From 24th–31st October, Pleasure Beach transforms after dark for our award-winning Halloween scare event!

4 live scare mazes
50+ scare actors
Live entertainment
26 rides & attractions

Halloween at Pleasure Beach is not to be missed!

Book your Wristbands & Fun Cards now at www.pleasure-beach.co.uk

Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Bressingham Steam Museum.

Across select dates in December, the museum is transformed into a winter wonderland full of festive displays, arts and crafts activities, magic shows and more! Take a trip on the Santa Express Train, enjoy a twirl on the Victorian Gallopers and meet Santa and his elves in the Grotto.

Head to their website to find out more, including details on their SEN Day and Toddler Morning.

 

 

Kids Go Free this Half Term at Bure Valley

During this October half term holiday, Saturday, 24th October to Sunday, 1st November climb aboard the Bure Valley Railway where children travel FREE. Trains will operate throughout each day from both Aylsham Station (NR11 6BW) and Wroxham Station (NR12 8UU).

Halloween activities include a stamp trail and I-spy on the train journey with a small prize on completion.    Their Whistlestop Café at Aylsham Station will be offering Halloween Kids Lunchboxes which can be pre-ordered or purchased on the day.

To make this a truly family-friendly event, the Railway is giving free travel for every child up to the age of 15 when accompanied by a full fare-paying adult (maximum of 2 children per adult).  Adult Return/Rover is £25.00 Extra Children £12.50. Advanced booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

Visit www.burevalleyrailway.co.uk for train times.

 

Planning some spooky fun in Norwich this Halloween?

Make getting into the city a little less scary by using Norwich Park & Ride. It’s an easy, great-value way for families and friends to travel together without the nightmare of city-centre traffic or parking.

Services run from five easy to access sites every 10–20 minutes, with late buses available, ideal for Halloween activities, shopping, eating out or an evening in the city.

Even better, it’s just £5 for up to five people travelling together all day.

Find out more at norwichparkandride.co.uk