Autumn adventures across Tewkesbury Borough this half term
Posted on: 22 October 2026
Families looking for autumnal adventures, creative workshops, and spooky seasonal fun will find plenty of choice for things to do across Tewkesbury Borough this October half-term.
The borough has a packed calendar of events taking place across its attractions, theatres, and nature reserves, offering activities designed to engage children of all ages; whether your kids love roaming outdoors, indoor creativity or spooky fun. From encounters with birds of prey to creative drama workshops, there is a lot on offer for both residents and visitors.
Halloween farm trail and pick your own pumpkin – Friday, 23 October and throughout half term, Primrose Vale Farm Shop, Shurdington
Follow a spooky Halloween trail around the farm, solving puzzles, tackling fun challenges and collecting a treat along the way. Suitable for all ages, it’s a great way for families to enjoy some outdoor autumn fun, with pumpkin picking available too.
primrosevale.com/halloween-2026
Spookyard Halloween Festival and pumpkins after dark – Saturday, 24 October onwards including selected October evenings, Over Farm, Gloucester
From hauntingly hilarious tractor rides, spooky trails to pumpkin picking under the stars, enjoy family-friendly entertainment by day, then experience live music, fire shows and a magical after-dark pumpkin patch adventure in the evening.
Living History Tudor tours – Saturday, 24 October, 11.30am and 2.30pm, The Merchant’s House, Tewkesbury
Step back in time to the 16th century with an immersive tour guided by historical costumed characters. Perfect for curious young minds and budding historians, the tours bring past daily lives vividly into the present.
Sunday afternoon strolls in and around the alleys, courts, and lanes – Sunday, 25 October, 2:30pm, meeting at Warder’s Alley, High Street, Tewkesbury
Perfect for older kids and teens, especially those who love history. Discover the hidden passages and historic nooks of Tewkesbury on this guided walking tour. It is a fantastic, active way for parents and children to explore local heritage tucked just behind the bustling High Street.
Owl Experience – Monday, 26 – Friday, 30 October, various times throughout the day, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
Meet these majestic woodland birds up close in the atmospheric grounds of Sudeley Castle. Children can observe different owl species, learn fascinating facts about their habitats and nocturnal habits, and watch captivating flight displays.
Ghosts, Pumpkins and Tudor Tales – Monday, 26 October – Sunday, 1 November, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
Enjoy a week of seasonal storytelling, autumn trails, and pumpkins scattered throughout the gardens and castle rooms at Sudeley. Designed especially for younger visitors, this experience blends seasonal thrills with engaging history.
Halloween Play in a Day – Tuesday, 27 October, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
An intensive, high-energy theatre workshop where children can collaborate, create characters, and stage a spooky performance from scratch in one day, concluding with a showcase for the audience.
Holiday Crafts and Halloween Faces – Wednesday, 28 October 10am – 11:30am, Old Baptist Chapel, Tewkesbury
A hands-on, creative morning designed for younger makers to craft their own masks, scary decorations, and seasonal keepsakes to take home ahead of Halloween weekend.
Family Fun Friday Halloween Trail – Friday, 30 October, Cleeve Common Nature Reserve
Take to the open air and blow away the cobwebs across Gloucestershire’s highest point with an outdoor nature trail featuring spooky clues and wildlife spotting, suitable for all ages.
Discovering bats day – Saturday, 31 October, 10:30am, 11.45am and 2.15pm, Old Baptist Chapel, off Church Street, Tewkesbury
Learn about these small nighttime creatures through crafts, and conservation talks timed perfectly for Halloween.
Spooky Special at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway – Saturday, 31 October, GWSR Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse stations
Climb aboard a vintage steam train for a memorable family journey through the autumnal Cotswold countryside, complete with festive atmosphere, dressing up, and seasonal surprises on board.
Gift and craft fair – Saturday, 31 October, 10am – 4pm, Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth
A relaxed, creative day out where families can browse handmade gifts, support regional artisans, and explore the museum grounds and wildlife art exhibitions.
Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “As autumn colours transform the borough, half term is the perfect time to get out and explore. From pumpkin picking and hands-on craft activities to uncovering the secret lives of owls and bats, there’s no shortage of family adventures on offer. By joining in, you’re not only making memories together, but also supporting the local attractions, venues and businesses that bring our communities to life.”
Some events require advance booking – please check individual attraction websites for availability and to book.
For more inspiration visit the what’s on calendar at Visit Tewkesbury.
Additionally, a range of free activities is taking place across Tewkesbury Borough during the October school holidays. These are available to book through the Gloucestershire County Council’s family hub portal familyhubs.gloucestershire.gov.uk
