Half-term, full fun – five October half-term days out, reachable by rail

By happy accident, October half-term this year falls over the spookiest time of the year, so there’s a pumpkin-load of only-very-slightly-frightening fun to entertain the kiddos. We’ve conjured up some fab day out ideas for you, all reachable by rail. To avoid travel terror, upgrade the family and enjoy loads of space to spread out away from the ghosts and ghouls. MWAH HA HA or something.

Credit: theehalloweendream

WB Studio Tour, London
Nearest station: Watford Junction

Halloween comes to Hogwarts as WB Studios dresses up their iconic Studio Tour for spooky season. Between 13^th September and 10^th November, the theme is ‘Dark Arts’, (and no, we don’t mean she-who-must-not-be-named). The Great Hall will be lit with more than 100 hand-carved pumpkins, and Death Eaters will be parading throughout the studio. The Forbidden Forest will have Dementors hiding among the trees, and the clown Boggart will be in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. If your kiddos are into Harry Potter, this will be a brilliant day out.

Credit: gracianex

Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Nearest station: Wareham

Who doesn’t love a castle? Dorset’s finest is lining up a load of activities for half-term. We’re talking a pumpkin trail around the park, themed pitch ‘n’ putt, arts and crafts, quizbooks and general, wholesome exploration of the castle and grounds. For that all-important sugar hit, there’s a traditional cream tea with your name on it at the Castle Tearoom. And if that all sounds too twee? There’s the Zombie Barn. Yes, you read that right. Not suitable for the younger kids, unless you’re keen on traumatising them for a little bit. No judgement.

Credit: studygoabroad

Life Science Centre, Newcastle
Nearest station: Newcastle

Not a science museum, but a science ‘village’ – which tells you just how big the Life Science Centre is. There’s the biggest planetarium in the north, the Space Zone with a mock up of the International Space Station, an Experiment Zone to get hands on, a Play Zone for the smaller explorers, and Wow Zone where kids can operate ‘the big machine’ (no comment). During half-term, there’s a spooky science theme, as well as an interactive show on the anatomy of dinosaurs. If your kids aren’t knackered by the end of all that then, frankly, we don’t know how to help you.

Credit: kacreative.co.uk

Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester
Nearest station: Manchester Piccadilly

A great big Lego playground that is – crucially at this time of year – all indoors, the Legoland Discovery Centre has loads of kid-friendly fun, with rides, challenges, building, exhibits, and characters to meet. During half-term, the centre is hosting the Brick or Treat Monster Party. It’s got dance parties lined up, as well as Lego pumpkin building, Lego potion brewing, a spooky wheel of fortune, a ’Scarevenger’ hunt, and a Halloween 4D movie called The Great Monster Chase. And in case you’re wondering (like we were), yes, they also do adult-only sessions. Just saying.

Credit: carabasclaudiu

Warwick Castle, Warwick
Nearest station: Warwick

The more castles the better, honestly. Warwick is going all out for Halloween this half-term, which is appropriate as it claims to be the UK’s scariest castle. All 64 acres of the estate will be decorated for the spooky season, and there are events all through the week, including interactive family games and shows, Spooky Schools, Mysterious Mazes and Halloween discos. The Witches of Warwick will be putting on regular all-singing, all-dancing performances, and the Castle Dungeon is open for those who dare. If your kids are older (or braver), there are limited After Dark sessions.

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