October half-term is a good excuse to get everyone away for a few days. Wellies by the door, leaves underfoot and no school run to think about.
There’s plenty happening around us this October, from Halloween fun and family days out to adventures on the water. And with the forest just beyond our back gate, you don’t necessarily need a plan for every day either.
Here are a few of our favourites.
Halloween at Paultons Park
If Halloween is a big deal in your house, Paultons Park is an easy one to add to the list.
Their Halloween Spooktacular is back from 9 October to 2 November, with Halloween shows, spooky characters, plenty of decorations and Peppa Pig World getting dressed up for the occasion too. There are also late night openings on selected dates throughout October for families who want to stay until after dark. Paultons Park
It’s a full day out, so we’d recommend giving this one a day of its own.
A Day at Beaulieu
There’s a lot happening at Beaulieu this half term, and it’s just down the road from us.
From 24 October to 1 November, families can follow a new folklore trail around the attraction, collect ingredients for a magical potion and stop for spooky stories in Palace House.
Then there’s the National Motor Museum. Alongside its collection of motoring history, this half term is your last chance to see the Disney and Pixar Cars 20th anniversary display, with life size models of Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm and Finn McMissile on display until 1 November.
Definitely one for the little car fans. And, probably, a few of the big ones too.
Take Halloween Outdoors
Halloween doesn’t have to mean staying indoors.
New Forest Activities has given its usual outdoor adventures a suitably spooky twist for October, with Halloween activities taking place both in the woods and on the Beaulieu River.
You can head out on a Halloween canoe treasure hunt, paddle the river after dark on a spooky river tour, take aim at decorated pumpkins with a bow and arrow, or head into the woods for BattleZone Apocalypse. New Forest Activities
A very different way to spend Halloween and a good option if your family would rather be doing something than watching from the side-lines.
Let Them Run Wild
Of course, one of the best things about staying here doesn't need booking at all.
Pull on the wellies, head through our back gate and you’re straight out into the forest. Follow whichever path looks interesting, look out for ponies along the way and see where you end up.
October is a particularly good time to be outside. The leaves are changing, there’s usually a puddle or two to jump in, and there are some extra locals to keep an eye out for...
The Locals Are Hogging the Limelight
Pannage season is here, which means you may spot pigs snuffling their way around the forest and making the most of autumn’s all you can eat buffet.
It’s a centuries old New Forest tradition, with pigs turned out during the autumn to eat fallen acorns and other nuts. This year’s pannage season runs from 14 September to 29 November, so October half term falls right in the middle of it. New Forest Pannage
Seeing them out and about is one of those wonderfully New Forest sights that never really gets old.
Then Back to Ours...
After a full day out, there’s no need to find something else to do.
Make a splash in the indoor pool, head outside for the zip wire or let them loose in the Kids’ Fun Room when the weather has other ideas.
Then it’s time to get everyone fed, decide what tomorrow looks like and do it all again.
Make More Time for What Matters
Whether half term means Halloween adventures, muddy walks, a big family day out or simply a few days without the usual routine, come and spend it with us.
Family stays start from £365 per night this October half term.
