The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and all the spooky fun that comes with it. If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween in Dorset, you’re in for a treat! From ghostly adventures to pumpkin-filled family fun, the county is bursting with events for all ages. Grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time!
It's scary how much there is to choose from. Whether you’re after family-friendly activities, eerie evening experiences, or fright nights, Dorset has something for everyone. Scary events in Dorset include pumpkin carving, haunted trail walks, spooky story sessions, and themed events that will thrill both kids and adults alike.
Little witches and wizards can enjoy arts and crafts, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin patches, while older thrill-seekers can look for more immersive experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a full day of spooky fun or just autumn fun, Dorset offers countless ways to celebrate the season. Check out the wide variety of Halloween events happening across the county and make this half-term one to remember!
03 Oct 2025 to 04 Nov 2025
New Forest, Dorset

A mischievous character has cast a spooky spell over Moors Valley and the rangers need your help to stop it.
Your mission is to:
Solve riddles to find hidden pumpkin shapes
Discover clues from Sir Croaksalot the toad
Use the clues to uncover who caused the mischief and help save Moors Valley
Are you ready to solve the mystery and break the spell?
Halloween Hunt pack ...
04 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025

Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farm
Don your wellies and come for a lovely autumnal day out:
– Pumpkin Picking
– Haunted House
– Trick or Treat
– and lots lots more…
Free to enter pumpkin patch
Dogs on leads welcome
4/5th, 11/12th, 18/19th. 25-31st October.
04 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Help our Sea Witch and Warlock look after their ocean home and fellow sea creatures by completing magical challenges throughout the aquarium.
Will you be brave enough to step up and help complete 'spook-splash-tic' challenges and fill in your activity sheet as you go?
Meet the Sea Witch or Warlock (October half term only)
Enjoy cool photo opportunities
Fun activity trail and challenges ...
08 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Poole, Dorset

A journey where nature and folklore intertwine. Discover magical tales of the oak, birch, and yew. Perfect for young adventurers and families, with storytelling, nature exploration, and fun activities.
A fascinating journey through the woodland, where each tree holds a tale waiting to be discovered. Meet the majestic oak, the graceful birch, and the mysterious yew, and learn about their ...
11 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dorchester, Dorset

Weekends in October - 11th &12th 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th and 30th & 31st!
Pumpkins and Fun on the Farm.
Lots to do and the ticket includes bouncy castle, face painting, maze, the animal barn, also available landies to drive, BBQ to munch and cafe is open.
11 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025

Calling all brave dragon tamers! It’s time to polish your scales and fly down to Wimborne this October. Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset is turning up the heat with a brand-new attraction that’s sure to set imaginations soaring. Following the success of its summer Minecraft activities, the museum is thrilled to unveil its latest fire-cracking experience: “How to Train Your ...
17 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dorchester, Dorset

Surprises will be lurking around every corner as you encounter giant bats, eerie spiders, and countless other spooky delights!
After your thrill filled journey, unwind at the Tea Terrace, where delicious seasonal treats will be on hand. 👻
The Halloween Trail will run from October 17th to October 31st - don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Last years prices held!
Adults - ...
18 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Blandford, Dorset

Get spooky this Halloween with exciting activities at Laserguys! Located in Blandford, right in the middle of Dorset. Participants can enjoy a choice of thrilling activities including outdoor laser tag, archery & axe throwing. Perfect for families, kids and adults. These fun Halloween activities are designed to bring excitement for all ages. You can even wear your favourite Halloween costume ...
18 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025

This half term, families are invited to experience spook-tacular fun at FRIGHTMARE from 18th October – 1st November, running 5pm till late. 🕰️
👻 Trick or Treat adventures await the kids
🎯 Hook-a-Monster challenges promise ghoulish giggles
💀 Teen scare zones bring thrills and chills
… and there’s plenty more frightful fun for everyone!
23 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
New Forest, Dorset

Your spookiest adventure under the stars awaits…
Step into the shadows this Halloween as the spectacular illuminated trail returns to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest.
Don’t miss out…
This year it’s even more thrilling with brand-new installations that will turn the forest into a spine-tingling, spooky setting.
Book now to secure the time and date you want to visit.
25 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Corfe Castle, Dorset

Bring your own teddy or borrow a furry Corfe Castle veteran and take them for a tour around the site before attaching it to the zip wire by the castle keep. As your teddy zooms down the zip wire they can help us inspect the work of the conservators as they carry out essential work to conserve Corfe Castle.
Join our family quest to help our resident ghost detective with his investigation. ...
25 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Lyme Regis, Dorset

Discover a spine tingling after dark adventure packed with frightful surprises at Halloween mini ghoulf from Saturday 25 October until Saturday 1 November 2025.
For one week only this Halloween, Lyme Regis Town Council will transform the mini golf course into a ghostly, glowing playground. As night falls over Langmoor Gardens, come along and play a round of eerie, illuminated mini ghoulf. ...
25 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025

Saturday 25 October – Saturday 1 November
10:30am – 4:00pm
Take part in the Spooktacular spells and spooks at Nothe Fort this October Half Term.
We’ve conjured up a whole cauldron full of activities that are perfect for all ages:
🎃 Halloween Mouse Hunt
🎃 Wand-making Workshop
🎃 Ghost Tours – bookable on the day, limited spaces. Every 30 mins. Dates to be confirmed. (Please be ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Poole, Dorset

Bunty the Bone Dog has lost their bones – can you help find them?
Join us for a spooky Halloween adventure around Upton Country Park. Fancy dress encouraged!
Trail maps available daily Sat 25 October – Sun 2 November, 10am-3pm, from the Welcome Centre in the main car park
£4.50 per trail map, including a creepy cuddly prize.
You can also enjoy themed refreshments and a variety of other ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Join our family fun trail in the garden.
Follow the trail discovering pumpkins. Solve clues along the way.
PRIZES AVAILABLE FROM THE VISITOR ENTRANCE
FANCY DRESS IS VERY MUCH WELCOME
Fab Half term fun!
Open 10am • Last admission 4pm • Closes 5pm.
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Something wicked this way comes… Halloween at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
We’ve got some frightfully good activities and events planned, including:
🍂 Autumnal Arts & Crafts - get creative with drop-in workshops and self-guided sessions throughout half term.
👻 Spooky Ghost Trail - spot the ghosts hidden around the museum.
🕵️ Haunted History Hunt - solve the riddles, discover mysterious ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Halloween Fun This Half Term at SandWorld
All adults and kids in FULL fancy dress can visit SandWorld FOR FREE from Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November.
Try your hand at sculpting spooky sand pumpkins with help from their talented team and follow the Halloween Hunt for prizes! With frightfully fun decorations around every corner, SandWorld is ready to get you feeling ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Monkey World is always spook-tacular at Halloween! Days out with the kids have never been as fun- this half-term the activity centre will be full of creepy crafts, spooky sand art and fang-tastic trails, and kids can learn about our creatures of the night- the slow loris! As well as 250 rescued and endangered primates, the Dorset sanctuary is all treats and no tricks this Halloween! Book your ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Swanage, Dorset

Brand new for this October half term, Swanage Railway transforms into a world of Halloween magic. Step aboard our Ghost Train for a fun-filled journey of gentle chills, big smiles, and unforgettable memories - perfect for the whole family.
What to Expect
Family-friendly spooky fun - theatrical, magical, and full of surprises.
Board our beautifully decorated heritage steam train at ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

RockReef and PierZip will be open daily 25th October – 2nd November.
October Half Term Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip!
Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids entertained over half term whatever the weather? Are you staying in the area and are looking for fun things to do at the Bournemouth seafront?
Book your adventure online today and save money off your ticket ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Half Term fun for the whole family to enjoy! Kids’ activities, interactive exhibitions, soft play, and more.
The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with 100 years of history, 300 tanks, kids activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction.
This October Half Term, we’re celebrating Women in Warfare. Enjoy ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
All day, every day
£4 per trail
Join us this half term for a spooktacular family adventure at Symondsbury Estate!
Follow our fun-filled Pumpkin Trail, solve clues, find hidden pumpkins, and claim your spooky prize at the end!
Perfect for all ages – and costumes are very welcome if you dare… 👻🎃🕵️♀️
No need to book – just turn up ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
West Bay, Dorset

Come and enjoy the free children activities this October Half-term at the Discovery Centre. Spiders are scuttling around the Centre, help us to find them and Autumnal crafts activities will be available at the Centre.
The Centre will be open 7 days a week only during the October Half-term.
Children and family drop-in free event. No booking required.
Donations are very welcome.
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Wimborne, Dorset

From the 25 October - 2 November, make your own magic rainbow mask or stranger folk nature wand.
Become part of the woodland with a magic rainbow mask of the creatures of the forest. Scratch your own designs to reveal the colours.
And if you're out on the hunt for Stranger Folk, using the adventure app (see the events page for more information), then stop off at the potting shed to make ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Studland, Dorset

This Halloween, step into the shadows of nature—in broad daylight! From 10am to 3pm, join us for Studland’s Wicked Wildlife Trail, a spine-tingling adventure through beach, dunes, and woodland where nocturnal creatures leave clues behind for brave explorers to uncover.
🦇 With 10 thrilling activity stations, you’ll track the secrets of Studland's nocturnal animals through games, puzzles, and ...
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Swanage, Dorset

Get Ready for a Spook-tacular Adventure at Swanage Pier!
This half term, join us for a frightfully fun Halloween Trail that’s perfect for the whole family!
Wander the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises lurking in unexpected places. Solve the Halloween word puzzle and tackle our themed quiz as you go!
Once you’ve uncovered all the eerie items and completed your quiz ...
25 Oct 2025 to 05 Nov 2025
Swanage, Dorset

The trail will take you on a trip around the park to get into the spooky season!
Head to the Castle reception and collect your activity trail booklet - £3.50 per trail pack, no booking required.
If you like this trail, why not join us again for out 'Crazy Christmas Trail' in December!
26 Oct 2025 to 30 Oct 2025

This autumn half term holiday Sunday 26th to Thursday 30th October, enjoy a host of fun and a charming day out at Lulworth Castle & Park – Dorset’s finest castle.
Seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the Park. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your ...
26 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Beaminster, Dorset

Families are invited to discover a world of autumn enchantment at Mapperton Gardens this October.
Although Mapperton House will close to visitors at the end of September, Mapperton Gardens and Mapperton Wildlands remain open Sundays to Thursdays throughout October. With acres of outside space to explore, Mapperton offers the chance to enjoy walks and the rich autumn colour change, wildlife ...
26 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Christchurch, Dorset

🧪Design your own ingredient to add to our Castle’s magic potion.
🎨Get creative with crafts in the Education Room on Tuesday & Thursday.
🧑🧑🧒🧒Enjoy 50% Off Family Day on Wednesday.
All activities are included in your Castle admission!
📅The Castle is open Sunday 26 October - Sunday 2 November, 10am-4pm. Closed on Friday and Saturday.
26 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Weymouth, Dorset

If you didn't manage to catch the LIVE Zombies in Weymouth, then you can still do the Scary-tale this Halloween via the QR code POSTERS!
All you need is a QR code compatible mobile phone and the willingness to crack the code! All correct answers submitted will be entered into a prize draw.
27 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Poole, Dorset

Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October 2025
Join us this October half term at the award-winning Farmer Palmer’s farm park, for a wicked week of fun! With so many activities you’ll be sure to have a ‘fang-tastic’ time! Jump on our Soak-a-spook Tractor Trailer ride, explore the spooky Maize Maze, dance away at ‘Snotbags Disco’, join in our Halloween Hunt, and so much more!
Running from ...
27 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025

Step back in time to 1580, and meet the Martyn family of Athelhampton, as our living history specialists take on the characters of the 16th-century Martyn family of Athelhampton Hall
All levels of society from gentlefolk to servants will be around the house and gardens to talk with and learn from. Activities throughout the day range from trying Tudor food, dancing, and clothing; to writing ...
27 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025

Get ready for frightful fun on our Halloween Trail, packed with creepy clues, spooky surprises, and ghostly giggles for the whole family! Then, unleash your inner monster with our Monster Mask Making activity — craft your own terrifying (or silly!) mask to take home.
Perfect for little ghouls and goblins of all ages. Costumes encouraged!
🕷️ When: from 27th October to 1st of November
🦇 ...
27 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025

As well as our famous quiz there'll be lots of spooky fun to be had during this half term!
Come and join us, fancy dress will be welcome.
28 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dorchester, Dorset

Half term just got a whole lot spookier! Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st October, bring the family to Brewery Square for our Halloween Trick or Treat Trail.
Grab your map from the Concierge Office, follow the clues around the Square and collect treats along the way.
The excitement continues on Friday 31st October:
Spooky Face Painting - Become a witch, ghost, monster, or your favourite Halloween ...
29 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025

Dare to join us for a spooky adventure on our Halloween Trail - get ready for surprises around every corner!
Get ready for thrills and chills because our Halloween Trail is returning, and it's more spectacular than ever!
This year, we’ve completely transformed our stations to deliver an unforgettable experience that’s packed with surprises at every turn. Join us for a trail of eerie ...
30 October 2025

Thursday 30 October, 11am - In the theatre (Age rating: U)
All tickets £5
Drac and the gang are back - but this time they’re trading the hotel for the high seas! To give her dad a break, Mavis surprises Dracula with a monster family cruise. Joined by Frankenstein, Murray, Wayne and the rest of the crew, Drac braces himself for some much-needed relaxation.
But when he unexpectedly ...
30 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset

Thu 30th Oct, 4.30 - 8pm Starting at Millenim Square (outside The Range)
Get ready to haunt the town! Whether you're a ghoul, witch, zombie, vampire, or something delightfully spooky, we want YOU to join the Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat in full costume!
Halloween Parade - 4.30pm, starting at Millenium Square
Trunk or Treat 6-8pm, Melcombe Regis Car Park
Join the reimagined ...
30 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Poole, Dorset

🌟Half term creative workshops for ages 7-14 🌟
Join our friends at Activate Performing Arts for two fun-packed days of writing and performing workshops led by ethnically diverse professional writers, performers and musicians.
When? Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October 2025, 10am-3.30pm (with optional extension sessions 9am-4pm)
Where? Lighthouse, Poole
You’ll have the chance ...
31 October 2025
Lyme Regis, Dorset

This Halloween, step into the shadows of Lyme Regis Museum… where fossils, ghostly tales, and ghoulish fun await! Get ready for a frightfully fun evening this Halloween!
Join us for:
Spooky Stories
Creepy Crafts
Freaky Face Painting
A Torchlight Trail through 200 million years of history
Unlucky Dip for the brave!
Perfect for families, our Spooktacular promises a night of ...
31 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset

Step aboard… if you dare!
Join us for a 3-hour Halloween Party Cruise in the heart of the stunning and mysterious Jurassic Coast. The boat will be transformed with spooky décor, eerie lighting, and chilling surprises around every corner.
Fancy dress is highly encouraged – so bring your best costumes, from ghouls to glam! With a live DJ or band keeping the decks alive, expect nothing less ...
31 October 2025

🎃 Halloween at Sticks & Bones 🎃
Get ready for a spooktacular day and night at Sticks & Bones this Halloween!
🧡 Family Friendly Fun (3–6pm)
Bring the little monsters along for a Halloween party packed with crafts, games, face painting and a fancy dress competition with prizes for the best costumes. Perfect for kids and families looking for some daytime frightful fun!
🕷️ Trick or Treat ...
31 October 2025

Halloween at Monkey World!
FREE entry for children in FULL Halloween fancy dress on 31st October 2025. Free fancy dress competition with prizes, as well as the fun activities for children. Select the Fancy dress option when booking online, on the 31st October only! Have a spook-tacular Halloween at Monkey World!
Monkey World provides sanctuary to over 230 rescued and endangered primates of ...
31 October 2025
Weymouth, Dorset

Step aboard for 2.5 hours of family-friendly frights and thrills! Join our spooky storyteller as they weave chilling (but kid-appropriate) zombie tales while you enjoy the boat ride.
Take part in spooky Halloween face painting, listen to spooky stories and nibble on creepy snacks as you immerse yourself in the haunted atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled for surprises lurking around every ...
31 October 2025

Friday 31 October, 11am - In the theatre (Age rating: PG)
All tickets £5
The monster mayhem reaches its grand finale! When Van Helsing’s latest invention - the “Monsterfication Ray” - backfires, Drac and his monster pals suddenly find themselves human, while Johnny turns into a towering, over-the-top creature.
With his powers gone and everyday life proving trickier than expected, Drac ...
31 October 2025

October is here which means spooky fun at La Mia's Halloween Party! 🎃
Little ghouls and goblins, get ready for a frightfully fun time! Enjoy arts & crafts, spooky treats, and a prize for the best costume.
Parents can sit back and relax with a drink or bite to eat while the kids have a scream!
Choose your session: 11am–1pm or 3pm–5pm
Price: £10 per child (includes arts & crafts, ...
31 October 2025
Wareham, Dorset

Step into the magical forest this Halloween at Careys Secret Garden. Follow the light trail, meet friendly forest folk, and discover a world of mystery, laughter, and playful Halloween surprises. Perfect for little wild witches and wizards!
This event is a family-friendly twilight walk through Careys Secret Garden & Woodland, which will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland of ...
31 October 2025
Wimborne, Dorset

🎃 Spooky Science Show with Ian B Dunne 👻
Join mad scientist Ian B Dunne and his robotic assistants this Halloween – Friday 31st October – for a thrilling journey through potions, sparks, and spectres! Expect spooky experiments, electrifying demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on fun in this science-packed show that’s perfect for all ages. Don’t miss this frightfully fun fusion of science ...
31 October 2025

Friday 31st October | 10am–12pm
Taylor Swift & Disney Stitch Spooky Brunch
🎶 Singing, dancing and spooky fun
🍽️ Brunch included
🍬 Candy hunt
£15 per child | Payment required on booking
31 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Weymouth, Dorset

Nothe of the Living Dead 2024: Dawn of the Dorset Dead
MINIMUM AGE IS 16 (UNDER 18’s MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARTICIPATING/PAYING ADULT).
The Event
Nothe of the Living Dead combines jump scares and escape dungeon-style challenges and puzzles in an hour-long experience that sees participants take on a chilling quest to save the world from an undead takeover.
The event, a ...
01 November 2025

💀 Day of the Dead Halloween Party at Sticks & Bones 🕯️
Saturday 1st November | 18+ | Free Entry
The Halloween celebrations don’t stop on Friday… Join us at Sticks & Bones for our Day of the Dead party — the ultimate way to end Halloween week in style!
🔥 Live sets from Shirker Punk, plus DJ Jay Rees and Victor Vector spinning tunes that’ll keep the dance floor alive well into the night. ...
01 November 2025
Poole, Dorset

New for 2025! Treat yourself, family or friends to afternoon tea in Grade II* Upton House. A classic British tradition with a spooky Halloween twist!
For adults our afternoon tea includes scones, finger sandwiches, sweet treats and a selection of hot drinks and is completed with amazing cake towers and a glass of prosecco.
Children’s (16 and under) portions are a mini scone, half ...
01 November 2025
Lyme Regis, Dorset

Watch the fireworks as they light up the sky over the harbour. The Cobb provides a fantastic backdrop for the stunning display with Lister and Langmoor gardens offering a wonderful vantage point to view the explosive night of fireworks.
The firework display is organised by the Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival team and is free to attend with cash donations encouraged via official collectors on ...
01 November 2025
Corfe Castle, Dorset

TERROR TRAIL: Saturday 1st November
Step off the beaten path, into the darkness, and enter…
The Halloween Terror Trail
On Saturday 1st November experience one of Dorset’s scariest Halloween events at Dorset Adventure Park!
Warped with horror, our Halloween scare experience will terrify even the boldest of thrill seekers!
Beneath the looming shadow of Corfe Castle wind through ...
For more half-term activity ideas, days out and things to do in Dorset over the autumn, take a look at our half-term feature: October half-term