October is here, bringing crisp autumn days, colourful leaves, pumpkin patches and plenty of spooky fun! If you’re looking for things to do in October 2026, there’s lots happening across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London, from Halloween trails and pumpkin picking to family theatre, festivals and October half-term activities. Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for something to do with the kids during half term or simply want to embrace the spooky season, here are some of the best October events in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London from 4–31 October.
🎃 Kent
Halloween at Leeds Castle
Saturday 17th October-Sunday 1st November | Price: Included with admission
Leeds Castle is getting spooky for October half term with Halloween-themed entertainment and activities across the historic castle and grounds. It’s a great choice for families wanting to combine an autumn day out with some Halloween fun.
Trick or Treat Trail at Quex Adventure Farm
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th & Thursday 22nd–Saturday 31st October | Price: See website
Head to Quex Adventure Farm Park in Birchington for a family-friendly Halloween adventure through the spooky woods. Children can follow the trail, meet Halloween characters, enjoy the Slime Blaster Express and visit the Bewitched Pumpkin Patch, with a pumpkin included for each child’s ticket.
Halloween Half Term at Hever Castle
Saturday 17th October & Sunday 1st November | Price: Included with admission
Get ready for spooky science at Hever Castle this October. Families can follow the Mad Scientists Trail, solve clues, enjoy themed crafts and meet some entertaining characters, all while taking in the beautiful autumn colours around the castle grounds.
🎃 Surrey
Secretts Pumpkin Picking & Halloween Trail
Saturday 17th October & Friday 30th October | From £8.50
Pick your perfect pumpkin at Secretts in Milford this October half term, then take on a Halloween trail and scavenger hunt. With pumpkins, autumn fun and plenty of spooky atmosphere, it’s a lovely seasonal day out for families.
Wonderland Pumpkin Festival at Crockford Bridge Farm
Saturday 24th– Saturday 31st October | From £14 + booking fee
Step into Wonderland at Crockford Bridge Farm during October half term. The immersive pumpkin festival features actors, dancers and entertainers who guide families through a magical adventure before finishing at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
Ice Age Adventure Live! – Camberley Theatre
Sunday 25th October | Price: Check venue
Take the kids on a prehistoric adventure at Camberley Theatre during half term. This family show promises a mammoth mission and is a great indoor option if October weather takes a turn.
🍂 Sussex
Goddenwick Pumpkin Festival
Saturday 10th–Saturday 31st October | £5 per person
Get into the autumn spirit at Goddenwick Farm in Lindfield, where families can pick pumpkins, explore a spooky woodland trail, tackle the maze and meet the farm animals. The festival runs at weekends before becoming a daily event during half term. On 31 October, the season finishes with the Great Goddenwick Pumpkin Smash & Halloween Bash.
Tulleys Pumpkin Festival
October | Price varies
Head to Tulleys in Crawley for one of Sussex’s popular pumpkin-picking experiences. Choose your pumpkin, soak up the autumn atmosphere and make a seasonal day of it with the family. Tulleys Pumpkin Festival
🕷️ London
Halloween at Kew
Friday 16th October – Sunday 1st November | Price: Check booking
Kew Gardens transforms after dark for a spectacular Halloween trail featuring spooky scenes, atmospheric lighting and legendary creatures. Choose from daylight, twilight or moonlight sessions for a Halloween experience suitable for different ages.
October Half Term in London
Monday 26th October-Friday 30th October | Prices vary
London is packed with family-friendly activities during October half term, from museums and immersive experiences to theatre and Halloween attractions. This is also a great time to visit attractions such as London Zoo, SEA LIFE and The Paddington Bear Experience.
Diwali Festival at Trafalgar Square
Sunday 25th October | FREE
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with live performances, cultural activities, dance workshops, yoga and a dedicated children’s zone at this vibrant free London event.
Harry Potter: Dark Arts
Throughout October | From £97
Harry Potter fans can experience the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with a Halloween twist. Expect floating pumpkins in the Great Hall, Death Eaters in Diagon Alley and spooky details throughout the studios.
👻 Make October a month of autumn adventures
From pumpkin picking in Sussex and Surrey to Halloween trails in Kent, family theatre and spooky experiences in London, October 2026 is packed with things to do.
Whether you’re searching for October half-term activities, Halloween events, pumpkin patches, family days out or things to do with kids, there’s plenty to discover across the South East. Don’t forget to check individual event websites before travelling, as dates, prices and availability can change.
