If you’re wondering where to take the kids this October half term in Sussex & Surrey you’re in luck. From animal encounters to palace adventures, splash parks to historical trails, here are 10 family-friendly ideas to fill your days with fun. Be sure to check each venue’s website for latest times, tickets and any seasonal events.
- Where & When: Hailsham, East Sussex, open daily 10:00am to 5:30pm (closed only Christmas Eve/Day & Boxing Day).
- Price: Orange Day ticket, £24.99 (online gate rate) Green Day, £17.99 (some attractions closed)
- What’s On:
- Jungle Kingdom zoo (lemurs, meerkats, farm animals)
- Owl displays at 1:00pm & 3:00pm
- Indoor & outdoor play areas, splash zones (Jungle Splash), Lost World Playbarn, rides including Dino Drop, Wave Runner, go karts (weekends/holidays).
- Sherlock Holmes Experience (Victorian walk-through).
- Animal keeper experiences (pre-book).
Knockhatch is ideal for a full, fun-packed family day with a mix of wildlife, play and splash fun regardless of weather.
- Where & When: Alfriston, East Sussex (Open daily during half term)
- Price: £24 per person (ages 2+) when booked online.
- What’s On: Animal exhibits (exotic & farm animals), rides (Safari Express, Rainforest Carousel etc.), indoor soft play, maze, seasonal trails & events (Halloween etc.).
- Where & When: Weybridge, Surrey, 10am-5pm
- £24–£26.40 adult, £10–£11 child
- What’s On: Transport & aviation exhibits, simulators, vintage cars, interactive displays, Concorde Experience (separate charge).
4. Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
- Where & When: East Molesley
- Prices: £28 adult, £14 child
- What’s On: Palace interiors, gardens, Maze, the Magic Garden, Halloween storytelling and special seasonal programme’s.
5. Nymans
- Where & When: Nr Haywards Heath, Sat 18th October-Monday 3rd November
- Price: Free for members / variable for non-members
- What’s On: Autumn walks, nature trails, children’s trails, seasonal/half term special events.
- Where & When: Farnham, Surrey, open year-round
- Price: Usually free to enter (some events may charge)
- What’s On: Woodland walks, nature trails, forest play, family events depending on the programme.
7. Bocketts Farm, Surrey
- Where & When: Fetcham, Check seasonal programme
- Price: £19
- What’s On: Animal feeding & petting, farm trails, tractor rides, seasonal/Harvest/Halloween themed activities.
- Where & When: Godstone, Saturday 25th October-Sunday 2nd November
- Price: Variable; often cheaper for children
- What’s On: Thrilling NERF shootout, carve a pumpkin, dive into Halloween crafts, meet creepy crawlies up close and enjoy all your favourite, farm activities.
- Where & When: Epsom, Saturday 25th October-Saturday 2nd November
- Price: From £22.50
- What’s On: Bug brunch, treat trails and monster discos, creepy crawlies, Marshmallow toasting and more
10. Bluebell Railway
- Where & When: Sheffield Park, Uckfield Saturday 25th October-Friday 31st October
- Price: From £30
- What’s On: Step aboard and meet the ghosts of the Bluebell Railway in a spine-tingling immersive theatrical experience, unlike anything ever seen on a heritage railway in the UK.
So, whether you’re chasing ghosts on the Bluebell Railway, meeting meerkats at Knockhatch, or unravelling mysteries at Hampton Court, Sussex and Surrey are bursting with half-term adventures waiting to be discovered. Don’t forget to check each venue’s website for the latest updates, tickets, and seasonal surprises and make this October one to remember!
