October half term and Halloween fun in North Norfolk (2025)
August 27, 2025 | Holiday tips | 8 minute read
North Norfolk is the perfect place to spend October half term and Halloween this year! Families can enjoy crisp autumn walks, spooky trails, and hands-on activities that make the most of the coast and countryside. Whether you’re looking for free days out exploring nature reserves and beaches, or special seasonal events at favourite attractions, there’s plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. This guide rounds up the best things to do during half term, so you can make the most of your holiday in North Norfolk.
If you’re still looking for places to stay in North Norfolk for October half term, we can help! Pinewoods Holiday Park is ideally located in the popular seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea, and everything on this list is within easy reach of our doors! Check out our caravan holiday homes, luxury lodges and touring park or find out more about family holidays at Pinewoods.
If you’re looking for more autumnal activities in North Norfolk (not just during half term), have a read of our top ten things to do this season.
October half term and Halloween events in North Norfolk
The Halloween Garden at Holkham
Holkham’s Walled Garden is getting a mysterious makeover for Halloween, and plenty of spooky activities await. From creepy crafts to potion making, witches’ quests and storytelling, your little ones will love a day out at Holkham. Plus, you can pick a pumpkin to carve and of course, there’ll be chocolate to enjoy (because what’s Halloween without a treat!?)
26th-30th October 2025
Find out more about The Halloween Garden here.
Holkham Deer and Wildlife Safari
Step aboard the tractor trailer for a safari tour of Holkham’s parkland, looking out for the resident herd of Fallow deer. October is prime rutting season, so you might see some action! But Holkham Park isn’t just home to deer — there’s plenty of wildlife on the lake and in the sky to spot, and the knowledgable guides will be there to share facts! This 45 minute tour is perfect for animal loving kids and adults alike.
Book your safari tickets here.
25th-31st October 2025
Pensthorpe Pumpkin Festival
Pensthorpe’s Pumpkin Festival returns this year, and it claims to be their biggest ever! With spooky woodland trails, scarecrows to, er, scare you, and and pumpkins ready to carve, there’s plenty to enjoy at Pensthorpe this half term.
25th October – 2nd November 2025
Make your own Pumpkin House at Sandringham
Pumpkin carving, but with a twist! Inspired by Helen Cooper’s book ‘Pumpkin Soup’, you can create your own pumpkin house at Sandringham this Halloween.
29th-31st October 2025
Free activities in October half term
Look out for fungi and crunchy leaves
Take a stroll around North Norfolk’s many countryside paths and trails and keep your eyes peeled for signs of autumn. Golden trees, falling leaves and fungi popping up here and there — there’s so much beauty around the county this time of year, and there’s so much for you and your family to discover!
Enjoy a blustery stroll by the sea
It might not be as warm as in the summer months, but a walk on the beach is just as wonderful this time of year! Wrap up warm and perhaps opt for boots over flip-flops, but no trip to Norfolk is complete without a wander on the sand. Look out for seals bobbing their heads out the water, pink-footed geese flying overhead and enjoy the sea breeze in your hair.
Holkham’s Woodland Play Area
Children will love the play area at Holkham, where they can swing, slide, climb and adventure the day away! With houses and bridges built into the trees, this is a great place for the little ones to blow off some steam and have fun.
Note that a parking charge applies if arriving by car; this allows you to explore Holkham Park for the day. Holkham can be reached by bus, bike or on foot from us at Pinewoods which then allows free access to the park.
The Pumpkin House, Thursford
Visit this pumpkin adorned house and enjoy a range of games and fun. Certain activities do cost (like the six-acre maize maze and picking a pumpkin to take home). There’s plenty to enjoy for free though, including a tin can alley, welly wanging, hoopla and a mud kitchen.
23rd-31st October 2025
Watch the rutting deer at Holkham
You don’t need to go on the Deer and Wildlife Safari to see the deer in Holkham Park (though of course, you’ll see more of the estate if you do!). Holkham’s parkland is free to enter and enjoy.
Note that a parking charge applies if arriving by car; this allows you to explore Holkham Park for the day. Holkham can be reached by bus, bike or on foot from us at Pinewoods which then allows free access to the park.
FAQs
What dates are half term in October?
Most Norfolk schools will enjoy a half term break from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025.
Do check your child’s school term dates as schools in other counties, and some schools in Norfolk, will operate different dates.
What can I do in Norfolk in half term this October?
All sorts! From Halloween events at popular attractions to wildlife spotting and enjoying the beauty of nature in autumn, there’s so much to do. Countryside and coastal walks, play areas, pumpkin picking and plenty more await.
We’re looking for a place to stay in North Norfolk for our family and dog.
That’s where we come in! Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells-next-the-Sea offers family friendly caravan holiday homes, luxury lodges and touring park pitches wonderfully located by Wells Beach and walking distance to Wells town. Many of our accommodation options are dog friendly too. Check availability here.
