Summer may be behind us, but October half-term and Halloween are already on the horizon. If you’re planning ahead for activities and things to do with children, booking in advance is the best way to save money and maximise your budget. Most UK attractions and theme parks are still open well into the autumn and winter months, with themed spooky season fun for all ages.
Here’s a round-up of what’s on in the lead-up and during October half-term 2025, with some handy tips on how to save on tickets and overnight stays.
Theme parks
Thorpe Park Fright Nights
Thorpe Park’s fright nights are back for 2025, where you can enjoy rides after dark, watch horror shows and explore its famous scare mazes. It’s even received an award for one of Europe’s top theme park scare event. Fright Nights are recommended for ages 13 and above, making this a wonderful half-term activity for secondary school teens, university students and adults of all ages. The event starts from 3 October through to 2 November.
By pre-booking your fright night tickets online, you can take advantage of discounted ticket entry compared to paying on the day, starting from £36 per person.
See more Thorpe Park deals on our dedicated discount codes page.
Alton Towers Scarefest
Alton Towers goes all out for Halloween with its annual scarefest, which kicks off this year on 27 September and runs through to 2 November. Expect hair-raising scare mazes (recommended for ages 15 and above), late-night rollercoaster rides in the dark and two new attractions: Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow. Younger children aren’t left out either, as CBeebies Land gets a family-friendly makeover, with fancy dress competitions and trick-or-treat fun.
Booking online in advance is the best way to save, with tickets starting at around £34 when purchased ahead of time. Overnight packages with hotel stays and park entry are also available from £81 per person.
Check out our Alton Towers deals page for more saving tips.
Chessington Howl’o’ween
For families with younger kids, Chessington’s howl’o’ween is a brilliant option, running from 4 October to 2 November. Alongside the usual rides and zoo, the event includes age-appropriate spooky shows, whimscial Enchanted Hollow trick or treating, a dedicated scare zone and after-dark ride time.
Tickets are cheapest online when booked early, with prices starting from £32 for day tickets or £34 for overnight stays with all new Paw Patrol room options.
See the latest offers and more on how to save on tickets on our Chessington discount codes page.
Days out and attractions
Legoland Brick or Treat
Between 4 October and 2 November, Legoland Windsor is transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland for brick or treat, complete with Lego-themed Halloween builds, dance parties, a Brick-or-Treat trail and costume competitions. New for 2025 is Lord Vampre’s house party show, plus meet and greets with characters around the park.
Online pre-booking starts at around £34 per person, with short breaks at the Legoland Resort Hotel from £57. The latter includes early ride time, a free gift in your room and breakfast.
Visit our Legoland discount codes page to the latest offers and promotions.
Warwick Castle – The Haunted Castle
Warwick Castle is one of the UK’s best spots for a Halloween day out, with thousands of years of history. The Haunted Castle event includes live shows (including the Witches of Warwick – back by popular demand), a spooky maze and after-dark entertainment. Younger children can join in with less-scary entertainment and daytime activities, whilst over 10s and adults can brave the Castle Dungeon (an extra charge applies from £5).
Advance tickets start at £25, with short breaks from £55, which includes a stay in a winter lodge or the Warwick Castle Hotel and breakfast with the Witches of Warwick.
We’ve got plenty more offers and saving tips on our Warwick Castle discount codes page.
National Trust
Across the UK, National Trust properties host Halloween and half-term activities, such as pumpkin carving, bats and broomsticks races and games and family autumn trails through woodlands and historic houses. Each location runs slightly different events and some require you to pre-book, so check your local site’s page for details.
Entry is often included in membership, but some events may carry a small extra charge.
See our National Trust offers page for a full list of membership deals and other promotions.
Why you can trust us
The Independent has been an advocate for consumers since 1986, delivering the best deals and discounts to help our readers save money on truly valuable products and experiences.
Sabrina is our consumer editor with a wealth of knowledge on how to get the most for your money. From affordable family days out to the best deals on school uniform, it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about saving. She is part of our experienced deals team, who provide you with the best and latest discount codes from hundreds of brands. We only ever select savings from providers that we trust, and quality check every promotion and code to ensure it’s valid and working.
