This October half term is a little different for families in Surrey. In 2026, Surrey schools are getting a one-off extended two-week autumn break. Half term for most Surrey state schools runs from Monday 19 October to Friday 30 October, while many independent schools in the county break up slightly earlier and return at the beginning of November.
With twice as much time as usual to plan days out, it is a great opportunity to explore more of what the county has to offer. From Halloween trails and haunted palaces to autumn gardens, family workshops and aviation history, there is plenty happening across Surrey throughout the extended half term. If you are looking for things to do in Surrey this October half term, here are eight family days out worth adding to your list.
Enjoy Halloween fun at Bocketts Farm, Fetcham
Where: Bocketts Farm Park, Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS
When: 17 October to 1 November 2026
Bocketts Farm is always a popular choice for families during the school holidays, and this October there are two seasonal events covering almost the entire half-term period. Little Pumpkins Week runs from 17 to 23 October 2026, with a spooky stamp trail, Halloween crafts, discos and the Pumpkin Village, alongside the farm’s usual animals and play areas.
That is followed by Wizards & Witches Week, running from 24 October to 1 November. Families can expect science and slime shows, a reptile roadshow, spooky crafts, a Halloween trail and plenty of opportunities to explore the Pumpkin Village.
Brave Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
When: 24 October to 1 November 2026
For something a little more atmospheric, Hampton Court Palace is embracing its haunted history this October. From 24 October to 1 November 2026, the palace will be transformed for Halloween at Hampton Court Palace with atmospheric projections, eerie sound effects, magical spells and ghostly characters appearing throughout its historic rooms and corridors. The experience is designed with families in mind, although visitors should expect darkness, loud noises and the occasional jump scare.
Halloween activities are included with normal palace admission, so families can also spend time exploring the wider palace, gardens and the former home of Henry VIII while they are there.
Discover spooky plants at RHS Garden Wisley
Where: RHS Garden Wisley, Woking
When: 17 October to 1 November 2026
Autumn is already a particularly colourful time to explore RHS Garden Wisley, but this October half term the garden is adding a suitably spooky twist. The Spooky Plants half-term programme runs from 17 October to 1 November, inviting families to discover some of the stranger and more mysterious plants growing around us. Activities include a garden trail and workshops, with a focus on plants with unusual appearances, surprising properties and suitably Halloween-inspired stories.
Most activities are included with normal garden admission, although some sessions may need to be booked separately. Even without the Halloween activities, Wisley is one of Surrey’s best autumn days out, with plenty of space to walk, explore the gardens and enjoy the changing seasonal colour.
Solve The Great Polesden Mystery at Polesden Lacey
Where: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking
When: 17 October to 1 November 2026
There is a mystery to solve at Polesden Lacey this half term. Running from 17 October to 1 November, The Great Polesden Mystery challenges younger visitors to discover what has happened to the estate’s missing prize pumpkin. Families can follow a trail through the grounds, solve puzzles and help Detective Grizwald uncover where the pumpkin has been hidden. The trail costs £3.50 per person in addition to normal admission and includes a trail sheet and a small prize at the end.
There is another family trail running at the estate at the same time too. The Moomins trail at Polesden Lacey continues until 8 November, taking families around the gardens to discover characters inspired by Moominvalley. With extensive grounds, woodland walks and autumn views across the Surrey countryside, Polesden Lacey also works well if you are looking for a day out that is not entirely Halloween-focused.
Go ghost hunting at Hatchlands Park
Where: Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford
When: Activities run throughout half term
Another National Trust property getting into the Halloween spirit is Hatchlands Park, near Guildford. From 10 October to 1 November, families can take part in the We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt trail around the estate, inspired by the children’s books and particularly suited to younger visitors.
There is also a separate pumpkin spotting trail running from 18 October to 1 November, where children can search the parkland for wooden pumpkins. Both trails are free once normal admission has been paid. Families can also head inside the house on open days to see its Halloween decorations. It makes Hatchlands a good option for families looking to combine an autumn walk with something extra for younger children.
Explore the woods at Painshill
Where: Painshill, Cobham
When: Selected dates from 17 to 31 October 2026
If autumn colours are more appealing than ghosts and ghouls, Painshill in Cobham has a programme of family activities inspired by its landscape and woodland. Whispers in the Woods runs between 17 and 31 October, with selected interactive storytelling walks where children can meet woodland characters and discover stories hidden among the trees.
There are also Woodland Wonders craft sessions on selected dates between 19 and 28 October, featuring activities such as leaf printing, woodland collages and autumn-inspired crafts. For children who prefer getting stuck in outdoors, Woodland Hideouts sessions on 20 and 27 October invite families to gather natural materials and build their own woodland dens.
Painshill itself is particularly striking in autumn, with its lake, historic follies, woodland and Crystal Grotto making it easy to turn one of the organised activities into a longer family day out.
Take flight at Brooklands Museum
Where: Brooklands Museum, Weybridge
When: Main half-term programme from 25 October to 2 November 2026
For a half-term day out that works whatever the weather, Brooklands Museum in Weybridge has a full programme of aviation-themed family activities. This year’s October half term marks the 90th anniversary of the Hawker Hurricane’s first flight from Brooklands. From 25 October to 2 November, children can make and launch their own paper Hawker Hurricane, enjoy aviation-themed storytelling and follow the Brooklands Takes Flight Trail.
There are also vintage bus rides throughout the week, while selected dates include legendary car rides around the historic site and family tours aboard Concorde. On 29 October, visitors can even see the museum’s Concorde lower its famous droop nose. Alongside the half-term programme, families can explore Brooklands’ collection of racing cars, aircraft and buses, making this one of Surrey’s strongest indoor options if the October weather is less cooperative.
Experience Half-term Hauntings at Guildford Castle
Where: Guildford Castle, Castle Street, Guildford
When: Wednesday to Saturday, 14 to 31 October 2026
Guildford Castle is reopening its Keep specially for Halloween this October. Half-term Hauntings runs from 14 to 31 October, Wednesday to Saturday, with family-friendly Halloween activities inside the historic Norman Castle Keep. Visitors can explore the seasonally decorated tower, take part in a ghost hunt, listen to spooky storytelling and enjoy Halloween-themed colouring activities. The Castle Keep is open from 12pm to 4.30pm, with last admission at 4pm. Admission is currently £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and £12 for a family ticket, while under-fives go free.
Once you have finished exploring the castle, its central location makes this an easy activity to combine with lunch, shopping or another attraction in Guildford town centre.
Make the most of October half term in Surrey
Whether you want to make the most of Surrey’s autumn scenery, embrace Halloween or simply find somewhere to keep the children entertained, there is no shortage of things to do across the county this October half term. From pumpkins and woodland trails to castles, palaces, gardens and historic aircraft, many of Surrey’s best-known attractions are offering something extra for families during the school holidays.
As dates, availability and ticket arrangements can change, we recommend checking directly with each venue and booking in advance where required before setting off.
