Spook-tacular October fun in Sussex. Half term and Halloween adventures.
October is one of the most vibrant times of year to explore Sussex. Whether you are looking for spooky half-term fun with the family, atmospheric evening light shows, or peaceful walks with seasonal colour, there is so much to discover. Take a look at what is coming up across Sussex this October and start planning your next day out.
Exclusive October Events
Experience Europes Largest pumpkin Festival at Tulleys Farm throughout October! Pick from over 100 pumpkin varieties, explore the magical Pumpkin Village with street food and sweet treats and meet the charming Pumpkin Folk. There’s plenty of photo opportunities, plus don’t miss Pumpkin Valley – a brand new attraction for 2026!
Join Head Gardner, Emma at Bates Green Garden for the Fungal Foray Woodland Walk on 1st October and explore the fascinating world of fungi. On 7th the Autumn Garden Tutorial celebrates the unique beauty and challenges of autumn. Hot drink and homemade cake included in both workshops.
October at Eastbourne Bandstand is packed with sensational live music on the coast! Get ready to sing along to non-stop hits with a magnificent Queen Tribute by One Vision on Friday 2 October, followed by an unforgettable ABBA Tribute on Saturday 3 October.
Get ready for spooktacular film nights under the stars as outdoor cinema arrives at Wakehurst Kew this October! From 2nd – 4th October, Adventure Cinema will screen a lineup of Halloween favourites, including Hocus Pocus and The Lost Boys. Settle in with delicious street food, or pack a picnic for an unforgettable autumn evening in the gardens.
Eastbourne Bonfire Night returns on 3rd October! A quintessentially ‘Sussex’ tradition, a torchlit procession and marching bands will make their way along the seafront towards a giant bonfire and firework finale.
This Halloween, explore Gristle Grotlin’s Creepy Creatures Discovery Trail at Paradise Park from 3rd October – 15th November! See Barry the Burping Bog Monster, Squealbert the Sky Pig, Naughty Newhaven Gnomes and boogie at the Undead Disco. Discover hilarious backstories, fun activities and character theme tunes on a weird and wonderful musical adventure through the gardens!
30 years of screams. One unforgettable night. Tulleys Shocktober Fest returns from 3rd October until 1st November 2026 with award-winning attractions, epic street food, bars galore, live music, DJs, and live shows
It’s your time to shine. Go Ape Crawley’s autumn adventure is back this October, and it’ll be your highlight of the season. Take on tree-to-tree crossings illuminated by glowing lights. Feel the thrill of ziplines in the dark. It’s Go Ape’s signature tree top adventures taken up a level. On for a limited time from 16th October.
960 years since the Battle of Hastings took place, hundreds of reenactors recreate the drama of this legendary conflict on 10th – 11th October. Hear the rush of hooves and see arrows fly as soldiers battle. Get a taste of life in 1066, with living history camps, entertainment from a Jester and majestic falconry displays.
Look to the stars with Eastbourne Astronomical Society at free stargazing events throughout the winter season. View the night sky through the society’s telescopes and specialised astronomical cameras from 6-8pm on 17th October at Helen Garden, Eastbourne.
October at West Dean Gardens brings hands-on autumn experiences. Explore the South Downs on a guided foraging walk (17th – 18th Oct) to identify wild plants and fungi, or join the Chichest-HER house tour and cream tea (20th Oct) celebrating historic local women.
Running from 23 – 31 October 2026, Chichester Cathedral’s Light Experience presents Illuminating Art, the spectacular immersive installation by internationally acclaimed artistic collaboration Luxmuralis – artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper.
Step into a world of ancient tales at Butser Ancient Farm on 24th October. Children aged 6+ can follow a storyteller around the site, hunting for clues to folklore stories of nature and hearing some ancient tales of our ancestors. They then finish the experience with making protective Saxon amulet beads to take home.
Join children’s author Wenny Smart, a member of the Smart family who own Harbour Park, on 25th October 2–3:30pm for ‘The Magic Seashell storytime’, with crafts and fun activities for children aged 4–8. Free event
Beachy Head Marathon Weekend is back from 24th – 25th October! Featuring 4 course routes – 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon and Ultramarathon – with incredible views of Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and beyond. Secure your entry to take part or join the fun as a spectator and cheer on the runners!
Dragons have swooped into the Royal Pavilion. An adventure of magic, myth and mayhem awaits! From golden guardians to hidden carvings in unexpected corners, discover the dragons watching over this magical palace. Follow their footsteps through myths and legends, where fearsome beasts meet elegant symbols of power and protection. Until 1st November.
Halloween Half Term Events
This October half term, Borde Hill’s Halloween Story Trail 17th October – 1st November invites families to explore the Garden, meeting mischievous owl Morticus Moonfeather and his enchanted scarecrows. Designed for younger children, the trail combines outdoor adventure with games and spooky surprises, making it a magical way to enjoy the Garden this autumn.
Halloween Fun awaits at Sky Park Farm this October! Mix spooky potions and watch dry ice swirl, cuddle a chinchilla and meet other amazing sanctuary animals, create your own haunted miniature craft, or dress up and race at our Racing Cars & Monster Trucks session. With the Deer Park and Adventure Playground included, October half term is sorted!
Freaky Fishers is back 24th October – 1st November with oodles of spook-tacular family fun! Explore the magical Little Boo Barn, packed with surprises, tricks and Halloween charm. Complete the “Creepy Quest” (if you dare!) and discover the ENORMOUS new Animal Barn. Choose from multiple indoor play & sensory zones – it’s the perfect choice, whatever the weather!
All aboard the Bluebell Railway for a hauntingly magical adventure! The Ghost Train returns from 22nd October – 1st November with an immersive, theatrical journey between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes. Expect atmospheric storytelling, eerie station performances, and spooky family fun under the autumn sky. Discover the full timetable and book tickets here.
Selected rides open this October half-term at Harbour Park! Enjoy our Family Arcade, Soft Play, Treasure Quest Escape Room, tasty food and drinks throughout winter.
This Halloween, families can discover the Autumn season at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. From 24th October – 1st November, Plagues & Potions invites brave young visitors to follow a half-term trail, uncover clues and discover curious cures and strange remedies from the past. On 31 October, All Hallow’s Eve brings even more spooky encounters, with spell jar making, mystics in the woods, the Wise Woman and Haunted Hambrook House. With plenty of peculiar goings-on to discover, it’s a Halloween adventure where history comes thrillingly to life. Halloween activities are free with Museum entry.
£1 Kids offer is back this spooky season at Drusillas! For every full-paying visitor (adult or child), you can bring one little monster (aged 2–15) for just £1 when booked in advance! Get spooky this October with Shriek Week, running from 24th October – 1st November. Families can enjoy frightfully fun Halloween thrills, including meeting the Sugar Skull Witch, spooky photo opportunities, and devilish decorations. On 28, 29 and 30 October, visitors can also explore the Spider’s Den and get up close to amazing eight-legged creatures.
Swap the spooky for a SUPER Natural Halloween adventure at WWT Arundel this October half term. From 24th October – 1st November families can discover the wonders, wildlife, and folklore of wetlands with a free SUPER Natural logbook. Try a spellbinding selection of activities like wand weaving, willow wisp lanterns, making a magic fairy ring and more! Search WWT Arundel.
Feathers McGraw is up to his old tricks, and Wallace and Gromit need your help! Follow a family trail through Kew Wakehurst’s autumn landscape, completing interactive challenges and discovering fungi. Marking Aardman’s 50th anniversary, it blends hands-on activities, storytelling and real science. Buggy and dog-friendly, it’s perfect for October half term.
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Battle Abbey Halloween Half term this October! Join the Great Pumpkin Party as we celebrate the season with family activities and entertainment. There’ll be interactive storytelling and spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot, so don’t forget to come dressed for the occasion!
Bring your family and wind your way through beautiful gardens and hidden corners at West Dean Gardens Explorer Trail, hunting for the buildings and landmarks that make West Dean so unique between 24th October to 1st November. It’s the perfect way for your little explorers to discover the estate while soaking up everything autumn has to offer.
This Halloween, the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill set off on a ghost hunt at Petworth House in We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™, based on the bestselling children’s books. Families can join the adventure to find the hidden ghosts, with plenty of exciting things to see and do along the way. Runs Saturday 10 October to Sunday 1 November.
Throughout October half term, Borde Hill hosts a bewitching programme of family activities 26th – 30th October, including magic shows with Professor Hiccup, Halloween fun with Tomfoolery, wand making, and spooktacular crafts. Taking place on selected days, these bookable activities offer families something different to enjoy alongside a visit to the Garden.
Join Aldingbourne Country Centre from 24th October to 1st November, 10am to 4pm, for spooky family fun! Brave the Monster Maze, explore the Enchanted Woodland, enjoy Potion Making, Trick or Treat adventures and Story Time. Don’t miss Friday Fright Night, 30th October, 4pm to 7pm.
Gardens to visit this October in Sussex
Enjoy a tranquil autumn day out at Bates Green Garden on Sunday 4th October for their National Garden Scheme open day. Explore the vibrant autumn colours across the woodland garden, courtyard displays, and wildflower meadow. Home-made lunches, soup, and delicious cakes will be available in the Bluebell Barn, with refreshments raising money for Cancer Research UK. Advance booking is preferred via the National Garden Scheme website.
Sheffield Park and Garden is an 18th-century Grade I-listed landscape garden in East Sussex, internationally famous for its spectacular autumn colour, with a wide variety of species creating this spectacle including Nyssa, Acer and Taxodiums. Water plays a starring role in the garden, with falls, cascades and bridges set amongst magnificent lakes, perfectly reflecting the bold planting at the water’s edge. No booking required. To plan your autumn visit please see their website for further information.
On 18th October, High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden hosts a guided fungi walk led by Senior Gardener Elliot Chandler. Visitors can explore gently sloping woodlands and meadows to discover rare fungal species while learning about organic garden management and the Wilder Ouse biodiversity project. Garden entry is included with the ticket.
With so much happening across Sussex this October, it is the perfect time to wrap up warm and make new memories together. From haunting halloween adventures to spectacular autumn views, our member attractions offer unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Check out our events calendar to search October events in Sussex.
