Cheshire's Spooktacular October: Halloween & Half Term Magic Await!

Cosmic Adventures Await!

Blast off to a cosmic extravaganza for the whole family at Jodrell Bank! There’s a stellar new science show launching daily where questions about the Universe get exploded, myths are busted, and dazzling surprises await aspiring astronauts of every age. Sci-fi dress-up is highly encouraged for a space-tacular day out! Plus, make the most of your adventure: all tickets are annual passes, and online booking gets a 10% discount on general admission.

Hop into the Space Dome for One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars, an all-new immersive experience, with narration by Richard Armitage, that rockets you from the thrill of launch to the mysteries of life on Mars, NASA’s Artemis program, and humanity’s next great leap. (£5 add, on, recommended for ages 5+; dates to be announced). For younger stargazers, Ted’s Space Adventure (Wednesdays, 11:00, £5 add-on) is packed with songs, rhymes, and planet-hopping fun, perfect for little explorers aged 2–7.

Don’t miss daily Telescope Talks at 15:30, a 30-minute insider’s look at the mighty Lovell Telescope, brought to life with live, explosive science demos and captivating stories from the dawn of the Space Age. Unleash creativity at the space crafts station, enjoy short, and, sweet “Discover the Dish” sessions about Jodrell Bank’s iconic big dish (weather permitting), and try interactive science busking at the Clockwork Orrery.

New for autumn: step into the Gemini and Mercury Remastered exhibition, revealing awe, inspiring, digitally restored NASA images from the earliest days of human spaceflight.

Every visit includes access to hands-on exhibitions, acres of Cheshire countryside, and locally sourced café treats.

Spooky Trails & Magical Art

Immerse yourself in the enchanting autumn events at Cheshire’s National Trust properties, perfect for families and curious minds alike.

At Dunham Massey, join Spooks the spider on their Autumn Art Adventure (18 Sept–9 Nov), a free event where every leaf, colour, and creature inspires nature-themed creativity. Wander the park sorting colours, matching leaves, and hunting for natural treasures to help Spooks create a magnificent masterpiece. During October half-term, Dunham Massey is bursting with autumnal magic, follow self-guided walks through vibrant parklands, enjoy a family trail celebrating art in nature, and get crafty with autumn-inspired activities. Don’t miss a visit to the house to see From Here to There: a tour for children, where Speechly the Pineapple is dressed for the season and visitors are encouraged to dress up too.

Over at Quarry Bank, families can step inside the Mill to join Sir Monty Webber’s Quest, help the adventurous moth on his journey to find food and make friends. From 23 October to 1 November, dive into the spine, tingling Halloween at Quarry Bank trail, an atmospheric experience from dusk into darkness filled with glowing fires, haunting whispers, and spectacular fire performances, book early to secure your place. October half term (25 Oct–2 Nov) offers a full schedule of Halloween fun: spooky Apprentice House tours, trails around the Upper Garden and Mill, themed crafts in the Learning Space, seasonal treats, and themed shopping in the Mill Yard Shop.

At Little Moreton Hall, keep an eye out for the Wandering Wolves, mischievous wolves who have escaped the family crest and are hiding in clever disguises around the hall. How many can you spot on your visit?

With nature, history, and creativity blending into unforgettable family adventures, Cheshire’s National Trust properties make October and Halloween truly magical experiences, no booking needed for most events, just bring your sense of wonder (and maybe a costume or two)! Admission fees apply but members enjoy free entry.

Fright Fiesta Frenzy

Join in the freaky festivities this Halloween at Gulliver’s World with their sensational Fright Fiesta! This lively, festival-style event is brimming with colour, costumes, music, and loads of family-friendly fun and surprises. Whether you want to showcase your spooktacular fancy dress or dive into the theme park’s thrilling rides, Fright Fiesta promises a fabulously festive day filled with joyful celebrations and eerie encounters.

With vibrant shows, interactive experiences, and spooky-themed attractions, it's all about families coming together to enjoy a safe, playful Halloween adventure. Be sure to book early to save and secure your place at this not-to-be-missed seasonal highlight.

Woods of Wonders & Spooks

Enjoy a magical mix of daytime adventure and spooky surprises at BeWILDerwood this October. Dress in your best Halloween outfit and get ready to clamber, climb and zip your way through the wild woods during the day and go Twig or Treating with the BeWILDerwood characters. Complete your Halloween adventure and follow the glowing light trail as the sun begins to set. It’s the best of both worlds – all the Halloween magic without the late bedtime! The woods will be open 11am - 6pm throughout October weekends and half term.

Pumpkins, Skeletons & Magic

This autumn, Tatton Park is the place to be for festive fun, spooky trails, and pumpkin picking!

Head down to the Tatton Park Pumpkin Patch for a delightfully messy day on the Farm. Meet your favourite farmyard animals before embarking on a hunt to find the perfect pumpkin. Wander through the rustic patch, pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, and prepare to get muddy and merry, it’s a wonderfully hands-on autumn experience. Don’t forget to snap your pumpkin picks and share the fun on social media! Dress for the outdoors with layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear to enjoy the charming cobbled paths and farmyard trails.

From 25 October to 2 November, the award-winning gardens transform with the return of the Skellies and Wellies Trail. Explore 50 acres of autumnal magic and meet 10 hilarious and haunting skeleton displays, each packed with character and punny jokes guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Pick up the free activity sheet and see if you can find them all! Little monsters of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in their finest fancy dress and wellies to join the skeleton crew and stomp through the gardens in style.

On 25 October, take a step back in time with the Secrets of the Old Hall Tour, a guided exploration of Tatton’s oldest building, filled with fascinating history, woodsmoke scents, and even a few ghost stories. It’s a unique chance to visit one of England’s most haunted sites.

On 30 October, families with children aged 7–11 can delve into the eerie world of Myth, Magic and Mystery. Discover spooky superstitions, brew your own potion, and learn about the gruesome ingredients once used in old medicines. Dress to enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities and earn a certificate for your potion-making prowess.

Between pumpkins, skeletons, lantern-lit paths, and history brimming with mystery, Tatton Park offers a truly magical autumn and Halloween experience for all ages.