Halloween in the Cotswolds 2024: Fun for all Ages

October half term will be here before we know it, and in the Cotswolds, that can only mean one thing—Halloween! From pumpkin patches to haunted castles, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Whether you're after family-friendly fun or spine-tingling scares, we’ve gathered a list of the best Halloween events happening across the Cotswolds this October. 

Fun for all the Family

Blenheim Palace Halloween Light Trail

Dates: 25th October – 3rd November

Blenheim Palace invites you to its family-friendly Halloween Light Trail, with three options to explore: Daylight, Twilight, or Moonlight. The trail is packed with spooky features like the Headless Horseman, King of the Pumpkins, and Dr. Frankenstein, alongside Halloween treats including marshmallow toasting, Frankenstein’s fries, loaded curly worms, and hot chocolate. For an extra special experience, don’t miss the Halloween Afternoon Tea—a delicious way to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

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Sudeley Castle Medieval Monster Trail

Dates: 25th October – 3rd November

Step back in time at Sudeley Castle with the Medieval Monster Trail, perfect for families looking for a fun Halloween adventure. Wander the grounds and join the Medieval Monster’s Ball and a fancy dress competition for the little ones. On select dates—27th, 29th, and 31st October—special effects will bring the castle grounds to life between 3pm and 5pm on 27th, 29th & 31st October, adding an extra layer of eerie excitement. Tickets for this event are included with general admission.

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Cattle Country Pumpkin Patch

Dates: 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th, 25th – 31st October

Head to Cattle Country for a classic pumpkin patch experience, included with your park ticket. Pick the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve while exploring the park’s many attractions. This event is ideal for families looking for simple, wholesome Halloween fun. Tickets included in general admission. 

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Over Farm Spookyard Festival

Dates: 26th October – 3rd November

The Spookyard Kids Halloween Festival at Over Farm is packed with activities for children, including live shows, a fancy dress competition, tractor trailer rides, mini golf, and more. If you're seeking something different, check out the Pumpkins After Dark event, where you can pick pumpkins under the moonlight, listen to live music, enjoy fireside fun, and feast at food trucks. The Pumpkin Patch is also open for PYO during daylight hours. New for 2024, there’s also marshmallow toasting and better paths for navigating the grounds.

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Cotswold Farm Park Pumpkin Patch

Dates: Pumpkin Patch: 4th-6th, 11th-13th, 18th-20th, 23rd-31st October
Pumpkin Patch by Night: 12th, 19th, 26th-31st October, 6pm-9:30pm

Enjoy a daytime visit to Cotswold Farm Park’s Pumpkin Patch, complete with face painting, selfie stations, and a maize maze. Entry to the pumpkin patch is included with general admission, however you do have the option of buying a Pumpkin Patch access only ticket if you don’t wish to visit the farm park. New for 2024, try the Pumpkin Patch by Night event, featuring live music, a UV pumpkin display, hot food, and a fancy dress competition. Dogs are welcome to join in the fun, making this a perfect event for the whole family.

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Hayles Fruit Farm Halloween Trail

Dates: 20th-31st October

If you're after a more relaxed experience, Hayles Fruit Farm offers a simple but charming Halloween Trail. Entry is free for PYO Pumpkins and no need to book, however for £3 per child, your little ones can participate in a Halloween trail, ending with a sweet treat. The farm shop and café are open (except on Mondays), making this a lovely stop for a little family outing.

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For the Less Faint Hearted 

Sudeley Castle Ghost Hunts

Dates: 29th-31st October, 8pm-9:45pm
Age Limit: Suitable for 16+
Price: £40 per person, including mulled cider & nibbles

If you’re after something a little scarier, Sudeley Castle also hosts Ghost Hunts for the brave! Accompanied by the castle’s cantankerous butler, you’ll explore the haunted halls and eerie grounds after dark. These late-night hunts are ideal for those looking to delve into the spookier side of Halloween.

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Gloucester Prison Ghost Hunts & Salvation-Z Scare Event

Dates: Salvation-Z: 17th-19th, 24th-26th, 31st October – 2nd November
Age Limit: Not suitable for under 14s

Looking for an experience that will leave you trembling? Gloucester Prison offers ghost hunts year-round, but for Halloween, they bring out the big scares with the Salvation-Z Scare Event. Described as "not for the faint-hearted," this immersive scare event features two ticket options: “Just a Bit Bonkers” and “Total Bedlam”. Be warned: it’s likely to be the last event of its kind in Gloucester, so come prepared to scream—and possibly bring a spare pair of pants!

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From family-friendly pumpkin patches to bone-chilling ghost hunts, the Cotswolds is bursting with Halloween events for all ages. Whether you're looking for some light-hearted fun or a serious scare, this October half term promises to be packed with spook-tacular adventures!

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