The October half-term holiday is nearly upon us. This means for many families finding things to do for the week at a time of year when the weather may not necessarily be warm or dry. It also means Halloween, excited children and spooky goings on! So whether you are holidaying in the Shropshire Hills or looking for a family-friendly stay in Shropshire, what is there to do across the county and beyond this October half-term?
National Trust
Here is a roundup of the spooky goings on at the National Trust properties in Shropshire across the week:
Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury
Enrol in the Attingham School of Magic: no booking required. Follow the Attingham School of Magic trail and practice your spell casting skills as it winds it’s way around the walled garden. There are activities along the trail and a prize at the end. Trail costs £3.00, normal admission charges apply.
Berrington Hall, near Leominster
Berrington is investigating the Ghastly Georgians this October. Complete the trail to find out how they celebrated Halloween in the Regency period. Trails cost £3 plus normal admission charges, prize at the end.
Croft Castle, near Leominster
Haunted half term trail: are you brave enough to go ghost hunting around the castle and gardens? Trails cost £3 on top of normal admission charges with a prize at the end of course.
Pumpkin Carving: 29, 30 and 31 October in the greenhouse. Cost £3 per pumpkin and tools are provided
Ghost Tree Walk: 28 and 30 October, join a 1 hr 30 min guided walk around the ghost trees in the parkland, costs £5 per person and booking ahead is essential
Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth
For some non-spooky fun this half term, head to Dudmaston Hall and watch apples being pressed into fresh apple juice by the estate’s gardeners. You can taste the juice and buy a bottle to take home. Free event with normal admission charges.
Ironbridge Gorge Museums, near Telford
A great place to visit at any time of year and always so much to do whatever the weather. Here is a run-down of the events specifically running over the October half-term holiday.
Blist Hill Victorian Town: It’s Shrieks & Treats at Blist Hill this half-term holiday. Lots of spooky activities across the museum, fancy dress competition, sweep-the-rat, spooky printing in the printing shop and a Gothic Literature Trail for older children. Small additional charge on top of normal admission.
Coalport China Museum: Day of the Dead – a drop-in event, children can make their own decorative clay skulls from air dry clay which they can take home and paint later once dry. Cost £2 per person as well as normal admission charges.
Enginuity: Creepy Creations – make your own glow in the dark, moving mechanical bat, ghost or monster. No booking required. Cost £2 plus standard admission price.
Ludlow Castle
It’s a Pumkin Trail and Games this October half-term Follow the pumpkin-themed trail around the castle and grounds. Free trail but normal admission charges to the castle apply. No booking required.
Stokesay Castle, near Craven Arms
Stokesay Castle is hosting a Folktale Creature Trail this half-term. Children can learn about the magical creatures in English folklore tales whilst hunting for the 6 mythical creatures around the site. Free event included in normal ticket price.
Black Country Living Museum, near Dudley
Horrible Happenings this half term at the Black Country Living Museum. Investigate historic crimes and have a go at some traditional crafts and games. Free event included in normal ticket price.
Halloween Nights: 25, 26, 30 and 31 October, tickets are selling out fast for the museums special Halloween themed evenings. A chance to visit the museum after dark with lots of spooky events and activities for the whole family. With spooky characters, a fire show, disco and costume parade there will be something to keep everyone entertained.
We hope that has given you plenty of ideas of things to do if you are holidaying in Shropshire or staying at St Milburga Chapel over the October half-term holiday. Have lots of spooky fun!