Halloween themed things to do in Hampshire this half term

There's lots of frightful family fun to be had and children will be entertained all the way through the October half-term holidays, by everything from terrifying ghost trains to howling animals. 

They're all treats, not tricks. Here's our pick of five of the best

Exbury Gardens...

Halloween is always a popular time of the year at Exbury and this half term the gardens are set to get really frightful.

A gruesome garden trail, with a witches’ den, ghoulish graveyard and spidery lair, will be open for young explorers, plus spooky mini garden making, pumpkin carving and face painting. 

Exbury’s renowned steam railway will get a terrifying makeover transforming it into a ghost train haunted by an other-worldly crew entertaining passengers en route.

Exbury Gardens’ 200 acres will also be in full autumn colour - fiery acers and the National Plant Collection of Nyssa trees set amidst a vibrant backdrop of dogwoods and majestic oaks.

Visit exbury.co.uk

Paultons Park...

The popular 'Halloween Spooktacular' has returned to Paultons Park this autumn. 

It sees the leading attraction, at Ower,  undergo a ghoulish makeover for the event throughout half term. 

A western-themed transformation for Tornado Springs is sure to thrill guests with a ghostly surprise or two, while Peppa Pig World’s ghoulish makeover will bring a spooky touch to the famous experience.

The Legend of Paultons Manor show, an all-singing and dancing extravaganza, returns with a special Halloween tale suitable for families to enjoy.

Paultons Park’s very own Halloween mascots, the Spirit Squad, will be haunting the park with several opportunities for visitors to meet the friendly phantoms.

Families can enjoy late night openings and the opportunity to experience Paultons Park at dusk during half term, from October 24 to 26.

Pre-book online at paultonspark.co.uk

Southampton ghost tours

Ghost tours, taking place in the city on October 28 and 31, will include live actors, some scares and plenty of entertainment, as well as access to some of Southampton's historic vaults. 

Southampton ghost tours take customers on a journey into the city's chilling past with ghost stories including Sir John Dawtrey who owned Tudor House, and ghost stories about haunted venues including Westgate Hall, The Red Lion, The Dolphin and many more.

Along the way, guests will come face to face with ghosts from the city's past. The tours are suitable for all ages and include accounts of what the guides have actually experienced. 

Book one of the award-winning tours at supernaturaltours.co.uk

New Forest Wildlife Park

Step into the enchanting ancient woodlands of New Forest Wildlife Park this October half term, where the echoing howls of wolves, the mysterious prowl of the lynx and the playful antics of otters will be setting the stage for a ghoulish wildlife adventure.

This Halloween season, New Forest Wildlife Park is taking its commitment to family fun to a whole new level with Howlin’ Halloween. 

During half term, families are invited to experience a week of magical and educational Halloween-themed activities.

Over 200 animals from 31 diverse species await your discovery.

Visit newforestwildlifepark.co.uk

Winchester Science Centre...

It’s trick or treat season and Winchester Science Centre is pulling out all the stops to fill this one with giggles, gasps and gasses!

During half term, there’ll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite all ages at Science Spooktacular – and it’s all included with admission.

There’ll be giggles galore as little monsters hit the dancefloor at the Halloween disco. Listen out for the sounds of astounded gasps as families swap spooky scares for frightfully fun science in the Trick or Treat Trail. And head off on a gassy journey through our digestive system to discover what happens to all those tasty Halloween treats with brand new live science show, Can You Stomach It?.  

To book, visit WinchesterScienceCentre.org