October half term in York 2025: Monday 27th October to Friday 31 October 2025 (for most schools). Always check your school’s dates!
October half-term in York is glorious, with so many things to do with kids. There’s a wide variety of activities going on, from pumpkin festivals to pumpkin picking and even the odd event NOT involving large root veg! Seek out spooky events, head out on a ghost hunt and huddle around the bonfire (not too close, mind). Here’s our pick of the best things coming up in and around York this October half term – do keep an eye on this guide as we’re updating it all the time. And make sure you subscribe to our newsletter, too, so you never miss a thing.
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🎃 October half term in York 🎃
Ghosts in the Gardens (FREE!)
Back by popular demand this October half term in York, Ghosts in the Gardens sees ghosts popping up in York Museum Gardens and at other green spaces across York. This year promises to be the best yet, with more ghosts than ever, and it’s a great way to explore the city.
📍 Across York
🗓 19 September to early November 2025
ℹ️ The York Bid’s ghosts in the gardens
Creepy and Kooky Halloween at Mother Shipton’s
They’re creepy and kooky… Celebrate Halloween at Mother Shipton’s! Explore spooky displays, meet live actors and snap haunting photos. Discover the petrifying well, legendary cave, woodland trail and quirky gift shop. With autumn vibes, a fab adventure playground and marshmallow toasting, it’s a fiendishly fun family day out.
📍 Mother Shipton’s, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
🗓 25 October – 2 November 2025
ℹ️ mothershiptons.co.uk
Pumpkin picking at The Balloon Tree
Nothing says ‘autumn’ more than a giant orange root vegetable, so celebrate the season with a spot of pumpkin picking. The Balloon Tree, just outside Stamford Bridge, is our top spot so we can combine it with a trip to the Little Vikings Award-winning cafe and play area while we’re there.
📍 The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ theballoontree.co.uk
All aboard Flying Scotsman!
Step aboard the legendary Flying Scotsman this half term as part of Railway 200 celebrations. The world-famous engine will steam through the stunning North York Moors between Grosmont and Pickering! Enjoy a magical round-trip with a guaranteed seat, plus access to other trains along the line, including Whitby. Thanks to the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations Ltd, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride behind Britain’s most iconic engine. Pre-booking necessary.
📍 Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering YO18 7AJ
🗓 On selected dates from 25th October to 12th November 2025
ℹ️ nymr.co.uk
The Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park
Celebrate spooky season at Stockeld Park! Complete a forest trail with the help of the Woodland Witches, go pumpkin picking, explore the Monster Maze and go to battle in the Laser Zombie Experience.
📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby LS22 4AN
🗓 25th October – 2nd November 2025
ℹ️ stockeldpark.co.uk
Museum of Mysteries at York Castle Museum
Step into a world of stories, crafts and performances this October half term at York Castle Museum. Play judge and jury in York Castle Prison, get creative with Halloween crafts, enjoy live music and meet the Victorians on Kirkgate.
📍 York Castle Museum, Tower Street, York YO1 9RY
🗓 25 Oct – 2 Nov 2025
➡️ yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
No tricks, just treats this half term at York’s Chocolate Story
Step inside York’s sweetest attraction and discover the history of chocolate, from its
ancient origins to iconic brands like KitKat and Chocolate Orange! Enjoy tasty
samples, see the chocolatiers at work and decorate a chocolate lolly. Upgrade to
Halloween Truffle Rolling or join our Halloween Masterclass to create spooky themed chocolates – the perfect treat for all the family! Pre-book and save 20%.
📍 York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ yorkschocolatestory.com
Echoes of Yorkshire: The Museum Illuminated
Be immersed in light, colour and sound at York Museum Gardens. Journey from dinosaurs to Romans, Vikings to the Medieval world, as York Museum Trust’s artefacts are reimagined in a breathtaking Luxmuralis installation. A magical evening for family and friends.
📍 York Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
🗓 Friday 24 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
ℹ️ yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk
The Little York Ghost Hunt (FREE!)
The ever-popular Little York Ghost Hunt returns for 2025 and is one of the most popular free events in York during October half term. Each evening a hundred of York Ghost Merchants’ little ghosts are hidden along the atmospheric streets that flank York Minster and if you find one, you can keep it!
📍 Across York
🗓 Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October 2025, 6pm to 8pm
ℹ️ littleyorkghosthunt.co.uk
Halloween at The Hole in Wand
Visit The Hole In Wand York this Halloween for a magical and spooktacular time! The wizard-themed attraction will be dressed to impress, with additional seasonal surprises. Prices start from only £6.99 per person and every player gets a magical potion to take away! Show your Little Vikings Family Card for a FREE Premium upgrade.
📍 The Hole in Wand, 14–16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ theholeinwand.com
Autumn fun at Castle Howard
Make memories this autumn at Castle Howard, only 30 minutes from York. Families can discover Skelf Island Playground, watch The Great Pumpkin Adventure, hunt for pumpkins around the house and join bulb planting sessions. There’s plenty for grown-ups too, from autumn walks to late-night house tours and seasonal shopping. With tasty treats and activities for all ages, it’s a lovely half-term day out.
📍 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
🗓 25 October – 2 November 2025
ℹ️ castlehoward.co.uk
Visit The Potions Academy for a potion class
Why not book The Potions School at The Potions Academy? It’s a 30-minute immersive journey into the world of alchemy led by skilled actors. Suitable for kids aged 5+, delve into the art of potion-making while savouring the renowned elixirs crafted by The Potions Cauldron.
📍 The Potions Academy, 1st Floor (entrance to rear), 37–38 Shambles, York YO1 7LX
🗓 See website for opening dates
ℹ️ thepotionscauldron.com
Meet a Viking at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre
At JORVIK, visitors stand on the site of the famous Coppergate dig, which revealed astounding archaeological discoveries. Hop aboard a time capsule for an unforgettable trip back to 10th-century York. Hear a Norse couple arguing over what to have for dinner, take in smells from fish to woodsmoke and spot the famous Bogar, who has been sitting on the toilet since the day it opened! Chat to friendly Vikings who can tell you more about life on Coppergate and get up close with some of the most beautiful Viking artefacts in the world (including a fossilised Viking poo!). Save 20% with our special Little Vikings discount.
📍 JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ jorvikviking.co.uk
Haunted Hall at Barley Hall
This October half term, step into the shadows of Barley Hall for an evening of spooky, family-friendly storytelling as part of York Ghost Week. Explore ghostly legends, folklore and centuries-old superstitions in one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings. Early booking recommended. Not suitable for under-5s; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
📍 Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
🗓 27 – 31 October 2025, 5pm – 7.45pm
ℹ️ barleyhall.co.uk
Hallowtween at York Maze 2025
Calling all fearless 10-15-year-olds, and adults of a more nervous disposition…Venture into a new dimension of spine-tingling fun this Halloween, as York Maze invites you to explore the farm’s most mysterious buildings, each with its own twisted history you will discover for yourself once you step inside…
📍 York Maze, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
🗓 25 – 31 October 2025 (closed Monday 27th)
ℹ️ hallowtween.co.uk
Story Craft Theatre presents Bat, Cackle and Pop!
It’s Winifred the Witch’s birthday, but she thinks everyone’s forgotten. Join the fun as we whip up a magical cake with three spooky ingredients, meet silly ghosts and ghouls, try a spot of spell-making and even fly with BAT Airways. A fun, not-too-scary Halloween show for ages 3–8.
📍 York Theatre Royal
🗓 29 – 31 October 2025
ℹ️ yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
Dark Skies Fringe Festival 2025
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, start your stargazing journey and truly appreciate the delights of the night. There’s a host of fun events, from stargazing to night experiences and much more.
📍 Across the North York Moors
🗓 24 October – 2 November 2025
ℹ️ northyorkmoors.org.uk
Discover Wonderlab at the National Railway Museum
Head to the National Railway Museum this October half term and discover the fantastic Wonderlab, an interactive exhibition that’s completely inspiring for children. Admission to the museum itself is free, and Wonderlab tickets are available separately.
📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ railwaymuseum.org.uk
Illuminated Abbey at Whitby Abbey
One of the best October half-term events on the Yorkshire coast returns for 2025! Camera phones at the ready as Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is bathed in dramatic illuminations once again for Illuminated Abbey this October half term. It’s an unforgettable, Instagrammable evening that families will love, with Victorian Gothic entertainment thrown in.
📍 Whitby Abbey, Abbey Lane, Whitby YO22 4JT
🗓 24 October – 1 November 2025
ℹ️ english-heritage.org.uk
Piglets Pumpkin Festival
Where can you go this October half term where you can get lost in a mysterious maze, watch a magic show, enjoy oodles of indoor and outdoor play AND pick and carve your own pumpkin? Piglets Adventure Farm, that’s where!
📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
🗓 Selected October weekends & half term
ℹ️ pigletsadventurefarm.com
Little Vikings I Spy Trail – A free family walking trail of York
Recommended by The Sunday Times, the Little Vikings I Spy Trail is a fun, free walking trail around York. We’ve designed it to help families explore the best bits of York, with lots to see along the way. Download a map from our website or pick one up from the Visit York Information Centre.
Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail
The Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail is returning for 2025! Navigate your way through Strid Wood using the map and the giant pumpkins. Keep your eyes peeled for clues hidden in the mystery boxes along the way and help to solve the puzzle. The trail is included in the car park fee (pre-booking of car park spaces recommended).
📍 Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
🗓 Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
ℹ️ boltonabbey.com
Go for an autumnal family walk
It’s a beautiful time of year for a family walk around York. Read our guide for the pick of the best, from a walk around York’s city walls to the Little Vikings I Spy Trail and woodland walks.
