October half term in York 2026: 24th October to 1st November 2026 (for most York schools). Always check your school’s dates!
Looking for the best things to do in York this October half term? The school holidays run from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026 for most York families, with Halloween falling on Saturday 31st October. From pumpkin picking and ghostly trails to family shows, free activities and brilliant days out, we’ve hand-picked the best events in York and North Yorkshire.
We’re a York family and have been sharing tried-and-tested ideas for days out with kids since 2013. We’ll keep updating this guide as new events are announced, so bookmark it and check back before half term.
October half term in York at a glance
- York school holiday dates: Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026
- Halloween: Saturday 31st October 2026
- Best free activity: Ghosts in the Gardens
- Best for a rainy day: National Railway Museum or York Minster
- Best for younger children: Halloween at Mother Shipton’s
- Best for older children and teens: Hallowtween at York Maze
- Booking advice: Popular Halloween events can sell out, so book early
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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
🗓 September and October 2026
ℹ️ The York Bid’s ghosts in the gardens
Hocus Pocus at Mother Shipton’s
Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween at Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough. Explore Hocus Pocus-inspired woodland displays, meet a mischievous trio of witches and enjoy spooky family activities. Visit the legendary cave and Petrifying Well, toast marshmallows and tuck into Halloween treats. Dogs are welcome and booking is essential.
📍 Mother Shipton’s, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
🗓 24 October – 1 November 2026
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
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
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ stockeldpark.co.uk
No tricks, just treats this half term at York’s Chocolate Story
Head to 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
The Little York Ghost Hunt (FREE!)
The ever-popular Little York Ghost Hunt returns for 2026 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 26 to Wednesday 28 October, 6pm to 8pm
ℹ️ littleyorkghosthunt.co.uk
Wizard minigolf at The Hole in Wand
Can you find the missing Gargoyle Grobblenook at The Hole In Wand Wizard Golf? Visit the World’s most magical golf course in York’s Coppergate Centre and take on 9 magical golf holes. Along the way there will be bubbling cauldrons, magical portals and a giant picture frame where you become part of the painting.
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
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ castlehoward.co.uk
Discover York Minster this October half term!
Enjoy the new ‘My Marvellous Map’ trail, grab a Little Explorer Backpack and be on the lookout for Mason Mouse’s Wonder Box filled with activity packs. Children aged 17 and under enjoy free entry with each paying adult for an entire year!
📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
📅 24th October – 1st November 2026
🎟️ Kids go free with a paying adult
ℹ️ Visit the website
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
Hallowtween at York Maze 2026
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
🗓 24 October to 31 October 2026
ℹ️ hallowtween.co.uk
Dark Skies Fringe Festival 2026
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
🗓 23 October to 1 November 2026
ℹ️ northyorkmoors.org.uk
Illuminated Abbey at Whitby Abbey
One of the best October half-term events on the Yorkshire coast returns for 2026! 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
🗓 23 October to 31 October 2026
ℹ️ english-heritage.org.uk
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 2026! 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
🗓 24 October to 1 November 2026
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.
October half term in York FAQs
When is October half term in York in 2026?
Most York schools finish on Friday 23rd October 2026 and return on Monday 2nd November, making the main half-term break Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November. Always check your own school’s dates.
What can families do in York during October half term?
Popular options include Halloween trails, pumpkin picking, family theatre, museums, historic attractions and autumn walks. There are also plenty of free activities, including the National Railway Museum, York’s city walls and Little Vikings walking trails.
Are there free things to do in York at half term?
Yes. Families can visit the National Railway Museum, walk York’s city walls, follow a free Little Vikings trail and look out for seasonal events such as Ghosts in the Gardens.
Do October half-term events in York need booking?
Many attractions can be visited without booking, but Halloween shows, workshops and popular timed events often sell out, especially Hallowtween at York Maze. Check individual listings and book early where possible.
What can older children and teenagers do in York at half term?
Good options include ghost walks, immersive attractions, escape rooms, Hallowtween, chocolate-making and York’s many leisure centres.
Last updated: August 2026
Hand-picked by Little Vikings, York’s independent family guide, established in 2013.
