Whether you are looking for wholesome days out, family fun or spooky spectacles, there is plenty going on across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this autumn half-term to help keep the whole family entertained.
Our range of activities ensure there is something for everyone, whether it be Halloween treasure hunts, arts and crafts, bird-watching or nature trails.
Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said:
“There are so many activities on offer across our three towns this October half-term, several of which are low-cost or free to attend.
“Whatever you choose to do over half-term, my colleagues and I hope you enjoy the break and have an opportunity to recharge with your family ahead of the run into Christmas.”
Check out our handy guide below for more information and inspiration on some of our favourite affordable activities this season.
Bournemouth
Join Jules the Entertainer for a Spooktacular Magic Show at BH Live Littledown Leisure Centre on 27 October, where there will be plenty of tricks and treats on display.
Plus, don’t miss the Ghostly Gala Disco featuring scary 3D Halloween projections. Make sure to come in your best fancy dress to be in with a chance of winning a prize.
From 21 October, step back in time at Russell Cotes Museum and immerse yourself in the wonders of 19th-century southeast Asia through the lens of the intrepid adventurer John Thomson.
The Scotsman set sail in 1862 and over a decade undertook numerous journeys photographing countries including Siam, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. Discover these hidden gems and gain a unique perspective with a guided tour.
Putt your way around a Halloween-themed Smugglers Adventure Golf on Bournemouth’s Pier Approach, where you will need to help find Mimi the cat who’s gone missing under mysterious circumstances.
Christchurch
You will need a sharp eye to complete Highcliffe Castle’s spooky half-term bat trail from 22-26 October. Our furry friends of the night can be difficult to spot under the cover of darkness but do come out to play during spooky season.
There’s plenty going on at Red House Museum, where your children can make their own Halloween costume on 25 October. The hour-long sessions will encourage them to get creative and use card, paper, stamps and reclaimed scrap material to transform their idea from concept to reality.
While you are there, take part in the Halloween Pumpkin Trail 21-28 October and help to find all of the mischievous hidden pumpkins. If you can locate them all, you will be rewarded.
Feeling crafty? There is even a children’s ceramic workshop where they will be able to hand build and glaze their very own gonk or fairy toadstool garden decoration.
Poole
Norman the squirrel has been placed under a curse at Upton Country Park which must be broken before Halloween. Visit with family from 21-31 October and work together to sneak into the Wizard’s Forbidden Garden and retrieve the letters needed to set him free before time runs out.
A magical prize awaits if you are successful, but proceed with caution, as if you are spotted his fury will be unleashed across the park.
Appreciate a spot of bird watching? The park also welcomes the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) walking tour on 21 October.
Join the experts for some guided spotting and discover the range of birds that call Poole home, their importance to our natural environment and how we can help to protect them. The tour is suitable for complete beginners, as well as more experienced enthusiasts.
Or why not discover some of our spookiest wildlife on one of our self-led Halloween Nature Trails, available at several locations including Muscliffe Park, Boscombe Chine Gardens, Redhill Park, Slades Farm and Turlin Moor Recreation Ground (dates vary by location).
Visit the Parks Team stall at each respective location to pick up your question sheet before finding the answers which are hidden around the park.
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