October Half-Term Events: Things to do in the Peak District & Derbyshire

Halloween Grotto at The Heights of Abraham

21st October - 5th November 2023

October Half-Term is a great time to visit The Heights at Matlock Bath. All their attractions, playgrounds, exhibitions and cavern tours are open, with additional seasonal entertainment, including a brand new Explorers I-Spy trail for younger visitors and fabulous Octoberfest Scarecrows displays.
The Rutland Cavern will once again be presenting a story-telling immersive experience for children with the Halloween Grotto. Or join the end-of-season party weekend (4-5 November) and celebrate another great year!

Matlock Bath Illuminations

9th September - 29th October 2023

A firm favourite in Derbyshire's annual calendar of events, Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family spectacular featuring a magnificent parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent. The 2023 season will run every Saturday and Sunday night from 9th September to 29th October, with fireworks finales every October Saturday and the final night, 29th October.

Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks

27th-28th October 2023

Enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun complete with a roaring bonfire, spectacular firework displays, and seasonal food and drink in the beautiful grounds at Chatsworth. Taking place in the garden, with a blazing bonfire and two spectacular fireworks displays, including an earlier display designed especially for the youngest visitors.
This year both evenings will be Halloween-themed, with spooky entertainment and music providing 'frightful' fun for the whole family. Visit the website for more details and to book.

Chesterfield 1940s Market

2nd November 2023

Visitors can enjoy 40s' music, entertainment, exhibitions and meet the stallholders in period dress during this popular nostaglic 1940s market. Kalamazoo dance band will once again be back by popular demand performing throughout the day in New Square. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes and join in the fun!

Crich Tramway Village: Half term Autumn Fun

30th October - 3rd November 2023

Bring the children to Crich Tramway Village during October half term and join the party. There’s a Ghostly Family Theatre Show for Halloween with Notice this Notice Theatre Company, face painting and crafts for the children, as well as puppet shows, storytellers and Woodies Wings Parrot and Owl Rescue.

Spooktacular and Screamfest at the National Forest Adventure Farm

Enjoy hair-raising, spine-tilling daytime fun for younger children at the National Forest Adventure Farm's Spooktacular Event, held on 4th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th October to 3rd November 2023. There'll be pumpkin picking, spooky shows, rides and amazing animals.
Or, if you’re feeling especially brave, prepare to be terrified at Screamfest on selected dates throughout October, strictly for the over 16s, with 7 spine-tingling attractions designed to terrify even the bravest of visitors!

Outdoor Cinema Spooktacular at Calke Abbey

27th-29th October 2023

Wrap up warm and enjoy a Halloween movie under the stars in the atmospheric surroundings of the parkland at Calke Abbey, near Ticknall. Watch the The Rocky Horror Picture Show on 27th October, Hocus Pocus on 28th October, and Ghostbusters on 29th October. Book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Derby Fireworks & Fun Fair

3rd November 2023

Derbyshire’s annual Fireworks Night and Fun Fair returns to The Incora County Ground on Friday 3rd November 2023. The popular event will see the skies illuminate with the city’s biggest fireworks display, kicking off Bonfire Night weekend with a bang!

The huge Fun Fair will be back with rides and games for the whole family. Early Bird tickets go on sale on Monday 11 September, which is your chance to secure the best price. But once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Halloween Festival at Matlock Farm Park

Over October Half Term, get involved in some spooky goings on at Matlock Farm Park! Come and walk along the spooky trail and see some familiar Halloween characters at different prop sets - don't worry - it's fun, not scary! There'll also be a Pumpkin Patch where children can grab a wheelbarrow to explore the patch and pick their favourite pumpkin, carve it there or take it home with you!

Cave Cinema at Peak Cavern

26th-29th October 2023

Spook yourself in the 'Devil's Arse' this Halloween weekend, choose from the terrifying Silence of the Lambs or a more amiable Beetlejuice – with six ghostly movies to choose from there’s something for everyone. Book tickets online in advance as these events are very popular.

Fright Fiesta at Gulliver’s Kingdom

7th October - 3rd November 2023

Join the party at Gulliver's Kingdom with a festival-style Halloween that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music. Fright Fiesta is full of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun. There’s a Creepy Cave, a Haunted House, a Halloween Show as well as a spine-tingling street parade – fancy dress is a must for the kids.

Halloween Trails at Carsington and Tittesworth Water

22nd-30th October 2023

Have a spooktacular day out on one of Severn Trent’s scenic Halloween Trails at Carsington Water or Tittesworth Water. Buy a trail map from the on-site visitor centre for £3 and head on a short walk along the trail, finding spooky scenes around the reservoirs and answering questions or completing activities to receive a bag of trick or treat sweets. There’s no need to book ahead and fancy dress is encouraged.

Trick or treat yourself with spooktacular Halloween trails for all the family to enjoy at Carsington Water or Tittesworth Water. Willow the Witch has left a trail of questions for you with clues hidden in the Halloween scenes. Collect your spooky trail sheet from the Visitor Centre to start your Halloween adventure!

Follow the route and find the answers to her questions - don’t despair, clues will be there! Once you’ve completed the trail, head back for a prize!

Don’t be afraid to dress up for this unmissable Halloween event!

No booking required, non-dairy prizes available.

Renishaw Hall - the spooky Halloween Trail is calling you!

28th-29th October 2023

Frightfully fun for all of the family at Renishaw Hall & Gardens, the Halloween Trail is a quest to solve a pumpkin puzzle in the gardens. Give the spooky assistants in the Visitor Centre the answer and receive a sweet treat for the little ones! Meet the fabulous Swords of Mercia Society, who will reenacting historical battles in the gardens throughout the Halloweekend.

Halloween half term fun at Bolsover Castle

28th October - 5th November 2023

Grab your broomsticks and get ready for a bewitchingly brilliant day out. Gather round for tales from spooky storytellers and solve creepy clues in the Halloween Quest.

Book online and save 10%.

Join in the family fun at Conker's Halloween Party Night

28th October 2023

A spooktacular evening at the Family Disco in Discovery Hall from 6.30pm to 10pm! Get ready for a thrilling experience with a ghost train ride to and from Dippy’s amphitheatre show. If you’re feeling competitive, dress up as your favourite ghoul or ghost and get ready for a night of fang-tastic fun with prizes for best dressed!

Book online in advance at visitconkers.com

Calling all budding witches and wizards for wild Halloween fun!

21st October to 5^th November 2023

There’s some frighteningly good family fun in store for you throughout the October half-term holiday at the Tropical Butterfly House. Follow a magical trail, jump on board the spooky tractor-trailer ride as well as animal encounters, Camelot play park and much more.

Book online in advance butterflyhouse.co.uk