October Half-Term Events: Things to do in the Peak District & Derbyshire
From spooky Halloween fun to Bonfire Night events, there's plenty to see and do for the whole family.
Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
24-31 Oct 2026
Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is bigger than ever! Your ticket includes access to our magical Pumpkin Village, full access to Bluebells Farm Park all day and a whole host of wizarding experiences for the ultimate Halloween adventure.
Pumpkins are available to purchase separately and are not included in the ticket price.
Fright Fiesta at Gulliver’s Kingdom
10 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
Join in the freaky festivities at Gulliver’s this Halloween with Fright Fiesta – a lively, festival-style atmosphere brimming with colour, costumes, and music. Full of fun and surprises, a fabulous day out with friendly frights and eerie encounters.
Tickets from £19 per person
Pumpkin Picking at Bluebell Dairy
03 - 23 Oct 2026
Enjoy the magic of the Pumpkin Village this autumn. Explore the pumpkin patch and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. (Pumpkins are not included and must be purchased separately.) Selected dates in October, tickets only £3.50 per person, Pre-booking online is required.
Halloween Fun at the National Tramway Museum
26 - 30 Oct 2026
From stories on the trams to face painting and Halloween crafts, The National Tramway Museum invites you to take part in their Halloween fun once again! Through the woodland discover treats (or tricks) if you dare…start spooky season off the right way!
Renishaw Hall Spooktacular Halloween Trail
31 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
Expect an extra spooky twist as you weave into the woodlands and gardens at Renishaw Hall to seek out the all-important questions and solve the puzzle. A tasty treat awaits in the Visitor’s Centre for all that succeed.... The annual Halloween Trail is always very popular, so grab your tickets today and get your outfits ready, or you might be in for a fright!
Witches & Wizards Halloween Trail at the Tropical Butterfly House
24 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
Are you ready for a Witches & Wizards Halloween with some spooky surprises and mystical mayhem this October half-term holiday - with spells, scales and monstrous fun waiting for you! And whatever the weather, you can stir up some magical vibes inside the Crafty Cauldron!
Halloween Trains at Peak Rail
31 Oct 2026
Climb aboard Peak Rail this Halloween for a spooktacular steam train journey through the beautiful Derwent Valley. Enjoy a family day out with decorated heritage carriages and a festive Halloween atmosphere.
Matlock Bath Illuminations
19 Sep - 01 Nov 2026
Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent. There are fantastic firework displays every Saturday in October, plus the final night, Sunday 1 November. The fireworks light up the skies around Matlock Bath in multi-colours. Please take note that weekends can be especially busy so be sure to BOOK NOW!
Calke Abbey -Autumn half term fun
17 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
There’s something for everyone this half term at Calke Abbey, A Scarecrow trail competition, spooky tunnels, cycling lessons and story telling. Don’t miss out!
Hallowtide storytelling at Hardwick Hall
30 Oct 2026
Join Hardwick’s resident storytellers, Storyfolk, for an after-hours Hallowtide storytelling of myths, legends and history inspired by Hardwick’s collection. Please note this tour may touch on adult themes of sexual assault, suicide, death and war.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail
02 Oct - 02 Nov 2026
Wiggle along the trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Along the way, you'll digest fascinating facts and enjoy games and activities around the stable-yard and gardens at The Children's Country House. No booking required.
Halloween Week at Thornbridge Hall
24 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
Looking for a fang-tastic way to spend your October half-term? Thornbridge Hall have got a spine-chillingly good lineup of Spooktacular activities that will keep the whole family entertained!
Halloween & Festival Pumpkin Patch at Matlock Farm Park
24 Oct - 01 Nov 2026
Enjoy a magical autumn wonderland packed with family-friendly Halloween fun and plenty of pumpkin-filled excitement.
Bonfire and Fireworks at Chatsworth
30 & 31 Oct 2026
A blazing bonfire and two spectacular fireworks displays, including an earlier, gentler display designed especially for our youngest visitors from 6pm. Booking essential.
Scream Fest
09 - 31 Oct 2026
Visit if you dare! The Ultimate Scream Park - with award-winning scare attractions and immersive entertainment. Dive into the heart-pounding festival vibe with street food, bars, live music & DJ, thrill rides, walkabout characters and chaos around every corner.
National Forest Adventure Farm Pumpkin Village
Oct 2026
Visit the Pumpkin Village, complete with photo opportunities, live entertainment, roaming characters and a variety of food and drink stalls! Please note, pumpkins are not included with the ticket.
Halloween Street Party, Derby
29 Oct 2026
Dress to impress and walk the streets of Derby city, with a host of live music and a trick-or-treat trail that involves gothic market stalls with ghoulish games and more! The Halloween spirit will come alive at this spooktacular event!
As the leaves start to change colour, search walking trails on our website and discover more of what the Peak District and Derbyshire has to offer this Autumn!
Family Friendly Trails
Trail
Belper Heritage Walk
Learn more about this industrial community and how it has changed in the past 200 years.
Trail
Biddulph Valley Way
A 4.5 mile flat surfaced path ideal for walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
Trail
Derby Heritage Walk
Discover the southern gateway to the Derwent Valley Milld World Heritage Site.
Trail
Monsal Trail
An iconic traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.
Trail
Tissington Trail
A popular Peak District route running for 13 miles from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay where it is joined by High Peak Junction
Trail
Edale to Kinder Scout Walk
This circular walk takes you from the pretty village of Edale to the windswept moors of the Kinder plateau, the highest point in the Peak District.
More great Halloween events this October
Events
Halloween Trains at Peak Rail
Climb aboard Peak Rail this Halloween for a spooktacular steam train journey through the beautiful Derwent Valley
Events
Afternoon Scream Tea at Peak Rail
All aboard… if you dare! Our Afternoon Scream Tea Train departs from Rowsley, taking you on a spine-tinglingly scenic journey through the beautiful…
Events
Fang-tastic Halloween Festival! at Matlock Farm…
Our hugely popular Halloween Festival & Pumpkin Patch returns this October Half Term with frightfully good family fun
Events
Wicked Sing-Along Spectacular at Matlock Farm Park
Calling all little witches, wizards and musical theatre fans! 🧙🪄🎤
Events
Halloween Fun at the National Tramway Museum
Join us for some spooky half term family fun, it’s Eerie-sistable!
Events
Pumpkin Patch & Autumn Festival at Castleton
Welcome to The Patchworks - Interactive pumpkin picking fun for all!
Events
Halloween Street Party in Derby
It’s time to DRESS TO IMPRESS! Our Spooktacular Halloween event returns for another year of FANGTASTIC fun!
Events
All Hallows Haunts-Derby
Join us this Hallowe’en weekend at QUAD for three days of talks and author interviews exploring the darker side
Events
Halloween half-term at Bolsover Castle
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Bolsover Castle this half-term.
Events
Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween experience!
Events
Best Pumpkin Picking in Derby at Bluebell Dairy
The best day out for pumpkin picking in Derby this autumn!
Events
Mr Pumpkin
Come pumpkin picking, with oodles of varieties to choose from, we know we have your perfect pumpkin. Great fun for all generations!
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