October half term in Kent is 18th October – 27th October so if you’re getting ready to plan your perfect family autumn escape, we’ve got it covered. October half term in Kent is bursting with seasonal charm, family-friendly adventures, and unforgettable days out. From spooky Halloween trails at historic castles to hands-on farm fun and vibrant pumpkin patches, there’s something to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you're planning a short break or a fun-filled day trip, Kent is the ultimate half-term destination.
Canterbury
Canterbury Festival kicks off on Friday 17th October, a fab arts festival with top family events planned all week! Highlights include the Sound Hunt sensory adventure for children with additional needs (24th October), the delightfully entertaining Ensonglopedia of Animals (23rd October), the retelling of Greek Myths through puppetry on 26th October and many more. For even more fun, The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in the heart of the city will be hosting Fright at the Museum, an interactive trail packed with puzzles and entertainment.
Stay – Stay at Keepers Cottages Reed Loft in Kingston and you won’t want to leave! With an indoor pool, open plan space, private garden and luxe bedrooms, this is the perfect stay, that will even get the trickiest teens excited for the family holiday!
Dreamland Margate
Everyone’s favourite seaside amusement park is open all week, so if you want a real crowd-pleasing family day out, we suggest you start here. Pick up Tiny Tots or Mega Ride Wristbands and you and the kids can enjoy unlimited rides all day, taking you from the delights of the Big Wheel and nostalgic fun of the Chair-o-Plane to the adrenalin-fuelled Rock ‘N’ Roller. Round off your day by strapping on your skates at the Roller Disco before indulging with delicious street food at T’s Tacos, Beastie Baos and Dod Pizza.
Canoe Wild
For energetic kids you can’t go wrong with a Canoe Wild paddle on the River Stour, and this half term they’re adding in an extra splash of educational fun with their much-loved Beaver Tour & Talk. This evening adventure includes a talk on beaver conservation, followed by a peaceful paddle and the chance to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Bloom Stays
When it comes to family-friendly breaks, a Bloom Stays home from home experience has got to be top of the list. Choose one of their beautiful cottages and you’ll have your pick off gorgeous Georgian houses by the coast, sleek modern beauties in Dungeness, farm stays in Tenterden and even luxurious retreats complete with pools. With many of their cottages and homes offering pet-friendly stays across the county, the whole family will love this one.
(c) Hever Castle
Hever Castle and Gardens
There are spine-tingling adventures to be had at Hever Castle this week with the Bones and Giggles Trail, a spooktacular tour through the grounds, packed with skeleton craft activities, face painting, spooky clues and interactive stories. After taking to the trail, little ones will love letting off steam at the Tudor Towers playground, maze and Acorn Dell for under 7s.
The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
October means pumpkins around here, so head to The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens and you’ll be in for a little autumnal magic. Follow the Gourd Trail inside the museum and discover how different cultures make use of this fascinating fruit. Afterwards it’s time to head outside on the Pumpkin Paths Trail, where ceramic hand-crafted pumpkins are hidden throughout the grounds.
Stay – Keepers Cottages Michaelmas Cottage in Broadstairs is the perfect seaside getaway, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and the beautiful sweep of Viking Bay just a stone’s throw away.
Experience Ashford and Tenterden
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway will be kicking off the week with the Railway 200 Autumn Gala on 18th October. This two-day spectacular will be the chance to see all of RH&DR’s steam trains and ride along the iconic miniature railway. For even more outdoorsy fun, Hole Park’s Autumn Sundays on 19th and 26th October offer the chance to take in the glorious autumn colour of these beautiful gardens and woodland. While the magnificent Jacobean manor house, Godinton House and Gardens will be throwing an autumn fair to remember with local food and drink, artisan crafts people and more, making for a fab family day out.
The Isle of Thanet
This October half term, families visiting The Isle of Thanet can enjoy a fantastic mix of fun and educational coastal adventures. From Saturday 18th - Sunday 26th October, head to the RAF Manston History Museum for Model Fest, a celebration of scale modelling with exhibitions, displays, and hands-on activities. Then, join the Thanet Coast Project for a series of Great Eggcase and Scavenger Hunts taking place on Tuesday 28th October at Walpole Bay, Wednesday 29th October at Botany Bay, and Thursday 30th October at Ramsgate Main Sands. These guided beach hunts are a brilliant way for children to explore local marine life, learn about shark and ray eggcases, and discover fascinating clues of life from our seas. It's the perfect way to combine seaside fun with wildlife discovery during the half-term break.
Penshurst Place & Gardens
This year Penshurst Place & Gardens has had a magical makeover following a visit from the Penshurst School of Sorcery and Spells. After bringing the topiary to life the students have left their cloaks behind in the gardens and its your job to track them down, collect the names of the students and find the secret enchanted tree in the parkland that just so happens to be the entrance to the magical school.
Leeds Castle
There’s a magical Halloween quest going on at Leeds Castle with the Guardians of the Grounds! Little ones will become spell seekers, meeting enchanting characters like Bramble the Tree Goblin and Ember the Autumnal Witch on a magical adventure through the castle grounds. Gather clues, solve riddles and even enter a spooktacular fancy dress competition. For families wanting to extend their adventure, Leeds Castle offers a variety of charming accommodation options. Choose cosy cottages perfect for families, comfortable B&B rooms, picturesque lakeside lodges, or stay in the brand-new Knights’ Retreat, featuring eight enchanting lodges inspired by mythical creatures like the Basilisk and Gryphon.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Dive into spooky seasonal fun with a Halloween-themed trail at Howletts Wild Animal Park, where children hunt for pumpkins and solve puzzles, and explore the indoor Craft Cave, featuring up‑close encounters with reptiles, bugs, and creepy crawlies led by an expert handler. Daily ranger talks and the immersive Animals of the Ice Age trail let visitors learn about rare species and prehistoric giants, including mammoths and saber‑toothed cats.
