October Half-Term Fun Around Hexham: Halloween, Spook Night & Family Days Out (2025)
October is a brilliant time to stay in one of our Wooden Star Cottages holiday homes in Northumberland. With the leaves changing through their autumnal colours, Northumberland looks stunning, and there’s plenty to keep families entertained over half-term. Highlights near our cottages include pumpkin picking on a local farm, spooky films in the local cinema, guided walks with a Halloween twist, and the ever-popular Spook Night in Hexham – a real community favourite.
Pick Your Pumpkin at Brocksbushes
A visit to Brocksbushes Farm is a great way to start the October half-term break. Just a few minutes from Corbridge off the A69 (Styford roundabout), the farm’s pumpkin patch is always a hit with families. If you’d like to take part in the Brocksbushes Pumpkin Experience, visitors can book via their website to wander through the field, choose your perfect pumpkin, snap a few photos and even join a carving session.
Visitors can make a day of it too – stop by the farm shop for local produce, enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in the tearoom, or let the kids burn off some energy in the Playbarn ( a newly built soft play area). It’s a great outing for all ages and a lovely way to start the half-term break.
See the Sights with Adventours – Hexham (and Newcastle)
If you’d like to mix a bit of history into your half-term, Adventours runs a one-hour ‘Gruesome Tour’ around Hexham, as well as other themed walks in Newcastle. The tours are informal, full of great local stories, and a fun way to see parts of the town you might otherwise miss.
They’re especially good for older children and teens who enjoy ghostly legends and curious tales. It’s a nice balance of learning and exploring, with plenty of personality from the local guide. Find out more or book your place for October sessions at Adventours UK
Hexham Spook Night
For many families, Spook Night is the highlight of October. Organised by Hexham Community Partnership and supported by local businesses, it’s a lively, community event that brings everyone together. The town centre fills with people in fancy dress, the fairground lights up Beaumont Street and Market Place, and there’s something happening everywhere you look.
There are rides for younger children and a few wilder ones for those feeling braver. You’ll also find fancy dress competitions and storytelling sessions throughout the evening. The local cinema, The Forum, usually screens a selection of age-appropriate spooky films during the day and evening, so families can dip in and out of the activities as it suits them.
Along the way, market stalls and pop-up food vendors serve everything from hot chocolate to sweet treats, giving the whole town a friendly, festival atmosphere. For families staying nearby, it’s an easy evening out — exciting but welcoming, and a real reflection of Hexham’s community spirit. For the day’s schedule keep an eye out on the Hexham Spook Night facebook page
“Spook Night is always a highlight in Hexham. With fairground rides, fancy dress, and food stalls, the whole town buzzes with energy and fun for families of all ages.
It’s a night where everyone can join in — whether you’re enjoying the rides, taking part in competitions, or simply soaking up the lively, community atmosphere.”
Something for the Brave: Chillingham Castle
If you’re travelling with older children or teenagers who love a scare, Chillingham Castle makes a great day trip. Often described as the most haunted castle in Britain, it’s full of stories and strange happenings. The guided tours are engaging, mixing history with a touch of the eerie, and the castle itself is fascinating to explore.
It’s not necessarily one for little ones, although there are a few family-friendly slots available — as well as special tours for over-16s and over-18s. For families with older kids or adults looking for something a bit different, it’s a memorable addition to a half-term itinerary.
Relax and Enjoy Your Stay
After a busy day exploring, there’s nothing better than heading back to your cottage to unwind. Staying in one of our cottages means you’re close to everything — whether you want to pick pumpkins, join the Spook Night crowds, or take a short drive to the most haunted castle in Britain.
Many local pubs, cafés, and restaurants welcome families, so you’ll always find somewhere comfortable for dinner or a drink before heading back for the night.
October half-term at a Wooden star Cottage strikes the right balance: plenty of things to do but with that relaxed, friendly feel that makes Northumberland so special. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, riding the Ferris wheel, or just enjoying a walk through the market town of Hexham, it’s a great place to spend the half-term break.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.