As the leaves change and the nights draw in, the Autumn half-term also approaches. Starting next Monday, this week of freedom offers an opportunity to make some lasting memories with the kids and soak up the season. With this in mind, we’ve gathered fun and autumnal events from across Oxfordshire to keep you busy.
Spooktacular Shenanigans
Take on a Terrifying Halloween Trail at Blenheim Palace
When: Friday 21st - Monday 31st, 5.15pm - 10pm
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Embark on a spooky walk after-hours at the always-impressive Blenheim Palace. Expect to see fire dancers, jack-o-lanterns, and a variety of ghouls and goblins on a walk through the illuminated woodland path. Afterwards, you can warm up with a hot toddy or mug of cocoa.
Tickets £12/child, £17/adult, concessions and deals available. Under 3s go free.
Step into a Haunted Victorian Train Station with Hallowsteam
When: Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th
Where: Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot
The Living Museum of the Great Western Railway turns undead in this haunted series of events. Kids are encouraged to don their spookiest attire and ride a working steam train, exploring haunted carriages and collecting small treats along the way.
Tickets £11/child £15/adult, concessions available.
Go on a Spooky Tour at the Oxford Castle and Prison
When: 21st - 31st October, tours every half hour from 7pm - 9.30pm
Where: Oxford Castle and Prison, Central Oxford
This 1,000-year-old building is billed as one of ‘the most haunted places in the UK’ - from the punishment chambers to the crypt, this tour is sure to haunt and fascinate even the most cynical of tourists. Perfect for slightly older kids and teens, the recommended age is 12+.
Tickets £19
Take a Trip to the Witch’s House at Cogges Manor
When: 21st - 31st October
Where: Cogges Manor, Witney
Cogges Manor is a working farm and a beautiful, historic building in Witney. It’s over 1000 years old, been used to film period dramas like Downton Abbey, and has been transformed for a half-term in the witch’s house. Enjoy the pumpkin trail, brew some magical potions in the kitchen, say hi to the animals, and head over to the adventure park to play on the castle fort and zip wire!
Tickets £12.50/adult, £8.50/child, under-3s go free.
Thrilling Theatre
Get Your Head in the Clouds with Jack and the Beanstalk
When: 27th of October, 11am or 2:30pm
Where: The Story Museum, Central Oxford
A delightful new production of the classic fairytale, at the beautiful Story Museum. At a runtime of a little under an hour, it’s long enough to be memorable and enchanting but not so long that younger kids will get antsy.
Tickets £12
Sing-Along with New Musical Pigs Might Fly
When: Monday 24th at 4pm, then twice daily Tuesday - Thursday, 11am and 2pm
Where: Oxford Playhouse, Central Oxford
A bold and catchy new musical based on the Mudpuddle Farm books by Michael Morpugo expect slapstick, singalongs and puppetry, and themes of resourcefulness, friendship and forgiveness. Recommended for ages 3-11.
Tickets £14.50, concessions available, under 2s go free.
Cuddle Up to The Naughty Fox at North Wall
When: Saturday 22nd at 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm
Where: North Wall Theatre, Summertown, North Oxford
If you’re after something more soothing for younger children, head to the North Wall for an immersive and playful puppet show. The Naughty Fox, produced by Toucan Theatre, takes us into a cosy den to learn about the importance of sharing - with some laughs along the way.
Tickets £8, concessions £6. Recommended for ages 0-5
Autumnal Adventures
Experiment and Explore with Science Oxford
When: Saturday 22nd, Tuesday - Thursday 25th-27th, Saturday 28th.
Where: Science Oxford Centre, Headington, Oxford
Visit the Science Oxford for a range of fun and freaky exhibitions to explore and try out, including creating phantoms at the Air Table, shooting ‘ectoplasm’ at the Scarf Shooter and seeing the world through a whole new lens at Curious Camera. With the water lab and woodland pumpkin patch also included in your ticket price, this makes for a full family day out!
Tickets £7.50, under 3s go free.
Feel that Fairground Wonder at John Lawson’s Circus
When: Sunday 23rd to Saturday 29th - 10am, 12.30pm, 3.00pm each day
Where: Millets Farm, Frilford
From aerial acrobatics to foot juggling and incredible illusions, this pop-up circus-as-a-show is sixty minutes of pure awe. Millets Farm also has a wealth of fun activities for kids and adults alike, including the corn maze, pick-your-own fields and animal walkway, so stay and make a day of it afterwards!
Tickets £8.99
Go on a Zoological Adventure at the Scarecrow Trail
When: Friday 22nd - Sunday 30th
Where: Horspath Village Centre
Horspath, a lovely village six miles south of Oxford, is known for its annual scarecrow trail. The tradition continues, with this year’s theme being ‘Day at the Zoo’. Grab a village map from the Horspath Hub and follow the trail to see all the different animals!
Village maps for £1, otherwise free.