Peak District October half term 2025 and Halloween events

October half term 2025 dates for schools in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire East and Sheffield are: 27th October to 31st November
(with the last school day being Friday 24th October, and most schools going back 3rd November, unless there is an inset day)

From the fireworks and bonfire at Chatsworth and the stunning displays of Matlock Bath Illuminations, to pumpkin picking and Halloween trails, there is a lot going on in an around the Peak District October half term 2025, and we’ve rounded up all the events right here for you.

Please note that most of these Peak District October half term and autumn events need to be pre-booked, so don’t leave it too late!

If you are looking for ideas for general days out, rather than specific events, please check out our guide to Family Days Out in the Peak District, which provides lots of inspiration. Also, not much beats a long family walk in the Peak District armed with hot chocolate in your flask during Autumn.

As always, we keep this page updated as much as possible with news from these Peak District summer holiday events. But also keep an eye on the Peak District Kids Facebook Group and also our Instagram. Feel free to email us if you are an event organiser and your event is not listed.

Camping this October half term? Click here to see which of our Peak District family friendly campsites are open.

Bonfire Night and Fireworks events

Grab your wellies, woolly hat and gloves, and glow sticks, and remember, remember the 5th of November! Here are the details of Bonfire Night and Firework events in and around the Peak District this year. 

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Pumpkin Picking Farms

READ OUR GUIDE: Peak District pumpkin picking

Before we launch in to the October half term events, I wanted to share pumpkin picking farms that are open over the holidays. These usually open the first weekend of October and hope to stay open until 31st October if there are enough pumpkins available. We will update you with dates and details as and when they are announced.

Litton Lanterns

Litton

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village
pumpkins

Barlow

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pumpkin
Corner

Ashbourne

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1. Family Day Rock Climbing with Peak Lines

Available dates throughout October half term
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review

Spend quality time with your family, discover stunning locations in the Peak District, and create memories to last a lifetime with the family rock climbing sessions over October half term.

Peak Lines offer private half-day and full-day climbing experiences in the Peak District. 

• The sessions are friendly, encouraging, and aimed to get you working together as a family
• You will have a go at climbing and abseiling, learn how to hold each other’s ropes and even learn some of the techniques essential to climbing independently
• The session will be tailored to you and your family based on experience, age, and fitness level
• Top-of-the-range safety equipment is provided

Half Day (3 Hours) £200 for a family of up to 6 people, any additional person is £55.

Full Day (6 hours) £299 for a family of up to 6 people, any additional person is £80.

2. Little School of Sorcery at Haddon Hall

Wednesday 22nd to Friday 31st October
Children 0–4: Free | Children 5–15: £10.50 | Adults: £28 | Historic Houses member: Free
Click here to pre-book online or purchase on the day.

This October half-term, Haddon Hall invites young witches and wizards-in-training to step into a magical world of learning and enchantment at its Little School of Sorcery. Transporting families to a bewitching world of spells and potions, with activities designed to ignite young imaginations and spark creativity, Haddon’s Stable Block has been transformed into the Little School of Sorcery headquarters, with hay bales, pumpkins, and autumnal displays, where children can take part in broomstick-making workshops and seasonal crafts. Inside, young guests can enter the “classroom” for a series of themed activities led by guides dressed as friendly witches and wizards. Children will try their hand at spell writing, create charming Halloween crafts, and enjoy a programme of drop-in workshops throughout the day.

While the Little School of Sorcery is based in the Stable Block, the Hall itself will also play a part in the magic. As part of general admission, families can explore MAGIC: Charms, rituals and superstition in Elizabethan England – a family-friendly exhibition that reveals how belief in the supernatural shaped everyday life in the 16th century. With immersive displays, real artefacts and curious folklore, it’s both educational and entertaining for all ages, with Little School of Sorcery guests given a special magical map to help them spot the curious and unusual secrets of Haddon Hall.

Watch out for the beautiful Haddon owls who will be in the Banqueting Hall on selected dates, plus other magical surprises.

3. Halloween week at Thornbridge Estate

27th October to 2nd November (10am to 4pm)
Click here for more information
Adults: £8 (17+ yrs) / Children: £4 (3-16 yrs)
Thornbridge Club Members’ Children: Free / Under 3s: Free

Thornbridge Estate have got a spine-chillingly good line-up of spooktacular activities that will keep the whole family entertained this October half term, including:

• House of WitchCrafts
• Face Painting
• Halloween Trail
• Freaky Food & Drink
• Treat yourself to some devilishly delicious eats and drinks from the café and Carriage House.
• Workshops (selected dates) – Join our ghostly guides for some hands-on fun! Booking required.
• Pumpkin Patch

Access to the garden trail and other kids activities are included with standard garden entry tickets, additional charges apply for food, workshops and house tours. Pre-book now to avoid any tricks and save 20% on your tickets!

4. TrYumphant October Holiday Camp

Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October, 8:30am-4pm with optional extra time until 6pm
Baslow Sports Field
From £29.75/day
For kids aged 4-11 (plus half-price mini-leaders for secondary school kids)
Click here for more information and to book

The TrYumphant October Holiday Camp runs from 27th to 31st October and is open to all kids, whether you live locally or are visiting on holiday. You can book for as many or as little days as you like.

Rated 5 stars on Google, this club offers a great mix of creativity, sportiness, and silliness to suit all tastes and talents. They pride themselves on low staff-child ratios (average 1:6) so that they can give each and every child a memorable, confidence-building and fun experience! 

My own kids have actually done these holiday camps many times over the years and they have an absolute blast! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Also, lots of families who visit the Peak District on holiday also use this as an opportunity to experience a kid-free date day (you’re on holiday after all), so perhaps try out a Peak District spa after a long walk?

Use code PDK10 to get 10% off or get 50% off  with code FSM if you qualify for free school meals based on benefits. 

5. Matlock Bath Illuminations

Every Saturday and Sunday from September 6th to October 26th, PLUS Friday 24th October
READ: Tips for attending Matlock Bath Illuminations in 2025
Click here to pre-book tickets online

The start of October half term marks the end of the Matlock Bath Illuminations, which runs every Saturday and Sunday from September 6th to October 26th, plus Friday 24th October

This event is a long standing tradition (since 1897) where small boats along the River Derwent are decorated with twinkling lights. The first decorations were candle lights to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, but these days the boats are decorated in colourful electric lights, featuring Ghost Busters and a roving Carousel in recent years!

Held at Derwent Gardens, opposite the entrance to Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Bath Illuminations is quite the unique, local event. You will also find food stalls, fair ground rides (aimed at kids aged 5 and under), and roving entertainers.

This year, your ticket includes discounted entry to The Heights of Abraham on the same day. Click here for more tips on attending Matlock Bath Illuminations this year.

6. Family Adventure Experience with Dolomite Training

Availability throughout October half term (except the Sunday 26th October)
Click here for more information and to book

Families looking for an exclusive outdoor adventure will find Dolomite Training’s family adventure days an excellent choice. Each day is led by well-qualified, friendly, and experienced staff and can be arranged at a time that suits the family. Activities are suitable for all ages.

As the weather cools, popular choices include abseiling from Millers Dale Viaduct and exploring caves, with weaselling and rock climbing also available for those seeking extra excitement.

7. Catch a performance at Buxton Opera House

Buxton Opera House has an excellent line-up of shows this October half term.

Cirque: The Greatest Show – Reimagined

Monday 27th Oct, 3pm & 7.30pm
Buxton Opera House
Click here to book tickets

Roll up for a dazzling night where West End hits meet jaw-dropping circus! Expect big tunes, bold moves, and breathtaking feats of theatrical flair.

Ministry of Science Live

Thursday 30th Oct, 12.30pm & 3.30pm
Pavilion Arts Centre
Click here to book tickets

Direct from the West End, the UK’s favourite science team returns with explosive experiments, wild inventions, and anarchic fun. 100% educational, 400% entertaining!

Cinderella Ice Cream Seller

Friday 31st October, 11am & 2pm
Pavilion Arts Centre
Click here to book tickets

In this new musical for families and children, join Talvi and Caldwell, loyal employees of Cinderella’s, as they share her rags to riches tale, and confront their own desires, hopes, and the magic that lies within each scoop of Cinderella’s legendary ice cream.

Pirates Love Underpants

Saturday 1st November, 1.30pm
Sunday 2nd November, 11am & 2pm
Buxton Opera House
Click here to book tickets

Dodge crocs beneath Long John Bridge and bob upon waves in Big Knickers Bay. Filled with music and puppetry, arrr you ready to set sail for family adventure?

8. October Half Term at the Heights

Saturday 20th October to Sunday 2nd November (10.00am to 4.30pm)
All Halloween activities included in the entry ticket
Click here for more information and to book
Check out our review of Heights of Abraham

The Frights of Abraham returns with a fantastic fiesta of frightfully fun activities for children this October half term.

Meet Belinda Broomsticks and Wally Wizard who will be up to no good across the summit, casting spells and causing mischief. Enjoy a fun children’s trail spotting the pumpkin scarecrows and matching them to their Halloween names to enter the prize draw. Take photos under the spooky archways decorated in all things scary! Head to the Tavern for some trick or treat games and enjoy Halloween snacks from the café. Plus enjoy cable cars, cavern tours and 60-acres of our autumnal estate with beautiful views across the valley.

9. Peaks and Paddles Kayak Hire / Family Canoe trips / Abseiling

Dates available throughout October half term
Click here for further information and to book
Minimum age of 5yrs for all activities
DISCOUNT CODE: kids5%

Don’t forget to use your Peak District Kids discount code: kids5%

Kayak: Paddle a tandem kayak, meandering at a leisurely slow pace along the Cromford Canal and return. Enjoying the wildlife along the way in a lovely location. 1hr approx. Teens can paddle together provided a parent is supervising. This is a no swimming / falling in allowed.

Family canoe trip: Just your group plus the instructor. Take control of your canoe and cruise along the canal, with help from the instructor you will be in control in no time! Enjoy a few games and challenges along the way. 2hrs approx.

Millers Dale Bridge Abseil: With a head for heights descend 90ft into the valley below! Safety rope attached at all times with full instruction to get the most out of your experience. Min 4 goes each; more if your quick! Or why not try abseiling in the Dark? Look out for our late afternoon / evening sessions. 2hrs approx.

10. Chatsworth Fireworks

Friday 31st October and 1st November
Adults £23, Children £16
Gates open at 6pm
Click here for more information and to book

Bonfire night at Chatsworth always happens a little earlier to coincide with October Half Term, and it’s back again this year with a blazing bonfire and two spectacular firework displays, including an early display for little ones. You can also tuck into a selection of seasonal food, from hog roasts to churros and sweet treats. Round it off with a glass of mulled wine or cider – the ultimate winter warmers.

Gates open: 6.00pm
Lighting of the bonfire: 6.45pm
Children’s firework display: 7.45pm
Grand finale firework display: 8.30pm
Entertainment finishes: 9.15pm

For those wishing to make the evening even more memorable, there is the opportunity to add a delicious meal served in the Cavendish Restaurant to your bonfire and firework tickets (Adults: £55.00 | Children: £25.00). The Cavendish Restaurant will be open between 5pm and 7pm, advance bookings only.