Peak District October half term 2026 and Halloween events

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Looking for some spooktacular fun this coming Peak District October half term? There are some fangtastic events taking place around the National Park and we’ve rounded them all up for you here.

October half term 2026 dates for schools in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire East and Sheffield are: 26th to 30th October
(with the last school day being Friday 23rd October, and schools going back Monday 2nd 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 2026, 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.

Paid advertising may affect placement on this page

Pumpkin Picking Farms

READ OUR GUIDE: Peak District pumpkin picking

With Halloween falling at the end of the October half term holidays, pumpkin picking is a great activity to add to your plans. Many Peak District pumpkin farms open in early October and aim to stay open until 31st October, depending on how many pumpkins they have left.

So, if you’re planning a visit during half term, there should still be plenty of opportunities to go pumpkin picking. Check out our guide to the best pumpkin picking farms in the Peak District and check individual farms for availability and booking details.

1. Matlock Bath Illuminations

Every Saturday and Sunday from 19th September to 1st November, plus Friday 30th 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 19th September to 1st November, plus Friday 30th 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.

2. 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.

3. Halloween week at Thornbridge Estate

24th October to 1st November (10am to 3pm)
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:

• Face Painting – Transform yourself into a creepy creature or a magical monster!
• Halloween Trail – Embark on a spooky adventure and see if you can uncover all the hidden surprises.
• Fun & Games with Fantasea Factory – 27th, 28th & 29th October (more details TBC)
• Freaky Food & Drink – Treat yourself to some devilishly delicious eats and drinks from the café.
• Spooky Afternoon Tea – Booking required
• Workshops (selected dates) – Join ghostly guides for some hands-on fun! Booking required.

Also, The Kids Posca Pen Workshop takes place on 28th October from 1.30pm to 3pm, while the Kids Lego Printing Workshop takes place on 29th October from 10.30am to 12 noon. Both cost £26.20 per child and include all-day garden entry for one child and an accompanying adult.

Access to the garden trail and other kids activities are included with standard garden entry tickets, additional charges apply for food, workshops, face-painting & house tours

Pre-book your garden entry to avoid disappointment and save 20% on your tickets.

4. Family Adventure Experience with Dolomite Training

Availability throughout October half term
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.

5. Peaks and Paddles 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%

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.

6. Family activities at White Hall Outdoor Activity Centre

Various dates available over half term
Check this Eventbrite page for dates and to book online
Click here for our review of White Hall Outdoor Centre

Use code PEAKKIDS15 to get 15% off when booking White Hall activities

Looking for something different for the kids during the holidays? Why not book one of the activity days at White Hall Outdoor Centre running throughout the October half term holidays?

Courses range from one-day to five-day adventures filled with fun and challenge. Children aged 6–18 years old are welcome.

There are also family activity days where parents can join in activities with their children, as well as SEND family activity days specifically designed for families and children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Activities on offer include:

• High and low ropes
• Zip wires
• Climbing walls
• Mountain biking
• Orienteering
• Artificial cave
• Problem solving
• Shelter building
• Canoeing
• SUP
• Caving
• Abseiling
• Stream Scrambling

Prices start at £39.40 per person. Each day begins at 9:30 a.m. at White Hall Centre. With pick-up at 4:30 p.m.

7. Enchanted Pumpkin Farm at Hassop Family Farm

24th and 25th October
Click here for more information and to book tickets

There’s a new pumpkin-picking experience coming to the Peak District this October, as Hassop Family Farm launches its Enchanted Pumpkin Farm for two days only, on 24th and 25th October 2026.

Alongside choosing their own pumpkin from the enchanted pumpkin patch, children can make their own wand, create magical potions with a spell master witch, enjoy live storytelling in the Straw Bale Theatre and explore the Pumpkin Playground.

They can also head to Broomstick Academy to train with Wizard Bramblewick and put their flying skills to the test. With more magical surprises still to be announced, this promises to be more than just a pumpkin-picking trip.

8. Halloween Fun at Crich Tramway Village

Saturday 26th to Friday 30st October (10am-4:30pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Check out our review of Crich Tramway Village

It’s Eerie-sistable!!! Fun Halloween Trail along the Woodland Walk. Enjoy scarily fun, family activities with a spooky theme. Stories on a tram, face painter, Halloween crafts, Join in Halloween Show and tricks and treats on our woodland Halloween trail

Valid return tickets may be used for this event.

9. Halloween Festival Fun at Matlock Farm Park

24th October until 1st November (10.00am to 4.30pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Check out our review of Matlock Farm Park

The hugely popular Halloween Festival and Pumpkin Patch returns to Matlock Farm Park this October half term, with plenty of spooky family fun.

• Pumpkin Patch – every child with a full paid entry ticket gets a free pumpkin to pick using a mini wheelbarrow, then carve at the carving station (subject to availability).
• Spooky Trail – venture into the Forbidden Forest for prop-based woodland scenes, ghoul games and spellbinding riddles.
• Daily craft workshops with Witch Wendolyn.
• Halloween characters around the park and Spooky Trail from 28th to 31st October.
• Headless Horseman riding through the park in the late afternoon.
• Fancy dress prizes for the best costumes.

There’s also all the usual farm park fun, including sheep races, meerkat talks, wallaby encounters, creepy crawly sessions, pony rides, the Enchanted Hamlet play area and Rainforest Play Barn.

10. Halloween Trains with Peak Rail

Saturday 31st October
Trains depart Rowsley South at 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Adults: £15 return / £8.50 single | Children under 16: FREE
Click here for more information

Climb aboard Peak Rail this Halloween for a spooktacular steam train journey through the beautiful Derwent Valley. The heritage carriages will be decorated for Halloween, with a festive spooky atmosphere and free sweets for children during the journey.

Fancy dress is encouraged, so little witches, wizards, ghosts and vampires can dress up for the occasion. There’s no need to pre-book; simply turn up and pay on the day.

11. Halloween Highlights and October Half Term at the National Trust in the Peak District

Both Ilam Park and Longshaw Estate are beautiful in autumn, and there are plenty of seasonal activities and events for families over the October half term holidays.

12. Fright Fiesta at Gulliver’s Kingdom

10th October to 1st November (10.30am to 4pm during half term)
READ: Top tips for visiting GULLIVER’S KINGDOM MATLOCK
Tickets from £19 per person; children under 90cm go free.
Click here to pre-book tickets online

SAVE 20%: Use code FIESTA20 when booking for visits between 10th and 31st October 2026.

Families can enjoy a freakily fantastic day out at Gulliver’s Kingdom this October half term with Fright Fiesta, a festival-style Halloween event packed with colour, costumes, music and family-friendly frights.

Show off your fancy dress in the spine-tingling street parade, explore the spooktacular rides and attractions, and venture into the Haunted Mansion. There are also opportunities to meet Bing and Flop during the event.

The park is open throughout half term from 10.30am to 4pm, with tickets from £19 per person. Children under 90cm go free.

13. Chatsworth Fireworks

Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October
Adults £24, Children £17
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 earlier, gentler display designed especially for younger visitors. There will also be family entertainment and a selection of seasonal food and drinks available throughout the evening.

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

You can also add a pre-bonfire dinner in the Cavendish Restaurant at the Stables to your tickets. The two-course seasonal meal costs £55 for adults and £22 for children, and is served between 5pm and 7pm. Advance booking is required.

Children aged 3 and under go free; children aged 4 to 16 require a ticket. The event is extremely popular and is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

This page is regularly updated with Peak District October half term and Halloween events. If there is an event happening that you know about and isn’t listed here, please email us. It is free for all local businesses holding a family event over October half term to be listed.

You may also like to read:
Things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District
Short and easy family walks in the Peak District
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath