What’s on This October Half Term in London and Surrey
Great ways to keep the kids entertained this October half term
Main image: Enchanted Claremont (c) National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor
Enchanted Claremont
Claremont Landscape Garden, 19 – 31 October
Grab your broomstick and join Claremont’s Wandering Witch and her merry band of magickal creatures for a fun family trail around the garden. New for 2024, the Pootling Professor will be roaming the garden looking for young Witches and Wizards to show his magic spells, sorcery skills and broomstick riding prowess. Daily from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November. Timings vary, so be sure to check the website. £3 per trail including a magical prize.
Room on the Broom
Kew Gardens, 19 October – 3 November
This October half term, dive into the magical world of Room on the Broom at Kew Gardens. Immerse yourself in Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved tale as you follow the kind witch on her enchanting journey across the stunning autumn landscape.
Explore the Super Natural
WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, 26 October – 3 November
Kids can explore the Super Natural this October half-term with a whole host of activities that show just how super wetland nature can be. Weave a willow wand, head off on a fungi hunt, craft a clay familiar and much more in a week of wetlands magic.
Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre, booking through to 24 May 2026
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End musical has been going strong for 13 years and is still as fabulous as ever. We checked out the new cast change, which includes Angelica Scott joining Anna Deikalo, Ava Posniak and Sophia Saravanan in the title role, Tiffany Graves as Mrs Wormwood, Neil McDermott as Mr Wormwood and Eve Norris as Miss Honey.
© Ellie Kurttz
Wicked Plants
RHS Garden Wisley, 26 October – 3 November
Have fun at RHS Garden Wisley this October half term and follow a fun outdoor trail to discover unusual plants and enjoy seed planting and craft activities.
More fab things to do:
Autumn Half-Term Trail
Ham House & Garden, Richmond, 26 October – 30 November
Join for family-fun this October half-term on a potion-themed outdoor trail in the gardens surrounding the 17th-century house. Seasonal spotter and autumn leaves colouring-in sheets will also be available. Visit the Orangery Café for delicious warming treats and lunches.
© National Trust Images / Chris Davies
Wild Halloween Half Term Camp
Painshill, Cobham, 28-30 October
Kids can have a wild time this October Half Term at the Wild Halloween Camp with den building, campfires, and lots more spooky adventures in Painshill’s wild woods! It’s the perfect time to get fresh air in your lungs and mud on your boots with these fun-filled days of playing, laughing, exploring and discovering.
Half Term Workshop
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, 28 October
You can enrol the kids in Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Sound Design for the Stage Workshop for ages 12-16 years! An introduction for young people interested in how sound is designed and created for live performance. Join Matt Eaton, sound designer and composer, for a practical workshop which explores the world of sound in theatre.
Workshops at Polka Theatre
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 29-31 October
A fun variety of creative workshops are available for children at Polka this half term! From a lantern making workshop for ages 4+ to a Halloween-themed monster mask making workshop for ages 5-8, there’s so much fun to be had for the little ones.
