How to Spend October Half Term in Norwich

How to Spend October Half Term in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Pumpkin patches, creepy costumes, and terrific trails- it could only be October half term! And there’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied across Norwich and Norfolk. That goes for the not-so-spooky stuff too!

From hair-raising Halloween adventures to bookish entertainment, treetop thrills and immersive illuminations, there’s something for every little ghoul, witch or vampire. Here’s our guide to October half term in Norwich– it’ll be a scream! (Sorry.)

Image: BeWILDerwood

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Norwich 

Norwich Book Festival
24 – 30 October, FREE and ticketed 

For any avid reader, Norwich Book Festival is a must this half term. From your very first story to YA novels and every age in between, there’s a whole series of exciting events to attend across the city.   

Our top picks include The Imaginarium, where you’ll encounter fantastic hands-on activities for all ages (25 – 28 October, 10am – 4pm, The Forum, FREE) and Roman Britain Gets Totally Chaotic (26 October, 11am – 12.15pm, St Peter Mancroft, £12.50), a funny, fast-paced romp peppered with jokes and audience interaction all about the messy beginnings of Roman Britain!  

Then, there’s Sensory Storytelling (26 & 27 October, various times, The Forum, FREE), relaxed, creative sessions for families and, of course, headliner Jacqueline Wilson (29 October, 11am – 12pm, The Playhouse, £12.50), who will be delving into her wonderful world and sharing an excerpt from her latest book!

As part of Norwich Book Festival, Chantry Place will be holding two 1-hour interactive workshops (9.30am, ages 6 – 10 & 11am, ages 11 – 17, first-come, first-served basis). Led by Bookbugs & Dragon Tales, budding writers will get the chance to create their own poems and postcards inspired by word games, quizzes and playfulness.

Spend a Day with the Normans at Norwich Castle
24 October – 1 November, 10am – 5pm, included in admission (adults from £15.30, children from £13.05, pre-book online for the best prices, twilight ticket 1 hour before close £2.50) 

Step back in time and spend a day with the Normans at Norwich Castle!  

To celebrate the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry in Britain, come along and meet Queen Adeliza and the stitchers of our Norwich Friends’ Tapestry. Have a go at stitching and enjoy a craft activity inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and its famous imagery before discovering rare objects on a special trail. 

And in honour of the 960th anniversary of the Battler of Hastings, join Knight Club to try your hand at medieval fighting techniques and explore the armour they would have worn in Norman times.

Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Chantry Place
24 October – 1 November, FREE

Who doesn’t love a trail? Especially with a scarily good prize at the end!

This October half term, you can take part in Chantry Place’s Spooky Scavenger Hunt. Hidden across the shopping centre’s shop windows are eight cursed crows, each one perched beside a letter. All you have to do is track them down, decipher the ghoulish word and pop your answer in the postbox at Langley’s.

If you’re lucky enough to win, a LEGO set and/or Langley’s voucher await- this is no trick!

Ghost Cat Needlefelt Workshop at The Cat House
Saturday 24 October, 6pm – 8.30pm, £26 

Create your own kooky cat keepsake this half term at The Cat House with their spooky-themed Ghost Cat Needlefelt Workshop (12+)!

Lead by local artist Victoria Goulden, learn to sculpt cute ghost cats that you can turn into a keyring, brooch or keep as a mini plushie. Build, shape and accessories your kitty before spending time with their friendly felines.

And for even more cat-inspired Halloween crafting, there’s a Cat Tote Bag Painting Workshop (29 October, 6pm – 8pm, £22, 10+), Cat Cremararium Terrarium Workshop (30 October, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, £38, 12+) and even a Creepy Cat Plushie Making Workshop (1 November, 6pm – 8.30pm, £25, 10+). All prices include your first drink and materials!

Fireman Sam Live- The Lost Pirate Treasure at Norwich Theatre Royal
Saturday 24 October, 12.30pm & 3.30pm, from £15.90 

When you hear that fire alarm, make sure to head to Norwich Theatre Royal for Fireman Sam Live!  

Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to real pirate treasure, it’s up to Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find Norman and the treasure! Think clues, songs and swashbuckling adventure. There’s even a dedicated Chilled Performance (3.30pm) for those with sensory processing differences. Ahoy!

And throughout the rest of the week, why not get involved with Norwich Theatre’s series of creative activities and workshops? There’s Play in a Day (26 October, 10am & 2pm, pay what you can), a fun, fast-paced theatre-making workshop packed with warm-ups, drama games and exercises to create an original piece of short drama. Then spark your imagination with a Storytelling Session (28 October, 10am, pay what you can) using props, movement and theatre techniques or join Sensory Stories (28 October, 2pm, pay what you can). Specifically designed for children with SEND needs, this workshop is tactile, visual and accessible.

Meddling Kids: Character Design at the Wayward Adventurers Guild
Saturday 24 October, 10am – 12pm, £15 

Head to the Wayward Adventurers Guild at St Saviour’s Yard this half-term for a fun drawing workshop inspired by Scooby-Doo. 

Take inspiration from this mystery-solving gang to design your own kooky group of friends and the supernatural monsters they unmask! Along the way, you’ll get to find out about character design, different roles and personalities, and how to adapt your drawing to this classic cartoon style. Every adventurer is welcome, from beginners to experienced illustrators!

And while you’re at St Saviour’s Yard, why not take part in their Monster Mash-Up stamp trail (31 October, FREE)? Collect your passport and build a monster from stamps collected at six shops across St Saviour’s Yard, then return your creation to Wayward Adventurers for a reward sticker!

Activities at the National Centre for Writing
26 & 29 October, from 10am, FREE and ticketed 

Let your imagination run wild at the National Centre for Writing this half term. 

Drop-in to their Halloween Family Imagination Day (26 October, 10am – 3pm, FREE) to cause some mischief. A coven of witches has taken over Dragon Hall! Create your own Wicked Witch, be entranced by pop-up puppet making, play giant games and be absorbed by drawing and colouring. 

Then, try your hand at tabletop role-playing games in Roll With It: Stories Get Dicey! (29 October, 10am – 12pm, pay what you can, 11 – 13 years). Create detective and suspects, using dice to tell stories with predicaments.

Creepy Crafts at Jarrolds
Monday 26 October, 10am – 12pm, £10

Start the half term with creepy creativity at Jarrolds!

Head upstairs to The Pantry to unleash your imagination with Halloween-themed crafts. From making a foam clay spider to decorating a haunted house dreamcatcher. Then design a trick or treat bag with a glow-in-the-dark key ring dangler ready for the big day!

Luxmuralis at Norwich Cathedral
27 – 31 October, 5.15pm – 8.45pm, adults £10, children £5, family ticket £25 

Set to illuminate Norwich Cathedral’s ancient architecture, immersive light show Luxmuralis is a wonder to behold. 

Be wowed by a journey though Time. Explore our relationship with the concept of time through an unforgettable journey about history, science and imagination. As you travel through this beautiful building, encounter captivating installations, from wormholes to clocks to H.G Wells’ The Time Machine.

Mr Sleepybum’s Dream Machine at The Garage
Wednesday 28 October, 1pm, adults £10, under 25s £8 

The critically-acclaimed children’s comedy show arrives at The Garage this October! 

Mr Sleepybum is sad because he can’t dream. So, he invents a machine to bring dreams to life! From dinosaurs to robots, car chases to the world’s largest blanket.  

Take a seat and watch this award-winning interactive show, packed with sketches, slapstick and silliness that will have adults laughing as much as the little ones!

Halloween Stadium Tour at Carrow Road
Wednesday 28 October, 11am & 1pm, adults £25, children £15

One of the best things about the school holidays is spending time as a family- so, why not do something for the lifelong football fans and the newest Canaries to the clan?

Head to Carrow Road this half term for a spooktacular tour of Norwich City’s home ground, walking in the footsteps of iconic players and having the chance to access exclusive areas- from the home and away dressing rooms to the players tunnel, press conference room, directors’ box, trophy cabinet and more! And along the way, there will be a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, with a sweet treat (no tricks here) waiting for you at the end! Dressing up encouraged!

Children’s Halloween Party at the Maids Head Hotel
Thursday 29 October, 1pm – 3pm, £20 (includes 1 accompanying adult) 

Embrace spooky season at the Maids Head this half term! 

Expect an afternoon of spooky entertainment, fun games and exciting prizes as part of their Halloween Party. Not to mention a moreish buffet for the little ones, packed with tempting treats and delicious goodies. No tricks here!

Young Artists’ Studio: Love Our Planet at the Sainsbury Centre
Thursday 29 October, 10.30am – 3pm, children £15

Norwich is a great incubator of creativity. And that includes the Sainsbury Centre, too.

At this exciting art museum this half term, you can join an artist-led workshop day (7 – 11 years, unaccompanied) with the theme Love Our Planet. Find out about some of the precious and protected creatures featured in the Sainsbury Centre’s collection and make your own artwork in response, with artist Kate Munro- a Norfolk-based creative known for her steel sculptures.

Knock Knock Halloween at Castle Quarter
29 – 31 October, 11am – 3pm, FREE 

Knock, knock… who’s there? Halloween at Castle Quarter! 

Are you brave enough to discover what’s hiding behind the doors? Enter this mysterious Halloween neighbourhood filled with quirky characters, spooky surprises and family fun. All you have to do is pick a door… 

Expect games, prizes, treats and more on the other side! Just watch out for slime, spiders, snakes and other creepy tricks.

Norfolk 

Sundown Adventures at Go Ape
16 October – 8 November, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, £31.95 

Get glowing with the return of Go Ape’s thrilling Sundown Adventures experience! In the treetops of Thetford Forest, you can expect exhilarating ropes, obstacles and zip lines, with a twist- it’s all after dark!  

As the sun goes down, the lights go up. The course will be colourfully lit up, adding to the atmospheric feel and offering incredible sky-high views above the forest floor. It’s for a limited time only, so we recommend booking in advance- we’re sure you’ll want to do it all over again!

Halloween Trail at Taverham Mill
17 October – 1 November, 10am – 5pm, included in admission, adults £7, children £5, family ticket £18

It’s time to get spooky at Taverham Mill! This October, their Halloween trail returns– before half term, making it perfect for all mums, dads, grandparents, guardians and children.

As you explore this beautiful nature reserve- which glows golden as leaves turn and the sun sets, see if you can find the fun wildlife facts dotted along the way. Will you spot Toe-Knee the spooky skeleton? Keep your eyes peeled, complete the trail and claim your prize!

And while you’re here, treat yourself to a seasonal delight- think pumpkin-spiced drinks and spooky biscuits.

Pumpkin Fest at the Goat Shed
22 – 30 October, 10am – 3.30pm, £6 (£5 when you book until 30 September)

Where better than the Goat Shed for an exciting seasonal experience?  

This half-term their field will be transformed with amazing pumpkin displays and towers as part of their new Pumpkin Festival! Not only that, but you can expect street food, live music, fire pits (and the obligatory s’mores and hot chocolate), festooned lights and scarecrows. Wow!

And their anticipated maze remains- this time with a pumpkin trail, tractor tyres and mud kitchens to make this are truly unforgettable school holiday. So, why not make a day of it and go fully autumnal? Half term also marks the launch of their new autumn menu and Halloween is the date of their monthly independent market (31 October, 9am – 3pm, FREE)!

If you’re already thinking about the next holiday (ahem, Christmas), then the Goat Shed’s Christmas Shed is also open for business from 23 October (open during farm shop hours)!

Sundown at The Grove Cromer
23 – 31 October, 5pm – 9pm

Welcoming residents and non-residents alike, The Grove’s Sundown restaurant is an exciting way to round out the warmer weather and welcome in autumn.

Serving Norfolk tapas and wood-fired pizza, this enticing giant tipi eatery is ideal for relaxed dining during your North Norfolk getaway. Expect a menu fit for adults and children, including classic flavours like margarita, four cheese and pepperoni alongside delicious pork belly bites, salt and pepper squid, and patatas bravas. There are even special pizza combinations with hints to local landmarks and businesses.

Halloween at Banham Zoo
23 October – 1 November, 10am – 4pm, adults £26, children £18 or £1 when you book before 25 October

Set off on an exciting Halloween adventure this half term at Banham Zoo. Think spooky challenges, wild discoveries and a whole host of family fun!

On the Trick or Treat Trail, disxcover spooky acitvities and surprises along the way (including a treat at the end). Will you investigate bones like a Skeleton Scientist, discover animal adaptations as a Monster edic or test your sense as a Withc’s Apprnetice? In the Bug Lab, see creepy crawlies up close before meeting Spook Keepers at the Stories & Spells live show. Elewhere, take a seat on the Safari Ghost Train, get messy with slime-making workshops, dance the day away at the Monster Mash Bubble Party and, of course, encounter wonderful wildlife across the zoo!

And at sister zoo Africa Alive, get ready for a wickedly wild adventure (23 October – 1 November), featuring a Super-Natural Scavenger Hunt, fang-tastic minibeasts and intriguing night time creatures! Book early to make the most of their Children for £1 offer here too (book by 25 October).

Halloween Days at ROARR!
23 October – 1 November, 10am – 4.30pm, £15

Expect frightfully good fun at ROARR! this October half term. In the build up to Halloween, there’s something for the littlest dinosaur lovers and the braver adventurers, too.

The Spooky Maze returns- will you find your way out? And alongside, expect four new haunt mazes for the most courageous older explorers- some areas of the park that aren’t usually open will be open to intrigue. Elsewhere, you can watch fantastical live shows, meet and greet the one-and-only Dippy and his friends, and take part in Halloween-themed crafts!

Pensthorpe Pumpkin Festival
24 – 31 October, 10am – 4pm, from £5 

Pensthorpe’s popular Pumpkin Festival is back and bigger than ever this October- including an all-new twist on their much-loved maze. And with three ways to enjoy it, you can make the most of everything going on for great value! 

Just here for the pumpkins? Head to the Festival patch to pick your favourite (£5). If you want to make a full day of it, there’s Pumpkin + Play (from £12.95), where the Pumpkin Festival and the 700-acre nature reserve are ready to be explored! Or you can embrace the wildlife, gardens and play areas at Pensthorpe without the festival (from £9.95). 

And for an even excitement, the Pumpkin Festival comes alive After Dark (29 October, 5.45pm – 9.30pm, adults £9.95, children 4.50)! Choose your perfect pumpkin from the floodlit patch then head to the carving tent to unleash your creativity. If you’re feeling brave enough, take on Curse of the Cornfield in the maize maze, expend your energy on the outdoor play area and watch fire entertainers in awe as you munch on street food and marshmallows in front of the fire pit.

Pony Pumpkin Hunt at Redwings
24 – 26 October & 30 – 31 October, 10am – 4pm, £5

Meet the beautiful rescued residents at Redwings Animal Sanctuary this October.

Take a ghostly gallop and take part in their Pony Pumpkin Hunt! Find all the pumpkins hidden around the site and answer the questions about their Adoption Stars to win a spook-tacular treat and certificate.

Why not treat yourself to a hot chocolate from the cosy café to take on the trail with you?

Kids Go Free at Bure Valley Railway
24 October – 1 November, 10am – 4pm, adults £25 

This half-term, up to two children travel free with a paying adult at Bure Valley Railway! 

Hop aboard for a spooktacular steam adventure, chugging between Aylsham and Wroxham, past picturesque fields in shades of orange and gold. Each ticket includes Halloween-inspired crafts and children are encouraged to dress up in their most daring ensembles.

£10 Tickets at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
24 October – 1 November, 10am – 4pm, adults from £18.50, children £10

Looking for a memorable day out this half-term? At Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, you can come face t face with majestic rare and endangered animals, including tigers, snow leopards, red pandas, alligators and meerkats!

And the autumnal adventure doesn’t stop there, with Halloween-themed activities for all the family, plus the chance to win family tickets for your next visit! If you prebook online, make sure to use the code OCTOBER26 to get children’s tickets for just £10.

Halloween at BeWILDerwood
24 October – 1 November, 11am – 6pm, £26.50 

BeWILDerwood is a magical adventure park at all times of year, but especially during Halloween!

Dressed in your best spooky outfit, get ready to clamber, climb and zip your way through the woods during the day and go Twig or Treating with your favourite friendly characters (complete the trail sheet to win a prize). Along the way, you can take part in plenty of spooktacular activities, too! Think face stencils, a creepy disco and more!

And as the sun begins to set, enjoy the Glowing Light Trail through the woods.

The Halloween Garden at Holkham
27 – 31 October, 10am – 3pm, £7 (parking £6.50) 

Delightful chills and spooky thrills have transformed Holkham’s Walled Garden this Halloween.  

Join Vince Vampire and Bog Witch for a whole host of woodland Halloween adventures. From a terrifying treasure hunt to monster drawing, puppetry and even a dance-off! Will you complete the trail? (There’s a chocolatey reward awaiting you when you do!)  

Elsewhere, discover the frightful face painter, spot spectacular decorations and sit down for a spellbinding story. There’s also pumpkin carving (£4)- what face will you choose?

And while you’re here, why not take a Deer and Wildlife Safari (23 – 31 October, various times, £6.25)? Admire these magnificent animals and you may even be lucky to see them rut!

Outdoor Fun at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
28 & 29 October, 10am – 2pm, FREE and ticketed 

Set in the beautiful leafy surroundings of Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, this half term is all about stories, crafts and outdoor fun! 

Join their Wonder Wednesdays Children’s Club (28 October, FREE) for an exciting morning of seeded paper planting in their wildflower meadow, seasonal colouring activities and a special book reading! All you have to do is drop-in! 

Then on 29 October (£4.50), it’s all about Halloween. Think guided pumpkin carving where you can be as artistic, kooky or spooky as your creativity allows!

Floral Pumpkin Workshop at Park Farm Hotel
Thursday 29 October, 2pm, £35

Before the big day (Halloween, that is), head to Park Farm Hotel for a family-friendly floral pumpkin workshop!

Led by Fern Flowers, this hands-on session offers a more attractive alternative to traditional pumpkin faces and scary scenes. Test your skills and carve out you pumpkin before transforming it into a vase filled with a stunning bouquet of flowers in rich autumnal colours! This is a decoration that will see you through the season. Also included, refreshments and a sweet treat!