October half-term is just around the corner and we’ve rounded up the best deals on activities and days out to keep the kids entertained during the school break.

With National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab) you can make incredible savings on some of Britain’s top attractions and days out when you travel by train, including 2FOR1 and 1/3 OFF deals on spook-tacular Halloween themed events, family days at iconic landmarks, and lots of fun activities to suit the unpredictable Autumn weather. 

Don’t forget, when you travel with a Family and Friends Railcard, up to 4 adults can save 1/3 off most rail journeys when travelling with up to 4 kids – who get 60% off! At just £35 a year, a Railcard will provide you with savings too good to miss. 

For more Halloween inspiration, check out 10 Fangtastic Halloween Days Out by Train.

4. Freddo’s Spooktacular Stage Show returns to Cadbury World this Halloween  

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to Cadbury World with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (external link, opens in a new tab)

Come dressed in your Spookiest costumes to Freddo’s Ghoulish Gameshow. With plenty of audience participation, can you beat the clock in ‘Count-Dracula’s Conundrum’? Guess the answers in ‘Freaky Fortunes’? Or even spot the mystery characters hiding in ‘Spook Am I?’

For Wizards and Witches of all ages there may even be prizes- you’d be a Ghoul to miss out! It’s going to be Spook-tacular!

Freddo’s Ghoulish Gameshow at Cadbury's World runs from 18 October to 2 November. 

Nearest station: Bournville 

5. Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday  

• Get 2FOR1 tickets to Ascot Racecourse with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Jump racing returns with a bang, crackle, and boom at Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday. Alongside the excitement on the racetrack, kids can prepare to be dazzled by frivolous fairground rides, enthralling live entertainment, and over 20,000 fireworks.

Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday takes place on Saturday 1 November.

Nearest station:  Ascot (Berks) 

6. Investigate the Horrible Happenings! The Black Country Living Museum

• Get 2FOR1 entry to The Black Country Living Museum with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (external link, opens in a new tab)

This half term, something strange is stirring in the Museum’s historic streets, and they need your help to uncover the truth! From ghostly apparitions and mysterious UFO sightings to the smelly pursuit of the “night soil man”, there are some truly horrible happenings going on at the Museum. A curious local journalist is on the case, but they can’t solve it alone — can you help unfurl these mysteries? 

Follow the trail, investigate the clues, and see what strange discoveries await you and your family around the Museum’s town.

Horrible Happenings at The Black Country Museum runs from 25 October to 2 November. 

Nearest Station: Tipton 

7. Halloween at Thorpe Park

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to Thorpe Park with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (external link, opens in a new tab)

Sinners, assemble! Thorpe Park's Fright Nights® returns this October with soul-sucking scare mazes, hellfire-fuelled horror shows, and devilishly daring scare zones — plus some of Britain's most thrilling rides in the dark.

Nearest station: Staines 

8. LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort: Brick or Treat 

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (external link, opens in a new tab)

Don’t miss Lord Vampyre’s frightfully fun party at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort! Packed with spooky beats and Brick-or-Treat magic, it’s the ultimate Halloween day out for families this half-term.

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort runs from 4 October to 1 November.

Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central 

9. Warwick Castle: Haunting Half-term Fun 

• Get 1/3 OFF entry to Warwick Castle with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab) 

A daytime October half term spooky offering, suitable for all ages. Join the ghosts, ghouls, wizards and witches as they offer a unique, medieval inspired experience.

Warwick Castle: The Haunted Castle runs from 25 October to 2 November.

Nearest station: Warwick 

10. Pumpkin Patch at Hobbledown Heath

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Hobbledown Heath with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab) 

This Autumn, Hobbledown Heath’s Pumpkin Patch returns — the ultimate spot for making memories. Stroll through the scenic meadow by the River Crane, pick your favourite pumpkin, and enjoy toasting marshmallows, games, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. 

Nearest station: Hounslow

11. Hastings Contemporary Gallery: Autumn exhibitions

• Get 2FOR1 entry to Hastings Contemporary Gallery with National Rail’s Days Out Guide (external link, opens in a new tab)

Young artists can explore the rich and complex array of exhibitions at Hastings Contemporary Gallery this October half-term.

• Sophie Barber: Mackerel sky, mackerel sky, never long wet, never long dry  

27 September 2025 to 15 March 2026 

A new exhibition of Sophie Barber’s work, the first in her hometown of Hastings. 

• Michael Landy: Look 

27 September 2025 to 15 March 2026 

A new exhibition from Michael Landy CBE RA – his first in Sussex – drawing on his personal life experience. 

Nearest station: Hastings