With Halloween just around the corner, there are a number of exciting and upcoming autumnal events in and around Oxfordshire for you to explore this October.
To celebrate the arrival of autumn this Halloween and half-term, Oxfordshire is brimming with seasonal outdoor events to keep you and your little ones entertained. Based throughout Oxfordshire, we’ve handpicked a series of spooky and garden-based events to get you outdoors and soaking up your surroundings with fun for all the family. From spooktacular trails at Blenheim Palace to guided walks around the grounds of Waddesdon Manor, let’s find out how you and your family can enjoy the great outdoors this spooky season.
Blenheim Palace
Situated in the historical market town of Woodstock, you can find the glorious grounds of Blenheim Palace estate. Filled with an array of expansive and delightful gardens, this Halloween, Blenheim Palace will be transforming its grounds into their annual ‘Dusk to Darkness Trail’. Meeting ghosts, passing pumpkins and maybe even greeting vampires too, venture through the palace grounds this October to encounter a number of creepy characters along the way. Make sure to grab your tickets now before the ghouls do!
Once your tummies begin to rumble then the Halloween fun doesn’t have to stop there! Why not book Blenheim Palace’s very own Halloween-themed afternoon tea and indulge in a variety of scrumptious and spooky snacks?
Waddesdon Manor
If you’re looking to keep your little ones entertained over the holidays with Halloween filled fun then why not head down to Waddesdon Manor for their ‘Haunted Half Term’? Enclosing a charming country house and exquisite Victorian gardens, Waddesdon Manor is the perfect day out for all the family. Jam-packed with spooky garden based activities, why not take your little pumpkins down to the ‘Trick or Treat Skeleton Trail’? Running from Saturday 21st-Sunday 29th October, explore Waddesdon’s wonderful grounds whilst you hunt for questions and keep an eye out for skeletons! Tickets cost £3 per trail and will run from 10am-4pm.
Fancy wrapping up and taking a guided tour of the grounds? Currently running now until Sunday 29th October and during the week from Wednesday-Sunday, explore the beauty of Waddesdon’s grounds with a guided 45 minute tour. On a Waddesdon ‘Garden Walk’, you will have the opportunity to learn all about the history of the estate and the Rothschild family as you drift throughout glorious grounds and breathtaking gardens. A fantastic way to admire the seasonal change and natural beauty of Waddesdon, make sure to book your tickets now.
Waterperry Gardens
Encompassing striking ornamental gardens and just a short drive from the city centre of Oxford you can find the delightful Waterperry Gardens. With 8 beautiful acres for you to explore, a hearty stroll throughout these gardens is the perfect way to welcome in the new season and embrace the arrival of autumn. So, wrap up warm and glide around their magnificent landscaped spaces for a magical autumn adventure. If you fancy a bite to eat or maybe a hot drink to warm you up then make sure to head on over to their charming tea shop. Maybe you even fancy a spot of shopping too? Just pop over to their gift barn and browse their beautiful boutique collections.
Looking to include a touch of Halloween family fun into your visit? Running from Saturday 21st October until Sunday 5th November, take a mysterious trip to the ‘Waterperry Halloween Hunt’. With entry costing £3 per child, the Waterperry Halloween Hunt is a wonderful way for children to enjoy the outdoors as they investigate Waterperry’s vast gardens looking for clues. And there’s even chance of a little prize at the finish line too!
Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
On Monday 16th October, why not visit Harcourt Arboretum for their ‘SongPath’ garden event? In association with the Oxford Song Festival, the SongPath is an event that combines both nature and music, encouraging a greater sense of wellbeing. In celebration of their 60th year, the SongPath will this year be hosted by Harcourt Arboretum. Walking through great and beautiful woodlands, enjoy a festival of music and take part in fascinating conversations with a number of talented musicians.
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