7 Things to Do in Dorset This October Half Term 🎃
If you're staying with us at Newlands Holidays in Charmouth, you're ideally placed to explore the Jurassic Coast and discover some of the family-friendly events happening nearby.
From picking the perfect pumpkin to exploring illuminated gardens after dark, here are 7 things to do in Dorset this October half term.
🎃 1. Go Pumpkin Picking
October wouldn't be complete without picking a pumpkin! There are several pumpkin patches within easy reach of Newlands, making it easy to choose your perfect pumpkin before heading back to your accommodation for some Halloween decorating.
Address: Newlands Farm, Mosterton, Dorset
Dates: 24–31 October 2026
Opening: 10am–4pm
A local option for a traditional autumn day out. Keep an eye out for the 2026 pumpkin-picking dates and opening information.
Address: Washingpool Farm, North Allington, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5HP
Dates: TBC
Just outside Bridport, Washingpool Farm is another option for seasonal pumpkin fun. It's also easy to combine with a trip into Bridport or a visit to West Bay.
Address: Castlewood Farm, Musbury, Axminster, EX13 8SS
Dates: 23–31 October 2026
Opening: 10am–3pm
Choose your pumpkin and enjoy the autumn atmosphere at Castlewood Farm, with family activities and photo opportunities available too.
Always check directly with the attraction before travelling, as dates and activities can change.
👻 2. Spend a Night at the Museum in Lyme Regis
Fancy something a little spooky?
Head to Lyme Regis Museum for their Night at the Museum event during October half term. After dark, the museum takes on a spooky atmosphere, making this a fun evening activity for families.
Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA
Date: Thursday 29 October 2026
Time: 6pm–8.30pm
While you're in Lyme Regis, why not make a day of it? Explore the seafront, walk along the Cobb and head down to the beach for some fossil hunting before your spooky evening at the museum.
🐷 3. Halloween Half Term at Farmer Palmer's
For a full day of family fun, head to Farmer Palmer's Farm Park near Poole.
Their Halloween Half Term runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, combining all the usual farm park favourites with Halloween-themed activities.
Address: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6EU
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
Opening: 9.30am–4pm
Meet the animals, explore the play areas and enjoy the seasonal Halloween fun. It's particularly suited to younger children and makes a great full-day outing.
✨ 4. See Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens in a Different Light
As the sun goes down, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens comes alive with colour during October Illuminate.
Running from 24–31 October 2026, the gardens are transformed after dark with illuminated displays, creating a magical autumn evening for all the family.
Address: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LA
Dates: 24–31 October 2026
You can also explore the gardens during the daytime, making this a great option for combining an autumn day out with an evening event.
🎃 5. Head to Coppet Hill for Pumpkin Day
If pumpkin picking is on your October half-term list, don't miss Pumpkin Day at Coppet Hill.
Taking place on Friday 30 October, the afternoon is packed with Halloween-themed activities, including pumpkin picking and decorating, games and competitions.
Address: Purcombe Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6RL
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 2pm–5pm
Fancy dress is encouraged, so it's the perfect excuse to bring the children's Halloween costumes along for your Dorset break!
🧙 6. Take on the Halloween Garden Adventure at Forde Abbey
Explore the gardens at Forde Abbey with a Halloween twist this half term.
The Halloween Garden Adventure runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, with Halloween themed activities and plenty to discover around the gardens.
Address: Forde Abbey House & Gardens, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU
Dates: 24 October–1 November 2026
Opening: 10.30am–4pm
Fancy dress is encouraged, making this another great choice for families looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
🌊 7. Explore the Jurassic Coast
Of course, you don't need a special event to enjoy Dorset during October half term.
Sometimes the best days out are simply wrapping up warm, pulling on your wellies and heading to the beach.
We're just a short walk from Charmouth Beach, where you can enjoy an autumn beach walk, search for fossils and explore one of the most famous stretches of the Jurassic Coast.
You could also head into nearby Lyme Regis to explore the harbour, walk along the Cobb or stop for lunch before returning to Newlands.
Autumn can be a fantastic time to explore the coast, with fewer crowds and plenty of fresh sea air.
Stay at Newlands This October Half Term
After a day of pumpkin picking, Halloween adventures and exploring the Jurassic Coast, come back to Newlands Holidays for even more half-term fun!
We're getting into the Halloween spirit around the park too, with kids' clubs, evening entertainment, fancy dress fun and Halloween-themed activities taking place throughout half term. Keep an eye on our activity programme and reception for the full line-up of activities and times.
And it's not just the activities getting a spooky makeover! Our holiday accommodation will be decorated for Halloween, helping to make your October break feel extra special from the moment you arrive. 🎃👻
We're also kicking off half term with our End of Season Party on Saturday 24 October! 🎉 Get your fancy dress ready and join us for an evening of Halloween fun and entertainment.
Whether you're planning a spooky family adventure or simply want a few days by the coast, October half term is a great time to discover Dorset – with plenty happening both on and off the park.
Ready to plan your October half term escape? Book your stay at Newlands Holidays and start planning your Dorset adventure.
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