Family-Friendly Things to Do This October Half Term Near Callow Top

October half term is a lovely time to visit the Peak District. The summer crowds have eased, the countryside is changing colour and, with Halloween just around the corner, there are plenty of extra family activities and events taking place locally.

If you’re staying with us at Callow Top this October half term, you’ll find plenty to do within easy reach of the park – from pumpkin picking and Halloween trails to theme parks, cable cars, cavern tours and autumn walks.

Here are a few ideas for your stay.

🎃 Halloween Maze & Pumpkin Patch at Dove Fields

24th October – 1st November 2026

For some Halloween fun close to Ashbourne, head to Dove Fields at Draycott in the Clay for their Halloween Maze and Pumpkin Patch.

The maze gets a Halloween makeover for October, and families can make their way through before visiting the pumpkin patch to choose a pumpkin.

During October half term, the Halloween Maze and Pumpkin Patch is open daily from 11am until 8pm, with last entry at 7pm – so you can even visit as the evenings begin to get dark for a little extra Halloween atmosphere!

There are refreshments available on site, along with a picnic area and children’s outdoor play area.

Being close to Ashbourne, this is one of the more local Halloween activities to enjoy while staying at Callow Top.

🧙 Halloween at Ilam Park

24th – 31st October 2026

Beautiful Ilam Park is only a short drive from Callow Top and has several family activities taking place over October half term.

The Journey Through Time Trail takes families on an adventure through millions of years of history, with clues, questions and challenges to complete around the park. Trails cost £3 and include a prize.

For something a little spookier, children aged seven and over can try the Stranger Folk Halloween Trail, following the Old Crone on a magical adventure around Ilam Park.

Young witches and wizards can also learn how to make their very own broomstick at a special workshop on 28th October.

You could easily combine a visit to Ilam with a walk into nearby Dovedale – although we’d recommend bringing your boots at this time of year!

👻 Scarefest at Alton Towers

Selected dates until 1st November 2026

Around 20 minutes’ drive from Callow Top, Alton Towers is transformed for Halloween during its annual Scarefest.

It isn’t all about big scares either. Alongside the scarier attractions for older children and adults, there’s plenty of family-friendly Halloween entertainment, making it suitable for a wide range of ages.

For those brave enough, many of the park’s major rides also continue after dark, giving you a completely different Alton Towers experience.

With Callow Top so close to the theme park, we’re also an ideal base if you’re planning an Alton Towers day during your half-term break.

🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail at Sudbury Hall

2nd October – 2nd November 2026

For younger children, The Children’s Country House at Sudbury is hosting a special Very Hungry Caterpillar trail throughout October.

Inspired by Eric Carle’s much-loved story, children can follow the caterpillar’s journey around the stable yard and gardens, finding fruit and other treats along the way before eventually emerging as a butterfly.

There are games, activities and interesting nature facts to discover as you make your way around the trail.

It’s a particularly good option for families with younger children looking for something a little less spooky!

🎃 Fang-tastic Halloween Festival at Matlock Farm Park

24th October – 1st November 2026

Matlock Farm Park’s popular Halloween Festival & Pumpkin Patch is back for October half term.

Families can venture into the Forbidden Forest on a spooky woodland trail, solve riddles and take part in Halloween games, while Witch Wendolyn will be running daily craft workshops.

There’s also a pumpkin patch, with every child with a paid admission ticket receiving a pumpkin to pick and carve.

Keep an eye out for Matlock’s legendary Headless Horseman making his way around the farm too!

On 24th October there will also be a special Wicked-themed day with Elphaba and Glinda, including singing, dancing, games and photo opportunities.

Of course, all the usual farm park attractions and animals will be there too, making this an easy full-day family outing.

🚡 Halloween at the Heights of Abraham

19th – 31st October 2026

A trip to the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath starts with one of the best journeys to an attraction in the area – travelling high above the Derwent Valley by cable car.

During October half term, the Heights adds some Halloween fun to its usual attractions.

Families can search for mischievous Tommy-knockers, meet Belinda Broomsticks and spot Halloween scarecrows around the estate.

Your day can also include the Heights’ woodland and sculpture trails, adventure playgrounds and fascinating underground tours of the Great Masson and Rutland caverns.

And if the October weather isn’t behaving itself, spending part of the day underground isn’t such a bad idea!

🚋 Halloween Fun at Crich Tramway Village

26th – 30th October 2026

Historic trams and Halloween might sound like an unusual combination, but Crich Tramway Village has plenty of spooky family fun planned for half term.

Follow the Halloween Trail along the Woodland Walk, enjoy Halloween crafts, meet the face painter and settle down for spooky stories aboard a tram.

There will also be a Halloween show along with tricks and treats to discover on the woodland trail.

There’s plenty to explore beyond the Halloween activities too. Families can ride the historic trams, wander along the recreated period street and explore the museum and exhibitions.

Halloween activities run from 10am until 4:30pm from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October.

🍂 Or Keep Things Simple and Explore the Peak District

You don’t necessarily need an organised event to have a great family day out during October half term.

Autumn is one of the prettiest times of year to explore the Peak District, and Callow Top makes a great starting point.

You can walk or cycle straight from the park onto the Tissington Trail, head to Dovedale for a walk to the famous stepping stones, explore Carsington Water, spend an afternoon in Matlock Bath, or visit the shops and cafés of Bakewell.

And, of course, Ashbourne is only around a 20-minute walk from Callow Top, so you don’t even need to take the car for a wander into town.

🍁 October Half Term at Callow Top

With Halloween events, family attractions and some of the Peak District’s best-known places all within easy reach, there’s plenty to fill an October half-term break.

Back at Callow Top, you can enjoy the slower pace of an autumn camping or touring break while still having plenty of family days out on the doorstep.

If you’re planning to visit any of the organised Halloween events, we’d recommend checking the latest information and booking tickets directly with the attraction before travelling, as some of the most popular half-term events can sell out.

We look forward to welcoming you to Callow Top this October!