There's fun for all the family this October half-term in Bath, including crafty activities at the city's museums, special events, outdoor trails, pumpkin picking, and thrilling days out for Halloween.

Autumn activities at Bath's top attractions

We all love carving our pumpkins this time of year, but how about creating your own origami version? Give it a go at The Assembly Rooms, where you'll find a range of other spooky activities to try, such as crafting 3D haunted paper houses and colouring Halloween scenes, as well as the chance to take part in trick-or-treat hula! Or, celebrate this year's 'Big Draw' Festival at the Victoria Art Gallery, where you can fashion your own abstract art piece using washi tape and colouring pencils. 

Set off on a family adventure at The Roman Baths, where you'll need to unravel a series of clues to find the snake-haired head of Medusa, inspired by author Marie Basting's new book 'Auntie Medusa and Me.' You'll also have the chance to meet Basting at a special event on 26 October, and craft your own Medusa headdress in sessions throughout half-term.

Enjoy free admission for families at the Holburne Museum and explore their ‘Fantastical Story’ gallery trail inspired by Paula Rego’s work, plus a wonderful range of creative activities.

Explore the Colonnades, Undercroft, and medieval sites under the Grand Parade in an exciting open doors event from 25 October - 1 November. Children can also join in half-term activities including pumpkin carving, performances, a living maze, and a winter garden installation.

Make a 200-year-old optical illusion, enter a Lego Dinosaur competition, and play with the Stone Age to Iron Age timeline at BRLSI’s Academy of Imagination, or make gothic stained-glass windows at the Museum of Bath Architecture.

Nearby, the spectacular Luxmuralis installation is showcasing Bath Abbey in a way never seen before. Marvel as the building's stunning stained glass windows are brought to life before your eyes, giving you the chance to appreciate their intricate design touches in a new light, to the rousing sound of a bespoke music composition. Children can also take part in star and light inspired crafts.

Make a fun family portrait or a mini matchbox keepsake at No. 1 Royal Crescent (free crafts included with paid admission), or discover centuries-old shadow puppets and show off your puppet storytelling skills at the Museum of East Asian Art. After seeing how the expert artisans made them, you can have a go at creating your own shadow puppet too. 

Families can also watch an out-of-this-world adventure at the Stories in the Sky planetarium event by Herschel Museum of Astronomy at Bath Central Library on Thursday 31 October. 

Halloween highlights 

Get into the Halloween spirit at Wookey Hole's annual spooktacular, where you can explore the ancient cave network, follow a giant pumpkin trail, and enjoy a brand new original show, Ghost Pirates, in the Circus. There's also a chance to get involved in fancy dress competitions and challenge the family to a round of Monster Golf among all the other usual attractions, including the on-site museum, 4D cinema, vintage penny arcades, soft play areas, and more. 

Pick your perfect pumpkin at Avon Valley Adventure Park, with a wide selection of all shapes and sizes to choose from, as well as a unique festival atmosphere after dark, with firepits, street food, performers, and a pop-up bar for parents. Older children can also test their courage at FEARless, a tamed down version of Avon Valley's annual FEAR event, with four scare attractions featuring milder frights, alongside fairground rides, fire shows, and more. 

Haynes Motor Museum is celebrating Halloween with their new interactive 'Track or Treat' trail, featuring a series of cryptic rhymes and riddles hidden across the venue's collection of iconic cars and motorbikes from across the ages. 

Outdoor trails

Feel the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot by heading out on one of the many outdoor trails in and around Bath this half-term.

A visit to Westonbirt Arboretum is a must as always, with its stunning displays of autumn colour, and family 'Tree Guardians' trail.

Elsewhere at Prior Park Landscape Garden (free entry Monday to Friday during half term), Dyrham Park, and Bowood, you'll find spider, bat, and pumpkin-themed trails to complete as you wander across their beautiful grounds, with prizes to be won! Or head to the American Museum & Gardens for American Halloween trails and family activities.

There's also plenty of fun to be had come rain or shine at Longleat Safari Park. Meet adorable animals from across the world, carve pumpkins, take a ride down a giant hay slide, drive mini-tractors, enjoy live storytelling, and much more. 

Fancy something a little more relaxed? Bath's many parks and gardens are the perfect place to go for an autumnal walk and admire the colourful foliage.

Please note that trains between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads will not stop at Bath Spa from Monday 28th to Thursday 31st October. Replacement road transport is planned between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa – both non-stop and stopping at Keynsham and Oldfield Park. The X39 bus service runs up to every 15 minutes between Bristol and Bath.

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