Looking to enjoy an autumnal family adventure in Bath this October half term? Some of the city’s biggest attractions have plenty in store for you, from family-friendly trails and exhibitions to spooky Halloween events… 

See Planet Earth from a new perspective at Bath Abbey

Don’t miss Luke Jerram’s spectacular touring Gaia artwork, on display at Bath Abbey until 29 October. Featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, the piece provides a fantastic opportunity to see our planet floating in three dimensions. 

Image: Bath Abbey 

There are a range of additional fun events to get involved in while you’re visiting, as part of the Abbey’s ‘Treasuring Creation’ Festival. Discover eco-crafting workshops on the ‘Wonderful World’ trail, available on the Welcome Desk or online via the Abbey’s website, or join a ‘Treasuring Earth’ tour with one of the Abbey’s friendly guides and learn about Gaia and treasuring our planet from a Christian perspective. 

Explore Brick America at The American Museum & Gardens

See the iconic sights of the United States in a unique new way at the American Museum & Gardens, where LEGO artist Warren Elsmore and his team have been hard at work. Experience 40 incredible models and mosaics of famous American buildings, cityscapes, and vehicles, as well as those inspired by movies, history, celebrities and more.

After getting inspired by the exhibits, craft your own LEGO creations at building stations throughout the gallery, with the chance to win your way into the Brick America Hall of Fame! Or, flex your creative muscles in a different way with a special graffiti wall made out of LEGO bricks. 

Children can also visit the museum dressed in a favourite Halloween costume throughout half term week and experience a real American Trick or Treat experience at the museum, featuring a scavenger hunt in the gardens and a potion trail around the manor house. 

Image: American Museum & Gardens 

Catch a show

Back in the city centre, you can find more all-weather entertainment with Spontaneous Potter Kidz at Komedia Bath. This smash hit Harry Potter-themed comedy play is entirely improvised based on the suggestions of young witches, wizards and their families. There’ll be tears of laughter as entirely new Potter adventures are magically improvised before your eyes, with live musical accompaniment. 

For a different kind of show, head to Baba Yaga at The Egg. This contemporary fairytale adventure is based on the Slavic stories of Baba Yaga, and tells the story of a brother and sister forced to flee from their home, in a celebration of the bravery of children.

 

Image: The Egg, credit Philip Vile 

Get creative at Bath's museums

This year, half term falls on the same week as Bath Museums Week, and many of the city's cultural attractions are offering creative craft activities to celebrate! 

Make a marvellous golden Minerva mask to celebrate the Roman Goddess at The Roman Baths, create creatures, glasses and masks inspired by artworks at the Victoria Art Gallery, or fashion mini clay cats and fans while enjoying free entry at The Holburne Museum. 

Image: The Roman Baths 

Head to Bath Preservation Trust's museums for more crafting fun, with kids going free when accompanied by paying adults. Try your hand at building your own air-powered comet at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and see how far it'll fly, be the architect of your own bug hotel at No. 1 Royal Crescent, or make your own mosaic clay snail inspired by nature at Beckford’s Tower. 

Image: The Georgrobe at No.1 Royal Crescent, credit Future Proof Creative 

There’s also the chance to get into character as a Georgian with No.1 Royal Crescent’s ‘Georgrobe’ dressing up experience, featuring a selection of Regency-style costumes and accessories. Or, immerse yourself in everything Austen and do some dressing up at The Jane Austen Centre. 

Go for a Ghoulish Day Out 

Many of the region’s attractions are staging family-friendly events for Halloween, from spooky underground experiences at Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge & Caves to relaxed scare attractions, fire shows and more at Avon Valley’s FEARless event on Saturday 21 and 28 October. Many attractions are also offering pick-your-own pumpkin patch experiences to get into the Halloween spirit, including Avon Valley's Pumpkin Patch Nights and Newton Farm's Bath Pumpkin Patch. 

Image: Wookey Hole Caves 

Set off on a quest to restore Birtha at Westonbirt Arboretum

Admiring spectacular Autumn colours while letting the kids run off some steam at Westonbirt Arboretum is a must this half term. Based just under an hour’s drive to the north of Bath, this 600-acre site is home to 3,000 different tree species, a range of outdoor family activities, and various wood trails, allowing all the family to enjoy a fantastic day out in nature. 

Image: Westonbirt Arboretum

Set off on a brand-new family trail to restore Birtha, the woodland spirit of Autumn, to her colourful self by finding all of her missing friends. You’ll be guided by Barry the Earthworm, who will give you fun facts and extra autumnal activities on your quest. Afterwards, try crafting your own woodland characters in the Great Oak Hall. 

Outdoor Adventures Near Bath

There's plenty of other seasonal fun to be had just outside Bath over the school holidays, from a spider trail at Dyrham Park, a puzzle trail with prizes to be won at Prior Park Landscape Garden, a bug hunt and brand-new motorcyle exhibition at Haynes Motor Museum, a pumpkin trail at Bowood House & Gardens, and Halloween-themed activities from tobogganing to archery at Mendip Activity Centre. 

Image: Dyrham Park 

Embrace the Great British Autumn at Longleat  

Take a half-hour drive south of Bath and try your hand at a range of activities come rain or shine inside The Longhouse at Longleat Safari Park, from ride-on tractors to chainsaw carving. There's also a pumpkin trail in the beautiful grounds around Longleat House and carving stations, as well as Longleat’s famous drive-through safari. 

Have a Hoot at Avon Valley Railway

Set off on a beautiful steam train ride along the Avon Valley Railway this half term, where you’ll be entertained by Gizmo the Wizard before heading back to the station. There, you can enjoy falconry displays featuring amazing birds of prey, and an autumnal trail around the station. Best of all, children visiting in Halloween fancy dress will travel free! 

Image: Avon Valley Railway 

Read more

• Things to do in Bath this Autumn 
• Places to stay with kids in and around Bath 
• Family Friendly Places to Eat and Drink in Bath