Affordable autumn adventures await families in England’s forests this October half-term

8 October 2025

Affordable autumn adventures await families in England’s forests this October half-term

Looking for unforgettable days out that won’t break the bank this October half-term? Forestry England invites families to explore the magic of the nation’s forests, where a wide range of affordable and free activities are waiting to be discovered.

From illuminated trails to outdoor adventures, the nation’s forests offer the perfect setting for autumnal fun, fresh air and quality time together.

Hayley Skipper, Head of Recreation at Forestry England, said:

"There’s something truly magical about spending autumn days in the forest. Whether you're enjoying the forest after dark, trying new activities, or simply soaking up a rainbow of colour, our forests are ready to welcome families for unforgettable, affordable adventures."

Highlights of October half-term activities

Halloween illuminated trails:

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Dorset

Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure as the illuminated Halloween trail returns to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. With brand-new eerie installations, glowing paths, and ghostly surprises hidden in the woods, it’s the perfect after-dark experience for families. Expect creepy characters, a haunted pumpkin patch, and plenty of frightful fun—plus, dogs are welcome too! 

Cost: From £8 per child, £14 per adult. Free for infants. Family tickets available. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Norfolk

This half-term, High Lodge in Thetford Forest transforms into a glowing, ghostly wonderland with a brand-new illuminated Halloween trail. As night falls, follow a path of eerie lights through the trees, where glowing eyes, giant spider webs, and spooky surprises await around every corner. With interactive photo spots, dazzling effects, and even a chance to spot the Headless Horseman, it’s a fang-tastic evening for the whole family—dogs included!

Cost: From £12 per child, £17.50 per adult. Free for infants. Family tickets available. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Family trails:

Stick Man family adventure trails, various forests  

Set off on a magical woodland adventure with Stick Man this autumn. Running across 24 forests in England, these activity trails invite young explorers to help Stick Man find his way back to the family tree. 

Children can enjoy nine interactive activity stations and six spotter panels, where they'll build with sticks, learn about forest wildlife, and discover the wonders of woodland birds and their nests. Families can also buy an activity leaflet for just £1, and young adventurers will receive a special sticker as a keepsake.

Cost: £1 per activity leaflet. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Wallace & Gromit’s Forest Walkies, various forests

This autumn is your last chance for you and your dog to have a cracking adventure with Wallace and Gromit! Take fun challenges with your four-legged friend, solve crossword clues and explore the great outdoors on a  Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit – and you could even win an amazing dog-friendly holiday.

Available at 21 forests across the country, the routes are packed with games, challenges, and plenty of laughs for the whole family, including your dog! Don’t have a four-legged friend? No problem! The trail now includes a Find Feathers McGraw activity, making it just as fun for humans, too.

Simply download the route on the OS Maps app before you head out and remember to pick up your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack (£5) for tips, activities, and extras to make your woodland adventure truly unforgettable!

Cost: £5 per pack. App: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Gruffalo sculpture trail, various forests

Head into the deep dark wood to find the Gruffalo character and his friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. Each hand-carved sculpture is placed in different positions, can you find them all? Little ones will love meeting Mouse, Owl, Fox, Snake and Squirrel as well as the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's child!

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Feel good forest trails with WWF, various forests

Reconnect with nature on a feel-good forest trail created in partnership with WWF. These interactive, family-friendly trails offer a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the wonders of England’s forests and how they compare to the Amazon rainforest. 

Packed with seasonal forest-themed activities from searching for food and wildlife to listening to the sounds of trees in the autumn, each trail encourages families to explore Forestry England’s beautiful spaces, while learning about the Amazon Rainforest. Families can also download a free Feel Good Forest activity pack to keep the fun going at home.

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Family activities:

Hocus Pocus family fun day, Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Norfolk

Celebrate Halloween in style at High Lodge on Friday 31 October with a full day of spooky family fun! From 10am to 4pm, enjoy a packed programme of activities including laser tag, pumpkin carving, Halloween archery, crafts, a magician, fairground rides, and more. With stalls, extra catering, and prizes to be won, it’s the perfect way to spend a fang-tastic day out during half-term.

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Creative Halloween fun at Forestry England Alice Holt, Surrey

Let your creativity run wild at Alice Holt Forest with hands-on Luetti art kits. Inspired by nature and the autumn season, these fun, family-friendly kits are perfect for making your own masterpiece—either on site or at home. With sessions throughout the day and prices from just £5, it’s a great way to add a splash of colour to your forest adventure.

Cost: From £5 per kit, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Zoolab’s Creepy Critters at Forestry England Alice Holt, Surrey

Get hands-on with some of nature’s spookiest creatures at Zoolab’s Halloween special at High Lodge! This interactive animal handling show is packed with creepy crawlies, fascinating facts, and plenty of slime, fangs, and webs. With sessions running throughout the day—including a quieter SEN-friendly session at 9am—it’s a thrilling and educational experience for brave young explorers.

Cost: £8 per child. Two tickets for £15.  Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Try disc golf, various forests

Disc golf is a brilliant way to get your teens and tweens away from screens and into the forest this autumn. Players throw frisbee-style discs at fixed targets throughout the woodland course. Just like traditional golf, the player who completes the course with the fewest goes wins! It's affordable, fun, and lets you enjoy the outdoors while playing against friends and family.

Cost: £3.50 per disc or £12 for four discs. Members pay £3 per disc or £10 for four discs.  

Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members. 

Gruffalo orienteering, various forests 

Challenge your family with Gruffalo orienteering! Available at 11 forests, this low-cost navigational activity lets children and adults work together to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden throughout the woodland. Armed with a simple map, you'll explore the deep dark wood while developing valuable skills in map reading and decision making. Answer fun questions at each marker and race to see who can complete the trail first. Perfect for families with children of all ages, no previous experience needed!

Cost: £1.50 per Gruffalo orienteering leaflet, including map and certificate. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Family cycling adventures, various forests

With over 2,500 km of cycling trails and family-friendly off-road routes, the nation’s forests are the perfect destination for a family bike ride this autumn. Experience a kaleidoscope of colour as you pedal along dedicated cycling trails, skills areas, and beginner mountain bike routes, ideal for introducing your children to the joys of cycling. 

So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful ride through nature.

Cost: Free, bike hire charges and parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.