6 October 2026
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 is inviting 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 Gruffalo Granny storytelling events and magical Halloween trails to giant marble runs and family autumn colour-spotting, England’s forests offer the perfect setting for autumn 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
Gruffalo Granny storytelling events, selected forests
Step into the deep dark wood this October half-term and celebrate the launch of Gruffalo Granny, the brand-new story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books. Families can enjoy free storytelling sessions, themed activities and special appearances from the Gruffalo himself at 15 Forestry England forests across the country. Children can bring the newest Gruffalo adventure to life through interactive storytelling, meet-and-greet opportunities and activity booklets, before heading out into the forest to enjoy the spectacular colours of autumn.
Cost: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Room on the Broom Halloween trail, selected forests
Join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding forest adventure this Halloween. Families can follow the much-loved Room on the Broom trail, inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's popular story, helping Witch find her missing hat, bow and wand while discovering fun activities and fascinating forest facts along the way. For October, the trail has been given a Halloween twist, with magical cauldrons hidden along the route and clues to solve a special Halloween crossword. It's the perfect way for families to enjoy some woodland magic together this autumn.
Cost: £4 per trail pack. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Become a citizen scientist and help track the colours of autumn
Wrap up warm and head out on a family walk to spot the changing colours of autumn in England's forests. Families can become citizen scientists by looking out for the first signs of seasonal change and recording what they see with Forestry England's new Autumn Colour Tracker. Keep an eye out for some of the tree species featured in the tracker, including silver birch, rowan, oak, horse chestnut and beech, as forests transform into shades of gold, amber and copper. No two forests change at the same pace, making every visit a fresh opportunity to discover something new.
Cost: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Halloween at Forestry England Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Dorset
A spine-tingling after-dark adventure awaits as Halloween at Moors Valley transforms the forest into an unforgettable illuminated trail filled with eerie encounters, immersive scenes and spooky surprises. Wander beneath towering giant skeletons standing watch over the woodland, keep your distance from the sinister Demon Barber and venture into a carnivorous garden where the plants may be hungrier than they appear. Brave visitors can also uncover the secrets of ancient forest rituals hidden among the trees, with flickering lights, mysterious symbols and haunting sights around every corner. With atmospheric installations, creepy characters and plenty of thrills, it's a spectacular Halloween night out for families and friends alike.
Cost: From £8 per child, £14 per adult. Free for infants. Family tickets available. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Giant Marble Run, Forestry England Wendover Woods, Alice Holt and Grizedale
Ready, set, roll! This half-term, race and roll your way through Forestry England's giant marble run, an exciting outdoor play experience designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Pick up a wooden marble and navigate a series of larger-than-life tracks, chutes and challenges hidden among the trees.
New this season, families can also enjoy the giant marble run at Forestry England Grizedale, joining popular installations at Forestry England’s Alice Holt and Forestry England Wendover Woods.
Cost: Marble charges apply. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Try disc golf
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 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 has been 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.
Gruffalo orienteering
Challenge your family with Gruffalo orienteering! Available at 11 sites, 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
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.
Notes to Editor
Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 313 million visits in 2024/25. We use our scale and expertise to grow and care for the nation’s forests for this generation and the next. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests.
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests.
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodlands.
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
About The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is the bestselling and well-loved picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. They are the UK’s #1 author and #1 illustrator respectively (2025). The Gruffalo was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in March 1999 and went on to be recognised as ‘a modern classic’ (Robert McCrum, Observer) and ‘the Nation’s Favourite Bedtime Story’ (Radio 2). The sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child, followed in 2004 and then Gruffalo Granny, which became the fastest-selling picture book in publishing history and an instant global bestseller when it was published, in September 2026.
The original picture book stories have now sold over 19 million copies worldwide and The Gruffalo has been translated into 119 languages and dialects. Across the publishing brand, global sales have now reached over 38 million copies.
The Gruffalo Live! Theatre adaptation is produced by Tall Stories began touring in 2001, with The Gruffalo’s Child opening in 2006. The Oscar nominated animated adaptation The Gruffalo (2009), and BAFTA-nominated The Gruffalo's Child (2011) are produced by Magic Light Pictures. The Gruffalo can be found in deep dark woods up and down the country, at sites managed by Forestry England, and he features at Merlin attraction locations across the UK.
Find out more at www.gruffalo.com and TheOfficialGruffalo on Facebook.
About Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson has written some of the world’s best-loved children’s books of the last 30 years, including bestselling modern classic The Gruffalo, which has been translated into over 119 languages and dialects and its sequel The Gruffalo’s Child. Gruffalo Granny became the fastest-selling picture book in publishing history and an instant global bestseller, when it was published in September 2026, providing Julia with her first-ever number 1 position in the overall book chart.
In 2025 Julia became the UK’s bestselling author since records began, selling over 50 million books through UK Bookscan. Her other books include Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale and The Highway Rat, all illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Hospital Dog and Gozzle, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle series, as well as poems, plays and songs – and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011-13 and has been honoured with a Damehood for Services to Literature. Julia lives in West Sussex.
About Axel Scheffler
Axel Scheffler was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1957. He studied history of art in Hamburg, before moving to the United Kingdom to study illustration at Bath Academy of Art in 1982. Since then he has worked as a freelance illustrator in London. He is best known for the children's books he has illustrated through his partnership with author, Julia Donaldson. Their first book together,A Squash and a Squeeze, was published in 1993 and has sold 2.2 million copies worldwide. The duo then went on to create The Gruffalo, which has sold over 19 million copies, in 119 languages and dialects, The Gruffalo’s Child and Gruffalo Granny. He lives in London.
About Pan Macmillan
At Pan Macmillan we publish a broad and vibrant range of books for audiences of all ages from dazzling bestsellers to influential prize-winners; books to inspire lifelong readers and listeners to enduring classics for generations to come. The fourth largest UK publisher, we pride ourselves on publishing successfully and sustainably and are committed to working together to positively impact culture and society at large.
About Macmillan Children’s Books
Macmillan Children’s Books is a leading UK children’s publisher with over 150 years of history. We publish a wide range of children’s books, from classic heritage titles like Alice in Wonderland and The Jungle Book to future classics such as InvestiGators and You Are A Champion by Marcus Rashford.
We are the number one picture book publisher, and are proud to publish groundbreaking writers and illustrators including Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Rod Campbell. Our imprints include Two Hoots for fresh new picture book talent, Campbell for innovative board books, Rocket Fox for commercial non fiction, Kingfisher for illustrated non-fiction and First Ink for YA.
Media Contact:
Becky Ulewicz, Media Relations Manager | media@forestryengland.uk