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Half term and Halloween events in Norfolk 2025

Family Activities in Cornwall This October Half Term & Halloween

Looking for the best family activities in Cornwall this October half term? From spooky Halloween events to cosy coastal adventures, Cornwall offers endless fun for families during the autumn holidays. Enjoy pumpkin picking, Halloween trails, and family-friendly days out at Cornwall’s top attractions. Whether you’re exploring the Eden Project, meeting animals on a local farm, or walking along windswept beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the best things to do in Cornwall with kids this October and November half term — and make unforgettable memories in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.

Go to our full family event listings in Norfolk

Want to know what Halloween and October Half Term activities are taking place in Norfolk?  Read on...

 

Norfolk Museums – Norwich Castle

Norwich Castle Keep is now fully open after one of the largest heritage projects in recent years, generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. You can now explore from basement to battlements, including the King’s Chamber and the Great Hall, and view The Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum Partnership, showcasing medieval treasures from East Anglia and beyond. This half-term, join in with medieval inspired activities and don’t miss the amazing story-telling projections!

Find out about events at all the Norfolk Museums as well as how to save with a Norfolk Museums Pass at www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

 

Off with a BANG!

Now that school is back and we are already at the end of the first term, are you worried about your child’s progress, are they struggling with things like reading, spelling and keeping up? These difficulties can stem from an underlying learning difficulty like dyslexia, which, if unidentified, can hinder progress. Getting a screening test for Dyslexia is easier than you may think. Knowing that Dyslexia is an issue is important as it allows schools to provide appropriate help and reduce anxiety.

Find out more and make an appointment at: www.4dyslexics.com

 

You can help keep Horses Safe from Fireworks

“Horses are sensitive animals with a strong instinct to flee from danger. Each year, many are injured or even lose their lives after being spooked by fireworks. Their distress not only harms them but can also put handlers and the public at risk.

Redwings is calling on the government to reduce the maximum legal noise level for fireworks from 120 decibels to 90 decibels. This simple change would lessen suffering while still allowing displays to be enjoyed. Please sign our Keep Horses In Mind petition and share it widely, your support makes a real difference.”

Find out more at https://www.redwings.org.uk/what-we-do/our-campaigning/fireworks-and-horses

 

Take a magical journey this Christmas aboard one of the North Norfolk Railway's festive trains!

Climb aboard the Norfolk Lights Express, a historic steam train covered in thousands of tiny lights and experience an after-dark steam train ride like no other. Enjoy the ever-changing lights as they shine out onto the scenery as well as special displays along the line brought to life by a special soundtrack.

Or hop onto one of the line's popular Santa Specials where you can relax and enjoy festive treats and entertainment before stopping off at Santa's Grotto to receive a special gift!

For more information please see www.nnrailway.co.uk/special-events/

 

 

 

 

Get ready for spooktacular family fun this October half term at Pleasurewood Chills.

From 25th October to 2nd November, the park is packed with Halloween excitement for all ages. Meet creepy crawlies in the Creepy Cave, carve your perfect pumpkin, and enjoy all your favourite rides and attractions. Older siblings and the bravest visitors can test their nerves in our thrilling scare mazes. Then, join us on Sunday 2nd November as we end the season in style with an epic firework finale by Titanium Fireworks.

Don’t miss out—book your tickets now at pleasurewoodhills.com.

 

The Ultimate Christmas Experiences for ages 1 to 101!

Don’t miss Norfolk’s premium festive events this November and December, with Thursford’s Santa’s Magical Journey and Enchanted Journey of Light! Step inside a Winter Wonderland like no other as you travel to Santa’s workshop, with twinkling lights and animatronic elves, polar bears and more! Your journey continues outside with giant luminated lanterns lighting up the fields of Thursford. From big bugs to an underwater world to safari jungle, there’s so much to see! New sculptures being added for 2025!

Both events include entry to Fantasy Land and Enchanted Journey of Light. To include a visit to Father Christmas book Santa’s Magical Journey (maximum 8 people per booking).

Thursford is running a Relaxed Day on Sunday 30th November with sessions between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. During this time there will be reduced visitor numbers, lowering music volume and softer lighting.

Thursford has free parking, changing places facilities, a selection of retail shops and catering options. New for 2025 (for an additional fee and subject to availability on the day of arrival) is Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair, a 30,000sqft play park themed around a vintage fairground.

Running from 22nd November until 24th December (dates and times vary), book your tickets now at www.thursford.com.

 

Also, Thursford’s Santa’s Magical Journey and Enchanted Journey of Light

When twilight falls the magic begins at Thursford! Journey through Fantasy Land to Santa’s workshop before venturing outside to giant luminated lanterns. Book now at www.thursford.com. To meet Father Christmas, book Santa’s Magical Journey. November – December (dates and times vary).

 

Mattishall Golf Club

Pick up a putter, grab a score card and start putting your way around our 9-hole fun and challenging Indoor Mini Golf course, which has been custom designed for our Academy building and is a great way for families of all ages to play together.

Here rain never stops play, so it’s ideal for birthday parties, family get togethers, even those less than sunny school holidays. During Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas periods, the course is specially themed to add to the fun. Don’t forget to take that all-important photo for the ‘gram on our floral photo wall before or after your game.

Suitable for 3yrs and upwards.

Find out more at www.mattishallgolfclub.co.uk

 

 

Billingford Lakes and Country Park

Welcome to Billingford Lakes & Country Park – Nature Walks start from the Lakeside Café  and they have three guided Nature Walks ranging in distance across their 150-acre site which surrounds their tranquil lakes, incorporates beautiful wildlife and includes lots of fun activities.

 

Nature Walks at Billingford Lakes

Walking the Nature Walks is a great way to catch up with friends, improve your fitness and explore nature. With stunning viewpoints, wood carvings, wildlife hides, activities and play areas all en route their Nature Walks create the perfect day out for all ages. The walks do include slight inclines and are natural tracks but have no physical barriers such as stiles, making them suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids (depending on the weather conditions).

When you arrive, you must park in the main car park and head to the Lakeside Café (catering vehicle) open Monday-Friday 9am-3pm and weekends 9am-4pm to purchase your ticket/s via cash or card. You are welcome outside of these hours but put your money in the honesty box or pay the site bailiff. You will receive a map & gate code and an activity sheet for the little ones. Ticket/s provide you with unlimited access to all their walks that same day. Toilets are also on-site.

Find out more at www.billingfordlakes.co.uk

 

Get Me Out of Here! Halloween Adventure Returns to Wroxham Barns

This October Half Term, join in for a jungle-inspired Halloween adventure at Wroxham Barns! Explore Ranger Rita’s Riddle Maze, take on bushtucker trials and get close to creepy crawlies in the Critter Barn. Meet friendly animals like alpacas Ant and Dec and enjoy unlimited play in the Fun Park. Tickets start at £12.95 for adults/children, £3 for infants, with babies free. Runs 25th October–2nd November.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Patch on selected dates this October – free entry, pumpkins priced individually.

Find out more at wroxhambarns.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Jack and the Beanstalk  at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

Prepare to embark on an enchanting journey with next year's GIANT pantomime… Jack and the Beanstalk! Taking to the stage from Tuesday 9 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Following the magical fairytale, Cinderella, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange are  thrilled to present a LARGER-THAN-LIFE adventure!

Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the lovable Clarabelle the Cow for an unforgettable escapade filled with FE-FI-FO-FUN! This spectacular production will transport you to a world of magic beans, a majestic castle in the clouds, and a walking, talking, and rather bad-tempered Giant. It’ll be the STALK of the town, and you won't want to miss a moment of this magical extravaganza!

Find out more at www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

 

senSI

“At senSI, we are a dedicated multidisciplinary team offering high-quality specialist assessments and a comprehensive range of therapeutic treatments, aligning NICE guidelines.

 Our approach combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, person-centred ethos, ensuring every individual receives tailored, evidence based care.

 Our treatment services include:

• Sensory Integration Therapy

• Motor Coordination Sessions

 • SI Climbing Activities

• Psychotherapy – Dance, Play, Integrative, and Art Therapies

• Psychological Therapy – CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR

 • Sleep Coaching

 • Therapeutic Parenting Support

• SEN-Friendly Haircuts

 • Therapressure Brushing

• Therapeutic Listening Programme

• Home Programmes

• Sensory Integration Room Hire

 • SenSI is a Short Breaks provider

Tel: 01508 578577 Email: info@sensitreatment.com Visit: www.sensitreatment.com”

 

Message from ISLTS - Our Parent’s Say It Best …..

“If I hadn't found ISLTS when we had I don’t know where we would be with regards to A’s speech! He is now 8 and is a confident and kind little human! And an absolute math genius…

Looking at him now you would never believe he was the little boy who didn’t want to speak… he is never quiet now and loves to sing!

You really are people that change little people's lives!”

We understand that seeking out speech and language support for your child can feel overwhelming and stressful. However, with over 30 years of experience, we are here to provide as much support for you and your family as we can.

Find out more about our services and free school holiday advice sessions at

www.islts.co.uk or office@islts.co.uk or 01603 664433

 

The Great Little Indoor Adventure Awaits…

Not visited Wroxham Miniature Worlds? Don’t miss out on the new Mike Pearce Matchbox Collection. Discover one of the largest collections of Matchbox diecast vehicles in the country featuring 18,000 vehicles. Then continue exploring their Miniature Worlds featuring model railways of the UK, Europe, and Japan. To their little brick world, full of miniature scenes and a fantastic quiz to challenge the whole family. Learn to fly planes on their simulators and take on your family on their retro gaming arcades. Relive forgotten memories of your childhood toys and share the memories with your children that will last a lifetime.

Contact details for Wroxham Miniature Worlds:

Website: https://wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk/

Email: info@wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk

Telephone: 01603 781728

 

 

A day of pumpkins and play!

This October, spooky season is coming to Hirsty’s Family Fun Park! Pick your perfect pumpkin from their patch to carve in their tent (one free per child), explore the maze and enjoy all their play equipment too.

Here, you’ll find trampolines, mini tractors, bouncy castles and their barrel train, plus go-karts, crazy croquet, inflatables, swings and slides, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained!
Their on-site café will be serving tasty treats and lunches, and their nearby farm shop, fish counter and café is open daily.
Book online for the best prices or pay on the day.

Find out more at hirstysfamilyfunpark.co.uk

 

 

Kids Go Free this Half Term at Bure Valley Railway

During this October half term holiday, Saturday, 25th October to Sunday, 2nd November climb aboard the Bure Valley Railway where children travel FREE. Trains will operate throughout each day from both Aylsham Station and Wroxham Station (NR12 8UU). .

Each child will receive a Halloween themed children’s activity sheet and spooky items will be down the line for them to spot during the train journey.  Their Whistlestop Café at Aylsham Station will be offering Halloween Kids Lunchboxes which can be pre-ordered or purchased on the day.

To make this a truly family-friendly event, the Railway is giving free travel for every child up to the age of 15 when accompanied by a full fare-paying adult (maximum of 2 children per adult).  Adult Return is £24.00 Extra Children £12.00. Advanced booking is advisable.  Visit www.bvrw.co.uk for train times

 

Millgate Music

“At Millgate Music in Trowse, Norwich, we believe that music is a gift for everyone. Led by professional, qualified musicians, our lessons are designed to help you play with joy, learn with purpose, and achieve musical mastery. We offer personalised guidance in violin, piano, music theory, and composition, helping you build skills and foster confidence in a welcoming environment. Whether you're learning for yourself or preparing for exams, we'll guide you every step of the way.Unlock your potential—start your musical journey with a FREE lesson today!”

 

Thrigby Hall

Looking for the perfect family day out this October half term? Head to Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens for an adventure filled with amazing animals and autumn fun! Meet tigers, red pandas, gibbons and more as you explore the beautiful gardens and historic grounds. Take part in their Pumpkin Trail by hunting down hidden pumpkins and solving the clues — every completed trail gives you the chance to WIN family day tickets or even a season ticket for more visits throughout the year. With wildlife, play areas and spooktacular fun, Thrigby is the place to be this half term!

 

Norfolk Family Learning is empowering families through free, school-based courses designed for parents and children to learn together.

From staying safe online to healthy cooking and homework help, these sessions build confidence, strengthen bonds, and support lifelong learning. Delivered in a friendly, inclusive environment, the courses are tailored to everyday challenges and practical skills. Whether you're brushing up on maths, exploring digital safety, or discovering nutritious recipes, Norfolk Family Learning makes education accessible and enjoyable for all. It’s a brilliant way to connect with your child’s learning journey while gaining valuable tools for home and life. Join in and grow together!

Find out more at www.norfolk.gov.uk/adultlearning, 0344 800 8020 or alfamilylearning@norfolk.gov.uk

 

Jingle your way through Thetford Forest – Sunday 14th December

Get your running shoes out, your Christmas Santa hat on and join Big C Cancer Charity as they jingle through Thetford Forest for a festive 2.5k or 5k family fun challenge. Whether you want to walk or run the route, wrist bands with jingle bells will recreate that wonderful Christmas sound of Santa’s sleigh. Why not make a day of it and enjoy all the delights that Thetford Forest has to offer; have fun completing the Elf Trail or warm up with a festive treat in the café.

All proceeds from the Jingle Jangle Fun Run will go towards helping support local people affected by cancer across Norfolk and beyond.

Adults - £12.50, children - £1.

Find out more at www.big-c.co.uk (search Jingle Jangle)

 

 

Your Voice Matters: Why participation and co-production are vital in children’s healthcare
Beth Dawson, Co-production Coordinator, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C)

“Children’s healthcare is evolving. Listening to children, young people, and families is now recognised as essential. They use the services, so they should help shape them.

Across the UK, families are increasingly involved in planning and delivering care. This is called participation: being part of decisions about your care. Co-production goes further, children, parents, and professionals work together to improve services. Children are experts in their own lives and know what works best.

When young voices are heard, care becomes more respectful, effective, and tailored to real needs. It also boosts confidence, pride, and trust between families and healthcare teams.

There are many ways to get involved: through youth groups, parent panels, surveys, interviews, or creative projects. Even encouraging your child to ask questions can make a difference.

Children and young people aren’t just patients - they’re partners. Their voices matter. And when they’re heard, healthcare improves for everyone.

NCH&C has a youth forum where young people help improve care. Want to learn more?”

Visit: https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/young-voices-together

 

 

Boost swimming skills in Autumn

151469481625. is an important life skill to learn, especially in Norfolk! Autumn is a great time to push on with swimming skills after summer fun. Doubling up private lessons with school swimming lessons turbo boosts progression. Get your child water ready for summer 2026 by learning to swim early. Get started with an intensive school holiday course, where children from age 4 swim for 30 minutes for 4/5 days in a row. Children learn quickly and reinforce skills for rapid progression. Norwich Penguins has been established for over 90 years. They make swimming fun and have a great team ready to support your family.

 Visit www.norwichpenguins.co.uk, email norwichpenguinslts@gmail.com or call 01603984949.

 

The Polar Express Train Ride at Mid Norfolk Railway

"All aboard for a magical journey this festive season! The Mid-Norfolk Railway invites you to step into the enchanting world of The Polar Express™ Train Ride. Let the bells chime, and your imagination soar as you and your loved ones are swept into the sights, sounds, and wonder of the beloved Christmas film. Sip hot chocolate, wear your pyjamas, meet dancing chefs and elves, and don’t forget: everyone’s favourite part — Do you believe? It’s a festive experience like no other, fun for children, nostalgic for adults. Secure your tickets before they disappear!"

 

Festive family fun at Norwich Theatre

This Christmas, Norwich Theatre is bursting with festive magic for all ages. Step into the sparkle with Cinderella (6 Dec – 4 Jan), a pantomime packed with singing, dancing, laughter, and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss! Little ones will love The Cat in the Hat (11–21 Dec), a mischievous Dr Seuss adventure bursting with rhymes, tricks and laughter, perfect for ages 3+ and a brilliant first taste of live theatre. Then head outdoors for Festive Forest Fables (28 Nov–23 Dec) at Roarr Dinosaur Park, where Cinderella’s story bursts into life in a dazzling outdoor trail. More than a show, it’s a walk-through fairytale where you become part of the story.

 

 

Stranger Folk, spiders and super-natural trees at National Trust places this October

Make the most of autumn as a family – from ghoulish tricks to nature’s treats, National Trust places in Norfolk are serving up heaps of Halloween adventures that crackle with nature and old magic. Join the hunt for the spiders in the woodland at Felbrigg Estate, follow a new Treelore Trail at Sheringham Park, or head to Blickling Estate for an immersive adventure with the Stranger Folk app – inspired by British folklore. The quest starts with a voice note from a mysterious Old Crone. Will you answer the call, gather your team and work together to close the rift before mischief turns to mayhem?!

Find out more at: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk

 

 

 

Thetford Garden Centre

Rooted in family values and driven by a commitment to sustainability, Thetford Garden Centre offers more than plants. As a proud B-Corporation, it balances people, planet and purpose, creating a space where both gardeners and nature thrive. Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared meals in the welcoming Lime Kiln Kitchen, bring along their dogs, and take part in a calendar of events that run throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just discovering the joy of gardening, Thetford Garden centre is a true destination, authentic, down-to-earth, and dedicated to making a difference.