Crisp mornings, golden leaves and shiny conkers falling from the trees. It’s officially autumn, and a new season means new adventures! While it has been a bit of a difficult year for many of us, we wanted to share some fun for the October half term. From our spooktacular Halloween Afternoon Tea, to autumn walks at nearby Hampton Court Palace, it’s time to make the most of the autumn in Surrey.
Things to do October half term
1.Get spooked with Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s most thrilling theme parks with over 30 thrilling rides, attractions and events. This year, their annual fright nights take place for ages 13 and over, from 9th -11th October and 16th October – 1st November 2020. Expect terrifying events, horrifying live-action experiences and two live scare mazes.
Guests must pre-book online and are required to bring a mask. The Government’s ‘Rule of 6’ also applies to group visits.
Book tickets for Thorpe Park here
2. Halloween Afternoon Tea
This Halloween, we’re giving trick-or-treating a miss and instead we’re treating you to a frightfully good Halloween Afternoon Tea. There’s plenty of devilish delights to enjoy including skillfully pre-pared finger sandwiches, warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as Halloween themed cakes and pastries, created by our talented pastry chef. There’s a meringue ghost, pumpkin-shaped lemon cake, gravestone flourless brownie and blackcurrant bug cake.
Halloween Afternoon Tea is available to book during October half term, from Monday 26th October to Saturday 31st October from 3pm – 5pm. Adults from £26.95 per head and children £15.
3. Legoland – Lord Vampyre’s Brick or Treat.
This October half term, your little monsters will love LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort this half term. Taking place from 15th October – 1st November and 6th – 8th November 2020, the resort has been given a Halloween twist with spooky characters and promises to be a frightfully fun day out for all the family to enjoy.
Book tickets to Legoland Windsor here
4. Family trails at Hampton Court Palace
With over 60 acres of magnificent gardens, Hampton Court Palace’s free family trails are the perfect way to explore the great outdoors as a family this October half term. Discover Henry VIII’s Tudor court in the splendid baroque palace and then pick up a free trail map onsite before heading out into the gardens. Follow Tobias Gibbons, the molecatcher to Queen Elizabeth I, and find all of the Tudor characters around the gardens.
Available: Sunday 25 October to Sunday 1 November: 10:00-16.30 (last time slot 15.00)
Book tickets to Hampton Court Palace here
5. Stay the night but beware of ghostly sightings!
Did you know that Oatlands Park Hotel was considered one of Britain’s Most Haunted Hotels? While we prefer to be known for our sumptuous rooms and delicious afternoon tea, it is flattering that many of our guests are intrigued by our friendly-ghost sightings. The “grey lady” as she is referred to, has been seen in a traditional 17th century full dress, who sweeps slowly across the restaurant floor, disappearing through the wall on the west of the hotel.
Rest assured, there haven’t been any ghostly sightings in a long while and each of our rooms (even room 1313!) have been cleaned, sanitised and sealed in line with our Covid-19 secure measures, so you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved staycation this autumn.
Our two-night dinner, bed and breakfast starts from £179 per night and is available until 30th November 2020.
Book a room