Things to do in Nottinghamshire this October Half Term

October half term is the perfect excuse to escape the school routine and enjoy a few days together – and there’s plenty happening around Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire this autumn.

With colourful woodland walks, Halloween trails, family attractions and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, you certainly won’t be short of things to do.

If you’re planning an October half-term break in Nottinghamshire, here are some of our favourite ideas to add to your itinerary.

🎃 Get spooky at Rufford Abbey.

If your family enjoys a little Halloween excitement, head to Rufford Abbey Country Park, where the woodland is getting a spooky makeover this October.

Rufford’s Halloween Trail runs from 10 October to 1 November, so you can enjoy it throughout the half-term holidays. Follow the woodland trail, look out for spooky surprises and complete the challenges to claim your prize.

The trail costs just £3 per child, and dogs on leads are welcome too – making it a great option for a family day out with four-legged friends.

There’s also an indoor Fun Size Halloween Trail running from 17 October to 1 November, making Rufford a great choice for all the family.

📍 Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton.

(Check the latest Rufford Abbey events before your visit.)

🌳 Explore Sherwood Forest

Of course, no visit to this part of Nottinghamshire would be complete without spending some time in Sherwood Forest.

October is one of our favourite times of year to explore the forest, as the leaves change colour and the woodland takes on a beautiful autumnal feel.

Take a stroll beneath the ancient oaks, visit the legendary Major Oak, follow one of the walking trails or simply let the children enjoy some fresh air and space to explore.

There are also seasonal activities and family events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s happening during your stay.

And if you’re looking for something a little different, Fungi Day takes place at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre on 3 October 2026, from 10am to 4pm – while other guided nature activities take place throughout the autumn.

🍁 Top tip: Wrap up warm, bring wellies if the weather has been wet and allow plenty of time to explore.

🧗‍♀️ Take on an adventure at Sherwood Pines.

For families who like to be active, Sherwood Pines is a brilliant place to spend a day.

There are miles of woodland trails to explore on foot or by bike, or you can head off-road and experience the forest on an all-terrain Segway. Bike and Segway hire are available on site, and there’s plenty of space to enjoy a picnic and let the kids run around.

And for older children and adventurous adults, Go Ape Sherwood Pines offers a range of treetop activities, including high ropes and zip lines.

There’s an extra-special experience available this October too…

✨ Go Ape Sundown Adventures.

From 16 October to 8 November 2026, Go Ape’s Sundown Adventures bring the forest to life after dark.

Take on the treetop course as the sun goes down, with illuminated trees and glowing lights creating a completely different experience.

It’s available for adventurers aged 6+ (minimum height 1.2m.) and is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something a little more memorable during half term. Sessions are limited, so booking ahead is recommended.

🐐 Meet the animals at White Post Farm and Zoo.

For younger children, White Post Farm and Zoo is always a popular choice.

From animal encounters and outdoor play to seasonal activities, it’s a great option when you want a day out that keeps everyone entertained.

Halloween is also a big part of the autumn calendar at the farm, so keep an eye on their events programme for the latest details and activities taking place during October half term.

🎃 Pick your perfect pumpkin.

It wouldn’t be October without picking a pumpkin! Luckily, there are some great local pumpkin patches to visit, giving you the perfect excuse to get outdoors and embrace the autumn season.

🎃 Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins.

Just a short drive from Bridleways, Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins in Oxton is a great choice for a traditional pumpkin-picking experience.

📍 Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0RH

🎃 P..P..Pick Up A Pumpkin at Maxey’s Farm Shop

For even more Halloween fun, head to Maxey’s Farm Shop, home of P..P..Pick Up A Pumpkin.

With thousands of home-grown pumpkins to choose from, there are plenty of shapes, sizes and colours to find your perfect one. But pumpkin picking is just the start!

There’s a Halloween-themed tractor ride through the pumpkin fields, pumpkin bouncy castles, spooky photo opportunities and a Halloween gift tent. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy homemade food, hot drinks, ice cream and crepes too.

📍 Hockerton Road, Kirklington, Nottinghamshire, NG22 8PB

Admission is currently listed as £2 per person, with under-16s free, and there’s no need to book. The pumpkin fields can become muddy, so wellies or sturdy footwear are definitely recommended!

🌲 Enjoy an autumn day at Clumber Park.

Just a short drive from Bridleways, Clumber Park is another wonderful place to enjoy the changing season.

Take a woodland walk, explore the parkland, or simply enjoy a family picnic surrounded by autumn colours.

There are also special events taking place during October, including half-term storytelling in the Parsonage from 19 October, with tales featuring dragons, princesses, dinosaurs and plenty of adventure.

If you fancy something creative, there’s also a floral pumpkin decorating workshop during the autumn season.

Check out all the amazing events Clumber Park host here.

☔ What if the weather isn’t on your side?

Let’s be honest – October weather can be unpredictable!

Luckily, a little rain doesn’t mean your day out has to be cancelled. Nottinghamshire has plenty of indoor attractions, museums, family activities and places to explore when the weather takes a turn.

Why not use a rainy morning to explore somewhere indoors, enjoy a leisurely lunch, then head out for a woodland walk when the clouds clear?

After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather… just the wrong clothes!

🏡 Make Bridleways your base this half term.

After a busy day exploring, there’s nothing better than returning somewhere warm and comfortable.

At Bridleways Guest House, we’re perfectly placed for exploring Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Pines, Rufford Abbey, Clumber Park and many of the other attractions across the area.

Choose from our comfortable guest house accommodation, Ploughman’s Cottage or our self-catering holiday homes, depending on the kind of break you’re looking for.

And of course, guests staying in our self-catering accommodation can also enjoy our delicious cooked breakfast – the perfect way to fuel up before another day of autumn adventures!

🍁 Plan Your October Half-Term Escape

From spooky trails and pumpkin picking to woodland adventures and cosy autumn walks, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained this October half term.

So why not make the most of the school holidays and enjoy a few days exploring Sherwood Forest and Nottinghamshire?

Book your October half-term stay at Bridleways Guest House and make this autumn one to remember.

👉 Find out more about our accommodation and check availability:
https://accommodationinsherwoodforest.co.uk/

Event dates and activities can change, so we recommend checking with individual attractions before travelling.