Family Activities & North Devon Halloween Events FOR OCTOBER Half term 2025!

October is a fantastic time to visit North Devon! With quieter beaches, warmer seas, and fewer dog restrictions, there’s a renewed sense of freedom and adventure in this beautiful natural playground.

Even as the temperatures cool down, there’s plenty to enjoy outdoors. Whether it’s crabbing in charming seaside villages or exploring rock pools on the beach, there’s no shortage of fun.

And with Halloween just around the corner, we’ve put together a guide to the best spooky activities in North Devon. From thrilling Halloween events to breath-taking autumn walks, there’s something for everyone this 2025 October half-term. Don’t miss out on the seasonal fun—plan your magical October break at Byron Woolacombe today!

Festival of lights and halloween Cliff ‘wail’way, Lynton and Lynmouth

Visit the Cliff Railway for an extra special night-time experience. With a hidden and dark past, voyage on a journey by candlelight with zombie drivers and storytelling set an unforgettable chilling scene for all ages (including children). 31st October from dusk (6pm-9pm). Costumes will be enjoyed by all, no need to book.

Soup, hot drinks and creepy cakes are available from the cliff-top café!

descend into darkness at Watermouth Castle, Berrynarbor

Get ready to be spooked! Watermouth Castle is thrilled to announce its hair-raising Halloween scare event. There’s a mix of everything, from thrills and chills to laugh out loud moments. Suitable for horror lovers, thrill seekers, and all those who love a good fright…

For the adults and older children -17th – 18th Oct 2025, 24th – 28th Oct 2025, 30th Oct – 1st Nov 2025

Get ready to be spooked! Watermouth Castle is thrilled to announce its hair-raising Halloween evening scare event! Not suitable for under 12’s or wheelchair users. Under 16’s must have an accompanying adult.

For all the family – 25th Oct – 2nd Nov 2025

Halloween half-term at Watermouth Castle: fun trails, gnome hunts, garden quests & spooky surprises for all ages.

Halloween Hocus Pocus at The Milky Way, Higher clovelly

This Halloween Half Term at The Milky Way families can enjoy a fabulous family day out with a little extra Halloween-themed fun!

From 26th October to 1st November 2025 there’ll be lots of extra Halloween activities to enjoy – all designed to be fun rather than scary.

Enrol your little horrors at our very special School for Witches and Wizards where they can try spell writing and casting plus potion making, all with the help of our brilliantly fun, larger-than life tutors. Then bump around the Spooky Swamp Dodgems, catch Merlin’s themed show filled with his special brand of spooktacular fun, catch a special storytelling session for little ones and enjoy the atmosphere of The Milky Way all decorated in its Halloween best.

Halloween Spook-tacular at Exmoor Zoo, Barnstaple

The home of the Exmoor beast! A friendly and contact-orientated Zoo, set within stunning Devonshire countryside. Offering a free quiz for those wanting to have a bit of extra Halloween fun on top of their talks and activities, don’t forget to hand it in at the end for a goody bag and a chance to win a family ticket to come back and visit the again! Expect the zoo to be seasonally dressed!

Halloween at the BIG sheep, Abbotsham

There will be plenty of family-friendly Halloween fun at the park throughout half term including free pumpkin for each child and carving, prizes for fancy dress, live animal shows, thrill rides and gentle rides, outdoor fun on our Jumping Pillows, Indoor play at EWEtopia soft play, animal magic in our undercover Barn, fancy dress welcome!

Wildlife park and Dinosaur park, Combe Martin

Wolves, lions, monkeys, meerkats, wallabies, penguins, sea lions and of course dinosaurs await to be discovered at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.

All the family will enjoy the educational talks and watching the various animal feeds whilst meandering around the stunning grounds of this park, watch out for the dinosaurs lurking in the bushes!

Visit during October Half Term for Halloween-themed trails and hand in your map to collect delicious treats. For those who are brave enough, you can explore the terrifying underground tomb!

Don’t forget 10% discount on entry price for Byron guests

Autumnfest celebrations Arlington Court, Barnstaple

As autumn unfolds across North Devon, Arlington Court comes alive with the warm hues and festive spirit of Autumnfest (11 October – 2 November 2025). Meander through the grounds and discover vibrant seasonal displays—from harvest tables to floral decorations—while local scarecrows line the woodland trails in a charming Community Scarecrow Trail, perfect for families to enjoy together (trail sheets are available at Visitor Reception). Guests are invited to soak in the beauty of autumnal gardens, enjoy refreshments in the tea-room, and explore the historic house and carriage museum, all included with regular admission. No booking required!

Family Volunteering – “Bash and Burn” at Morte Point, Woolacombe

Thu 30 Oct 2025 (10:00–15:00)
Join National Trust rangers for a hands-on conservation day, clearing land to create space for wildlife. A meaningful and accessible outdoor activity for families right by Woolacombe

Coastal Wild Food Foraging Walk, Woolacombe

Fri 31 Oct 2025 (around 15:00)
A two-hour guided walk exploring the coastline to find wild shellfish, fungi, and edible plants—a hands-on and unique way to learn about the local natural bounty

Brave the waves in Woolacombe!

The sea temperature in October is just as warm as early summer, so if you’re a family of mermaids and mermen, it’s the perfect time to dive in!

With long stretches of golden sands, family-friendly waves, and dog-friendly beaches, North Devon is the ultimate spot to let everyone run free and make a splash this October half-term!

Even though the water’s warm, we recommend hiring a wetsuit because of the autumn air—plus, it means more time in the sea! There are plenty of surf shops nearby where you can rent wetsuits, surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and more. And remember, it’s always a good idea to take a lesson or two to brush up on sea safety and boost your confidence. Bonus: Byron guests get discounts on many Woolacombe and Putsborough-based surf equipment and lessons!

If you are looking to explore some more ‘off-the-beaten-track beaches’, why not check out our ‘North Devons Secret Beaches’ Blog for local’s tips on the best-hidden coves and secret gems to explore along our stunning coastline?

Bringing your pooch?

We flag all our luxury dog-friendly apartments with a paw print!

Check out the amazing dog-friendly walks on your doorstep with our blog!

the best luxury self-catering apartments in North Devon!

Looking for the perfect place to stay this Autumn half-term? Byron offers the perfect mix luxury self-catered holiday properties just moments’ walk from the award winning Woolacombe bay. With apartments suitable for anything from two to eight guests it’s the perfect option for families and larger gatherings who want to be under the same roof but enjoy their own space.

Available for a minimum of three nights enjoy access to the onsite pool, sauna, games room and gym – that will keep the whole family busy! Once you’ve arrived, you can park up in your allocated parking space at Byron, we’d recommend checking in, dropping your bags then heading straight to the beach to stretch out your legs! Sandy toes guaranteed in less than four minutes!

Browse our range of luxury, apartments available for stays here.