If you're planning some autumnal family fun this half term, look no further. Here's a selection of the spooky (and not-so-spooky) goings-on in White Cliffs Country to suit all age ranges and budgets.
Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza at Felderland Farm, Sandwich, 14-31 October – visit the pumpkin patch where you can take photos and choose from thousands of pumpkins and squashes to take home. Advance booking for timed arrival only. Under 3s are free. Prices for pumpkins start at £1. Dogs on leads allowed.
© Betteshanger CP
Pumpkin Town at Betteshanger Park, 15-30 October – for children up to age 8. Head on over to pumpkin town where you can snap a few Halloween photos, take part in ghoulish games, choose a pumpkin to take home or carve it on site where there are instructors to help. Booking essential. Tickets from £4 for 1 child and 2 adults excluding pumpkin or carving. Parking charges apply.
Betteshanger Woodland Halloween Trail, 15-30 October – a scary interactive and immersive experience for children aged over 8. Do you dare to enter the spooky wood..?! Booking essential. £10 per child and up to 2 accompanying adults. Parking charges apply.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Emmaus, Archcliffe Fort, Dover, 29 October – help the Wizard find the ingredients for a Halloween spell! Free event for children (goody bag included).
Myths, legends and monsters at Dover Castle, 22-30 October – solve creepy clues with Dennis the Menace and friends, hear tales of ghostly goings on from ghoulish guides, shadow puppets, dragon and grim reaper puppets… Book in advance to save on ticket prices.
Spooky Woodland Walk at Walmer Castle Gardens, 28-30 October – join ghost-hunting storytellers for a family friendly walk through the gardens as it goes dark. Suitable for children aged 5-12. Booking recommended.
Dover Castle
If Halloween isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fun things to do:.
The Battle of Britain Memorial has a special offer on its Scramble Experience from 22 to 30 October for this interactive high-tech exhibition bringing the Battle of Britain to life – adult visitors are entitled to another ticket at the same or lower value. Terms and conditions apply. While you’re there, visit the Cockpit Café overlooking the Channel.
Dover Sea Safari is nearing the end of the 2022 season but will be running its exhilarating guided tours of the White Cliffs on 22-23 and 29-30 October.
© DDC
The River Runner in Sandwich is taking bookings for trips from Sandwich Quay to see the seals on 15-16 and 21-30 October.
For more adrenalin thrills, head to Lydden Hill Race Circuit on 22 and 23 October for the Lord of Lydden Motorcycles and Sidecar Burn Up or Whitemills Wake Park from 24-26 October for their half-term camp where you can learn how to wakeboard with the pros!
Much-loved children’s author and illustrator of the ‘Shark in the Park’ and ‘Pants’ series, Nick Sharratt will be at the Astor Theatre on 23 October for a draw-along with younger children. Local museums, such as Dover Museum and Sandwich Guildhall Museum are free and open for visitors to explore their fascinating collections. Dover's Maison Dieu is hosting a free medieval safari with arts and crafts inspired by the stained-glass at Dover Museum on 22 October. The event is designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities aged 5-18. Booking essential.
For a wander in nature, visit Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory and take part in their Family Nature Trail and art and craft activities from 22-28 October. Booking essential; £5 per family. And at Samphire Hoe, you can join the Green Gang for various activities on 26-29 October.
While you're out and about, don't forget to tag us in your photos (@VisitDover on Instagram and Twitter, @visitwhitecliffscountry on Facebook) and use #whitecliffscountry. We'll share the best ones on our social media channels. Have fun!