As October draws to a close and Halloween excitement builds for many, now is the perfect time to embrace the seasonal spookiness and enjoy some of the local New Forest Halloween attractions and activities for families this October half term. If you’re on the hunt for family-friendly halloween days out, that aren’t going to terrify the younger members of the family, here are five brilliant things to do locally, within easy reach of our hotels this half term. Don’t forget to take your coats, it’s getting chilly out there…
Family-Friendly Halloween Attractions in the New Forest & Hampshire
Paultons Park
A firm family favourite and conveniently close by to our New Forest Hotels, Paultons Park go all out for Halloween and have their popular Halloween Spooktacular running from 16th October to 3rd November 2025. The theming includes thousands of pumpkins, a ghostly manor ride new for this year as well as plenty of themed rides and late night openings on 28th-30th October.
Don’t worry about scaring the little ones as decor is kept spooky without being terrifying and there’s plenty of non-scary rides, including the brilliant Peppa Pig World onsite.
Moors Valley Country Park & Forest
Moors Valley have outdone themselves with this year’s Halloween Light Trail, which is bookable from 23rd October to 2nd November and features an illuminated light trail throughout the forest as the sun sets and darkness draws in (sessions available from 4-9pm). There are some more intense sections of the trail, but younger guests (or those who are prone to get scared easier) can walk past these areas without needing to hang around. There’s plenty to see, and it’s great if you fancy getting the kids out for a walk in nature without them complaining! Make sure to wrap up warm, and wear sensible footwear for this one as the path can be uneven and muddy depending on the weather! Moors Valley also have a halloween hunt available for those visiting the park during the day as well as Pumpkin Carving on 28th October and Halloween Crafts between 28th and 31st October.
Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park are running their Crawlies in the Canopy Halloween Trail from 4th October to 2nd November 2025, available between 10am and 4pm, perfect for families with younger children who may not wish to head out after it starts to get dark this half term. Search for the hidden bugs and crack codes as you explore the woods. This one is perfect for active families, with a mix of woodland and coastal adventure. We’d highly recommend a little detour to the beach after you’ve finished the trail, to explore some more of the coastal scenery.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway are offering a Halloween themed Ghost Train event from 25th to 31st October 2025. We’d fully recommend a visit to their gardens, which are beautiful throughout the seasons, and this touch of spookiness is brilliant for families who want something seasonal without being too scary. We’d recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment and make sure you time your visit to take a wander around the vast grounds and gardens prior to sunset to fully appreciate the beauty of the autumn foliage.
Guided Ghost Walks in Burley Village
What better time to visit the witchy village of Burley than Halloween? As well as having plenty of magical and spooky shops to explore, they also have a guided ‘Tales & Ghosts’ walk on various dates over half term, educating around the local folklore, supernatural and ghostly tales. It’s the perfect atmospheric, historical activity to enjoy for those with older children. We’d suggest avoiding the guided walk for younger children, but visit the village during the day and take in the atmosphere at your own pace.
Half term is a fantastic opportunity to explore the local attractions, whilst they are themed for spooky season. Our New Forest Hotels provide the perfect base to explore from for those visiting from out of the area, or for locals who are enjoying these activities with your family, why not join us for an afternoon tea, dinner or simply a hot drink to warm up after being out in the autumn air. There’s something for every family this Halloween in the New Forest.
Written by Emma Longden, Digital Marketing Manager for New Forest Hotels
Paultons Park
A firm family favourite and conveniently close by to our New Forest Hotels, Paultons Park go all out for Halloween and have their popular Halloween Spooktacular running from 16th October to 3rd November 2025. The theming includes thousands of pumpkins, a ghostly manor ride new for this year as well as plenty of themed rides and late night openings on 28th-30th October.
Don’t worry about scaring the little ones as decor is kept spooky without being terrifying and there’s plenty of non-scary rides, including the brilliant Peppa Pig World onsite.
Moors Valley Country Park & Forest
Moors Valley have outdone themselves with this year’s Halloween Light Trail, which is bookable from 23rd October to 2nd November and features an illuminated light trail throughout the forest as the sun sets and darkness draws in (sessions available from 4-9pm). There are some more intense sections of the trail, but younger guests (or those who are prone to get scared easier) can walk past these areas without needing to hang around. There’s plenty to see, and it’s great if you fancy getting the kids out for a walk in nature without them complaining! Make sure to wrap up warm, and wear sensible footwear for this one as the path can be uneven and muddy depending on the weather! Moors Valley also have a halloween hunt available for those visiting the park during the day as well as Pumpkin Carving on 28th October and Halloween Crafts between 28th and 31st October.
Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park are running their Crawlies in the Canopy Halloween Trail from 4th October to 2nd November 2025, available between 10am and 4pm, perfect for families with younger children who may not wish to head out after it starts to get dark this half term. Search for the hidden bugs and crack codes as you explore the woods. This one is perfect for active families, with a mix of woodland and coastal adventure. We’d highly recommend a little detour to the beach after you’ve finished the trail, to explore some more of the coastal scenery.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway are offering a Halloween themed Ghost Train event from 25th to 31st October 2025. We’d fully recommend a visit to their gardens, which are beautiful throughout the seasons, and this touch of spookiness is brilliant for families who want something seasonal without being too scary. We’d recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment and make sure you time your visit to take a wander around the vast grounds and gardens prior to sunset to fully appreciate the beauty of the autumn foliage.
Guided Ghost Walks in Burley Village
What better time to visit the witchy village of Burley than Halloween? As well as having plenty of magical and spooky shops to explore, they also have a guided ‘Tales & Ghosts’ walk on various dates over half term, educating around the local folklore, supernatural and ghostly tales. It’s the perfect atmospheric, historical activity to enjoy for those with older children. We’d suggest avoiding the guided walk for younger children, but visit the village during the day and take in the atmosphere at your own pace.
Half term is a fantastic opportunity to explore the local attractions, whilst they are themed for spooky season. Our New Forest Hotels provide the perfect base to explore from for those visiting from out of the area, or for locals who are enjoying these activities with your family, why not join us for an afternoon tea, dinner or simply a hot drink to warm up after being out in the autumn air. There’s something for every family this Halloween in the New Forest.
Written by Emma Longden, Digital Marketing Manager for New Forest Hotels
