Kent and Sussex still up for some spooky half-term fun !

Everything feels a little different this year. However, it can be fun finding new ways to celebrate the season while keeping yourself and others safe. We’ve loved exploring all the fun activities still available to enjoy this Halloween across Kent and Sussex, and we hope you do too!

Wicked ways to be spooked!

Penshurst Place and Gardens, Tonbridge have confirmed that both their events – Broomstick Flying School and The Wicked Witch of the Wild Wood are going ahead from 24^th-31^st October. Look out for those fledgling flyers as you tour the grounds!

From 24^th October-1^st November, you can enjoy a ghoulish day out at Dover Castle. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. There’s also a fancy-dress competition every day!

Other spooky places to visit during half-term include Hever Castle, Edenbridge and Leeds Castle, Maidstone, from 24^th October. The staff at Hever Castle are having their own pumpkin carving competition and they want you to judge! Come dressed up in your spookiest outfit and follow the pumpkin trail. At Leeds Castle, you can download the Leeds Castle App and explore the grounds to scan codes and complete the Halloween themed activity trail!

Why not visit the Pumpkin Grotto at Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells and take advantage of the flexible family & friends’ ticket which allows four people to visit for £25 with just one of the group needing to be under 12. Visit the walled garden and see if you can spot all the hidden pumpkins!

For something a little different, the Where’s Wally Spooky Museum Search at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham is a must visit this half-term. Find 8 ‘Wallys’ hidden among the collections and spell out the letters to make a spooky phrase. Spell the phrase correctly and you’ll be rewarded with a prize.

For the older ones, how about Fright at the Museum: The Black Dog Mystery at the Beany in Canterbury. Solve all the clues and you could be in with a chance of winning an Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet. Visit from 3^rd-6^th November.

Even the animals want to join in!

Creepy crawlies, pumpkins, and skeletons await your arrival at the spooktacular Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park, Seaford from 24^th October-1^st November. Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham  is offering a Halloween object hunt, a ghost hunt around the park, a live stream bat watch, and the real Ghostbusters will be visiting on Saturday 31^st October!

At Kent Life, Maidstone there’s pumpkin carving, creepy cuddle corner, spooky tractor rides and daily fancy dress competitions. And at Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, Ethel Fartwaffer will make you want to socially distance just from the smell alone! At The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, you’ll find children’s rides, animal farm, a Halloween trail and live entertainment!

What else does Halloween have to offer?

The Haunted Drive-In Cinema, Tulleys Farm, Crawley is running until 8th November 2020. You can catch a movie and dine out in the comfort of your own car. Partnering with Bentleys steakhouse, you can log into their virtual diner and your food will be delivered straight to your car! See their website to check-out other Halloween events this half-term.

Why not try making some of your own tasty Halloween treats with the Children’s Halloween Cake School! Two weeks of caking, baking and decorating spooky Halloween treats all online from the comfort of your own home!

For those seeking a truly terrifying experience (so not for the little ones!) take a walk through the True Crime Museum, Hastings for a spooky after dark experience. Prepared to get scared!

And not forgetting the star attraction…the humble pumpkin!

 Pumpkin picking has become increasingly popular in recent years and there are plenty of farms and farm shops to choose from across Kent and Sussex. In Kent, to name but a few, there is PYO Pumpkins, Hoo, Rochester, Felderland Farm, Sandwich, Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone, Stanhill Farm, Dartford, Chilton Manor Farm, Sittingbourne, and Lower Ladysden, Goudhurst.

In Sussex, we recommend you visit Tulleys Farm, Crawley, Pumpkin Picking Patch, Sompting, Sharnfold Farm & Shop, Eastbourne, and Birchden PYO Pumpkins, Groombridge.

With plenty to choose from this half-term, you won’t be disappointed. And remember that most venues still require you to pre-book. Stay safe and have fun!