A chill has returned to the air, autumnal yellow and orange hues seem to be popping up everywhere, and pumpkins are back in your fields and in your lattes – it’s October half term in Hertfordshire, and with Halloween bookending the half term week, it’s time to fully immerse yourself in the spookiest of seasons! Forget your horror stories - we know that the scariest thought for a parent is having nothing to do with the kids for a whole week away from school! Ready to save parents everywhere from that terrifying tale, we’ve compiled our list of the best things to do in Hertfordshire during October half term 2021 so we can all have a super, safe and spooky half term holiday...
Hatfield House turns into Frightown Festival
Hatfield House is no more and only Frightown remains as the beautiful gardens are taken over monstrous misfits in their favourite festival of the year – Halloween! Discover goblin craftsmen who will teach you the skills to perfect Halloween decorations, head to the messy pantomime performance at the Witches Kitchen (where you’ll certainly be in for tricks as well as treats!) and singalong with the bogey man or dance with the skeleton’s in this packed family day out.
Letting the light in at St Albans Cathedral
Be witness to a night of illuminations and a journey through the elements at the Life: What a Wonderful World? son-et-lumiere at St Albans Cathedral. Perfect for all ages, this sensory experience sees the inside of the cathedral transform into a spectacle reflecting upon life on todays planet in a single 24 hour period. See the sun, the oceans and the clouds and explore life on Earth in this family-friendly show.
Explore the Medieval Abbey at Night
If you fancy a spookier trip to the Cathedral this year, head into the medieval abbey at night to hear the fascinating stories of monks and pilgrims by candlelight. Clouds of incense, the sounds of monk’s music, and the noisy bustle of the medieval abbey at work bring the past to life – ideal for a educational historical evening, with a hint of spooky Halloween feeling!
Hertford's Seasonal Trails
Hertford has all you need to reach that daily step count and blow the cobwebs away on a wonderful wander around this pretty town. Opt for the instagrammable season displays on the Hertford Castle Autumn Trail for the picture-perfect autumnal day out and making the most of the season's spectacular colours - or perhaps if you fancy really embracing the Halloween spirit first, head to the town centre on a spooky trail encountering new characters and ghostly scenes in the shop windows, perfect for little ones to enjoy. Plus, gift vouchers are ready for the winning for a lucky few!
Stevenage's nostalgic celebrations
Get ready to fly back in time with nostalgic games the whole family will enjoy at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of Stevenage New Town. This October half term, rediscover the traditional street games generations of children have played throughout the ages, such as hopscotch, welly wanging and cats craddle!
Knebworth's Halloween Adventure
Calling all little monsters! Knebworth House has a packed itinerary of Halloween fun this half term. Spot bats, witches and ghosts as you solve clues and Halloween riddles in this trail around the picturesque gardens of Knebworth – including their famous Dinosaur Trail and Gardens! Fancy dress is, of course, encouraged, so hop on your broomsticks and let’s get going…