Things to Do in Kent for Halloween 2020

After a busy and eventful first term back at school, it’s time to have some spooky half term fun. This year may be a little different but by being creative and accepting some plans might need to change last minute due to the ever-changing coronavirus rules and regulations, you can still have a Halloween to remember.

Here are our top Halloween activities in Kent for 2020:

1) Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin picking in the UK seems to be increasing in popularity year on year and we can see why, it is so much fun! Pumpkin picking is a great activity for all the family around Halloween and half term. You can pick your own size and style of pumpkin and then carve it out into a scary design ready for the big day on the 31st October. Check out our latest list of Kent’s best pumpkin picking spots. 

2) Kent Life’s Halloween Spooktacular 24th October – 1st November 2020

Kent Life is transformed for the spooky Halloween season. There is pumpkin carving, a creepy creature corner, spooky tractor rides and daily fancy dress competitions. Trick or Treating is available from 2pm every day in half term – will you be brave enough? You never know who will be lurking in the Kent Life historic houses!

Tickets to Kent Life’s Halloween Spooktacular must be pre-booked, even for members. So be quick as tickets are selling fast! 

3) Penshurst Place Broomstick Flying School 24th October – 31st October 2020

Legend has it that Penshurst Place is used by the local witches as a flying test course, and it has been said that the walled gardens provide some of the best challenges for fledgling magical flyers! This year Penshurst Place have recruited magical flying instructor, Madame Flyleada, to teach little witches and wizards how to be the best broomstick fliers in the land. If you wander the grounds this Halloween, you may discover a few of her worst students stuck in trees. Will you be able to find them all and complete their flying reports? You may even find the Wicked Witch of Wildwood hiding in the woods, so walk there if you dare!

Tickets to Penshurst Place Broomstick Flying School are included in the standard admission price but tickets must be pre-booked online. 

4) Hever Castle Halloween Half Term Fun 24th October – 1st November 2020

This Halloween treat your family to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle. Go dressed in your spookiest outfit to follow a pumpkin trail around the grounds. Hever Castle staff are getting involved in the fun and are having their own pumpkin carving competition, and you can vote for your favourite! You can also take part in their Halloween pumpkin carving competition, post a picture of your pumpkin carving masterpiece on Instagram using the hashtag #HalloweenatHever by Friday 30 October 2020 to enter.

Tickets to Hever Castle must be pre-booked via their website.

5) Mount Ephraim Country House and Gardens Halloween Event 31st October 2020

The Halloween event at Mount Ephraim Country House is taking place on Saturday 31st October 2020 and there will be plenty of spooky goings-on! There will be a Halloween pumpkin trail through the gardens, a devilish falconry display from Joe’s Bows at 2pm and a sticky spider’s web in the topiary. A pumpkin trail will also be out in the gardens Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th October in addition to the Halloween Event so you can enjoy some Halloween fun throughout half term.

Tickets must be pre-booked, but season ticket holders do not need to pre-book. If you wish to book tickets or are planning on attending the Halloween Event you can add your name to the email list and you will be notified when tickets are on sale, please email lucy@mountephraimgardens.co.uk.

6) Spooky Dover Castle 24th October – 1st November 2020

This half term week gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day at Dover Castle. You will be able to follow a terrifying trail to solve the sinister clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. Explore the shadows of the medieval tunnels, the winding staircases and walk the castle defences, but try not to disturb the castle ghosts! Between 28th October and 1st November Zoolab and their collection of creepy creatures will be visiting the castle. Tickets should be pre-booked in advance online.

Between the 24th and 27th October there will be a Halloween themed chocolate workshop for kids at Dover Castle in collaboration with Hotel Chocolat. Participation in the chocolate workshops costs £10, and booking is essential as places are limited. You should also have a pre-booked ticket to enter the castle in addition to booking the workshop.

The spookiest season of the year is upon us! Halloween is a great opportunity to get hands-on in the classroom with some scary seasonal activities. Combining fun, creativity and learning, here are 3 Halloween classroom activities to try.