October fun

September 30, 2025

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With the National Trust in Hampshire

As temperatures drop and colours intensify, National Trust gardens, meadows and woodlands fill with sensory drama, providing kids with the perfect introduction to autumn.

From quirky pumpkin displays to glossy ‘champion’ conkers just waiting to be discovered, there are lots of discoveries to make. And of course, there’s plenty of spooky Hallowe’en fun for children of all ages over half term.

PICTURED ABOVE: The Vyne in autumn | National Trust Images Hugh Mothersole

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Halloween Adventure at The Vyne. 11 October to 2 November, 10am – 3pm, free with normal admission

We’re going on a ghost hunt. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!

Exclusive to the National Trust, this trail is based on the bestselling children’s books from Bloomsbury, The Bunny Adventures, with illustrations by Laura Huges.

The bunnies are setting off on a Halloween adventure to find the ghosts hidden around the National Trust’s The Vyne with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. Pick your bunny name, then follow this family-friendly trail around the beautiful autumnal gardens set against the backdrop of this former Tudor ‘power house’ as you play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones.

Once you’ve completed the trail, collect your prize and join the bunnies at the celebration party.

Richard Grudzinski, National Trust Experiences Curator said: “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt to National Trust properties this Halloween. Our stunning autumnal gardens, houses and parklands create the perfect backdrop to bringing the bunny adventures to life, and with spooky storybook fun, playful games, and enchanting activities waiting around every corner, it’s a hauntingly delightful way for families to celebrate the season together.”

Evelyn Opoku-Agyeman, Senior Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Children’s Books said: ‘We’re delighted to collaborate with the National Trust on this enchanting interactive trail, perfect for all ages. We can’t wait for families to meet our beloved bunnies and immerse themselves in an unforgettable Halloween adventure through the magic of We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt.

This enchanting trail is ideal for preschoolers and young children (ages three to eight years). It is presented by Bloomsbury Publishing as part of a collaboration with the National Trust in London and the South East.

For more information on this event, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/hampshire/the-vyne

National Trust Images, Chris Lacey

More half term fun in Hampshire…

Family cinema at The Vyne, 4 & 5 October, 7-8.30pm (gates open 5.30pm), booking essential, tickets from £9.50 – £22.50 (inc booking fee)

Get the family in the mood for Halloween with two evenings of magical (PG-rated) outdoor cinema at The Vyne. Snuggle up under blankets for spooktacular Hocus Pocus (4 Oct) and family favourite The Nightmare Before Christmas (5 Oct). Picnics welcome, hot drinks and snacks available.

Book at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne

Wilma the Witch Halloween trail at Hinton Ampner, 18 October to 2 November, trail £2

Join Wilma the Witch at Hinton Ampner to help her crack this Halloween mystery. Meet mysterious beasts, tackle the bean bag challenge, find clues and solve puzzles. Magic wands and pointy hats welcome! Recommended for ages 4-7 years.

Hinton Ampner – scarecrow | National Trust Images, Zoe Cotton

Hinton Ampner – little boy wth pumpkins | National Trust Images, Sophie Bolesworth

Pumpkin displays at Hinton Ampner, 11 October to 2 November, free with normal admission

Hinton’s pumpkins are back! Over 500 pumpkins are nestled on benches and shelves, piled into carts and wheelbarrows. Don’t forget to visit the resident scarecrow, presiding over his own pumpkin patch in the pretty kitchen garden.

A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Adventure at Mottisfont, until 2 November, free with normal admission

Step into the magical world of flying car Chitty Bang Bang, with Mottisfont’s exhibition and indoor activities. This story was written by Ian Fleming for his son Caspar and became a famous Disney film. Gallery rooms are filled with the original illustrations by artist John Burningham, plus there’s a life-size Chitty car you can climb into for family photos, and plenty of books to read in cosy corners.

Agent 11¾ Spy Family Trail at Mottisfont. 4 October – 2 November, free with normal admission

Sign up to the ‘Secret Service’ as you step into the world of spies on this exciting new trail, inspired by Mottisfont’s connection with fictional spy James Bond. Have fun with undercover challenges, from cracking codes to creating disguises. Recommended for ages 6-12 years.