Press Release 11 October 2017
Half Term Highlights in Wiltshire this October
Are you looking for things to do this half term? Perhaps consider some spooktacular fun for all the family, fancy fireworks, festivals and exhibitions or autumnal events and experiences. Whatever you choose, be sure to check out VisitWiltshire’s suggestions below and make time for Wiltshire this half term.
Spookactular Halloween Fun
Explore and discover scarecrows at Bowood House’s Scarecrow Trail (23 – 29 October) or search for Salisbury’s secretive ghosts and listen to spine chilling tales of hauntings with the Salisbury City Guides Ghost Walks (21 and 27 - 31 October).
Get into the spirit by counting the ghouls aboard the Swindon & Cricklade Railway Halloween Ghost Train (28 – 29 October) or visit Lacock Abbey, which is celebrating 20 years of Harry Potter with the introduction of a Sorcerer’s Shield (self-guiding) Trail for visitors (open now until 26 November).
Come and hear terrific tales at Old Sarum’s Haunted Half Term (21 – 29 October) where you can discover some spooky happenings whilst finding out about Old Sarum’s former eerie residents.
Bring your own pumpkin to carve at Trowbridge Museum’s Pumpkin Carving event (27 October) or visit the Larmer Tree Spooktacular (29 October) for children’s entertainment, Halloween trail, birds of prey display and much more.
Just over the border at the Hawk Conservancy, visitors can take part in the ‘Owl-oween’ Treat evening with moonlit flying owl displays and ghostly goings on (28 October).
Fancy Fireworks
A number of Wiltshire towns are running firework displays including the Grand Cricklade Firework Display (3 November), Malmesbury Bonfire and Fireworks (4 November) and Calne Bonfire and Fireworks Night (3 November).
Don’t miss the Roves Farm ‘No big bangs’ Fireworks Party (21 October) where the massive bonfire will be lit by longbow archers with fire laden arrows, plus sword fighting and a disco.
Festivals and Exhibitions
Discover the world of words at Salisbury Literary Festival (27 – 29 October), the first city-wide festival to celebrate reading and writing fiction. The festival brings writing past and present together with a diverse programme for all ages, including interactive events, literary walks and writing workshops – many of which are free.
Another literary hero with an exhibition not to be missed is Terry Pratchett: HisWorld at The Salisbury Museum (open now until 13 January 2018). This is an exclusive major exhibition based on the extraordinary life of Sir Terry Pratchett, the creative genius behind the Discworld series.
A new virtual reality exhibition at the National Trust’s Lacock Abbey called Mat Collishaw: Thresholds takes visitors back in time to 1839, when British scientist William Henry Fox Talbot first presented his photographic print to the public (open now until 29 October).
Autumnal Events and Experiences
Longleat’s new event The Great British Autumn (21 – 29 October) will celebrate British wildlife and all that’s autumn. Get creative with mud kitchens, arts and crafts, try a ride on mini-tractors or marvel and learn about the magnificent owls with daily talks. For Halloween, visitors can have a go at apple pressing or pumpkin carving or watch Fantastic Fireworks (26, 27 and 28 October). All included with a Longleat Day Ticket.
Enjoy an action packed day at Castle Combe Circuit – race or watch and experience motorsport at its very best. Car track day (27 October) and Startline driver courses for beginners to advanced (24 October).
Fancy being a real daredevil this Halloween? If so, check out GoSkydive for a tandem skydive experience where you can see Wiltshire from the air!
On the county borders…
As part of Museums Week (21 – 29 October), Museums in Bath will host an array of special events and activities including the American Museum’s Halloween with Wiltshire Scrapstore (26 October) and Fright at the Museum (27 October).
The Natural Theatre Company will bring a very different experience to Cheddar Caves in a Halloween Spooktacular (21 – 29 October), where creepy, cheeky characters from the cave’s fascinating history will be coming out to play.
For further details of what’s on during half term be sure to check out Halloween and Fireworks displays on the VisitWiltshire website.
There is plenty more to see and do in Wiltshire so why not stay and play?
Accommodation
Special Offer - One child stays free (with one paying adult) when you book a camping pitch for a 2-night stay at Blackland Lakes, Calne between 18 – 29 October. From £14.75 per night. T&Cs apply. Quote VWOCT17 when booking.
Quirky – Highway Hill is a new development set in the rolling downland of the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It offers three shepherd’s huts and two bell tents from £40 per night. During October half term Highway Hill is running an Archery and Bushcraft Holiday Camp for children aged 7 or over for only £25 a day.
Luxury – Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort offers the perfect location to entertain your family during half term. Includes dinner, bed and breakfast, spa, golf, scarecrow trail and much more. From £230 per night based on 2 adults and 1 child sharing, Valid from 19 – 30 October. T’s and C’s apply.
For additional accommodation options please go to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/accommodation
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Notes to editors:
VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation with our main funder being Wiltshire Council. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
Images from our Autumn album can be downloaded from our Flickr gallery via this link - https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/81eh0Q Photos may be used in print and/or online for the promotion of tourism to Wiltshire and any photos used must be credited to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk, unless otherwise stated in the title of the photo. Full terms and conditions can be found here.