Press Release 26 September 2018

October Half term Thrills and Chills

From ghastly ghost trains and haunted houses to fantastic fireworks and Week of the Dead fiestas there’s a host of horribly entertaining events and activities taking place throughout the region over the October Half Term Holidays.

VisitWiltshire has compiled a chilling collection of ghoulish goings-on for all the family to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm is staging its own Halloween Half Term Spectacular (25 October–2 November). Visitors can take part in a Halloween Quiz, pick their own pumpkins and take their photos at the themed photo booth. Arrive in fancy dress and you’ll get in for half price plus it’s free entry for under 2s.

Where better to enjoy a haunted Halloween than on a ghost train? Swindon and Cricklade Railway Halloween Ghost Train (26-27 October) runs from 6pm-8.45pm and is extremely popular. Turn ghost hunter as you see how many spectres and ghouls you can spot, both on the train and at the stations, in these spooky evening extravaganzas.

American Museum and Gardens, near Bath is hosting a Week of the Dead Fiesta from 20-28 October featuring a fun family trail around the gardens, other activities include sugar skull decoration on 23 and 25 October, scary costume workshops on 24 and 26 October and a Day of the Dead Ball on 27 October (for adults only)!

Are you brave enough to visit the Hidden Haunted House at Fairwood Lakes near Westbury from 20 October–4 November? Scary surprises for all the family in an ‘abandoned’ barn in the woods. Those who dare to enter and complete the chilling challenge will win a ghostly goody. Open 10am-5pm. Bring your wellies!

The Hawk Conservancy near Andover is staging its very own Owl-O-Ween from 24-26 October. Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening. Create your own spooky crafts, follow the Halloween passport trail and marvel at the owls as they put on a beautiful flying display against the backdrop of moonlit Silver Birch Glade Arena. All children must be accompanied by a full paying adult.

Budding cooks aged 6-10 can create their own ghoulish culinary creations as part of a Mini Cooks Halloween Special at Vaughan’s Kitchen in Devizes on 27 October.

Avebury’s ancient standing stones play host to Spooky Adventures at Avebury from 28 October–4 November. Take part in the Halloween trail full of terrifying traditions, goosebumps and tremors. Fun for all the family and win a spooky prize.

Travel back in time for a day of Halloween Steaming at Crofton Beam Engines near Marlborough on Sunday 28 October.

The Larmer Tree Gardens in Tollard Royal are marking their end of season with the Larmer Tree Spooktacular also on Sunday 28 October. Children's entertainment includes Halloween trail, face painting, story-time, prize for best fancy dress and more.

There’s also a sparkling selection of firework spectaculars to choose from across the county.

At Roves Farm near Swindon there’s a special ‘no big bangs’ Bonfire & Fireworks Display aimed especially at younger families taking place on Saturday 27 October from 4.45pm. Watch the massive bonfire being lit by longbow archers with their fire laden arrows. Plus disco in the barn, small fairground rides, sword fighting displays and more.

There’s another ‘no big bangs’ display at Neston Farm Shop in Atworth near Melksham on Sunday 4 November from 5pm. Fireworks on the Farm features fireworks displays, a bonfire and plenty of food and drink.

Longleat is staging its annual Fantastic Fireworks event from 1-3 November at 6.30pm. Celebrate the end of the October half term in style. In honour of the astonishing kingdom of Longleat, all of the songs in this year’s magnificent display are classics and of epic proportions.

Salisbury Livestock Market in Netherhampton is the venue for the Rotary Fireworks on Saturday 3 November from 5.45pm. It’s a community display with proceeds going to local charities.

This year’s Calne Bonfire & Fireworks Night will take place on Friday 2 November from 6pm at Beversbrook Sports and Community Facility. This family-friendly event features live music, funfair, bar and food, bonfire and spectacular fireworks display.

There’s also Malmesbury Bonfire and Fireworks on Saturday 3 November from 6pm.

And finally… don’t miss the Salisbury Literary Festival 17-22 October which returns for a second year with an exciting and expanded programme featuring bestselling and award-wining authors for both adults and children.

• If you are planning on getting away for a few days don’t forget to take a look at the great value accommodation including family breaks, late availability plus restaurant and pub food offers. Check out www.visitwiltshire.co.ul/special-offers. 

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

Editors Notes:

VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. 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.