Hallowe’en and half term fun

Spooky trails and ghostly tales in Kent

This October half term, the National Trust takes on spooky flavour, with a host of ghoulish goings on for kids and adults alike.

From eerie trails, pumpkin activities, wild art or simply playing in the crunchy autumn leaves there is something to give the whole family the jitters. Kids can continue to take part in the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activates as many are perfect for autumn, such as catching a falling leaf, building a den, playing conkers and making a home for a wild animal.

Adults won’t be left out either as this year sees the return of the popular ghost and gourmet evenings at Ightham Mote and a new Mischief Night at Knole. Plus, there is chance to walk through spectacular landscapes full of autumn colour, orchards full of apples and past hedgerow fruits just right for picking

For an autumn treat or ghoulish goings for all the family try some of these favourite events in Kent:

Chartwell – Hallowe’en pumpkin trail

Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 10 am to 4 pm

Take on the Hallowe'en trail at Chartwell and spot some spooky things along the route before collecting a prize at the end.

Normal admission charges apply, £1 per trail

Emmetts Garden – Hallowe’en pumpkin trail

Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 10 am to 4 pm

Try to find as many spooky things as you can to get a prize at the end

Normal admission charges apply, £1 per trail

Ightham Mote – half term fun

Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 11 am to 3 pm

Visit Ightham Mote this half term for a pumpkin themed trail around the grounds. Don’t forget to pick up an autumn activity pack from visitor reception to help you explore the wider estate and tick off some 50 things activities. On 31 October there will also be Hallowe’en themed crafts and wild art for the little ones between 12 pm to 3 pm.

Normal admission charges apply, 50p per activity pack

Ightham Mote – ghost and gourmet evening

Saturday 24 October and Saturday 31 October, 7 pm to 10.30 pm

Don't miss this hugely popular and terrifying tour of Ightham Mote at night. With only the flickering of candlelight to guide you, walk through the house and listen to the stories of its past inhabitants, but watch out...they are closer than you think. Followed by a two course supper in the tea room afterwards

Tickets £37.50 per person, booking essential on 01732 811314

Knole – family Mondays

Monday 26 October, 11 am to 3 pm

Take the whole family to Knole for a range of themed activities and crafts suitable for ages five to 12.

Normal admission charges apply

Knole – Mischief Night

Friday 30 October, 7 pm

Mischief Night is a pagan festival that predates Hallowe’en. Join a spoken word event in the Great Hall featuring the local community and writer in residence

Normal admission charges apply, suitable for ages 14 plus

Scotney Castle – pumpkin trail

Daily from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November, 10 am to 4 pm

Collect a map from visitor reception and search for pumpkins hidden around the garden on this exciting seasonal trail

Normal admission charges apply, £2 per trail

Scotney Castle – 50 things estate walk

Daily from Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October, 11 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 3 pm

Explore the estate with the Scotney Castle rangers and see how many of your 50 things activities you can complete Normal admission charges apply

Smallhythe Place – haunted trails

Saturday 31 October, 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm

Experience scary stories and horrible hauntings after dark, if you dare.

Normal admission charges apply, £5 per person. Booking recommended on 01580 762334

South Foreland Lighthouse – lighthouse keeper trail

Daily from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November, 11 am to 3 pm

See what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper during half term with a special trail. Use your new found skills to solve the clues and help save a troubled ship in the bay. This is also the perfect place to tick off number seven on your 50 things list and fly a kite on the lawn in front of the lighthouse

Normal admission charges apply, £1 per trail