Autumn is full of opportunities for adventures including everything from pumpkin picking to spooky journeys by train or even canoe.
Here's our pick of some of the amazing autumn things to do this Halloween half term.
1) Take a walk in the New Forest
National Park The New Forest is a kaleidoscope of autumnal colours and is home to a variety of livestock, including ponies and pannage pigs.
October and November are perfect months for a relaxing stroll or challenging walk in the New Forest as the scenery dramatically transforms to create a gorgeous autumn scene.
2) Jump aboard the Exbury Ghost Train
Exbury Gardens, one of the country’s most famous woodland gardens, gets gloriously ghoulish at this time of year.
A gruesome garden trail, with ghouls, witches, eerie gravestones and a spidery lair, will be open for young explorers, plus spooky pumpkin carving.
Exbury’s renowned steam railway will get a terrifying makeover transforming it into a ghost train haunted by an other-worldly crew entertaining passengers en route.
Exbury Gardens’ 200 acres is also in full autumn colour - fiery acers and the National Plant Collection of Nyssa trees set amidst a vibrant backdrop of dogwoods and majestic oaks.
3) Pick a pumpkin
Thousands of pumpkins and squash make up an impressive pumpkin display depicting pesky poltergeist Beetlejuice.
The team at Sunnyfields Farm said his name three times – and dedicated 50 hours – to make him appear.
The spectacular creation pays homage to the 1988 dark fantasy film directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice.
It also coincides with the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the 2024 sequel to the original film.
Around 10,000 different pumpkins and squash were used to construct the display after meticulous planning and design and there's thousands more for the public to pick until Halloween.
At Pumpkin Time at the farm in Marchwood, be immersed in a pumpkin experience and embrace the best that autumn has to offer.
4) Enjoy a sundown adventure at Go Ape
Until November 10, participants can embark on treetop quests like climbing, swinging, and zipping under the fading sun.
Available at over 20 Go Ape locations including Itchen Valley and Moors Valley, the activity is set in woodland environments lit by colourful lights just bright enough to navigate the canopy.
Experience the chill of the autumn air, the scent of woodland soil, and the rush of zip-lining in the dark.
Embrace the adventure in the growing darkness, creating an unforgettable experience this season.
5) Take a spooky tour of the river
Come in your best fancy dress and head out on the water in illuminated canoes, stopping along the way to hear ghoulish ghost stories from your night-time guide.
Plus, there’ll be hot chocolate and Halloween candy for everyone taking part in this seasonal activity from the team at New Forest Activities.
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