Pumpkins, padel and parties: What to do over half term in Midhurst and Petworth

As half term approaches, parents and carers will be pleased to know there is plenty on over the break to entertain children in the area.

In Midhurst, the Town Council has created a free Halloween trail, asking children to find the town witch’s ancient spell book. They must collect a trail sheet from the Old Library and follow the clues across town. There are prizes available for those who solve the case.

On Halloween, 36 businesses across Midhurst are participating in daytime trick or treating. From 10 am to 1 pm, children who are dressed up and with an adult can get the festivities off to a fun start. The event runs alongside the Autumn Market, with its usual array of interesting stall holders and free crafts.

There are also several family events on at Cowdray. On Monday 26th October, children are invited to become detectives at the Cowdray Ruins mystery experience. Sir John has returned to his Medieval Manor only to find trouble has struck, and children will be given clues, hear fascinating stories, and take part in hands-on activities as they solve the mystery and learn more about the intriguing history of Cowdray Ruins.

There is also a self-guided Halloween trail for children to follow at the Ruins which is running all week. ‘The Secrets of the Ruins’ is for all young detectives. Visitors can begin the self-guided trail at any time from the Ruins  Centre, where they can collect a trail map.

Leaning into the autumnal theme, the estate is also running sessions with Head Forager, George Linklater – offering families the opportunity to explore the countryside and learn more about nature. They will search the hedgerows and woodland floor for autumn treasures, learn how to recognise useful wild plants, discover which fruits our ancestors gathered for food and medicine, and investigate the strange and fascinating fungi appearing at this time of year.

If the weather calls for indoor fun, The Grange is on hand to offer a chance for children to burn off some energy. The leisure centre is running Halloween Soft Play sessions on 27th and 30th October from 9.30am - 11am.

For older children, there’s a Halloween roller skating session on 30th October between 4 and 5pm. They say: “Whether you're a beginner or a confident skater, it's guaranteed to be a frightfully fun time!” There’s a prize for the best Halloween outfit.

In Petworth, the National Trust is hosting an event aimed at younger witches and wizards: We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure. Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Petworth with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way.

Older children may enjoy meeting best-selling author Jenny MacLachan, on 24th October at Leconfield Hall.  She is taking part in the Petworth Literary Festival and is inviting “anyone who reckons they’re not afraid of dragons to come along and act out her brand-new tale, The Lost Dragon of Roar.” Tickets are available from the festival’s website.

Other fun educational activities locally include a ‘spooky science adventure’ at Sky Park in Rogate on Monday 26th October. Young scientists can take part in a fun, hands-on Spooktacular Potions Science Workshop with a dry ice experiment for an extra spooky effect. Children can see science in action as they explore how different materials react and change

Sky Park is also running an ‘Amazing Animal World Experience’ the following day. The hands-on session will feature sanctuary animals and is best suited to children who can sit calmly and follow instructions.

Of course, no October half-term is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch, and this year Bignor Farm has a special offer of a mixed wheelbarrow of homegrown pumpkins for £25. The beautiful patch is nestled at the foot of the South Downs and offers a calm space, a huge variety of pumpkins and gourds as well as hot drinks and snacks.

For teens and those who want to get active over the break, Punk Padel at Ides Barn in East Dean offers a private, glow-in the dark padel court. There’s instant action replay and Bluetooth speakers so players can listen to their favourite tunes as they play.

Slightly further afield in West Stoke, there’s a spooky ballet workshop, Halloween yoga and a kids dance party at The Vale Café & Wellness Studio.