From Halloween crafts and historic potion making to illuminated interiors and ghostly tours, Chichester is gearing up for a packed October half term. Here’s what’s happened across the area from Saturday (October 24) to Sunday (November 1).

Nothing says ‘October’ quite like a pumpkin, and this year there are plenty of places people can pick their own. Rogate Farm has a vibrant range of gourds and squashes on offer, alongside family-friendly activities and food and drink.

Similarly, Dell Quay Pick Your Own, Northlands Farm and Somerley Fields are open for pumpkin picking, getting into the Halloween spirit with spooky activities and entertainment.

For further information on pumpkin picking in and around Chichester, visit here.

From Halloween crafts and historic potion making to illuminated interiors and ghostly tours, Chichester is gearing up for a packed October half term. Photo: Elizabeth Junor.

placeholder image — From Halloween crafts and historic potion making to illuminated interiors and ghostly tours, Chichester is gearing up for a packed October half term. Photo: Elizabeth Junor.

For those who want to keep up the outdoor spirit, West Dean Gardens has a variety of autumn colours on display – easily seen when following the Family Gardens Explorer Trail, which is running this half term. Located just six miles north of Chichester, children go free while adults can enter for £13.75.

Other outdoor activities include ‘Plagues & Potions’ at the Weald & Downland Museum, known for its historic atmosphere and rural settings.

Running over half term week, the potions event takes visitors back in time to 1655, when the Black Death was about to spread across the country. Families can follow a trail to gather ingredients for a healing potion, uncovering clues from the past as they do so. Entry is free for under 5s, £9.75 for under 18s and £18.75 for adults.

Sometimes, however, the weather calls for time indoors. Families with young children can visit Creative Beatz at Southgate for a Halloween cookie decorating session on October 26, running from 10.30am to 11am. Tickets cost £5.50.

And the baked goods do not stop there – Fishers Farm, located in Billingshurst, is offering spooky biscuit decorating as part of its ‘Freaky Fishers’ half term event. Families can also take a trip through the ghost tunnel and to the Little Boo Barn, both aimed at young children. Entry is free for under 2s, £13.95 for concessions and £15.95 for adults and children aged 3-59.

For those who are slightly older but still want to get into the Halloween spirit, there are after dark ghost tours taking place in Chichester across the half term week. Although ghost tours run all year round, they are perfect for Halloween, with a guide walking people through the city at night and sharing its supernatural history along the way. This event is strictly 16+ and tickets cost £12.

Residents and visitors can also head to Chichester Cathedral, which is hosting its annual light display. The cathedral interior is lit up in an immersive visual and sound installation, running from October 23 to October 31. Entry is priced at £13 and the event takes place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.