Its one of our favourite times of year at Jigsaw Holidays and whether you like to trick or treat or be dazzled by fireworks theres plenty of autumn fun to be had in the Cotswolds. Wrap up warm and head out to enjoy fun and fireworks in the Cotswolds at these great events taking place in October and November.
Spooky spectaculars this Halloween
The Cotswolds is a great place to enjoy Halloween. From pumpkin picking and carving at local farms to fright night events at some of the Cotswolds most haunted properties, theres something for everyone to enjoy. With events taking place for children and families to evening events which arent for the faint hearted, youre certainly in for some spooky surprises this October. Ghost tours and ghoul spotting Ghost tours are becoming an increasingly popular way to spend Halloween with some great options for children by day and adults by night. Learn about the haunted history of some of the Cotswolds best loved locations, with a frightful surprise or two along the way Some of the best tours on offer include:
- The Prestbury Ghost Tour, 29th October (suitable for under 16s) Discover the stories behind one of Englands most haunted villages, Prestbury. Get acquainted with the Medieval Messenger, the Charging Cavalier, and of course the Black Abbot. Its a family-friendly tour, but be warned that its not recommended for those under the age of 5.
- Steam N Scream, 29th October (suitable for children) What better way to enjoy Halloween than on board a classic steam train? Meet the Wicked Witch of Winchcombe, become a ghostbuster en route and take part in the Bat Walks, theres plenty going on for everyone to enjoy. Theres also a prize for the best costume, so get creative with your fancy dress!
- The Newark Park Ghostly Halloween Tour, 31st October (suitable for adults and children over 14) If its something a bit spookier youre looking for, then head to Newark Park after dark for a tour that wont disappoint. Learn some of the stories of some of Newarks chilliest residents and see the gardens as youve never seen them before. Remember to wrap up warm and bring a torch.
Pumpkin picking and scarecrows at Cotswolds farms Cotswolds farms are a hive of activity at this time of year. Taking a break from the autumn harvest, theres plenty of fun to be had with pumpkin picking and carving, scarecrow tails, apple bobbing and more. An ideal way to spend a Cotswolds weekend, you wont want to miss out on the Halloween fun.
- Spooktacular Halloween at Cattle Country Adventure Park, Thursday 20th October 30th October (suitable for children) Cattle Country Adventure Park has a whole host of scary Halloween events taking place, from scary tractor rides through the maze to the Scarecrow trail youll find plenty to do and plenty of pumpkins to be carved to take home.
- Halloween at Berkeley Castle, 23rd 26th October (suitable for children) Berkeley Castle truly transforms this half-term for Halloween with flying owls, ghoulish characters and the chance to meet the wizards and witches in the cellar. You can also explore the grounds after dark, and of course carve a pumpkin inspired by your spooktacular visit.
- Pumpkin Day at Cogges Manor Farm, 30th October (suitable for children) With great events all year round, Cogges Manor Farm never disappoints and at Halloween, youre in for plenty of tricks and treats. Pumpkin is the theme of the day with a huge carving competition, the chance to make magic wands and brooms, as well as plenty of pumpkin-flavoured goodies to try out and take home.
And for a little Halloween twist As well as the typical Halloween activities, there are also plenty of other great events taking place in the Cotswolds this October. From Harry Potter-themed evenings to spooky tea parties theres something new to try for anyone looking for a frighteningly fun time this Halloween.
- Frightmare Halloween Festival, 21st 31st October (suitable for adults, with childrens events during the day) The famous Frightmare Festival is back at Over Farm Market in Gloucester. Screamingly scary, with great attractions, entertainment and plenty of food and drink outlets to make for an unforgettable Halloween. Get dressed up and ready for the fright of your lives!
- Halloween Tea Party at Adam Hensons Cotswold Farm Park, 24th 30th October (suitable for children) This half-term, Adam Henson is hosting a very special Witches Tea Party, with free face painting for children, goody bags for fancy dress and the chance to get up close and personal with some beastly creatures, as well as some afternoon tea of course.
- Pottering Around at Gloucester Cathedral , 26th and 27th October (suitable for children) Whats Halloween without a bit of magic? Gloucester Cathedral is well-known to Harry Potter fans, and this is a great chance to celebrate everything Hogwarts with potions to sample as well as be sorted by the famous Sorting Hat. Come dressed as your favourite Harry Potter character and join in!
Fireworks in the Cotswolds - Dazzling displays for Bonfire Night
The city lights dont always offer the best way to enjoy fireworks, which is why an escape to the Cotswolds countryside is a great option for those who like to enjoy an awesome firework display. Get your winter woollies out and get ready to enjoy some fun and fireworks in the Cotswolds this November.
- Tetbury Rotary Clubs Annual Display, 5th November A great annual fireworks display run by Tetburys Rotary Club, with all proceeds from the evening going to different charities. Combining traditional elements such as lighting the bonfire and a Guy competition, as well as an excellent fireworks display with a community feel.
- Kingham Fireworks Display, 5th November Taking place next to the Royal British Legion in Kingham, theres plenty of hot drinks, a hog roast, fair rides and other entertainment to go round. The event is free, but the organisers ask for a charitable donation which will support both the event and some local charities.
- Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks, 5th November Enjoy a visit to Cheltenham Racecourse after dark for some spectacular fireworks in the Cotswolds. The display attracts around 15,000 people each year and also features a fun fair, Samba drummers, and local radio entertainment in fantastic surroundings.
- Gloucester Docks Laser and Firework Display, 5th November Head to Gloucester for an amazing evening on the Docks full of light and colour as the city becomes illuminated. Theres masses of entertainment, stalls, food and drink and a fun fair to enjoy in one of the largest displays of fireworks in the Cotswolds.
Celebrate your own way at one of our properties
If a cosy night in with your partner, family or friends is more your style, then our Jigsaw properties offer plenty to help make your Halloween or Bonfire night a memorable one. Cosy nights in front of the fire are a must at our Tyne Hill Barn and Cottage, Teagles Cottage and Chapel Cottage properties, and who knows, you may even be able to see some fireworks in the Cotswolds from the garden or front window! For families, a night of Halloween or Bonfire night activities such as bobbing for apples or carving pumpkins is a great way to spend time together, and you can make the most of the amazing kitchen facilities to bake some autumnal treats. Meanwhile, for group getaways, why not plan a themed night of fancy dress and scary films to help you truly get into the spirit, without having to go outside! However you decide to spend your Halloween and Bonfire Night, remember that there are plenty of great events featuring fireworks in the Cotswolds, so take a look at our available properties and book your stay to top off a fantastic half-term week. You can take a look at our full range of self-catering cottages here.