Winchester is getting ready for the spookiest night of the year! We have some great ideas to get your little horrors into the Halloween spirit this half term.
Take part in the #SpookyWinch Word Hunt
Take a walk around the mysterious and eerie cobbled streets of Winchester for the Spooky Winchester Word Hunt. Find all the pumpkin signs displayed in windows of local businesses around the city centre and write down the words you find. Once you have found all nine words take your trail sheet to either the Winchester Visitor Information Centre or the Arc to collect your prize. You will also be entered into a prize draw to win a Halloween hamper, filled with lots of great gifts kindly donated by local businesses. A perfect fun-filled and free day out in Winchester for kids and big kids alike.
Solve a mystical murder mystery
Another great way to explore the enchanted streets of Winchester is to attempt to solve Merlin’s Magical Monocle.
This immersive treasure hunt combines Arthurian legend, fairy tale themes and, of course, a whodunit twist. Embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of historic Winchester on this self-guided city tour experience. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient landmarks and hidden gems, solve escape room-like puzzles and find hidden clues to ultimately deduce whodunit.
Join a Children’s History Walking Tour
Join one of Winchester’s official tour guides for a 60-minute walking tour, highlighting the most wonderful, worst, weirdest and wackiest stories of Winchester. Including myths, legends, ghosts and the craziest of the kings, queens and ordinary folk of the city’s past. There will be some hair-raising stories about Winchester’s past people!
Wizard Week at The Watercress Line
The Watercress line transforms into a place of magic and mischief during Wizard Week (26 October – 3 November).
Spine-tingling treats are in store – including terrific rides on the Wizard Express heritage train and the thrill of walking in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where Harry received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film.
Ghouls and ghosts can ride the steam trains throughout the day and hop on and off as they wish to explore the four heritage stations. Get stuck into the brand-new slime laboratory and be spooked by some creepy creatures.
Plus, children of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite scary character – little monsters, ghosts, witches and wizards are all welcome. There are prizes to be won at the fancy dress competition, to be held each day.
Boo at the Zoo at Marwell
Marwell Zoo has plenty of devilish delights in store this October half term. Lowedolf, Marwell’s resident wizard teaches little ghouls, ghosts, and witches how to fly on a broomstick. The children will learn the magical commands needed to make their broom move in different directions before embarking on a test course. Once budding wizards have earned their level one flying badge, they can celebrate with s’mores toasted on crackling fire pits.
Science Spooktacular at Winchester Science Centre
Winchester Science Centre’s ‘Science Spooktacular’ promises a Halloween day out with a difference. Running from Saturday 20 October to Monday 4 November, the event includes a trick or treat trail with Skully the Skeleton, educating families with fun science facts as they search for Skully’s lost bones.
The Science Spooktacular is complete with live chemistry demos in the free live science show, ‘Potions Science Lab’, the opportunity to tour the solar system in the Planetarium, and take part in a mini monster disco.
All Halloween activities are included in Winchester Science Centre ticket admission price.
Don’t miss Winchester Science Centre’s Starlight Cinema experience, screening ‘Hocus Pocus’, under the stars in the Planetarium on 27 October. ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ will be shown on Thursday 30 October as part of the After Dark evening event, Science Explained: Spells and Potions.
Ghost stories at The Great Hall
Experience ghost stories by candlelight at The Great Hall on Halloween. Winchester’s most mysterious ghost hunter and their eager apprentice share chilling stories from past adventures with the ‘other side’. Families with children aged eight and above are invited to step into the shadows of The Great Hall for an evening of spine-tingling tales at 7:30pm.
Underground tunnels at Fort Nelson
Children can take on the challenge to crack the codes and unravel the mysteries of Fort Nelson this October half term.
Fort Nelson is a great place to visit at any time of the year but as the days get shorter this historic Victorian fort, with its underground tunnels and secret chambers, is particularly atmospheric. And if you fancy blowing the cobwebs away, wrap up warm and enjoy the Fort's spacious outdoors areas with a walk around our ramparts and take in the spectacular views.
Take a break from your adventures with a visit to the café to enjoy a menu including kid's picnic packs, seasonal soups, spooky biscuits and delicious cakes. The museum galleries display the national collection of artillery with 700 pieces from across the world, spanning 600 years of history.
Witch-crafts at The Arc
The Arc is hosting several exciting Halloween-themed activities which provide a mix of creative fun and spooky entertainment suitable for all ages.
Fizzy pumpkin art sessions are running from 29 – 31 October. There is ‘make your own clay monsters’ on 28 October, ‘spooky lino printing’ on 29 October and ‘spooky stained-glass style crafting’ session on 30 October.
On Halloween itself, enjoy creating spooky, silly, or mysterious monsters using inkblot techniques.
Money saving tips
Marwell Zoo 5 for £85
Take advantage of the 5 for £85 offer until Sunday 3 November 2024!
For £85 guests will be able to buy a ticket that admits up to five people for a full day of family adventures. The group must contain a maximum of 2 adults and a minimum of 1 child (e.g. 2 adults and 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children).
Historic Winchester Super Explorer Ticket
Discover the history of Winchester from its roots in the Iron Age to the emergence of the Anglo-Saxons and its part in the final journey of King Charles I with a joint ticket to 878 AD, City Museum and The Great Hall with Westgate Museum.
For just £69.50, a family of five can enjoy unlimited visits to all venues for a whole year.