Plymouth has plenty of October half-term activities and Halloween events happening to keep everyone entertained. The year is flying by, and it may feel like the children only just went back to school; so much so, you may not have had time to check out what’s on. We’ve compiled a list of the exciting goings-on around Plymouth and Sutton Harbour, so you don’t have to!
Frightening fun for all the family
Treacherous trails and tours
Last year’s sea-riously spooky Halloween Trail on the Barbican will return for 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Freaky Feet’ as spooky creatures have been wondering around the Barbican and have left their footprints in shop windows. The kids can grab a trail sheet online or pick one up from the Tourist Information Centre from the 21st October. Simply match up the feet with the creatures they belong too and return with the answers. For all their hard work, they’re in for a treat. Visit the Barbican Waterfront’s website for more information.
If you’re not too tired of walking after taking the treacherous trail around the Barbican, Plymouth Walking Tours is hosting a Halloween Family Walk. This 60-minute walk around the Barbican will be bursting with spookily fun facts perfect for families with young children. While children of any age can attend, this walk is ideal for 5 to 10-year-olds. Your guide will be dressing for the occasion, so don’t be afraid to attend in fancy dress too. The walks will run from the 23rd October until the 31st October at 11am and cost £5. Booking in advance is advised!
Saltram House and Gardens is located 5 miles outside of Plymouth’s city centre. This half-term you can follow a mighty ‘Magic and Myths’ trail around the gardens to discover folklore tales and cast spells with a wand from the wand shop (or bring your own!). Follow the trail and find all of the Pesky Pumpkins too. Booking isn’t essential and the trail is free with admission to the house and gardens. The trail begins on the 21st October and is sticking around until the 5th November.
Daring discos and spooky science
The ever-popular Kids Halloween Disco hosted by Plymouth Boat Trips is also returning for the Halloween half-term this year. Put your little monsters in their best fancy dress and head to the Barbican Landing Stage to board on Saturday 28th October at 5pm. Finishing at 6:30pm you can expect a petrifyingly packed hour-and-a-half of on-board musical games and a competition for best costume. There are limited spaces available so pre-booking is essential and can be done so through the Plymouth Boat Trips website.
If your kids aren’t keen on sailing the Plymouth Sound dressed like a little pirate this Halloween, perhaps ‘mad scientist’ is more their thing? The Box is hosting an after-hours Spooky Science evening with free roam of the exhibits, the chance to perform a science experiment and, of course, some spooky songs to Monster Mash to. All children must be accompanied by an adult and fancy dress is encouraged. The event is on the 28th October from 5:30pm until 7:30pm and must be booked in advance here.
Halloween crafts
If you’re all partied out, how about attending one of three, free Halloween-themed craft workshops around the city? No booking is required, and the workshops will be held consecutively from the 24th to the 26th October, 10am until 2pm. Las Iguanas at The Barcode is where you’ll find the first workshop making willow wands and pumpkin decorations. Central Library on Armada Way will be making alien headbands and pumpkin masks. The third and final workshop is being hosted at Baby’roo on Armada Way where you can make witches’ hats and spooky crowns.
Ghoulish goings-on for grown-ups
There are plenty of great restaurants, pubs and clubs around Sutton Harbour that are perfect for getting the party started. Find frighteningly-good fresh seafood at Rockfish and The Harbour, scarily scrumptious sourdough pizza at The Stable and otherworldly Asian-inspired street food at Supha’s. Haunt the HonkyTonk Wine Library for an impressive selection of wines to taste or head to The Ship for spirits all round.
HonkyTonk Wine Library are hosting a Halloween movie night on the 26th October showing the wickedly entertaining Hocus Pocus. Dressing up is encouraged, so bring your friends for a cosy movie night with popcorn and plenty of bubbles. Book online via their website or pay in cash at the shop.
As Britain’s Ocean City, it’s only right that a Halloween party be hosted on a boat! As well as the kids’ disco, Plymouth Boat Trips is throwing a boat party on the 28th October from 7:30pm for adults only (18+). Get all dressed up and prepare for a night of Halloween anthems and party favourites from the resident DJ. Tickets also include a free drink, book here.
Prefer your discos silent? The Box is hosting a Night at the Museum complete with a silent disco and tracks from throughout the decades plus some spooky specials thrown in. This event is for adults only (18+) and needs to be booked in advance from The Box website.
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