Half-term fun in the Chilterns

Half-term fun in the Chilterns

Half-term is just around the corner and if you’re looking for family-friendly activities this October, then check out what the Chilterns AONB has to offer!

Outdoor Adventures

Get outdoors this Autumn and enjoy some fresh air in the beautiful Chilterns. From pumpkin carving and wreath making to haunted houses and model railways, there’s something for everyone this October half-term.

Wild Wood WarriorsWallingford, Oxfordshire. Wild Wood Warriors is hosting a Halloween Forest School session for all ages on Tuesday, 24 October, with spooky themed activities and campfire cooking – fancy dress welcome!

Chilterns Open Air MuseumChalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire. Make Autumn wreaths, toast marshmallows, venture on some scary woodland walks and more at Chilterns Open Air Museum (Tuesday 24 and Friday 27, October).

Beckonscot Model VillageBeaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Step back in time and into some very big shoes at Beckonscot Model Village, the world’s oldest model village with one of the largest Gauge 1 model railways in the country. (Open daily 10:00 – 17:30).

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Hitchin Apple Day Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Celebrate all things apple with themed food and drink, crafts, and gardening tips at Hitchin Apple Day on Saturday, 21 October, in support of the Triangle Community Garden.

Woodoaks Farm Guided Walk Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Take part in the Chilterns Walking Festival and join a 5-mile guided walk around Woodoaks Farm and see how it is changing to reduce its impact on the planet, create opportunities for wildlife and allow more people to enjoy seasonal, organic food. (Wednesday, 25 October).

River Chess Discovery Trail: Love Exploring appChesham, Buckinghamshire. Discover the lovely River Chess as you follow some of the Chess Valley Walk. Find out about the history of the river, discover the key features of a chalk stream and the importance of these globally rare habitats, and learn about the amazing wildlife – maybe you’ll spot some as you walk along!

Chiltern Rangers Volunteer Sessions – High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Join the Chiltern Rangers and help pick litter, rake grassland, cut back pathways and clear scrub from local areas. No experience necessary – there will be tasks suitable for everyone! (21 – 27 October).

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Pumpkin Patches

Earth Trust Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Tolhurst OrganicWhitchurch-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire.

Farmer Paul’s Weedon nr. Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Peterley Manor FarmGt. Missenden, Buckinghamshire.

Church FarmWeston Turville, Buckinghamshire.

The Walled GardenWest Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

The Secret FarmMoggerhanger, Bedfordshire.

Willows Activity Farm St. Albans, Hertfordshire.

Indoor Fun

When the great British weather lets you down and you want to stay warm and dry, check out some of the half-term offerings at these local museums.

Discover Bucks MuseumAylesbury, Buckinghamshire. From spooky spider webs to Autumn leaves, the Discover Bucks Museum has a variety of half-term activities including a Halloween trail, themed arts and crafts, and a family fun day. (23 – 28 October).

Natural History MuseumTring, Hertfordshire. The Natural History Museum at Tring has special half-term activities including an immersive nocturnal animals exhibit (24 – 26 October), and an apple pressing and juice tasting day on Friday, 27 October.

Museum of English Rural LifeReading, Berkshire. Head over to the Museum of English Rural Life for Autumn activity packs that include garden trails, conker crafts, pumpkin hunts and more. (21 – 29 October).

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British Schools MuseumHitchin, Hertfordshire. Are you brave enough to enter the Haunted Headmaster’s House? Learn about the history of Victorian schools, carve your own pumpkin, go on a ghost walk and more at the British Schools Museum. (21 – 29 October).

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – Gt. Missenden, Buckinghamshire. From Revolting Rhymes to Buzzwangling Beasts, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre has a wide range of half-term activities, crafts and walks for all ages. (21 – 29, October).

Related news

Bluebells: the sign of spring in the Chilterns

Bluebells flower in abundance in ancient woodland in early spring and are found throughout the Chilterns.

Calling all artists: new national arts programme

We are seeking writers and artists to take part in Nature Calling – a new national arts programme.

Revitalising the Hamble Brook

For the first time in more than 140 years, the Hamble Brook has a new wetland site.

Chilterns ANOB
Chilterns ANOB

Chilterns Walking Festival

Find out about our twice-yearly walking festival, or see our suggestions of wonderful walks to do at other times.
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Bookable experiences

We have carefully chosen our most immersive and memorable Chilterns Countryside Experiences to share with you here. Choose from Active Countryside, Chilterns Food & Drink, Countryside Learning and Chilterns Sightseeing. All are bookable online.