It's October, so for parents, the main topic for discussion involves the fast-approaching half-term holidays and a favourite time of year here at Deer’s Glade, Halloween! We’ve outlined some suggestions for things to do in the half-term holidays in Norfolk.
The half-term holidays always sneak up on us all. Here at Deer’s Glade, we’ve been taking a breath after a busy summer period. All of a sudden autumn is upon us and half-term and Halloween festivities are already in full swing in many parts of our beloved North Norfolk. For those camping, glamping or caravanning with us this holiday and for those just looking for some fun things to do during the week off (or two weeks for some lucky children), we’ve chosen a selection of fun local activities in the area.
A great pastime for many over the half-term holidays in anticipation of the big Halloween trick-or-treat night itself is pumpkin picking. For those staying with us over the half-term, we have a few recommendations in Norfolk. Just because you're on holiday, there’s no reason to go without a pumpkin at your caravan or tent door. ‘Pick’ from our suggestions below (see what we did there!)
The first, and the closest is Alby Pumpkin Patch in Erpingham. Literally, just down the road from us. The pumpkin patch will be open from the 21st through to the 29th of October. This is a traditional pick-your-own style venue with thousands of pumpkins ripe for the picking. It’s free to enter with food available on-site and completely dog friendly. The site is cash only, so don’t forget to visit the local hole-in-the-wall before arrival.
The second recommendation is The Pumpkin House in Thursford. A 19-mile trip from our site, but there’s plenty there to enjoy a good day out. As well as pumpkin picking there’s a maize maze, the Big Dig for digging for treasure, hay bale towers, and sand pits. There are also refreshments including hot drinks and ice-creams.
Thirdly, we suggest The Haha Farm in Strumpshaw. You might have seen this venue on the local news (if you’re Norfolk-based) over the summer for its pick-you-own sunflowers. The farm is now open however for pick-your-own pumpkins. Enjoy a ghostly woodland scavenger hunt, creepy cookie decorating, and face painting as well as spooky storytime. Open until the 31st of October from 10 am to 4 pm and approximately 24 miles from Deer’s Glade.
There are many great things to do in Norfolk over the half-term. Here are some special calendar events for inspiration.
So, let’s start with a bit of theatre and circus fun. The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth. This year’s autumn performance is the Halloween Spooktacular. Billed as ‘a hilarious spooky journey’ for the whole family, and hosted by comedy duo Jack Jay and Johnny Mac, the ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ takes place between the 20th to 31st October. Choose from a matinee performance or evening show. Each lasts 2 hours with a 20-minute interval. For those who haven’t been to the Hippodrome, the theatre usually transforms into a water-filled stage as the big finale. Great Yarmouth is approximately 29 miles away from Deer’s Glade, but there’s plenty of fun to be had for a full day out. Arcades, the seafront, Sealife Centre, and the Marina Leisure Centre which has some great new slides in the pool area.
Next, let’s talk about the Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade at BeWILDerwood. We love BeWILDerwood. It’s a magical forest of outdoor adventure and family fun. With Treehouses, Wobbly Wires, Slippery Slopes, Crocklebogs, Twiggles, and Boggles, Bewilderwood is a storytelling world of wonder. Every year Bewilderwood adds a little extra sparkle for a theme for Halloween. This year The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade is already taking place. It starts on the 14th and runs until the 31st of October between 6-8 pm, the forest with shine like never before through a glowing woodland display. You’ll find BeWILDerwood just 16 miles from our campsite.
If you and your children love nature and animals, then the Creatures of the Night Trail at Pensthorpe Park will be for you. The trail across the main reserve will teach visitors spooky facts about nocturnal animals. You can also solve spooktastic clues to claim a prize and take part in pumpkin carving and Halloween arts and crafts. The event takes place between the 21st and 29th October. As a nature park, Pensthorpe is a lovely day out. Little nature lovers can blow off steam at the impressive eco-friendly WildRootz play area. Visit Hootz House, an indoor play area with rope bridges, snaking slides, and tree-top towers ready to explore. There is a Discovery Centre, a Sculpture Trail, and the Wetland Discovery Area for some pond dipping and seeing the resident flamingos. Pensthorpe is 23 miles from our campsite, with the stunning Blickling Hall en route.
There’s something for all ages at Roarr Dinosaur Adventure this half term. Join Dippy the Dinosaur for Dippy’s Halloween Days of ghostly tales, creepy quests, and eerie trails from the 21st to the 29th of October for all the family. Or, if it’s a more adult experience you’re looking for then it’ll be the park’s Primevil Scare attraction you’ll want to attend. These spine-tingling evenings are already in full swing starting on the 13th of October and running until the 4th of November. Apparently, your screams won’t help you! MUHAHAHA! Roarr Dinosaur Adventure is in Lenwade, approximately 17 miles away from our campsite. Visit the Valley of the Dinosaurs, Dippy’s theatre, Dinomite indoor and outdoor play areas, plus new additions Swing-o-Saurus and the Raptor Contraptor. Download the app for 15% off.
If you’re booking for a spooky time at Deer’s Glade this half term, don’t forget to bring your Halloween outfits! As always we’ll be fully decorated and are planning some Halloween fun onsite for all the family.
Taking place on Saturday 28th October, we’ll be running a pumpkin carving competition, face painting, and lots more trick-or-treat fun. Come stay if you dare!
Book your memorable holiday at Deer’s Glade Caravan & Camping Park here.