October Half Term Near Happy Valley Norfolk
Hello Happy Valley families & nature lovers!
Half term is just around the corner and there’s no better time to get outside, breathe in the autumn air and explore the beautiful wild spaces close to home. Here are some of our favourite spots near Happy Valley and a closer look at what they are offering during October Half Term for little legs, inquisitive minds and crisp fall adventures that pair beautifully with a woodland glamping retreat. Stay in King Nutkin from Monday 27th - Friday 29th and enjoy a romantic woodland getaway or take advantage of Denver & Tawny’s shared outdoor kitchen by booking The Woodland Twins for your family of 4 adventure from Monday 27th - Wednesday 29th October. Keeper’s Cabin is available for an unforgettable weekend from Friday 24th October - Sunday 26th.
Sandringham Estate: Autumn & October Half Term Highlights
Pumpkin House Crafting: Kids (and grownups!) can pick a pumpkin and create their own “Pumpkin House” inspired by the book Pumpkin Soup.
Family Archery: Sessions with a GB instructor in the Royal Parkland. Good for beginners and families.
Autumn walks / Parkland / Play Area: Treetop walkways, zip lines, sand & water tower play, plus lots of leaf-collecting, wandering through gardens / parkland.
Apple Picking in the Sandringham Orchard: picking your own apples (Cox / Bramley) while in season.
Afternoon Tea: Daily 3pm sittings, with options for children’s teas! A good treat after outdoor exploring.
RSPB Snettisham: Autumn / Half Term Nature Events
Some of the nature-focused events and sights to catch at Snettisham:
Snettisham Spectacular / Whirling Wader Spectacular: At certain high tides during autumn, huge numbers of wading birds (e.g. knot, oystercatcher, godwits etc.) gather, offering dramatic roosting & flight displays over the mudflats and lagoons.
Sunday Walks “Waders at Dawn”: These are early morning guided walks (often with naturalists) to see the birds as the tide changes. Great for wildlife-spotting with a bit of sunrise atmosphere.
Whirling Wader Walk & Breakfast: A combination of a walk at dawn / early morning around the reserve to watch the high tide roosts + breakfast. Usually needs early start.
What’s On at Holkham Hall
The Halloween Garden
Dates: 26th-30th October 2025
What to expect: Spooky stories, pumpkin carving, witches’ kitchen to search for potion ingredients, magical face painting (selected dates), and creepy (but family-friendly) crafts.
Times: 11:00-15:00 daily during that period.
Cost: £7 per person (children & adults) except under 2s are free. Parking is extra.
Family / Seasonal Events Around King’s Lynn
Lynn Lumiere — Animated light displays on King’s Lynn’s historic buildings (Minster, Custom House, etc.), projecting stories/scenes in evening through autumn.
Halloween & Autumn Adventures at Dobbies Garden Centre (Lynn) — events for children: Little Seedlings Clubs, Grow How sessions etc, hands-on, gardening / seasonal fun.
Stories of Lynn Museum – Half term: Halloween crafts & self-led museum trails (25-31 October) at Stories of Lynn.
Spooky Trails & Town Halloween Trail in Lynn – pumpkin trails, street entertainment etc during half-term / Halloween.
So what are you waiting for? Get excited about October half term in Norfolk when you stay at Happy Valley!