From spooky storytelling to pumpkin trails and haunted happenings, Halloween has become a much-loved tradition in the UK. What was once a night of folklore and superstition is now a time for families, friends and thrill-seekers to enjoy everything from costume parties to eerie adventures. Oxfordshire, with its historic streets, ancient landmarks and countryside settings, provides the perfect backdrop for spine-tingling fun. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, ghostly tours or something a little scarier, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween across the county this October.
Below is a small selection of events:
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
This Halloween, Blenheim Palace invites you to step into a world of eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. The historic estate transforms into a haunting playground where towering skeletons, glowing eyes and ghostly lights create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Along the immersive trail, visitors will encounter everything from medieval dungeons shrouded in secrets to cursed tombs where the dead refuse to rest. With giant spiderwebs, ancient pagan rituals and plenty of jump-worthy moments along the way, it’s the perfect adventure for families and thrill-seekers alike.
For something a little less hair-raising but equally magical, indulge in the palace’s Halloween Afternoon Tea. Featuring ghoulishly creative delights like “dead man’s eyes” sandwiches and wickedly decadent cakes, this spooky spread is designed to enchant taste buds of all ages. Available from Thursday 23 October to Sunday 2 November, it’s a frightfully delicious way to celebrate Halloween in Oxfordshire.
Millets Farm Halloween Spook-Tacular
This autumn, Millets Farm is transforming into a Halloween wonderland packed with spooky fun for all ages. From gremlins and goblins to witches with charm, there’s plenty to get you in the spirit – if you dare!
Pick Your Own Pumpkins – The famous pumpkin fields return, bursting with plump pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colours – perfect for carving or cooking. Open at weekends from 27 September and daily from 18 to 31 October, the patch is filled with Halloween props and photo spots. Grab a wheelbarrow and enjoy the hunt for your perfect pumpkin. Entry tickets must be booked in advance as they sell quickly. Pumpkins are priced separately (£1 – £10 depending on size).
Pumpkins by Night – For something truly magical, visit after dark when the patch comes alive with glowing trails, live entertainment and plenty of seasonal surprises. Open 16 to 19 October and daily from 23 to 30 October, from 5.30pm-10pm (last entry 8.30pm). Pre-booking is essential for this unforgettable night-time experience.
High Lodge Farm Spooky Trail & Pumpkin Patch
This October half-term, High Lodge Farm in Abingdon transforms once again into one of Oxfordshire’s favourite Halloween destinations. Families can follow the ever-popular Spooky Trail, winding through woodland filled with ghostly displays, mischievous skeletons, bubbling witches’ cauldrons and the return of the Monks of Abingdon, the Headless Man and more! New for this year, young explorers can join Professor Spectre on his mission to round up runaway ghosts that have escaped from Culham Lab. Watch out though – the Pumpkin King, werewolves and plenty of magical moggies will also be lurking among the trees.
After braving the trail, there’s plenty more fun to enjoy in the Play Patch, from climbing straw bale stacks and zooming down the slippery new Mud Mountain to tractor play, wooden games, a giant sandpit and rides on the barrel train. Warm up with toasted marshmallows at the fire pit, snap some spooky photos in the Pumpkin Patch and of course, take home a pumpkin (or two!) from thousands of shapes and sizes on offer. For an extra thrill, book one of the special Pumpkin Nights evenings, where the trail takes on a spookier edge under the stars, complete with autumn drinks for grown-ups.
High Lodge Farm’s mix of magic, mischief and memory-making makes it the perfect Halloween outing for families in Oxfordshire.
Halloween at Cogges Manor Farm
Cogges Manor Farm invites you to step into a world of frightful fun as the historic Manor House transforms into The Witch’s House. This year’s theme, Monstrous Movies, brings some of cinema’s most iconic characters to life – from Frankenstein and the Ghostbusters to Harry Potter, Shrek, Gremlins and more. Expect spooky surprises and plenty of playful scares as the monsters take centre stage and prove why they’re true film stars.
The Halloween experience continues with craft activities, a themed trail through the grounds and plenty of family fun. Young visitors can also meet friendly farm animals at 10am and 2pm, explore the adventure playground, and refuel with tasty treats and warm drinks at the Cogges Kitchen Café.
For grown-ups seeking something a little scarier, The Witch’s House After Dark Scream Night takes place on Friday 31st October from 6pm–10pm. On Halloween itself, the monsters return for an adults-only evening of thrills, chills and monstrous mayhem – a truly unforgettable way to spend the spookiest night of the year.
Pumpkin Patch at Rectory Farm
This October, Rectory Farm is transforming into a pumpkin paradise, perfect for families looking to embrace the Halloween spirit. Wander through the fields to hand-pick your very own farm-grown pumpkins and squashes in every shade imaginable, from traditional orange to quirky colours that make carving even more fun.
The farm is bursting with activities to keep children entertained, including a pumpkin tunnel filled with creative displays, interactive games, mini tractors and even mini golf. Little ones can enjoy story time with costumed characters, pumpkin-themed songs and tractor rides with stunning views of the patch. Don’t miss the daily Halloween costume competition – prizes await the best dressed!
Live music, delicious food and seasonal treats will keep everyone fuelled throughout the day. From guest food trucks and artisan coffee to Halloween specials in the Tractor Shed café, there’s something for every taste. With bale stacks to climb and plenty of spooky fun at every turn, it’s an unmissable Oxfordshire October outing
Perry Tree Farm’s Pumpkin Patch
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Perry’s Pumpkin Patch! Back for another year, the farm is bursting with over 27 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds – from firm favourites like Casperita and Polar Bear to exciting new arrivals including Black Kat and Speckled Hound. Grab a wheelbarrow and take your time exploring the fields to find your perfect pumpkins.
In the days leading up to Halloween, little (and not-so-little!) visitors can also enjoy pumpkin carving sessions. Taking place daily from 26th–30th October, these two-hour slots (10am–2pm) are the perfect way to create spooky masterpieces without worrying about early-carved pumpkins spoiling before the big night. Entry is free – just pick up one of the farm’s carving kits to get involved.
Whether you’re stocking up for soup and pies or looking for the perfect pumpkin to light up your doorstep, Perry’s is a must-visit this Halloween.
With its mix of family fun, seasonal traditions and spine-tingling thrills, Oxfordshire is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween. Whether you’re exploring a pumpkin patch with little ones, braving a ghost tour through historic streets, or enjoying a cosy autumn evening in one of the county’s pubs, there’s something for everyone. However you choose to spend it, make sure to wrap up warm, keep your eyes peeled for things that go bump in the night and enjoy a truly memorable Halloween in Oxfordshire.
