Tewkesbury Borough is bustling with activities to keep families entertained this October half term

Press release 
14 October 2025

Tewkesbury Borough is bustling with activities to keep families entertained this October half term.

There are a wide range of events available for children and adults to enjoy together.

The events calendar is packed with everything from spooky seasonal activities and historical workshops to spectacular firework displays that will light up the autumn nights.

Prepare for an unforgettable half-term filled with family fun and illuminations galore

Kids’ activities for half term

For a good dose of family fun mixed with history and some spooky encounters, the John Moore Museum is holding events at both its locations at the Old Baptist Chapel and The Merchants House.

On Saturday, 25 October you can ‘Discover Bats’ with a special day of three sessions to choose from at the Old Baptist Chapel. For a more hands-on experience, Flying Bats craft workshops will be held on Wednesday, 29 October and Thursday, 30 October with a drop-in option between 10am and 12pm. 

Additionally, on Friday, 31 October on Halloween itself, The Merchants Housewill have All Hallow’s Eve Spooky Tales storytelling events at different times throughout the day.

Over at Cleeve Common, on Friday, 31 October there’s a family fun Friday Halloween special, from 12.30pm to 3pm, which includes a Halloween trail and pumpkin carving.


Museum of the moon events at Tewkesbury Abbey

Tewkesbury Abbey is hosting the Museum of the Moon installation by artist Luke Jerram from 16 October to 4 November. A spectacular giant moon complete with space-themed soundscape will transform the Nave of the Abbey. As part of the exhibit, there are specific events for kids during the half term.

From Monday, 27 October to Friday, 31 October a children’s Space Trail is available daily, and Storytime under the Moon will take place from 3pm to 3.45pm.

Families can enjoy morning activities on the Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 12pm Zoom to the Moon, kids mornings interactive workshops will give kids the chance to make and take space themed crafts. 

Sudeley Castle Halloween and half term events

Enjoy some autumnal enchantment at Sudeley Castle, where families are invited to spot the pumpkins and seasonal surprises dotted around the grounds from Saturday, 25 October to Sunday, 2 November. Those who complete the trail are rewarded with a Halloween treat. On Friday, 31 October, journey back in time with Tudor All Hallows’ Eve, a hauntingly immersive experience within the castle’s ancient walls, where you can learn about the eerie customs of the past and encounter spirits who share spine-chilling tales. This atmospheric event promises thrills and a touch of Tudor mischief.
 
Firework displays in Tewkesbury Borough

When dusk falls and the air turns crisp, Tewkesbury Borough offers a variety of fantastic firework displays to light up the night. 

On Halloween night, Friday, 31October, a brand-new event, Phantoms and Fireworks, will be held at Sudeley Castle. The event will feature spooky thrills, walkabout characters, dancing, and a haunted trail. The evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.
Clavell and Hinds Brewery will host a Halloween Party Night on Friday, 31 October and a separate Fireworks Night on Saturday, 8 November. 

For those looking for a more traditional celebration, the Tewkesbury Fireworks and Bonfire will light up The Vineyards, located behind Tewkesbury Abbey, on Sunday, 2 November. Gates open at 5pm.  

Additionally, Croft Farm will hold a Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, 7 November, with gates opening at 6pm.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is putting on extra evening services to take people to the big fireworks display show at Cheltenham Racecourse. 

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Lead Member for Economy said: “This October half term in Tewkesbury Borough is a time of magic and discovery. We are thrilled that so many of our businesses offer a fantastic programme of events that showcase the best of our borough, from historical tours and museum workshops to the spectacular fireworks. We encourage everyone to come and experience the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit that makes our borough a place for all to enjoy.”

With such a variety of events on offer, Tewkesbury Borough is the perfect destination for families this October half term. From spooky adventures at historic sites to dazzling firework displays, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. Find out more at visittewkesbury.info