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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 

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Roadworks Update 04/09/2025

Cllr Sarah Hands.

This afternoon I had a meeting with the area highways manager, traffic manager and Cllrs Sarah Sawyer (Longlevens) and Stewart Dove (Churchdown) regarding the plethora of road works crossing our three areas.

The traffic manager has confirmed that following our interventions the following actions have been taken. Although these are not the perfect solution they should help to ease the pain that we have seen and experienced over the last two days with school run times in particular.

DOWN HATHERLEY:

Traffic managers visited the site on Down Hatherley lane to see if it was possible to have a different system rather than a full closure. Unfortunately as the work is being carried out in the middle of the carriageway, this is not possible. It does mean that the road will be closed until 12th September. However there are more road closures needed for the developers to add additional utilities and they have been told that this cannot happen and permits will not be issued until the work on the A38 in Longford is complete.

Please note that if you wish to use Down Hatherley lane from the Churchdown Rd East turning to Frogfurlong, this is open. Officers have asked for signage to be changed to reflect this.

A38 AT LONGFORD:

The works being carried out are by Wales and West utilities to replace pipes. They have a permit until November but were asked to start the works at the roundabout end before Longford Lane first so that the traffic coming from Twigworth would not have to wait for the temporary lights before turning onto Longford lane to access Longlevens and Innsworth. This did not happen and has caused long tailbacks and extremely long wait times.

Managers have asked that the works be filled and moved further toward the roundabout past Longford Lane. Works will then move further up after the closure at Down Hatherley lane.

CHURCHDOWN:

The three way lights on Pirton Corner which are causing the tailbacks coming into the village particularly on the A40 were due to end before the beginning of the school term with works continuing without the need for them. Obviously, this has not been the case and Cllr Dove has gone to a meeting with the contractors this afternoon and will update himself following this.

There were planned works on both Parton Lane by the Coop and on Pirton Lane past Winston Rd due to start in the coming days, both involving traffic lights. Traffic managers have informed the companies due to carry out these works that they have to be postponed until after the other temporary lights in the village have been removed.

The work at the mini roundabout on Station Rd is due to finish tomorrow and as yet a permit extension has not been requested. We have been assured that highways can and will use their powers to fine daily for work going over the permit given. Cllr Dove will have a full update on these works.

https://one.network/ is a website that anyone can sign up to and is really useful to see what is happening in the area. It lists:

The contractor
Reason for works
Type of traffic management
Permit length
Conditions

If anyone is aware of a condition that is being breached with any planned works please do report them through fix my street as Highways have the powers to fine contractors.