Halloween Events in Christchurch 2026: Pumpkin Picking, Trails and Family Fun

Halloween events in Christchurch for 2026 include pumpkin picking near Sopley, a spooky woodland trail at the Red House Museum, family activities at Highcliffe Castle and illuminated adventures at Moors Valley. Running throughout October and the school half-term holiday, the programme offers everything from gentle daytime trails to an atmospheric evening forest experience. Find confirmed dates, prices and booking information below, along with details still awaiting final announcements from organisers.

Pumpkin picking at Sopley Farm and Cat & Fiddle Farm

Sopley Farm and the nearby Cat & Fiddle Farm provide one of the closest pumpkin-picking options to Christchurch.

The farms grow a wide selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables, including pumpkins and several varieties of squash. Visitors can head into the pick-your-own fields, choose their pumpkins and pay for what they collect.

Pumpkin picking is normally available throughout October, subject to crop availability. There is no separate entrance charge, and visitors pay according to the pumpkins they select.

The farms’ 2026 season is operating, but the precise October pumpkin-picking hours had not been published on the official website when this guide was updated. Visitors should check the farm’s social-media accounts or contact the farm before making a special journey.

The site also has a farm shop and bakery, making it possible to combine pumpkin picking with local produce, cakes and refreshments.

Check the latest information from Sopley Farm

Location: Sopley Farm, Derritt Lane, Sopley, Christchurch, BH23 7AZ

A second entrance and farm shop can be found at Cat & Fiddle Farm: Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7DS

Images: Instagram

Moors Valley Country Park is approximately a 25-minute drive from central Christchurch and has two confirmed Halloween events for 2026.

Moors Valley Halloween Hunt

The family-friendly Halloween Hunt runs from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, between 9am and 5pm.

Children can follow an enchanted route featuring clues, puzzles and seasonal surprises around the forest. The hunt is recommended for children aged four and over.

Trail packs cost £3.50 each. There is no general entrance charge for Moors Valley, although normal parking charges apply.

Advance booking is not currently listed as a requirement for the daytime hunt, but families should check the event page before travelling.

Find out more about the Moors Valley Halloween Hunt

Moors Valley Halloween Experience

The woodland will be transformed after dark for the Moors Valley Halloween Experience from Wednesday 21 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.

The family-friendly illuminated trail will feature immersive scenes, eerie encounters and spooky surprises throughout the forest.

Sessions run from 4pm until 9pm, and advance booking is required.

The organisers had not published the 2026 ticket prices when this guide was updated. Check the booking page for prices and age guidance before purchasing tickets.

Check prices and book the Halloween Experience

Location: Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, BH24 2ET

Images: Moors Valley

Highcliffe Castle’s 2026 October half-term activities run from Sunday 25 October to Sunday 1 November.

This year’s activities have a Night Sky theme rather than a traditional Halloween theme, but they provide a useful family day out during Halloween week.

Children can search for stars hidden around the Castle and design a planet to add to the attraction’s night-sky display.

Additional craft sessions take place from 10am until 3pm on:

• Tuesday 27 October
• Thursday 29 October

Children can make a rocket or create a planet-themed suncatcher. The trail and craft activities are included with normal Castle admission.

Half-Price Family Day

Highcliffe Castle is offering 50% off family admission on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

The Castle will be open from 10am until 4pm, with last admission at 3pm.

Although advance booking may not always be essential, purchasing admission online is advisable during the school holiday.

Book admission to Highcliffe Castle

Location: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 4LE

Images: Facebook

The Spooky Woodland Walk and Trai

The Red House Museum and Gardens is preparing a spooky woodland walk for October half term.

Families can explore the decorated garden, search for ghosts and ghouls among the trees and look out for the museum’s dinosaur inhabitants.

Admission to the museum and woodland walk is free. Optional Halloween trail leaflets cost £3 each, and no advance booking is required.

The organiser had not added the precise 2026 operating dates to the event page when this guide was updated. Check directly with the museum before travelling.

Check the Red House Museum Halloween trail

Location: Red House Museum and Gardens, Quay Road, Christchurch, BH23 1BU

Halloween Magic Family Fun Night

The Red House Museum has previously held an evening Halloween Magic Family Fun Night featuring Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon.

The programme includes:

• A family magic show
• A spooky woodland walk
• A Halloween trail
• Traditional games
• Craft activities
• A fancy-dress competition
• A trick-or-treat goody bag
• Hot chocolate and cookies

There are no jump scares, and the event is designed for children aged five and over.

The previous ticket price was £15 per child and £5 per adult, with all activities included. However, the museum’s booking page currently shows no available 2026 session, so the date and prices should not yet be treated as confirmed.

We will update this section if the Red House Museum announces a new 2026 family fun night.

Check for Red House Museum event updates

Images: Hampshire Cultural Trust

Continue planning with our other local guides:

• Halloween Events in Bournemouth 2026
• Halloween Events in Southbourne 2026
• Halloween Events in Poole 2026 
• Halloween Events in Dorset 2026

Dates, prices and programmes can change after publication. Always check with the individual attraction or event organiser before travelling.