I love Halloween. I have to admit that before I had children I didn't much like it and was more likely to be found with the curtains drawn refusing to answer the doorbell but now you'll generally find me decorating my house with copious amounts of Halloween tat (I mean decorations) and dressing up as a ghoul or ghostie (but definitely not a clown!).
Halloween also usually coincides with half term week or thereabouts so there's lots of fun going on in Hertfordshire if you fancy getting spooky with the kids. Here is a selection of activities you might like to enjoy.
Samhain celebrations at Celtic Harmony - nr Hertford
This festival is a real family tradition and we have been visiting Celtic Harmony since my daughter was 2 and a half. We love to do every Halloween as we travel back in time to the pagan roots of the ceremony by celebrating like Celts! With activities such as a haunted forest, pumpkin carving and warrior training it's a great and atmospheric day out with a touch of education thrown in for good measure!
Willows Farm pumpkin festival - nr London Colney
We are big fans of Willows Farm, there's just so much to do and it's great to have an action packed day with the children (who usually sleep very well after we've been there so that's an added bonus). They also have a fantastic Peter Rabbit themed play zone which was only opened this year and features the latest play technology which we were really impressed with. As well as this they have been busy growing pumpkins down on the pumpkin patch and you can stroll down there with the kids to pick up your very own pumpkin which you can either carve on site or take home. It's a fabulous day out for all ages and the pumpkin and all activities are included in the price.
Museum by torchlight at the Natural History Museum - Tring
The Natural History Museum at Tring is a real find and we've spent many a happy afternoon wandering round looking at the exhibits. The children find them really fascinating and to be honest even when it's not Halloween there's a vaguely eerie feeling about the place with all those stuffed beasts staring out at your! To add to the spookiness the museum are running a Museum by torchlight experience on the 28th October where you can visit between 5-8pm, bring your torch and dress up. It sounds like great fun if you're brave enough to try!
Spooky stories at Audley End House
Ok so it's not strictly in Hertfordshire but I really love this stately home and it's only just over the boarder so I'll let it count! This is a lovely place to visit at any time of year with beautiful grounds and quite a few interactive activities going on in the main house for the children to take part in. During half term there will be spooky stories for the kids but if you fancy something a bit more hair-raising then on the evenings of the 28th/29th there will be a Victorian Ghost stories sessions which is strictly for adults only!
Family Halloween event at Mill Green Museum - Welwyn Garden City
If you're not keen on trick or treating or have young children then this could be the perfect event for you. This picturesque old water mill will be the 'softly spooky' location for a fun family event on the 31st October. Come along for story telling, potion making, a costume parade and lots more. There will even be some Ghost Beer to keep you in good spirits (get it!).
If you are planning a bargain Halloween in Hertfordshire this year then we have some great events happening at local shopping centres in the county. The Galleria in Hatfield will be having some half term hocus pocus with a range of events or you could visit The Marlowes in Hemel Hempstead for their Spooktacular Halloween event on the 29th October, If you fancy a fiesta then the Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City will be celebrating the Day of the Dead on the 29th October with mask making and a giant skull in residence.
Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a very happy Halloween in Hertfordshire!
Please do check websites for exact times, dates and pricing details before booking.
No comments:
Post a Comment