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October Half Term: Time for Fun
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So, unbelievably, the younger generation have been back in school for around 7 weeks and October half term is just around the corner. Half Terms are funny ones, the older kids are sleeping or are revising (or pretending to) hard and the younger ones are full of energy and need entertaining every second of every day.
Luckily, Newark & Sherwood can cater to everyone, so whether you are after a quick day out with your loved ones or need a couple of days of entertainment, we’ve got you covered.
Halloween
It’s October half term which means only one thing: Halloween. This spooky season Newark & Sherwood is full of events to get involved in, including trails, film nights and even some immersive escape room experiences. For a full rundown of Halloween events, check out our previous blog post here. We’ve give you a quick list of Halloween things to do:
Trails:
Rufford Abbey Country Park’s Annual Halloween Monster Hunt
12th October – 2nd November
Spooky Sherwood Halloween Trail
12th October – 3rd November
The Thoresby Trail of Wizardry, Witchcraft, Sorcery and Spells
19th October – 3rd November
Southwell Workhouse’s Curious Pumpkin Trail
20th – 31st October
Events:
Magic Museum at the National Civil War Centre
19th October – 3rd November
Witches and Warlocks Den Building at Sherwood Forest
29th October
LetsXcape – Sacred immersive event
30th & 31st October
Young Frankenstein in the Tudor Hall at the National Civil War Centre
31st October
Sinister Tales of Sherwood
31st October
Attractions
The National Civil War Centre is the perfect place to spend a day during half term and caters to every age group. They have a number of fun and interactive trails, for various different age groups, ranging from under 5s up to 12 years, to get involved in, providing and new and exciting way of exploring the museum. For a full list of these trails please visit their website, here.
Additionally, October half term is the perfect excuse to check out their new exhibitions; Fake News and The World Turned Upside Down. Fake News explores the use of propaganda since the English Civil Wars (spoiler alert: it’s been around longer than Donald Trump) and discusses how it is still used today, whilst The World Turned Upside Down focuses on the re-building of society after such a dramatic change in life from the Civil War.
Of course, don’t forget their Magic Museum half term event, as mentioned above, where you can dabble in the dark arts, make your own shadow puppets and take part in Professor Edvard Von Goosechaser’s hilarious annual ‘lecture’.
Rufford Abbey Country Park is a brilliant place to explore during October half term, from the exciting Adventure Play Area, adventure golf, the boating lake, interactive walks and…the ice cream parlour. A child’s dream!
And, whilst you’re there why not done your best ghostbusting skills and help the Park Ranger’s defeat the monsters and ghouls haunting Rufford Abbey’s grounds.
If you’re looking for something in the evening then see Rufford Abbey in a new light with their Spectacle of Lightevent running from the 18th October to 3rd November, as they light up their romantic ruins with their illuminated trails. The Adventure Play Area will also be lit up so your little ones can captain their own ship and scale the castle walls like never before. There will also be the opportunity to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Thoresby Park is the perfect place to spend a day or two during October half term, especially considering how beautiful it is during the autumn. Wander around this beautiful estate either by foot or by bike and discover the views for yourself. There is also lovely shops in the courtyard for you to peruse, including clothes and jewellery and the Cafe where you can grab a yummy bite to eat.
For those of you who have little wizards and witches who love a certain book series by J.K Rowling, why not take them on Thoresby Park’s Halloween trail;The Thoresby trail of wizardry, witchcraft, sorcery and spells!Learn how to cast spells and brew potions, be sorted into your house, find your animal companion and explore their magical park.
LetsXcape Escape Rooms & LetsXcape Together Events and Board Games Cafe
Do you have older kids that need entertaining or love board games? Why not discover LetsXcape this October half term? LetsXcape’s escape rooms are based at Kelham Hall and are brilliant fun for all the family. With two escape rooms to choose from, The Rig and Sacred, can you beat the odds and win the game?
Or if it’s board games you’re into then why not check out the LetsXcape Together Events and Board Games Cafe in the Buttermarket in Newark Town Centre? It’s the perfect place to play your favourite games with your family and friends over your favourite drink and a bite to eat. With 100s of games to choose you can guarantee hours upon hours of fun!
The home of Robin Hood is the perfect place to explore this October half term. Run wild amongst the ancient oaks and discover the creatures big and small who make Sherwood Forest their home. Sherwood Forest is the place where legends grow and you can create your own adventure in this beautiful forest this half term. They also have a who range of events you can get involved in, including the Halloween events mentioned at the start of this blog post:
The Hidden World of Sherwood
20th October & 3rd November
Join Steve, the old man of the woods, on a journey to discover the life of the forest, where people, wildlife and legend meet. This event is £5 per adult and £2.50 per child. Booking is not compulsory but is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Uncover the Legend with the Sheriff of Nottingham
23rd October & 30th October
He may be Robin’s arch-nemisis but the Sheriff of Nottingham has his own tale or two to tell about Robin Hood. Wonder the forest with the Sheriff this half term and unravel the legend of who Robin Hood is and may have been… This event is £5 per adult and £2.50 per child. Booking is not compulsory but is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Have-A-Go Archery
26th-27th October & 2nd-3rd November
Think you’ve got what it takes to be an outlaw? Reach the Core Historic will be at Sherwood Forest during half term for you to try out your archery skills to see if you are as good as the legend himself, Robin Hood. Archery costs £4 for six arrows. Drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm on the above dates.
Sherwood Forest Adventure Club
31st October – 1st November
Explore the ancient woodland, learn about the legend of Robin Hood and enjoy fun activities making connections to nature with the Sherwood Forest Adventure Club. Suitable for school years 3 to 8. This club is £27 per day. Advanced booking is required, please book by emailing [email protected] or ringing 01623 822218.
The Baddies Tour of Sherwood
1st November – 2nd November
Robin Hood had many friends but these baddies weren’t among them…Join the Baddies of Sherwood Forest on this family-friendly tour to hear tales of the darker side of life in the greenwood. This event is £5 per adults and £2.50 per child. Bookings is not compulsory but is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Events
1940s Weekend at Newark Air Museum
26th – 27th October
Newark Air Museum are once again putting on their annual 1940s weekend to commemorate the WWII era. Throughout the day there will be a host of 1940s related activities and entertainment taking place around the museum site, including an Anderson Shelter/Dig for Victory Garden, the WWII era ROC Post and in a marquee that will be erected alongside Hangar 2 and much more. If you love aircrafts, this is the place for you!
The Big Draw – Museum of Timekeeping and Gallery 6
27th October
The Big Draw is the world’s largest drawing festival, celebrating and encouraging people to get involved with art. The Museum of Timekeeping and Gallery 6 in Newark have collaborated for a fantastic event on the 27thOctober. There will be clock-inspired artwork, artist talks, drop in workshops, an art exhibition, children’s art trails and much more.
This event is £5 per adult and under 16s go FREE.