True autumn has arrived. Curtains are drawn against the dark a little earlier each night, and the first crackling fires have been lit. It’s a moment to pause and gather before the rush of the festive season begins.
October Half Term is just a month away now, but there’s still time to plan a family escape to our corner of the Northumbrian countryside.
Quiet, cosy and all yours, our Stable Suites are your invitation to spend undivided time with loved ones in peace and five-star comfort.
Set in the heart of Northumberland, it’s easy and simple to spend days outside, exploring the wonder of nature in autumn. And with a full harvest of Halloween hi-jinks and autumn fun taking place across the region, there’s enough to keep your little monsters more than entertained.
Explore our guide to what’s on in Northumberland and make this October Half-Term truly unforgettable.
Your Countryside Home From Home
Toe-warming stoves and squishy sofas invite you in for a hot chocolate and a well-earned rest after a day in the wild. While modern en-suite bathrooms, king-sized bedrooms and well-appointed kitchens give everyone the space to stretch out and enjoy downtime in peace and comfort.
A thoughtful blend of heritage features and five-star luxury, our self-catering suites are designed to be a true home away from home. And with pet-friendly options, everyone can come along for a memory-making October Half Term adventure.
Half-Term Halloween Fun
Hexham Spook Night: On the spookiest night of the year, the nearby market town of Hexham turns into a playground of ghoulish fun. With funfair rides, dance displays, pumpkin competitions and fancy dress – don your most ghostly attire and head down the valley for a night of spooktacular family fun.
Date & Time: Saturday, 31st October, 2pm – 9pm
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Spookydorei: Fun all year round, the world’s largest play structure at Lilidorei is in for a Halloween makeover, just in time for October Half Term. Head over for Spookydorei Days to play spooky games, hear chilling tales from the Storytreller and answer riddles to earn sweets in a fun Trick or Treat activity. Bigger kids can brave the Spooky Trail, with little ones able to join in the fun with a ‘Not So Spooky Trail’.
Dates: 10th October- 1st November
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Alnwick Pumpkin Garden: A firm favourite when visiting Northumberland is the enchanting Alnwick Gardens. And this season, it’s set to transform into The Pumpkin Garden. Take part in the Pumpkin Garden Scavenger Hunt and Harvest Games for fun-filled fresh air before retreating to The Pavilion Café for a delicious pumpkin latte and a sweet treat.
Dates: 10th October – 1st November
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Northumberlandia Halloween Pumpkin Trail: Did you know that ants don’t have ears? Us neither. Unearth even more creepy crawly facts on the hills and slopes of the Northumberlandia Halloween Pumpkin Trail. Follow the route through woodland, discover spooky facts, and work together to find all 12 pumpkins. Warm up afterwards in the cafe where you can claim a little treat for your little adventurers!
Dates: 26th October – 1st November
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Autumn Magic
Woodland Walks: From cheeky wildlife to speedy cycle trails, Kielder Forest has something to make every member of the family smile. Whether you opt to take in the changing colours of the season with a family stroll through the woods or you’re looking for adventure, make sure to look out for the native red squirrels and see how many you can spot!
Stargazing: October is one of the best times for stargazing, and at the gateway to Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park, you can explore the night skies by simply wrapping up and stepping outside your Stable Suite in the evening. Feeling inspired? Head to nearby Kielder Observatory for guided stargazing, including family events such as Space Kids and The Secret Life of Stars.
Pumpkin Picking: With big ones, little ones, round ones and squiggly ones; Brocksbushes Farm has a full harvest of pumpkins, ready for you to pick. Pop your wellies on, head down to the farm to choose your pumpkins before getting creative in the Carving Tent to create spooky jack-o-lanterns, ready to light up your Stable Suite. There’s plenty to keep little ones occupied in the Little Brocks Pumpkin Patch, and Woof Weekends mean that the whole family can come along!
Time-Travel Adventures
Vindolanda: This Half-Term at Vindolanda, little (and big) ones can become an archaeologist for the day. Learn more about our Roman past with the Archaeology Detectives Activity Trail. With clues and puzzles to solve, this is a great adventure for the whole family.
Hadrian’s Wall: Two thousand years’ of history waits, just minutes from the door of your Stable Suite. Sounds intriguing? It’s true. Hadrian’s Wall runs 84 miles from coast to coast, offering walks, trails and rewarding views for budding adventures and bold walkers alike. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unforgettable opportunity to explore the great outdoors together.
Chesters Roman Fort: Saddle up for more Roman adventures at Chesters Roman Fort, just over the road from your Stable Suite. See what life was like at the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain, explore the museum and complete the family-friendly activity trail.
Family Time Made Easy
After all that activity, what could be better than a family movie night, curled up on the sofas with popcorn in hand – quality time has never tasted so sweet.
This October Half-Term, whether you’re looking for a relaxing break where you can put your feet up and spend quality time in luxury surroundings, or you want to add a little adventure to your stay, Chesters Stables offers something for the whole family.
Recharge and reset in style, with Suites for up to 8 and pet-friendly options also available; click here to plan your Half-Term escape.
