It can be hard to feel inspired when the forecast becomes a little grey, but fear-not, we've compiled a guide of hauntingly-good fun to be had for all the family this half term. What makes it even better? You can warm up in one of our pubs with rooms afterwards!
WEST & SOUTH SUFFOLK
Horrible Half Term at Moyse's Hall
Moyse's Hall in Bury St Edmunds has had the privilege of Terry Deary, author of Horrible Histories, writing six stories for them displayed around the galleries. In celebration, they are putting on a Horrible Half Term and encouraging youngsters to make goo and 'movie' blood, listen to gruesome stories and examine crime and punishment artefacts.
Where to next? Spend lunch at The Weeping Willow, near Bury St Edmunds.
Autumn Trail at Melford Hall
From 30th October until 3rd November, Melford Hall is putting on an Autumn Trail throughout the historic hall.
Pick up an activity sheet and unscramble the carvings on hidden gourds and pumpkins to make a word while you discover the wonders of Melford Hall.
Cross the road and cosy up by the fireplace at The Black Lion afterwards.
Unlimited Train Rides at East Anglian Railway Museum
Throw on a second layer and take a ride in a vintage wagon or carriage pulled by one of the East Anglian Railway Museum's steam engines or diesel trains. Not only are rides unlimited, you can also discover the history of the railway with various buildings, exhibits and trains to explore.
Be sure to reserve a table for lunch at The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland, afterwards.
Phoenix Bike Park
On your bike! Open all year round and suitable for all ages and abilities, Phoenix Bike Park is fifteen acres of pump tracks, trails, jumps and drops. Whether you're a beginner or pro, toddler or dad, there's something for everyone to get stuck into. You can even hire a bike (balance bike options for little'ns) if you don't have your own.
We'd recommend fuelling up first with breakfast just down the road at The Packhorse Inn, Moulton.
SUFFOLK COAST
Family Fun at Dunwich Heath
Dunwich Heath has plenty of free activities for children throughout the year. Their tracker packs can be collected from the visitor centre and include spotter sheets, pots and magnifying glasses so you can study nature of all shapes and sizes. If you're feeling really adventurous, how about a treasure hunt? Download the geo-caching app and wander far and wide to find 13 geo-caches - there may even be something hidden in them from The Ship!
Boo at The Zoo, Africa Alive
Join animal rangers at Africa Alive for daily talks, bug handling, and Safari Road Train trips. Boo at The Zoo allows families to visit hundreds of animals and get hands-on during half term.
While you're in the area, why not take a brisk walk along the Suffolk Coast Path and warm up in The Westleton Crown.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Love N Skate Workshop at The National Horse Racing Museum
Children can try their hand at skateboard and t-shirt design with the renowned Love n Skate founder Stu Smith at the National Horse Racing Museum. They will learn about screen printing before having a go at doing it themselves, designing their own skateboard artwork and entering into a competition to win cool prizes.
The museum is just ten minutes from The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton.
Bottisham Airfield Museum, and Museum of Zoology
The only UK museum to be dedicated to both the Royal Air Force, United States 8th Army Air Force and Belgian Air Forces. Bottisham Airfield Museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays, and is a great introductory to military history for those budding youngsters. If they're more interested in animal history and science, though, head to the Museum of Zoology' Fearsome Family Fun Day. This is for one day only on Tuesday 29th October and includes spooky crafts, quizzing and specimen handling.
Make the most of some family-time in the colourful Carpenters Arms for a bite to eat afterwards.
NORFOLK
The Halloween Garden at Holkham Hall
Autumn half term is set to be spellbinding in Holkham Hall's Halloween Garden. From pumpkin carving to story telling, and let's not forget ghost-spotting on the lawns, there's things to look out for in all directions.
Not only this, join them for a Spooktacular Magic Show featuring Tess the Magical Cat and be amazed!
The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea, is just an eight-minute drive away, or you may want to walk the coastal route over the sandy beach or through the woods to get there.
Spooky Spokes
Explore the grounds of Blickling Estate on two wheels this half term. Their autumnal course challenges little'ns to take a spin on a balance bike or children over five to test their skills with 'pumpkin racing' around the obstacle course. Spooky Spokes is available on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October.
Parents may want to wander the market town of Holt afterwards, browse quaint boutiques, and enjoy a pit-stop at The Feathers.
After-hours with the Mermaids
Mermaids have always been the subject of mystery and intrigue, and now you can find out a little more about them with an intimate evening session at SeaLife Hunstanton. Get a rare chance to see the mermaids in the Blacktip Shark tank and discover the rest of the aquarium out of hours too.
Be sure to have a spot of dinner at The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham, first.
ESSEX
Pumpkin Nights at Hatter's Farm
Hatter's Farm is open throughout autumn for its popular pumpkin picking experiences, but for braver friends and families, why not visit at night! The Pumpkin Patch has over 100,000 home grown pumpkins and gourds to choose from, so you can head out with a wheelbarrow and choose your favourite to carve at home. The Maize Maze is also open late, and there's face painting too.
Take a look at The Cricketers, Clavering, menus to find out when the pizza oven is being fired up or try their autumn menu every day of the week.
Spooky Woodland Walk at Audley End
Go on a ghost-hunt and family-friendly walk through the shadows at Audley End this half term. The Halloween walking tour is through the woods, with tales of strange and spooky stories aimed at children under ten.
Huddle up in the barn at The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden, afterwards.
All of our pubs with rooms have children's menus available, as well as the seasonal a la carte menu, bar snacks and sharing plates. So, be sure to visit if you're checking out a nearby activity.
To reserve a table click here.
If you would like to spend a little longer in the area, why not book a half term break? We have family rooms and lodges across the collection. Plus, plenty of dog beds for that key member of the family! Take a look at our rooms here.
With credit to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/melford-hall and @blicklingnt for a couple of featured images.
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