October brings that magical mix of spooky excitement and family fun - and West Oxfordshire has the perfect attractions to enjoy both! From eerie Halloween nights to creative half-term activities for kids, West Oxfordshire is buzzing with events and local gems worth discovering.

If you’re visiting or hosting guests, this season is the perfect time to explore, unwind, and make the most of the area -  all while staying in one of Pass the Keys West Oxfordshire's beautifully managed short-lets.

Here are some of the standout events and places you could visit (always check the event’s website closer to the time for updates or changes).

1. Halloween at Blenheim Palace – The Trail of Chills & Thrills

Blenheim Palace is hosting a spectacular Halloween trail from dusk into darkness. Expect illuminated landscapes, ghostly characters, circus-style theatrics, and immersive scenes. It’s a great “big ticket” seasonal highlight - a great pick for an evening outing.

2. Ghost Tour at Oxford Castle & Prison

For older kids or brave hearts, Oxford Castle & Prison runs Spooky Tours / Ghost Fest around Halloween week, exploring the darker corners of its history. 
Combine this with a daytime visit to Oxford’s museums for a full day out.

3. Potions & Spells: Halloween & Illuminations at Fairytale Farm

Fairytale Farm (near Chipping Norton) is hosting late-night illuminated events on 30 & 31 October. Families can stroll under magical lighting, enjoy themed entertainment, and soak up the enchanted Halloween atmosphere. The farm also often runs autumn trails, pumpkin patches, and creative craft activities.

4. Halloween at Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor Park

Though slightly further (but still within reach for a day trip), Stonor Park’s Tumblestone Hollow hosts Halloween-themed stories, witches and garden installations. If you don’t mind a little drive, it’s a fun mix of woodland magic and storytelling.

Beyond Halloween, half term provides a golden window for family adventures. Here are some local ideas easily accessible from West Oxfordshire:

A. Museums, Heritage & Indoor options:

• Oxford University Museum of Natural History / Pitt Rivers: fascinating and interactive exhibits, ideal for rainy days.

• Ashmolean, the Story Museum, and other Oxford museums: many run holiday trails, workshops or family sessions. 

• Local libraries, theatres and arts workshops: often host half term crafts, drama or storytelling (check out www.dailyinfo.co.uk)

B. Outdoor & Nature Adventures:

• Woodland walks, nature trails and country parks: explore ancient woods, look for seasonal changes and collect leaves, conkers and pine cones.

• Gardens & estates: many large estates (like Blenheim) have gardens that are open to visitors and are beautiful in autumn.

• Pick-your-own farms / seasonal harvest experiences: there are plenty of local farms open to pumpkin-picking (along with other seasonal produce).

• Treasure hunts & geocaching: devise your own Halloween or autumn-themed hunts locally.

C. Creative & Home-Based Projects (for rainy day fallback):

• Pumpkin carving and painting

• Halloween crafts (mask-making, spooky decorations)

• Baking themed treats (ghost biscuits, pumpkin muffins)

• Spooky movie marathon (age-appropriate flicks)

• Halloween storytelling or ghost story evenings by torchlight

• Scary trail in your garden or local street (decorate, invite friends)

Why Choose Pass the Keys West Oxfordshire?

Whether you’re a guest seeking the perfect short-let or a host looking for expert property management, we’ve got you covered.
We provide full-service short-let property management, professional cleaning, guest vetting, and dynamic pricing - ensuring every stay is seamless.