Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arty-kids">Arty kids</h2>



<a href="https://levelcentre.com/the-big-draw-24/">The Big Draw</a> officially kicked off on 1 October with events all over the country. There’s arty fun in West Bridgford and Beeston, and <a href="https://levelcentre.com/the-big-draw/">the LEVEL Centre</a> is also hosting a workshop on Sat 28 October.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-1024x683.jpg" alt="boy with paint on hands" class="wp-image-10568" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image/Pexels by Alexander Grey</figcaption></figure>



This looks fun. From 22 October, Nottingham Contemporary invites families to <a href="https://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/whats-on/october-half-term-family-activities/">Kindectivity</a> to make and play to explore the themes of sharing and kindness.



Pumpkin picking, carving and decorating on the farmyard for <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/half-term-halloween-fun/">Halloween at Chatsworth</a> all half term. As well as spooky arts and crafts, kids can take a mystery tractor and trailer ride too.



On Sat 26 October, the wonderful (and historic) <a href="https://www.southwellminster.org/events/event/bramley2021/">Bramley Apple Festival</a> is back at Southwell Minster with loads of activities for kids throughout the day.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre-film-amp-music">Theatre, film &amp; music</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/xtreme-magix-x-1024x683.jpg" alt="A man on stage with fireworks during X-treme magic stage show" class="wp-image-10563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/xtreme-magix-x-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/xtreme-magix-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/xtreme-magix-x-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/xtreme-magix-x.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Drag your teens along to a spot of jaws-on-the-floor magic at <a href="https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/x-treme-magic/">X-treme Magic</a> at Nottingham Theatre Royal on Sun 3 November. It&#8217;s a Vegas-style show for over 12s packed with fire, illusion &amp; death-defying stunts.



Catch some classic family-friendly <a href="https://peakcavern.co.uk/the-village-screen-pop-up-cinema/">Halloween films</a> at the spooktacular cinema experience at Peak Cavern in Castleton. Creepy classics The Addams Family and The Dark Knight (Saturday 26 October) and Hocus Pocus (Sunday 27 October) are being screened inside the cavern itself.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Trick-Treat-circus-1024x683.jpg" alt="two circus clowns with a giant model mouth and teeth" class="wp-image-10561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Trick-Treat-circus-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Trick-Treat-circus-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Trick-Treat-circus-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Trick-Treat-circus.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Suitable for even the smallest of monsters, <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/trick-and-treat-circus-live">Trick or Treat Circus Live</a> is a spooky, scare-free experience at Buxton Opera House on Wed 30 Oct. Speaking of Buxton, the <a href="https://buxtoncrescentexperience.com/">Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience</a> is open right the way through half term. Little ones can explore the fascinating facts, interesting stories and local tales from this beautiful spa town. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Pinocchio-by-mark-morreau-1024x683.jpg" alt="actors playing pinocchio on stage" class="wp-image-10560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Pinocchio-by-mark-morreau-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Pinocchio-by-mark-morreau-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Pinocchio-by-mark-morreau-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Pinocchio-by-mark-morreau.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by Mark Morreau</figcaption></figure>



Theatrical shows galore for kids at<a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/festival/october-half-term/"> Lakeside Arts</a> in Nottingham this October half term. There&#8217;s family-friendly <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/a-tigers-tale/">A Tiger&#8217;s Tale</a> on Sun 20 Oct, mesmerising puppetry in <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/the-little-prince/">The Little Prince</a> on Sat 26 and Sun 27 Oct, and <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/pinocchio/">Pinocchio</a> from 30 Oct &#8211; 2 Nov.



More <a href="https://www.tramway.co.uk/whatson/autumn-fun/">puppet shows and frightful family theatre</a> at Crich Tramway Village from 28 October to 1 November. Catch spooky stories and fun (scare-free) puppetry.



This one sounds fun for stagestruck kids (and makes a nice change from having the pants scared off you all week). On Mon 28 Oct Nottingham Playhouse is running a <a href="https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/fun-drama-workshop-ages-5-8/">drama workshop</a> for kids age 5-8 and a <a href="https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/play-in-a-day-robin-hood/">Play in a Day </a>Robin Hood workshop for 9-13 year olds. For littlies who prefer to watch the drama, book tickets for <a href="https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/fireman-sam/">Fireman Sam Live</a> on Thurs 31 Oct.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-air">Fresh air</h2>



Need some fresh air? Head for the <a href="https://www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk/?post_type=tribe_events">Owl Trail</a> at Rosliston Forestry Centre from 19 October to 3 November and solve spooky clues to learn all about owls &#8211; sounds a hoot. More outdoorsy fun over at Creswell Crags, Welbeck from 29 October to 5 November. Sign up for the <a href="https://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/events-listings/autumn-trail-2024">Autumnal Treasures Trail</a> every day throughout October and solve the clues to learn more nature in this self-led trail. Costs £3 including prize.



Up in the Peak District moors at Longshaw, collect a paper fortune teller then let it be your guide as you smell, touch, see and hear the sensations of the autumnal woods on the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors/events/238cb7b0-ccf0-4a19-bcbf-c5205b75ea42" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Longshaw Spooky Sensory Trail.</a> Costs £3pp.



The historic <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/matlockbathilluminations">Matlock Bath Illuminations</a> is on every weekend until the end of October. The Saturday fireworks slots are sold out but grab a ticket for the more relaxed Sunday session instead. Fish and chips are mandatory.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-80-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1863" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-80-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-80-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-80-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-80-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-80.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: Village Pumpkins PYO</figcaption></figure>



From 12 October, you can <a href="https://www.nottinghamshirepickyourownpumpkins.com/">pick your own pumpkins</a> at Oxton or if you’re Derbyshire-based, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/villagepumpkinsPYO/">Village Pumpkins PYO</a> is open throughout the hols. Lovely food and drinks are available at both.&nbsp;For more check out these <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/where-to-pick-your-own-pumpkin-near-me-notts-derbyshire/">local PYO patches.</a>



Over at <a href="https://www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/carsington-water/carsington-events/severn-trents-spooky-the-ghost-trail/">Carsington Water</a>, from Sat 26 October to Sun 3 November kids can embark on Spooky the Ghost&#8217;s trail for a sweet surprise at the end. While <a href="https://www.maize-maze.co.uk/">Nottingham’s Maize Maze</a> is hosting special spooky torch nights on 19 and 23 October. Find your way out under the cover of darkness.



Round off half term with <a href="https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/cm-events/spookemon/?occurrence=2024-11-02">Spookémon</a> at Cromford Mills on&nbsp;Sat 2 November. With comic book cosplay characters, street food, toys and collectables and a chance to meet the Poké Monsters, there will be fun and photo opps a-plenty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spooky-fun">Spooky fun</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Haddon-halloween-kids-1024x683.jpg" alt="kids dressed as wizards run around watched by lady in gown with a white owl" class="wp-image-10858" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Haddon-halloween-kids-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Haddon-halloween-kids-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Haddon-halloween-kids-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/Haddon-halloween-kids.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/halloween-at-haddon/">Halloween at Haddon</a></figcaption></figure>



Sooo many cool Halloween happenings in our hood this year. The <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/whats-on/october-half-term-at-the-heights">Heights of Abraham</a> is hosting a Halloween half term fest from 19-31 October around the caves and caverns.&nbsp;



One of the loveliest-sounding spooky season events for kids, <a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/halloween-at-haddon/">Halloween at Haddon</a> is magical, medieval mayhem at its finest. The fun starts in the lower courtyard with broom-making, before potion-making and spells in Haddon’s medieval kitchens, complete with atmospheric apothecary. Move up to the parlour and pen a few enchantments with quill and parchment, meet real owls in the banqueting hall before settling down to spooky stories by the fire. Tickets (including entry to the Hall and gardens) cost £7.50 for kids and £26 for adults. From 19 Oct to 1 Nov.



Over at Bluebell Dairy, Derby, broomstick flying, Squidditch and unicorn racing are just some of the hair-raising activities planned for <a href="https://bookings.bluebelldairy.co.uk/book/halloween/117">Halloween</a> this half term. If you want to max the value from this year’s Halloween costume, fancy dress is encouraged too. It&#8217;s on from 19 to 31 October.



Book onto a child-friendly &#8211; but still spooky &#8211; <a href="https://www.thenottinghamghostwalk.co.uk/halloween">Nottingham Halloween Ghost Walk</a>. With amazing costumes and spine-tingling stories, there are three to choose from on 26 Oct, 31 Oct and 2 Nov.



<a href="https://www.thornbridgehall.co.uk/whatsonandevents/halloween24">Halloween Week </a>at Thornbridge Hall near Bakewell includes a bewitching arts and crafts, freaky food, workshops and pumpkin activities. From 28 October to 3 November. Or hop across to Conkers for a hair-raising <a href="https://www.visitconkers.com/event/halloween-family-party-night/">Halloween Family Party</a> on Thurs 31 October. There will be a family disco and a ghost train ride to Dippy’s amphitheatre Halloween show.



Gather round to hear<a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-house-halloween-half-term-26-oct-3-nov-24/"> spooky stories</a> during Halloween half term at Bolsover Castle. Performers will lead you through a spooky Victorian-themed experience, as you enjoy captivating storytelling, embark on a story walk with eerie tales, and participate in thrilling Vampire sword schools. It’s all included in the admission price, and free to English Heritage members, from Sun 26 October to Sun 3 November.



Head to <a href="https://matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/60437?catID=58281&amp;">Matlock Farm Park</a> from 26 October for their annual Halloween Festival including broomstick flying lessons, Matlock’s very own headless horseman and a mini pumpkin patch.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-big-finale">The big finale </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-84.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-84.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-84-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-84-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-84-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-84-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



If you’re going to do Bonfire Night early, do it in style, right? <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/bonfire-and-fireworks/">Chatsworth Estate </a>is hosting its spectacular bonfire and fireworks evening on Fri 1 and Sat 2 November. There are two huge fireworks displays (including an earlier one especially for littlies) and fantastic food from hog roasts to churros. Oh, and a glass of warming mulled wine for grown ups. Half term, completed!

October half term, sorted! 30+ things to do locally with your little monsters

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