Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-amp-culture">Art &amp; culture</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/23/2025/09/helen-oxenbury-alice-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-15178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/helen-oxenbury-alice-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/helen-oxenbury-alice-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/helen-oxenbury-alice-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/helen-oxenbury-alice.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration from Alice&#8217;s Adventures in Wonderland by Helen Oxenbury, written by Lewis Carroll / <a href="https://harleyfoundation.org.uk/whats-on/event/helen-oxenbury-were-going-on-a-bear-hunt-and-other-adventures/">The Harley Foundation</a></figcaption></figure>



Down the rabbit hole and through swishy swashy grass, this joyful exhibition <a href="https://harleyfoundation.org.uk/whats-on/event/helen-oxenbury-were-going-on-a-bear-hunt-and-other-adventures/">Helen Oxenbury: We&#8217;re Going on a Bear Hunt &amp; Other Adventures</a> will take you on an adventure through more than 100 classic illustrations&nbsp;from the likes of We&#8217;re Going on a Bear Hunt. There&#8217;s even a hunt for kids to follow through the museum afterwards.



There are some very cool creative workshops kicking off during October half term at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham. Inspired by Kate McGuire’s Quiver exhibition (well worth a quick tour of first), <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/sculptures-in-clay/">Sculpture in Clay</a> on Thurs 23 Oct is a chance for kids to get hands on mixing feathers, string and bark with clay. Then, on Fri 24 Oct, there’s an imaginative <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/egg-box-theatre-workshop/">Egg Box Theatre workshop</a> in which kids can bring a magical story to life using puppets, light and text (and an egg box!). For minibeast hunters, book into the <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/festival/family-workshops/#:~:text=Creepy%2Dcrawly%20Craft%20Workshop&amp;text=A%20hands%2Don%20workshop%20where,For%20ages%208%2D12.">Creepy Crawly craft worksho</a>p on Wed 29 Oct.



A whole series of arty family workshops inspired by the exhibitions running at Nottingham Contemporary. <a href="https://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/whats-on/october-half-term-family-activities-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Half Term Family Activities</a> run from Tues 21 Oct &#8211; Thurs 30 Oct. Give what you can.



Pumpkin picking, carving and decorating on the farmyard for <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/half-term-halloween-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween at Chatsworth</a> all half term (25 Oct &#8211; 2 Nov). As well as spooky arts and crafts, kids can take a mystery tractor and trailer ride too.



On Sat 25 October, the wonderful (and historic) <a href="https://www.southwellminster.org/events/event/bramley-2025/">Bramley Apple Festiva</a>l 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/23/2025/09/charlie-choc-factory-1024x683.jpg" alt="grandpa and charlie in the musical charlie and the chocolate factory" class="wp-image-15173" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/charlie-choc-factory-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/charlie-choc-factory-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/charlie-choc-factory-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/09/charlie-choc-factory.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The end of the month sees a flurry of family-friendly shows as half term dawns. Muddy’s highlight? The scrumdiddlyumptious musical&nbsp;<a href="https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/nottingham-operatic-society-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie &amp; the Chocolate Factory</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;Wed 29 Oct – Sat 1 Nov&nbsp;at&nbsp;Nottingham&nbsp;Theatre Royal. For tiny tots, try <a href="https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/pirates-love-underpants/">Pirates Love Underpants</a> on Wed 22 Oct (also Theatre Royal).



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.



A dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts at <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/cirque-the-greatest-show-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cirque </a>at Buxton Opera House on Mon 27 Oct. Or, for science-mad kids and teens, try the explosive <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/events/ministry-of-science-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ministry of Science Live</a> on Thurs 30 Oct. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/rude-science/">Rude Science </a>on Thurs 23 Oct at Royal Concert Hall, Notts.



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Roll up, roll up for the Circus for Beginners workshop at Lakeside Arts, Nottingham on Thurs 30 Oct. Learn acrobatics, dance and acro-balance from super-skilled circus performers who will teach the basics of balances, counterweight and circus. From 2pm-4pm, costs £8. Take it outside and stay on for <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/fireside/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fireside</a>, for a darkly comic tale of Beowulf told around the fire at the outdoor theatre from 4.30pm. Tickets £10.



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



Need some fresh air? Head to Sherwood Forest and get exploring with a spooky scarecrow adventure trail throughout half term (18 Oct – 2 Nov).<a href="https://visitsherwood.co.uk/event/robin-hood-and-the-haunting-of-sherwood-a-spooky-scarecrow-adventure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Robin Hood and the Haunting of Sherwood</a> costs £4.50 and includes a prize.



Up in the Peak District moors at Longshaw, collecta trail map and head into the woods in search of larger-than-life minibeasts at <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 Monstrous Minibeasts.</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>



Round off half term with <a href="https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/whats-on/spookemon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spookémon</a> at Cromford Mills on&nbsp;Sat 1 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-hall-halloween-25-1024x683.jpg" alt="woman dressed as witch at haddon hall derbyshire" class="wp-image-15185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/haddon-hall-halloween-25-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/haddon-hall-halloween-25-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/haddon-hall-halloween-25-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/haddon-hall-halloween-25.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 &#8216;hood this year. The <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/whats-on/october-half-term-at-the-heights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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, the<a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/little-school-of-sorcery-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Little School of Sorcery </a>at Haddon Hall (pictured) is magical, medieval mayhem at its finest. This place is just made for Halloween and 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 £10.50 for kids and £28 for adults. From 22-31 Oct.



There’s a <a href="https://www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/">Fright Fiesta</a> on at Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock every October weekend and every day from 25-31 October. Along with a creepy cave, a haunted house and a Halloween show, there will be all the usual hair-raising rides. Tickets from £19.



<a href="https://www.tramway.co.uk/whatson/autumn-fun/">Puppet shows and frightful family theatre</a> at Crich Tramway Village from Sat 25 to Fri 31 October. Follow the Halloween trail in the woodland and help out the resident witch, enjoy spooky puppet shows, then stop off for creepy crafts in the marquee.



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/school-of-witchcraft-and-wizardry/117">Bluebells&#8217; School of Witchcraft &amp; Wizardry </a>this half term. If you want to max the value from this year’s Halloween costume, fancy dress is encouraged too. Kicks off on 11, 12, 18, 19 October and then all half term from 25-31 Oct..



Animal lovers, get ready for<a href="https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk/whats-on/oktobearfest"> Oktobearfest</a> at Peak Wildlife Park. Taking place every weekend in October and throughout October half term, expect foodie treats like bratwursts and pretzels, draft beer, and a variety of polar bear-themed activities for the whole family.



Feeling brave? Book onto the <a href="https://www.thenottinghamghostwalk.co.uk/halloween" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Ghost Walk – Kids &amp; Family edition </a>on 26 and 31 Oct and 2 Nov. Led by costumed guides, kids aged 6-11 (with their grown-ups in tow) will uncover eerie legends and curious city hauntings, all told with a playful twist to stop if feeling too scary (phew!). Tickets cost £6.



<a href="https://www.thornbridgehall.co.uk/whatsonandevents/halloween25">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> from 29-31 October. There will be a family disco and a ghost train ride to and spooky walk.



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 sword schools. It’s all included in the admission price, and free to English Heritage members, from Sun 25 October to Sun 2 November.



Head to <a href="https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/coming-up/fang-tastic-halloween-festival-2/">Matlock Farm Park</a> from Sat 25 Oct to Sun 2 Nov 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 31 Oct and Sat 1 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! 



IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/fireworks-displays-bonfire-night-notts-derbyshire/">It&#8217;s lit! Banging bonfire night events near you</a>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/where-to-pick-your-own-pumpkin-near-me-notts-derbyshire/">Where to pick your own pumpkins</a>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/whats-on-october-notts-derbyshire/">What&#8217;s on this month in Notts &amp; Derbyshire</a>

Tricks & treats! 30+ things to do this October half term

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