If you’re looking for the best things to do in West Sussex this October half-term, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re lucky enough to call this beautiful county home, or planning a visit this autumn, plenty of exciting days out for the whole family are right on your doorstep.

Read on to find some of the best Halloween and half-term events taking place across West Sussex this October.

Shocktober Fest and Pumpkin Festival at Tulley’s Farm

No list of Halloween events in West Sussex would be complete without mentioning Tulley's Farm, in Crawley. Famous across the UK, there is plenty to do at Tulley’s in October half-term, including the Pumpkin Festival, award-winning Shocktober Fest, and Pumpkin Nights.

With over a million pumpkins to choose from across the pumpkin patches, you can grab a wheelbarrow at the Pumpkin Festival and enjoy some pumpkin-picking fun! You can also explore The Pumpkin Valley – new for 2026 – which is a beautiful area filled with giant pumpkin sculptures to admire. If you’d like to explore the Farm from above, there is even an observation wheel to enjoy, as well as other attractions such as the Street Theatre and Vintage Carousel.

As night falls, Pumpkin Nights Festival begins. Here you can explore the glowing fields in the perfect autumnal atmosphere. You can pick your pumpkin under the moonlight to the backdrop of live music, enjoy food and drinks throughout the farm, and take a spooky stroll through the Woodland Walk.

For those who are looking for a scarier evening, Shocktober Fest, Europe’s largest Scream Park, is a must-do. This year, the event celebrates its 30th anniversary. You can experience the award-winning scare mazes, including Appleton County Farm, The Cellar Returns, Electrick Circus, and DoomTown. Once you’ve had a scare, you can enjoy a variety of street food, bars, and live music.

Borde Hill

Set amongst beautiful countryside, Borde Hill Park and Gardens in Haywards Heath is a wonderful day out for those looking to spend the day in the fresh air! Throughout October half-term, you’ll be able to explore the Garden on a spooky trail, enjoy colourful woodland walks, as well as take part in the Canopy Tree Climbing!

Children can burn off energy as they explore the gardens and nature play areas, while parents can take in the picturesque landscape.

Thorpe Park Fright Nights

Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s biggest theme parks, and whilst the park is not in Sussex itself, living in Sussex means that it is right on your doorstep, in Chertsey, Surrey.

Fright Nights at Thorpe Park is Europe’s biggest annual Halloween scare event, transforming Thorpe Park into a Halloween experience with several themed scare mazes throughout the park, live actors roaming to create unexpected scares, and Halloween-themed shows and atmosphere. This year, the event is celebrating its 25th anniversary.  While Fright Nights isn't recommended for younger children (guidance states the Fright Nights attractions are suitable for guests aged 13 and over), it's a fantastic option for older teens and adults who want a more intense Halloween experience during the October half-term break.

However, the park is open during the day, and Fright Nights begins at 3 pm, so you can still enjoy the park with the whole family. There are also several spooky-themed attractions, including Derren Brown’s Ghost Train and The Walking Dead: The Ride.

Horsham Mystery Trails

This year in Horsham, Whistlestop Arts has created seven free outdoor mystery trails across the district. Combining a self-guided walking tour with clues, challenges and hidden secrets, these mystery trails encourage participants to discover Horsham in a completely different way.

Each trail takes an average of two and a half hours – it’s a great way to get the whole family outdoors for an afternoon! Once you have completed all seven trails, you can unlock the final chapter of Answare and the Curators' Alliance Cabinet of Cures story.

Rogate Pumpkin Patch

Rogate Pumpkin Patch, just a short drive from Midhurst, is a firm favourite for families in October half-term!

The Patch offers pumpkin picking, with 1000s of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, in an array of different colours and sizes to choose from. There is also a themed Pumpkin Garden, featuring different themes that offer the perfect backdrop for autumn photos. On November 1st, there is even a Pumpkin Smash event, where you can smash, spike, and sling the leftover pumpkins to celebrate the finale of the season!

Lancing Village Halloween Fayre and Trail

For a more family-friendly Halloween celebration, the Lancing Village Halloween Fayre and Trail at Lancing Parish Hall offers plenty of seasonal fun.

Families can explore spooky market stalls, enjoy activities such as pumpkin crafting, face painting, and balloon modelling, enjoy themed entertainment, and take part in the popular Halloween trail around the village. There are also walking zombies around the village that you can meet.

There will also be a Halloween costume procession in the morning, with prizes available, so make sure to dress up!

Make Midhurst your future home.

With pumpkin patches, mystery trails, Halloween festivals and outdoor adventures, West Sussex offers something for every family this October half-term. Whether you're searching for thrilling scares at Tulley's Farm, a countryside escape at Borde Hill, or a community Halloween celebration in Lancing, there are plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable autumn memories.

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