As October half term approaches, we're sure many people are searching for ways to keep all members of the family happy and engaged. Haslemere presents us with a wide range of activities for all age groups; from musicals to a museum trip to even outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to do in Haslemere! Here are some activities you may have not tried yet that you should add to your bucket list for the future.

Haslemere Museum always offers a captivating day out that would be great for both parents and children. Seasonal family activities are currently running at the museum. Their ‘horrific halloween’ event is available to book on the 27th of October and runs at a price of £5 each (or £3 if you’re a member). And already running is a 20th century Haslemere exhibition which runs until the 24th of December. This details the museum’s archives and stories shared by residents as part of the Museum’s oral history project. Alternatively, there’s a Pioneers of the High Street Museum exhibition which runs until January 2027. For younger children, the Museum’s gardens may be more appealing, as they have features such as a woodland boardwalk, an observation beehive (open during the summer), a pond with a variety of wild life, a sensory garden and so much more.

Haslemere Library is running plenty of half term events to keep little ones entertained, and at extremely low prices. Halloween treasure hunting is a free drop in session running from the 17th to the 31st of October, 10am to 4pm. For children between 3 and 7, it's just £1 to enjoy a cozy autumnal story time - they will be reading Fox and the mystery letter - followed by a simple autumn craft to take home. Lego club is being extended for half term too. On the 21st and 28th of October, children aged 5+ can drop in from 10am to 4pm to take part in the fun, again for just £1. These are only a few examples of the many events available over the next 2 weeks.

Alternatively, bring your own bottles to Grover’s Garden on the 27th of October for Apple Juicing Day! Located in Beacon Hill, this outdoor event will run from 10am-3pm and it’s another great way to keep the whole family happy. You will be able to take home your own freshly pressed apple juice and kids are welcome to try out the juicing kit.

On Friday the 30th of October, The Mill is running Halloween Monster Mash. All members of the family are welcomed and encouraged to participate. Feel free to dress up for the occasion, and enjoy 20% all drinks between 4pm and 8pm. At 5pm, the Kid’s halloween room will open for the night featuring crafts, games and spooky films. As the night continues, live music will commence at 7.30pm and prizes will be given out to the best dressed!

There’s also a great selection of places to eat and drink in Haslemere. For a quick coffee and a bite to eat, you could visit one of Haslemere’s many cafes. There are so many fantastic cafes located in the heart of the town, all offering a wide range of tasty food, which is an easy way to keep younger children occupied. For families with older children, perhaps a sit down meal at a local restaurant is the perfect way to spend an evening or lunch time. Haslemere has a wide range of cuisine to choose from, so you can decide where to go depending on what your family fancies.

Haslemere Hall is always known for its impressive selection of film and theatre and this half term is no different. Running from the 27th to the 31st of October, the Haslemere Players will be performing Guys & Dolls - a timeless musical comedy set in 1940s New York City. Tickets can be purchased for just £15. Keep an eye out over the next few months as Haslemere Hall has plenty of other movies and shows coming up including Pressure, Fallen Angels, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, 9 to 5 the musical, and so much more!

As the weather isn’t too cold yet, there are also lots of outdoor activities to enjoy in Haslemere. These are either free or cost very little but can keep a family entertained all day. The Devil's Punchbowl is located less than a 15 minute car journey from Haslemere town centre. Here you will find endless walks and hikes, but if you would like to walk a specific route there are plenty to choose from at the carpark. These routes are easy to follow as the directions are clearly signposted. We recommend the shorter Sailor’s Stroll - a one mile flat route - for younger children. Parking is free if you are a national trust member, but if not an hour of parking is £2. The area is also equipped with toilets and a cafe. 

The Devil's Punchbowl is one of the most popular places to walk in Haslemere, but there are plenty of other places for you to enjoy a walk. If you’re up for a challenge and are happy to overcome some hills, perhaps try visiting Blackdown or Swan Barn. On the other hand, if you’d rather take a gentle stroll, maybe try exploring some of the local commons such as Thursley, Frensham, Hankley or Bramshott common. These are all free of charge so this makes for a good way to spend a morning or an afternoon with little planning.

With so much to see and do in Haslemere, this half term there really is no need to travel far to keep your children entertained everyday. Haslemere has so much to offer for all age groups so why not take the time to engage in some of the many exciting opportunities available that are on your doorstep. Not only will you create treasured memories with your loved ones, but this is the perfect opportunity to also show your support for the incredible local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses that surround us!

And don't forget to check out what's on in Haslemere 365 days a year through our events calendar. 

A huge thank you to Lola Gates who is currently studying at Godalming College for this guest post. If you have been inspired by Lola, have a story to tell, or would like to write a guest post for This is Haslemere, do get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.