Things to do over October half term

Creative Tourist

Looking for things to do with the family over the October half-term holidays?

Check out what’s on, from pumpkin trails, to scarecrows, theatre shows, workshops and more. There’s loads to do to make the upcoming school holiday special – whatever the weather, and whatever the budget.

And if the below isn’t enough, sign up to our newsletter for a weekly round-up of Manchester and the North’s best events.

Our top picks

Breakfast in Manchester

Why not enjoy a breakfast out with the family at some of our top-picked breakie and brunch places in Manchester during the holidays?

Federal Cafe Bar

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4LG - Visit now

Brighter days mean more outdoor adventures. Set over 500 acres, you’ll find art trails, scavenger hunts and all manner of family fun happening at this stunning open-air gallery over the hols.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Image courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now

A place of wonder packed full of incredible stories and family-friendly activities, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Manchester Museum.

Manchester Museum Tours at Manchester Museum

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside

Eureka! Science + Discovery Merseyside, Victoria Pl, Seacombe, Wallasey, Merseyside, CH44 6QY - Visit now

Discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics are a part of everyday life at the North’s newest children’s museum, sister of the much-loved Eureka.

Dunham Massey

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SJ - Visit now

The perfect place to experience the first hints of warmer days. Whatever the weather, Dunham Massey in Altrincham takes our number one spot for a fun outdoorsy day out.

Path winding through the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

World Museum Liverpool

World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN - Visit now

Family-focused and hands-on, it’s all here at The World Museum with treasures from around the world, the bottom of the ocean and even outer space.

Exterior of World Museum Liverpool, home to Dino Ranger Day

Stately Homes in the North

Explore some of the North’s most stunning buildings and learn about the families that once lived there. Stroll through the picturesque grounds, take in the fresh air and let the kids run free.

Adventure Activities in the North

The North of England is home to the longest high wire bridge in Europe, over 1,000ft above the Honister Pass in Keswick, and one of the UK’s largest outdoor inflatable water assault courses near Sheffield. This part of the world, then, has no shortage of incredible adventure activities.

Treetop Adventure Manchester
Treetop Adventure Manchester.
Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre

Dark comedy, visceral dance theatre, Fringe hits and open-air performances on a railway viaduct - try something new this season.

Mermaid Chunky by Simon Pizzey.
Music

From manifesto-wielding DJs to bands blurring gigs with performance art, our music guide is newly stocked with artists who see live music as a place for risk.

Food and Drink in the North

It’s the early-May edition of the Food and Drink Guide and here's where to eat and drink while living out your warm-weather dreams.

a beach. red bricks are laid out in a spiral shape on the sand.
Exhibitions

We’ve got five new Manchester exhibitions this month, from thought-provoking photography to environmental art and community-led projects.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.