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Adult Autumn Activities
Autumn Events at Lulworth Castle
Where: Lulworth Castle
Best for: Autumn walks, creative activities and family days out
About: Lulworth Castle is making the most of the season with autumn activities for families, walkers and anyone after a creative or relaxing day out. Explore the parkland on an Autumn Leaves Guided Walk, discover the castle’s seasonal display with A Journey Through Autumn, or try autumn wreath making and autumn yoga.
Visiting with children? Autumn Half Term at Lulworth Castle runs from 25–31 October 2026, with a new trail, an autumn display and pumpkin-themed lawn games.
Our tip: If you’re visiting during half term, leave time to explore both the castle and its surrounding parkland.
Catch the Golden Hour
About: Is there anything more beautiful than watching the sunset? Dorset's is full of brilliant locations to watch the sunset and with nights getting earlier throughout Autumn, you don’t have to wait up late for the golden hour to arrive. Keep your phones at the ready for some stunning golden hour pictures as you visit Dorset's brilliant sunset locations and watch as the sky replicates the colours of Autumn that are exploding all around us.
Check out the best sunset locations in Dorset here.
Best time to go: Changes throughout Autumn, most sunsets around 6.30pm to 7pm.
Enjoy A Cosy Pub Meal
About: As the cold weather approaches there is nothing more comforting than a hearty pub meal by an open fire. Dorset's culinary scene features some of the best cosy pubs around, with plenty of options to choose from this Autumn as you look to get out of the elements and warm up with family and friends. Click here to check out our favourite cosy pubs around Dorset!
Best time to go: Evening
Go Surfing
Where: Branksome Dene Chine, Poole Park and Hamworthy.
About: Get your wetsuit out and dive on in because Autumn brings with it some of the best surfs that Dorset has to offer. As winds increase and kids go back to school, Autumn is one of the best times of the year to grab your kit and head out for an awesome surf. Check out Dorset's best surfing spots, here.
For those wanting to rent a board or get a little extra help in a Surfing Lesson - TGt recommends:
Best time to go: Depends on swells, check local surf reports before you go.
Head On An Autumn walk
About: Dorset's coastlines and hilly countryside make for a host of brilliant walks all year round, and we’ve rounded up our pick of the best Autumn walks in Dorset. If you’re looking to get out into the great outdoors this Autumn then take on one of Dorset's brilliant walks and enjoy seeing some breathtaking views as forest floors explode with colour and coastlines become the scenes of some epic waves.
There are plenty of things to do in Dorset throughout Autumn but heading out on a scenic walk has to be one of our favourite seasonal activities. Check out Dorset's best Autumn walks here.
Best time to go: Any time of the day, avoid evening due to visibility.
Marvel at Bonfire Night Fireworks
Where: Various events happening around Dorset.
About: Remember remember the 5th of November because bonfire night is once again returning to Dorset this Autumn as firework events take place across the county. Secure your space at one of Dorset's brilliant bonfire night events and enjoy a fun-filled evening out with the kids watching Dorset's skyline be illuminated with exciting colours and dazzling patterns on one of the biggest days of Autumn.
Check out our guide to Bonfire Night in Dorset here or by clicking below.
Best time to go: Bonfire night events will take place in the evening.
Take a Theatre Trip
Where: Tivoli Theatre, Bournemouth International Centre, The Pavilion
About: This Autumn and Festive period there will be numerous on stage performances for you to visit, including Pantos and Musicals!
Family Autumn Activities
Halloween at Moors Valley
Where: Moors Valley
About: Returning this autumn, Halloween at Moors Valley transforms the woodland into an unforgettable illuminated trail filled with eerie encounters, immersive scenes and spooky surprises around every corner.
As darkness falls, step into the shadows and discover a Halloween experience unlike any other. Wander beneath towering giant skeletons standing watch over the forest, keep your distance from the sinister Demon Barber, and venture into a carnivorous garden where the plants may be hungrier than they appear.
For those brave enough to continue, uncover the secrets of ancient forest rituals hidden deep among the trees, where flickering lights, mysterious symbols and haunting sights reveal that something strange has awakened in the woods. Around every twist and turn, expect atmospheric installations, creepy characters and thrilling moments designed to delight visitors of all ages.
Dates: Friday 23 October 2026 to Sunday 1 November 2026
Halloween Ghost Train Rides
Where: Swanage Railway
About: A family-friendly Halloween Ghost Train experience combining heritage railway travel with spooky seasonal entertainment on selected dates. Step aboard for a family-friendly journey through the Purbeck countryside, where you can expect mysterious encounters, immersive entertainment and plenty of Halloween surprises along the way.
But the fun doesn't all happen onboard.
You'll hop off the train at Corfe Castle Station for Halloween activities and crafts, including slime-making, before climbing back aboard to continue your spooky railway adventure.
Designed to be fun rather than frightening, it's a Halloween experience the whole family can enjoy together.
Dates: Friday 30 October 2026 to Saturday 31 October 2026
Price: Adults £25 | Children £15
The Great Halloween Mystery at Moors Valley Country Park
A giant Halloween pumpkin has disappeared, and young detectives are needed to solve the case! Join the Cobweb Crew as Agent Webbs, follow clues around the park, gather evidence and decode a secret message. With a prize included in every trail pack, this is a fun way to turn an autumn walk into a family adventure.
Where & Times:
- Durlston Castle: trail packs available from 10am to 4pm
- Avon Heath Visitor Centre: trail packs available from 10am to 4pm
- Moors Valley Visitor Centre: trail packs available from 9am to 5pm
When: Saturday 10th October - 1st November 2026
Price: £3.50 per trail pack, including a prize
Suitable for: Families, particularly children aged 4–11; younger children can join in with adult help.
Day of the Dead Kids’ Halloween Party at The Old Thatch
Get the costumes ready for a colourful Halloween celebration at The Old Thatch! Its Mexican Day of the Dead-themed party takes over Bear Island on 31 October, with live music, dancing and entertainment for families.
A mariachi band and costume parade competition kick off the fun from 1–2pm, followed by a Minky Moos disco and games from 2–4pm. There will also be face painting, pottery painting, a chairoplane ride, a photo booth area and Mexican food specials.
Fancy starting the adventure earlier? Book the Mad4Animals pre-party show from 11.30am–12.30pm, with entry to the Halloween party afterwards included in your ticket.
Where: Bear Island at The Old Thatch
When: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: 12.30–4pm; Mad4Animals show 11.30am–12.30pm
Price: Party tickets £5 per person for adults and children. Mad4Animals show plus party entry £10 per person.
Suitable for: Families with children
Pippa & the Pumpkin Trail at Mapperton House
Date: 25th October - 1st November 2026
Event Information: Join Mapperton House this October half-term for a magical autumn trail as you help Pippa, Mapperton’s mischievous cat, and her friends solve the mystery of the missing pumpkin.
Follow the mapped route through the gardens, discovering beautifully decorated autumn scenes and helping Pippa uncover clues along the way.
Each child will receive a special activity booklet and prize for completing the trail, and little explorers are warmly encouraged to come dressed for the season.
Free seasonal crafts will run daily in the Coach House Café from 11am to 3pm.
Price: Entry is £5 per child (aged 2 and above) and includes the activity booklet and Halloween trail, plus a prize for completing the booklet. One accompanying adult per child gets free entry to the gardens. Additional adults are £7.50 each. Children under 2 are free.
Join RockReef for their Spooktacular October Half Term
Where: RockReef, Bournemouth Pier
About: October Half Term Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip! Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids entertained over half term whatever the weather? Are you staying in the area and are looking for fun things to do at the Bournemouth seafront?
Book your adventure online today and save money off your ticket price!
Dates: 24th October - 1st November 2026
Best time to go: Anytime between 10:00-16:00
Enjoy Some Halloween Festivities
Where: Various locations across Dorset.
About: The arrival of Autumn means it’s time to celebrate Halloween once again as Dorset prepares itself for spectacular spooky activities. This year we’ve got Halloween in Dorset covered with our ghost-filled guide covering everything you need to know about the scariest holiday of them all.
Check out Dorset;s Halloween favourites below including:
Pumpkin picking
Halloween events
Haunted places
And so much more!
Best time to go: Throughout October
Pumpkin Picking
About: We’re ready to celebrate the spookiest season of the year as Halloween approaches with plenty of Dorset's pick-your-own farms stocked up on pumpkins for one of Autumn’s favourite activities. Check out our guide to the best pumpkin picking patches in Dorset here and enjoy an afternoon of Instagram-worthy fun picking your pumpkin and carving out some ghostly designs. Enjoy celebrating Autumn’s scariest holiday by taking the kids out for a day on the farm.
Best time to go: Throughout October.
Check out Dorset's Autumn events
About: There are tons of brilliant Autumn events taking place around Dorset, meaning your end to the year is packed with things to do in the county. From food festivals to park runs, Autumn markets to musical performances, there is a range of exciting Autumn events happening around Dorset. Take a look at our events calendar here or click below to find out more about the biggest and best events taking place in Dorset this Autumn.
Best time to go: Various