REVIEW: Minterne House Halloween Trail: A Family-Friendly Dorset Adventure 2025

We were so excited to attend the opening day of Minterne House Halloween Trail this evening with our two children!

Set in the stunning Dorset countryside at the magnificent Minterne Estate, this trail is one of our favourite family-friendly Halloween activities. It offers a wholesome, authentic experience that feels a world away from many commercial Halloween attractions.

This year, there are lots of new spooky surprises to discover along the trail, with seasonal  fun activities that children love (such as a cone and spoon race and hoop throwing on to witches hats), .Kids receive a goodie bag which alone is worth the entry fee; it included a  very generousHalloween advent calendar full of of sweet treats, stickers and fidget toys which added an extra treat!

It is one of the most simple traiils we've been too - in a positive way. The kids absolutely loved being out in nature and really enjoyed stumbling across the various ghosts, skeletons and pumpkin heads en route. Their favourite part was the eye ball door bell at the Himlayan Hut - enter if you dare!  The kids behaved beatifully and I really believe it's because they weren't over stimulted and were just enjoyed the adventure and being out in nature.

The Minterne House Halloween Trail is safe fand not too scary for younger children and combines imaginative frights with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The Dorset countryside backdrop makes it extra magical, with winding paths and seasonal scenery adding to the fun. The autumn colours are simply stunning.

For hungry families, the estate’s café serves takeaway food, including bacon baps and sausage rolls (£3.50), toasties from £4.50, and soup & roll (£5). From Sunday 19th October, a food truck will be on-site from 10am to 4pm selling hot and cold food – perfect for refuelling little monsters.

Tips for families visiting the trail:

• Arrive early to enjoy the trail at a relaxed pace and enjoy the autumn colours as well as the trail 

• Wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes – the trail can be muddy in places.

• Dress up in Halloween costumes if you like – it adds to the experience!

• Don’t forget your phone/camera – the estate’s scenery is perfect for autumn photos and tag Minterne's Instagram for a share!

FAQs:

• When is it open? The trail starts Friday 17th October and ends on 31st October. Check the website for full dates and times.

• Is it suitable for young children? Yes! The trail is designed to be slightly spooky but family-friendly. The walk is over a mile so for tired legs you might want a carrier or trail buggy.

• Are there food options? Yes – café takeaway and a food truck from 19th October.

• Do children get a treat? Yes, every child receives a goodie bag at the end of the trail.

• Are there toilets? Yes, there are 'posh' portable toilets by the entrance.

• Is there parking? Yes, there is a free car park opposite the church by the entrance.

The Minterne House Halloween Trail is a must-visit Dorset Halloween activity. With its authentic spooky fun, beautiful surroundings, and treats for children, it’s a fantastic event for families looking for a memorable Halloween adventure.

Book your trip, here