Spells + Sparkles: What’s on at Harewood this October Half Term

Kids go free this October Half Term! Get ready for a spellbinding family adventure at Harewood this autumn, where magical trails, woodland play and broomstick-making promise fun for the whole family. While the House is closed as preparations begin for Magic at the Mansion, a little enchantment has taken over Harewood’s 140 acres of Gardens and Grounds.

Follow the magical trail around the North Lawn and help Harewood’s resident witch, Bessie Broomstick, find her missing magical belongings. Scattered across the grounds, they’re essential to keeping her magic alive! Want to take some magic home? Budding witches and wizards can get creative at broomstick-making workshops, crafting their very own natural broomsticks from twigs and branches to take home.

For more outdoor adventure, head to the Adventure Playscape, where zip wires, swings and climbing frames are perfect for burning off some energy. Climb up to the one-of-a-kind Sylvascope Treehouse for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding woodland, before exploring Woodland Wonderland, where winding willow mazes twist and turn between the trees.

During the school holidays, Harewood’s holiday clubs offer unforgettable days of excitement, discovery and creativity for 7–11-year-olds. Each day brings a new hands-on adventure, from delving into history and unleashing artistic talents to discovering the wonders of nature. October dates include themes of skele-tonnes of fun and time to get spooky!

As autumn leaves transform the landscape and spooky season draws near, Harewood is the perfect place to make memories together, explore the great outdoors and enjoy an enchanting family day out. Just a short drive from Leeds, Harrogate and York!

Adventure Playscape, Sylvascope, Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze
Daily, 10am – 5pm
Across site
Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
These three magical outdoor play areas offer adventure and discovery for the whole family. The Adventure Playscape features climbing towers, bridges, slides, hideouts, swings and a zipwire, creating an exciting mix of physical and sensory play for children of all ages. Wander through the twisting pathways of the Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze, hidden amongst the trees, or explore Sylvascope, a unique treehouse experience tucked away in the enchanting woodland. Perfect for families looking to connect with nature, there is something to discover around every corner.

Spells and Sparkles Trail
Daily, 10am – 4.30pm
Included in valid day ticket or membership
North Lawn, collect for Visitor Information and Membership Hut
Harewood’s resident witch, Bessie Broomstick, has been flying around visiting her favourite friends and creatures. She has been in such a hurry that she didn’t notice a hole in her bag where she keeps her witch’s wares. Help her find her spells and sparkles left around Harewood! Find Bessie’s belongings and collect the letters to reveal the magic word that will send them back to her again. Act fast, Bessie will lose her magic if she doesn’t cast a spell soon!

Broomstick Making
Daily, 11am + 1pm
Included in valid day ticket or membership
Sylvascope
Have you ever fancied flying through the skies? Now is your chance to make your very own natural broomstick. Guided by one of Harewood’s warlocks or witches, build your very own broomstick or make one for your magic friends. This outdoor workshop will allow you to get crafty with natural materials found in Sylvascope like twigs, branches and leaves.

Spooky Tree Spot it Trail
Daily, 10am – 4.30pm
Included in valid day ticket or membership
North Lawn, collect for Visitor Information and Membership Hut
How many spooky trees can you spot at Harewood? Keep your eyes peeled for trees with twisted trunks, mysterious hollows, strange shapes and spooky-looking branches. Some might look like they belong in an enchanted forest, while others might remind you of witches, monsters or magical creatures. A fun, family-friendly way to explore Harewood’s landscape.

Family exploring the Courtyard © Harewood House Trust. Photography by Tom Arber

Mysterious Trees Talk
Monday 26 – Friday 30 October, 2 pm
Included in membership and day tickets
Meet at the Visitor Information and Membership Hut
For centuries, trees have inspired myths, legends and folklore, with ancient woods often thought to be places where magic might be found. Join Harewood’s Garden Team to discover the strange, fascinating and sometimes spooky stories hidden amongst the trees that surround us.

Child playing with Lego at Harewood © Harewood House Trust. Photography by Tom Arber

Lego Club Spooky Special
1 November, 12 – 3 pm
Included in membership and day tickets
Education Suite
Do you have any little builders at home? Let them unleash their creativity at this spooky edition of Lego Club where they can build and create their favourite spooky characters or their very own haunted Harewood House!

Autumnal Safari Bags
Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Included in membership and day tickets
Collect for Visitor Information and Membership Hut
Each bag comes equipped with binoculars, a compass, a torch, a magnifying glass, and a map of Harewood, helping you navigate the natural world around you. There’s even a list of some wonderful wildlife to look out for. From beasties hiding under the rich, textured tapestry of autumn leaves, to birds circling the skies above Harewood House, there is so much to discover.

Harewood Holiday Club
27, 28 + 29 October, 9 am – 4 pm
£40 per child, per day
Across Site
Harewood Holiday Club is inviting children to enjoy an action-packed programme of summer holiday activities filled with excitement, discovery and creativity, with each themed day offering hands-on experiences designed to inspire young minds through history, art and nature. Activities include sculpting your own plasticine monster, making your own pirate costume on, and brewing your own natural potions.

Adventure Cinema: Hocus Pocus
24 October, gates open 6pm, film starts 7.30pm
Pre-book tickets from £10.92
North Lawn
Watch the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus on a huge outdoor cinema screen under the stars. Follow the hilariously wicked Sanderson Sisters, Bette Midler as Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah, and Kathy Najimy as Mary, in this beloved spooky season classic. Packed with unforgettable moments, spellbinding laughs, and iconic scenes, Hocus Pocus is the ultimate Halloween favourite that’s perfect for fans of all ages.