Spooktacular Halloween and Half-Term Fun in and Around Dartmouth

As the autumn leaves start to fall, Dartmouth and its surrounding areas are brimming with exciting Halloween-themed activities and family-friendly events. Whether you’re local or visiting for the half-term break, here’s a roundup of must-visit events this Halloween season! 

Pumpkin Festival at Pennywell Farm 

Dates: 28th September – 3rd November 

Head over to Pennywell Farm for their annual Pumpkin Festival, where the entire family can enjoy autumn in full swing. Enjoy all your usual favourite animal activities at Pennywell Farm, with access to the Pennywell Pumpkin Patch included in your ticket price. Other activities to enjoy include a pumpkin trail, live music, marshmallow toasting experience, scarecrow dress up competition, guess how many pumpkins in the jar and much, much more! 

Pennywell Pumpkin Nights at Pennywell Farm 

Dates: Select dates from 4th October – 31st October 5pm – 9pm 

If you’re looking for a spookier touch, the Pennywell Pumpkin Nights are the perfect autumnal evening for you and your family or friends. Enjoy the Pennywell Pumpkin Patch after dark, with plenty of pumpkins, squashes and gourds to choose from. Also included is live music from local talent, plenty of pumpkin photo ops, marshmallow toasting, indoor and outdoor play, tractor & trailer rides, plus the on-site food outlets will be open serving hot dogs, pizza and more. For the adults, alcoholic drinks will be available from the horsebox bar. 

Halloween at Babbacombe Model Village 

Dates: 26th October – 3rd November 

Babbacombe Model Village offers a unique and miniature world of fun, but things get a bit eerie as Halloween approaches. There are two different experiences available over the Halloween period: 

• Daytime Only – October 26th, 27th & November 1st – 3rd  

Halloween comes to the Model Village as ghouls, ghosts and spooky scenes create havoc for the miniature residents. Open from 10am until last entry at 3:30pm, explore the model village and watch out for Halloween-themed models and displays as you wander through the intricately detailed scenes.  

• Spookilluminations – October 28th – 31st  

The famous Babbacombe illuminations, with a Halloween twist. Open from 10am until last entry at 5pm – the lights will come on from dusk (around 4:30pm), until close at 7pm. To make the most of your visit, be sure to arrive with at least an hour of daylight left so you don’t miss any of the displays or scenes that are less visible after dark. Don’t forget to spot all 12 pumpkins hidden in amongst the models, with a prize up for grabs for all successful children (3+). 

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Screenings at The Flavel 

Dates: 28th, 29th & 31st October at 2pm 

If you’re looking for indoor Halloween fun, why not catch a screening of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at The Flavel Arts Centre? The highly anticipated sequel to the classic 1988 film brings back all the quirky, otherworldly humour that fans love, while introducing a fresh new storyline. Perfect for families with older children and teens, this film is sure to be a hit during the Halloween season. 

Boo at the Zoo at Dartmoor Zoo 

Dates: 25th – 26th October 5:30pm – 8:30pm 

For a more wild Halloween adventure, head to Dartmoor Zoo after dark for Boo at the Zoo. Explore the zoo at night, where creepy characters lurk, and eerie surprises await you around every corner. While most areas are family friendly, some might be too spooky for younger children, but a handy map will guide you to the right level of thrills. Perfect for families with older children – if you dare! 

Other Family-Friendly Activities in Darmouth 

If you’re looking for even more fun this half-term, Dartmouth offers plenty of other attractions: 

• Dartmouth Castle – A visit to the historical Dartmouth Castle is always a hit with families. Explore the old fortress, enjoy panoramic views, and take a walk through the beautiful coastal and woodland pathways surrounding the area. 

• Dartmouth Steam Railway – Take a scenic ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, offering stunning coastal views as it travels from Paignton to Kingswear. It’s a fun journey through the countryside and perfect for families with train enthusiasts! 

• Coleton Fishacre – This National Trust property offers family-friendly trails and activities. Kids can run free in the gardens, while adults enjoy the beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful day out in nature. 

• Dartmouth Museum – If the weather takes a turn, Dartmouth Museum is an engaging indoor option offering fascinating insights into the town’s maritime history, with displays that can capture the imagination of all ages. 

With a fantastic mix of Halloween events and family-friendly activities, Dartmouth and the surrounding area is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled half-term. Whether you’re exploring the spooky side of the season or discovering local attractions, there’s something for everyone.