Budget friendly half term coastal hacks
12th October 2022
- Enjoy glorious autumnal colours at the dramatic Hengistbury Head
- Visit Bournemouth’s iconic Bobby’s for all things beauty, food and wellbeing
- Feast your eyes on the acclaimed art at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
- Get close to nature at Upton Country Park
- Discover a host of creepy Halloween activities for big kids and small
With the October half-term school break on the horizon, seize the opportunity to try something new with our budget friendly guide to Halloween on the coast with the most.
From enjoying the autumnal colours at the dramatic Hengistbury Head near Christchurch, to fun-packed days out shopping in Bournemouth, or more cultured afternoons in Dorset’s most visited free attraction, Poole Museum, we’ve got some ideas to keep the children entertained – whatever the weather.
Beautiful Hengistbury Head offers some of the finest coastal views in England and with the iconic beach huts a stone’s throw away, it’s a place where the whole family can reconnect with nature and enjoy views that stretch as far as the Isle of Wight. The nearby visitor centre will host a Halloween-themed Astronomy and Archaeology event from 7-9pm on Friday 28.
Red House Museum also invites you to join them this Halloween half term for some spooktacular fun at the museum. Have a ghoulishly good time as you follow the Halloween trail around Milestones to spot who’s haunting the museum's buildings.
Pokemon fans will also love the spooky augmented reality experience coming to Christchurch this Halloween. Look out for posters in shops from 14-31 October to take part in the free Halloween Hunt Trail on the LoyalFree app.
Visit the iconic Bobby’s in Bournemouth for early Christmas shopping and spend time in GIANT Gallery. At 15,000sq feet it is the UK’s largest artist-run gallery space for contemporary art outside London. Treat the kids to a round of spooky adventure mini golf at Smuggler’s Cove and enjoy the autumn colours in the Upper and Lower Gardens. For teenagers and adults head to the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum on Saturday 29 October where an immersive mystery game ‘The Evil Engagement’ will take place.
With a rich history steeped in smuggling exploits and the maritime trade, Poole is the perfect place to be this Halloween. Experience the romance and excitement of the coastline which inspired Thomas Hardy’s writing at Poole Museum, with a macabre bone guillotine carved by a Napoleonic prisoner of war among some of the grislier finds. Children can explore the exhibition with the Wessex the Dog fun detective trail.
For more outdoor fun that is pocket friendly, head over to Upton Country Park, where you will find a Witches Brew Adventure Trail. Search the grounds at Upton Country Park to find all the ingredients the Witch needs to create her potion.
If you don’t manage to fit it all in over half term why not come back and discover what Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can offer this winter time? Book a stay in one of our fabulous beach lodges or hotels and experience an atmosphere of good cheer all around with a range of free entertainment, dazzling light displays, sweet treats at Christmas Tree Wonderland in Bournemouth and Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival from 18/ 19 November 2022 – 2 January 2023. You can also celebrate the Yuletide Festival in Christchurch on Saturday 26 November. The Yuletide parade and Christmas Light Switch On will feature the internationally renowned, Christchurch-based Gobbledegook Theatre company and a Yuletide Market will line one side of the High Street.
Notes to editors
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Tourism, are the official tourist board for BCP and part of the Destination and Culture Directorate within BCP Council, working in partnership with hundreds of businesses across the resorts and wider Dorset. Its focus is to increase economic benefits of tourism across the destination and to promote the area’s world-class visitor experience across the UK and overseas.
For more information about the resort, please see:
coastwiththemost.co.uk
bournemouth.co.uk
pooletourism.com
visit-christchurch.co.uk
