Oct
As autumn settles in and the October half-term approaches, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a few days away with the family and explore somewhere new.
From interactive science and live theatre to museums, outdoor trails and creative workshops, there is plenty happening across the Thames Valley this half-term. Whether you are planning a full family break or simply looking for ideas to fill a day or two, we have rounded up some of the activities taking place near our House of Fisher locations this October.
With serviced apartments in Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Camberley, you can enjoy the freedom of your own space while having plenty of family-friendly days out within easy reach.
Basingstoke
There is plenty to keep younger visitors entertained around Basingstoke this half-term.
At Milestones Museum, The Strange Science of Jekyll & Hyde runs from 24 October to 1 November. Designed for children aged 5 to 12, the experience combines a Victorian science fair with hands-on experiments, live demonstrations and characters to meet around the museum.
For something outdoors, The Vyne is hosting an interactive Who’s in Your Book? family trail until 8 November. Inspired by Tom Fletcher’s popular children’s books, families can explore the gardens while completing challenges and searching for familiar characters.
There is also free half-term entertainment in Basingstoke’s The Top of Town from 28 to 30 October, with activities aimed at children aged 3 to 13.
Reading
Reading offers a particularly good mix of free activities, culture and family attractions this October.
From 24 October to 1 November, families can take part in Reading’s Autumn Adventure Trail, a free town-centre trail encouraging children to search shop windows for hidden acorns, including special golden ones. It makes a nice alternative for families looking for an autumn activity without a heavy Halloween theme.
Reading Museum also has a programme of half-term activities from 24 to 31 October, including family trails, activity carts and special events. Options include dinosaur and fossil activities, a free talk about bats and hands-on LEGO sessions.
For something a little different, Reading town centre will host its colourful Diwali: Light It Up celebrations on 24 October, featuring performances, drummers, dancers and large illuminated puppets.
Newbury
Families staying in Newbury have a good choice of theatre, creative activities and free community events during the school break.
One of the highlights is Dinosaur World Live at the Corn Exchange on 27 October, an interactive family show featuring remarkably lifelike dinosaurs, followed by an opportunity to meet some of the creatures after the performance.
The Corn Exchange is also running its Create and Make programme from 26 to 29 October. Children can spend the day exploring drama, arts and crafts through an Autumn Adventures theme, with different creative activities each day.
For a free day out, GreenFest West Berkshire takes place on 24 October at St Bart’s School, with family crafts, stalls, talks and live music.
Bracknell
Bracknell is a strong choice if you are looking for activities that work whatever the autumn weather decides to do.
At The Look Out Discovery Centre, children can explore more than 90 hands-on science activities before catching the Splash, Bubbles and Balloons Show. Running throughout the half-term period, the interactive show uses experiments involving water, balloons and bubbles and is designed for children aged 4 to 11.
The surrounding Swinley Forest also makes it easy to turn a visit into a full day outdoors, with woodland walks and play areas nearby.
And for families who would rather spend the day in the water, Coral Reef Waterworld remains a popular Bracknell option with its pools, slides and pirate-themed features. School holiday sessions can be busy, so advance booking is worth considering.
Farnborough
Farnborough’s aviation heritage provides one of the area’s most distinctive family days out.
The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum is open at weekends from 10am to 4pm and admission is free, although donations are welcomed. Families can discover full-size aircraft, aviation exhibits, space displays and the history of flight research in Farnborough. There are also flight simulators, although availability depends on volunteers on the day.
On 25 October, Farnborough town centre is also hosting a free HalloECOween Wizard School. While there is a seasonal theme, the emphasis is as much on creativity and sustainability as Halloween, with recycled crafts, gardening activities, games and interactive workshops.
It could be a good option for families looking for something free and easy to combine with shopping or lunch in the town centre.
Camberley
There is plenty happening around Camberley throughout the extended Surrey half-term.
Camberley Theatre has several family-friendly performances during the break, including Ice Age Adventure Live! on 25 October, which brings prehistoric creatures to the stage in an interactive family show. Later in the week there are further productions and events, making the theatre worth checking when planning your stay.
For children who prefer taking part rather than sitting in the audience, Boogie Pumps is running theatre camps in Camberley across both weeks of the Surrey school holiday. Sessions combine dancing, singing, acting and crafts for children aged 4 to 11.
Families can also make use of the activities at Places Leisure Camberley, including indoor climbing and other sports, which can be particularly useful to have in reserve for a rainy autumn day.
Make House of Fisher Your Base This October Half-Term
With so much happening across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey, October half-term is a great time to explore the Thames Valley as a family.
A House of Fisher serviced apartment gives you more flexibility than a traditional hotel stay, with spacious living areas and fully equipped kitchens making it easier to settle in, prepare family meals and relax together after a busy day out.
Our apartments are available across Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Camberley, putting you within easy reach of local attractions, town centres and many of this half-term’s activities.
With 24/7 Guest Services from our award-winning team and typically 30% more space than a standard hotel room, you can enjoy a comfortable ‘home from home’ throughout your stay.
Book Directly and Save!
Remember to always book directly to guarantee the best available rates either by booking on our website, calling our friendly Reservations team on 01189 514151 or emailing reservations@houseoffisher.com