The end of October in Wales means Halloween and the autumn half-term. The Welsh also have their own tradition – Calan Gaeaf, the old festival marking the start of winter. VisitWales has published a round-up of events for this period. We have chosen the ones coming up soonest.
Calan Gaeaf and castles
- National Trust Cymru – Calan Gaeaf events from roughly 17 October to 8 November (dates vary by site): Erddig, Chirk Castle, Dyffryn Gardens, Powis Castle, Penrhyn Castle and Bodnant Garden.
- Picton Castle & Gardens (Haverfordwest) – Halloween until 1 November.
- Fonmon Castle (Barry) – scare nights and daytime activities until 1 November.
- Plas Newydd (Anglesey) – The Big Draw, drawing workshops, until 1 November.
Railways and parades
- Talyllyn Railway (Tywyn) – “Steam & Scream”, 29–30 October.
- Bala Lake Railway (Llyn Tegid) – Halloween trains, 30–31 October.
- Haverfordwest Lantern Parade – 30 October.
- Swansea Bay Rider – the land train along the seafront, until 31 October; in Swansea on Saturday 31 October there is the free “Spooks in the City: Day of the Dead”, 1pm–6pm.
For older children and rainy days
- Zip World – “Ffear Fforest” in Betws-y-Coed (ages 9+) and Zip World Tower in Aberdare, until 1 November.
- Margam Park (Neath Port Talbot) – Screamtime, until 1 November.
- Welsh Museums Festival – many events free, until 1 November.
- Llandegfedd (Pontypool) – pumpkin carving and a free Halloween trail, until 31 October.
What it means for you
This is a good week for an affordable trip with the children, but most events end after dark, and since the clocks went back on 25 October it is dark before 5pm. An analysis of Department for Transport data for 2022–2025 (Marshall Motor Group) shows that in Wales the number of collisions between 4pm and 7pm rose by 38.2% after the autumn clock change, and in the South Wales Police area by as much as 87.1% – the highest in Britain.
Our assessment
Wales’s Halloween offer is a match for the big attractions in England, and is often closer and cheaper. Many events sell out quickly, so it is worth deciding now. For small tourism and hospitality businesses and family pumpkin farms, this is the last strong weekend before a quieter November.
What to do
- See the full list of events and pumpkin farms on the VisitWales website.
- Book tickets early – organisers warn that many dates sell out.
- For a family walk, take the free Wales Coast Path app.
- Before driving home after dark, check your car’s lights and the Met Office warnings, as well as disruption on Traffic Wales.
Sources: VisitWales – Halloween and October half-term activities in Wales (October 2026); Insurance Edge – analysis of DfT data (22.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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