News release

For Immediate Release

Families can enjoy an enchanting October half-term holiday with lots of magical activities to get stuck into.

Brand new for 2025 is the Hartlebury Halloween Hunt on Monday 27 October. Families can search the grounds for miniature pumpkins containing tricks or treats, explore the spookily decorated Bishop’s Palace, and then take part in pumpkin carving where staff and volunteers will make their design a reality. Tickets cost £10 for children and £6 for adults.

From Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 October, there’s another chance to get stuck into Pumpkin Carving. Children can choose their pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, scoop out the seeds, and let the Castle team do the hard work carving while they drink a free hot chocolate. Tickets cost £6.50 per pumpkin and whole-site admission tickets must be booked for the whole party.

Both events must be pre-booked at hartleburycastle.com (booking fees apply).

Witch and Wizard School returns as young witches and wizards are invited to come in their most magical outfits to spend an enchanting day at the Castle. Children can make their own magic wand and then head to the magnificent Great Hall to meet Professor Bumbledum for spell-casting lessons! Drop into Witch and Wizard School from 10.30am to 3.30pm from Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October; £4 and whole-site admission.

Families who are feeling especially brave can follow a trail with a twist: the Spooky Skeleton Hunt! The trail is £1 and whole-site admission (the trail is free with Witch and Wizard School).

“We can’t wait to see lots of families dressed up and raring to go for Halloween!” Pippa Ashmore, Events and Visitor Services Coordinator at Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle.

Visitors can enjoy the autumnal grounds with a walk around the historic moat to the fantastic woodland playground. Hayley’s Kitchen café will be open for coffee, hot chocolate and homemade food, and the lovely Orchard Picnic Area has benches to settle into for lunch.

Hartlebury Castle is situated just off the A449 between Kidderminster and Worcester. Parking is free. Visitors can book in advance and plan their visit on Hartlebury Castle’s website: hartleburycastle.com.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

Image attached shows: Hartlebury Halloween Hunt at Hartlebury Castle

Opening hours

Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 5pm. Weekends and bank holidays: 11am – 5pm.

Open for Hartlebury Halloween Hunt only on Monday 27 October (not open for general visits).

Hartlebury Castle is closed Sunday 2 November.

Event listings

Hartlebury Halloween Hunt | Monday 27 October

Scour the grounds for miniature pumpkins and exchange them for a full-sized version from our Pumpkin Patch – look out for spooky or sweet things hidden inside your haul too!

Book online at hartleburycastle.com/event/hartlebury-halloween-hunt

 

Pumpkin Carving | Tuesday 28 – Friday 31 October

Carefully select the perfect pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, get stuck in scooping out the seeds and create a design from your imagination.

Book online at hartleburycastle.com/event/pumpkin-carving-2025

 

Witch and Wizard School | Tuesday 28 – Friday 31 October

Create your very own wand and then join spell-casting lessons in the Great Hall!

Plan your day out at hartleburycastle.com/event/witch-and-wizard-school-2025

 

Spooky Skeleton Hunt | Saturday 25 October – Saturday 2 November (excl. Monday 27 October)

Can you find all the skeletons lurking around the Castle?

Plan your day out at hartleburycastle.com/event/spooky-skeleton-trail

 

For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.