Top 5 Things To Do In Pembrokeshire In October Half Term
Looking for things to do this October half-term?
Entertaining the family during the holidays can be a challenge, especially when everyone wants to do something different.
That’s why Pembrokeshire is the perfect place to explore, with a range of seasonal activities and events that everyone can enjoy.
Spot grey seal pups along the coast, visit the best pumpkin patches in West Wales, or go stargazing in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – the children won’t be disappointed by what a staycation here has to offer.
Want some inspiration? Discover our top five things to do in October and start planning your half-term holiday now.
1. Spot Atlantic grey seal pups along the coast
With breeding season running from August to November, October is the perfect time to spot Atlantic grey seal pups off the Pembrokeshire coast – a memorable experience for the whole family.
Pups are most commonly seen playing and swimming in the water around the offshore islands of Skomer and Ramsey.
Ramsey alone sees between 500 and 700 pups born each year, making it the largest grey seal pupping site in southern Britain, according to Pembrokeshire Coast.
Seals are best viewed from land, so take a stroll with the family along a coastal path to see them in their natural habitat. However tempting it is, take care not to approach, feed or touch the seals, as mothers are usually only a short distance away.
2. Pick your own pumpkin in Pembrokeshire
Who doesn’t love a spot of pumpkin picking, especially around Halloween?
Visiting Pembrokeshire’s pumpkin patches is an easy and fairly affordable day out (if you don’t get too carried away) to get the children outdoors and exploring the countryside.
With pumpkin picking becoming more popular in the UK, many patches now offer far more than just the pumpkins, with food and drink stands, fairground rides and even scare mazes for that extra bit of entertainment.
It’s something you can enjoy during the day or in the evening, and a great excuse to get outside together as a family. It also gives you something to do once you’re home – pumpkin carving, which, although messy, can keep the kids entertained for hours.
3. Enjoy a spooky day out, from ghost tours to scarecrow trails
Throughout October half-term, there are plenty of events taking place, from spooky scarecrow trails and castle ghost tours to haunted-house experiences, Halloween craft workshops and storytelling sessions.
Some places also put on firework displays, as half-term falls so close to Bonfire Night – so you can celebrate both in one trip. It’s a great way to get everyone in the Halloween spirit, and there’s usually something on to suit every age.
Carew Castle is an award-winning historic site and one of Pembrokeshire’s most ghostly landmarks. It hosts a range of Halloween events over half-term, from a spooky scarecrow trail and the Creepy Mill haunted house to a family ghost tour for the brave.
With everything in one place, you’re bound to find something for every personality.
4. Stargazing in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is made up of four distinct areas: the south Pembrokeshire coast, the Daugleddau estuary, the St Brides Bay coast and islands and the Preseli Hills.
Located at the south-west tip of Wales, Pembrokeshire experiences very little light pollution compared with the rest of the UK, which is why it’s one of the best places in the country for stargazing.
There are eight Dark Sky Discovery Sites dotted around the coast, all with parking and easy access – so you can pull up, take a picnic and stop to take in the view. The closest to Nolton Cross is Newgale Beach, just over a mile up the road.
The eight discovery sites include:
- Newgale Beach (National Park car park)
- Martin’s Haven (National Trust)
- Kete (National Trust)
- Garn Fawr (National Trust)
- Broad Haven South (National Trust)
- Poppit Sands (National Park)
- Skrinkle Haven (National Park)
- Sychpant picnic site (National Park)
5. Head out on an autumn walk with the whole family
Finally, take a stroll through the Pembrokeshire countryside. Whether you’re an avid rambler or simply looking to explore and reconnect with nature, an autumn walk should definitely be on your list of things to do this half-term.
Pembrokeshire in autumn has so much to offer, from the changing colours of the landscape to the crisp, fresh air and the wildlife – there’s plenty to see whether you head for the coast or the woodlands.
Minwear Forest and Canaston Woods near Narberth is a great all-round option, with a picnic site and the Knights’ Way, an ancient pilgrimage route that takes you past medieval chapels and mills. Both waymarked trails are free of stiles and gates, so they’re easy going with little ones.
Close to Nolton Cross, Scolton Manor Country Park offers 60 acres of woodland and parkland, plus a playground, café and museum – perfect for if the weather turns.
Followed by a cosy pub lunch by the fire and you can’t go wrong. And the best thing about a walk? It’s free!
Need somewhere to stay in Pembrokeshire this half term?
Nolton Cross is located on the west coast of Pembrokeshire, with panoramic views of Nolton Haven beach and is a great central location for accessing all types of events and activities this Halloween.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit the park, with plenty of on-site accommodation available, including seven static caravans sleeping up to six people and 15 electric touring and camping pitches – all at lower rates than the summer peak.
Our team is always happy to share local knowledge and ideas for things to do with the whole family, whether you’re looking for spooky activities, woodland trails or dog-friendly pubs serving some of the finest Welsh produce.
Whatever the weather, enjoy a stay at Nolton Cross this autumn half-term and book early to avoid disappointment. Give us a call or email to find out more.