Top Things to Do in Halton This October Half-Term
October half-term and Halloween are creeping around the corner with spooktacular activities for friends and family to get involved in. Discover the top things to do in Halton this October half-term for the perfect day out, with spooky science shows, glowing scavenger hunts, screamie ice cream and scenic nature walks. All ages can enjoy what Halton has to offer.
What family activities are there to do in Halton?
Halton is packed with exciting activities the whole family can enjoy. Step back in time and discover ancient history at Norton Priory, get hands-on with technology at VR Warehouse, or see a Dinosaur Live at The Brindley, Halton’s got something to entertain all ages and interests. With spooky Halloween events, creative workshops and outdoor activities happening across the borough, here’s our round-up for the best family activities to get involved in this October half-term.
Run around history at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
Address: Tudor Rd, Windmill Hill, Runcorn, WA7 1SX
Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat & Sun (Thursday during school holidays) 10am to 5pm.
Entry Fee: Adult Summer General Admission (Includes up to 3 children free) – £12.50 online or £13.50 on the day.
Recognised as Europe’s most excavated monastic site, come and discover the significance of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens 900 year history in an interesting story which covers the site’s transformation from an Augustinian monastery to the family home of the Baronets of Norton.
Discover thousands of archaeological artifacts which have been dug up around this site inside the two museum exhibition galleries, which host treasures such as Tudor shoes, a medieval statue of St Christopher, and a painting by Thomas Gainsborough. Explore the Georgian Mansion and step back in time to the 12th Century inside the medieval undercroft, where you’ll find beautiful, vaulted ceilings and colourful stained glass windows, before retracing the steps of the people who used to live, worship and work here by wandering around the priory ruins that map the layout of the medieval buildings before they were destroyed. Afterwards, stroll around the beautiful 2.5-acre Georgian Walled Garden, which brings the opportunity to discover secret summer houses, botanicals, sculptures and even ring the medieval bell.
Norton Priory is family and dog-friendly, with a range of activities and events suitable for all ages, including outdoor theatre, creative workshops, music concerts, discovery digs, and more!
Find out more information and book your day out today!
Spook the Family with Spine-Chilling Stories & Fearful Frights
Don’t miss out on Norton Priory’s spooky events happening this half-term!
A Brooke Family Halloween at Norton Priory
Date: Monday 27th Oct till Thursday 30th Oct
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Price: £12.50pp or £11.25pp for Norton Priory Members
Set within the haunted undercroft and grounds of Norton Priory, this event invites visitors of all ages to investigate the old Brooke mansion house. Venture into the eerie woodlands, encounter ghosts, hear spooky tales and see creepy critters as you delve into four separate 30-minute activities.
‘The Monkey’s Paw… and More’ by Gav Cross
Date: Friday 31st October | Time: 7:30pm
Price: £16pp or £14.40pp for Norton Priory Members (Age guidance 14+ suggested)
Gav Cross returns to Norton Priory as Norton’s Narrator to deliver an evening of vintage terror built around W.W. Jacobs’ classic short horror story ‘The Monkey’s Paw’.
Get Hands-on and Discover The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum’s Halloween Secrets
Entry Fee: Adult – £15.95, Child – £9.50, Concession – £9.50
Address: Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire. WA8 0DF
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (10am to 5pm)
The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum is a great family attraction with an excellent educational focus and plenty of activities for all ages this half-term holiday. Delve into the interactive gallery where there are loads of hands-on exhibits focused on investigating science and technology. This Halloween, there’s a spooky twist that’ll thrill curious minds and tingle spines. Step into the mysterious lab for Revolting Remedies, a live show bubbling with bizarre old cures and ancient remedies. Then, mix your own potions and witness weird and wonderful chemical reactions up close. Wear your creepiest costume and strike a pose at the Halloween Photo spot, before grabbing a glow stick and embarking on the UV Blacklight Scavenger Hunt Trail. Where glowing creepy crawlies and hidden clues await in the dark. Finally, gather around the lantern light for Spooky Storytime, where silly ghosts and mysterious tales will spark imaginations and send shivers down your spine!
Afterwards, visitors can admire the view from the Observatory Gallery, which provides stunning 360° panoramic views of Spike Island, the Mersey Gateway Bridge and the rest of Halton!
Book your Catalyst days out now!
Show-stopping performances at The Brindley Theatre
Address: The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1BG
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (11am – 3pm) & 1 hour before performances.
Opening in 2004, the Brindley Theatre is an award-winning multi-purpose, state-of-the-art Theatre and Arts Centre overlooking the Bridgewater Canal. Designed by architect Richard Brierley, the Brindley has a 400 seat theatre, 108 seat studio, gallery space and Terrace Café. Welcoming the likes of Take That’s Garry Barlow, remarkable tribute bands and John Lydon from the Sex Pistols, the multi-award-winning theatre is currently undergoing a £9.5m extension and renovation as part of the Reconnecting Runcorn programme, and is open as usual.
Half-Term Holiday Shows at The Brindley
Les Misérables School Edition – Saturday 25th at 2:30pm & 7:30pm (Under 12’s: £19.50, Full Price: £22:50, Family Ticket includes 2x Adults & 2x Children: £80)
Hayward Performing Arts – Sunday 26th at 3pm (Full Price: £22.50, Concessions: £17.50, Family Ticket includes 2x Adults & 2x Children: £70)
Dinosaur Adventure Live presents The Big Jurassic Storm – Monday 27th at 2pm (£17.50)
The Enchanted Princess Ball – Tuesday 28th at 1pm & 4:30pm (£20.50, Concessions: £19)
The Sound of Music: Youth Edition – Wednesday 29th at 7:30pm (Full Price: £37.50, VIP: £57.50, Meet & Greet: £97.50)
Lipstick On Your Collar – Thursday 30th October at 7:30pm (£28.50)
Something about George: The George Harrison Story – Friday 31st October at 7:30pm (£29.50)
Elo Again – Saturday 1st November at 7:30pm (£30.50)
Francis Rossi – Monday 3rd November at 7:30pm (from £42.50)
Hit the Slopes at Runcorn Ski and Snowsports Centre
Address: Town Park, Stockham Ln, Palace fields, Runcorn, WA7 6PT
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (11am to 7pm) Sat – Sun (11am to 4pm)
Winter is coming, and what better way to spend the impending cold weather than by learning or sharpening up on your skiing abilities? Enjoy les Alpes de Runcorn at the award-winning Runcorn Ski Centre, which has three outdoor dry slopes of increasing difficulty: 90m, 40m and 30m. Each slope has a connecting lift and is floodlit to allow skiing at all times of the day, offering something for everyone, whether a beginner or an experienced skier. Compared to indoor ski slopes, the advantages of dry slopes are unparalleled since they enable skiers to be more controlled, get more time on the slope, and are wallet friendly.
To use the slope on your own during open session, visitors must be able to use the lift, stop and link turns. Beginners can book flexible, cost-effective and fun sessions with one of the ski school’s instructors to learn the foundational techniques or improve their ability. Open sessions start from only £10, while group lessons start from £16. Ski, boot and helmet hire is included.
Runcorn Ski Centre also provides tubing sessions, an activity involving sliding down the slope in inflatable tubes, which is guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of both kids and adults looking for a fun and active day out. Family tubing starts from £45 and is subject to availability.
For more information, click here or to book a session call 01928 701965
Chill Out at Planet Ice
Address: Unit No1, Venture Fields, Earle Road, Widnes, WA8 0TA
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (10:15am to 1:15pm) Tues & Thurs (3:45pm to 5:45pm) Wed (7pm-9pm) Fri (8pm – 10pm) Sat – Sun (11am to 4pm)
If you’re looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids entertained this half-term, Planet Ice is a brilliant choice. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, Planet Ice offers public skating sessions, a family-friendly penguin club for children aged 5 and even disco themed sessions suitable for all ages. For those wanting to learn how to skate, play ice hockey or even figure skate, lessons are available to book.
Book now and find out more information
Step into Another World at VR Warehouse
Address: Unit 31, Percival Ln, Runcorn, WA7 4UX
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun (11am to 10pm)
Price: From £15 (Suitable for ages 8+)
Escape the ordinary and step into a world of immersive fun at VR Warehouse, the perfect spot for a family day out with a digital twist. With three stand-up VR spaces and two VR racing simulators, there’s something to thrill every age and interest. Dive into a wide catalogue of games across different genres or take on a challenge in one of the VR escape rooms. For an even deeper experience, wear the haptic feedback vest which is designed to stimulate real sensations like impact, weather effects, or even getting shot across 15 compatible VR titles. There’s a wide variety of games to choose from, enjoy a blast from the past with 36 free-to-play retro arcade cabinets.
There truly is no place like it. Book your place today!
Green Areas and Parks to explore in Halton
Halton is the North West’s natural playground, with nearly 8,000 hectares of green space to explore. Feel the breeze while walking along Runcorn’s canals, cycle the breathtaking Trans Pennine Trail to see iconic views such as the Mersey Gateway Bridge or go wildlife spotting in one of the borough’s beautiful nature reserves. Halton offers so much to discover, making it the ideal location to spend a day out with the kids this October half-term. Here is our list of the best places for the family to explore!
Walk amongst history at Halton Castle
Address: Castle Rd, Halton, Runcorn, WA7 2BE
Halton Castle is a fantastic spot to add to the itinerary for families with kids curious about knights, castles and medieval history. Perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Mersey River and Halton borough and plenty of space to roam, children can explore the castle ruins and imagine what life was like in medieval times.
Originally built by the Normans under the control of Nigel of Cotentin, the structure that remains today is registered as a Grade I building and is one of two surviving Norman Castles in Cheshire. The castle has links to King Henry IV, as he was the 15th and final baron of Halton before he ascended to the throne in 1399. During the Tudor period, the castle was used as a prison to house Catholic loyalists; however, by 1650, the castle had fallen into ruin and no longer served any military purpose. The courthouse built by Henry Sephton and John Orme in 1737 now serves as The Castle Pub and is a Grade II listed building.
Cycle Through Spike Island Nature Reserve
Address: Upper Mersey Rd, Widnes, WA8 0DG
Next to the Catalyst Science Discovery Museum is the artificial island of Spike Island, famous for being central to the British chemical industry during the Industrial Revolution, the concert by the Stone Roses in May 1990 and the subsequent 2012 film Spike Island.
The once chemical plant is now an open parkland, home to a rich variety of wildlife where you’ll find flocks of pink-footed geese, lapwings and over 60 species of fish in the nearby River Mersey! Spike Island is the perfect stop while on a family bike ride with plenty of picnic tables, a children’s play area and a mixture of woodland and wetlands. The Trans Pennine Trail offers a 6 mile stretch connecting it to Halton’s best-loved nature reserves and green spaces, including Hale Village, Pickering’s Pasture and Moore Nature Reserve so you won’t get lost on the way!
Explore Scenic Trails at Runcorn Hill Park & Nature Reserve
Address: Highlands Rd, Runcorn, WA7 4PT
Runcorn Hill Park provides a tranquil day out for families, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, since its natural geography makes it an ideal destination for a peaceful and active day out. With woodland trails and rocky hills to lakes and valleys, Runcorn Hill Park’s walking trails are well-maintained and signposted, making it accessible for all ages and abilities.
[Insert Image: TOWN PARK]
One of the highlights of a visit is the walk to Frog’s Mouth Quarry, which offers stunning panoramic views across the Mersey Estuary, with the skyline of Liverpool visible to the northwest. Along the way, keep a lookout for wild birds such as Black-Headed Gulls, Jackdaws, Mountain Chiffchaffs, Eurasian Siskins and Eurasian Hobbies circling the quarry or singing in the trees.
After exploring the walks, relax by the duck pond or children’s playground to round off the day and visit Esposito’s café for an authentic Italian Gelato and a drink – you might even find a dinosaur footprint inside!
Have a perfect day out at Victoria Park
Address: Birchfield Rd, Appleton, Widnes, WA8 7SU
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun (8am to 8:30pm)
Located near Widnes Town Centre, Victoria Park is considered by many to be one of the best parks in the North West. The park has almost everything you could ask for to entertain the family, it’s beautifully landscaped with an ornamental garden lake, a fountain and a sensory garden. Additionally, there’s also a skate park, climbing boulder, tennis courts, bowling green, bandstand, playground and a splash pad to keep the kids entertained.
Around the park, several historical landmarks have been put in place since it was commemorated for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1900, including a Grade II listed war memorial pillar which stands over 16 meters tall, a memorial fountain dedicated to former prime minister William Ewart Gladstone, a statue honouring Sgt. Thomas Mottershead, a Widnes resident who received a Victoria Cross, and a milestone marker to remember the last effective Zeppelin air raid of WW1, where 5 Zeppelins dropped bombs onto Widnes, Ince and Wigan.
To find more about Halton’s green spaces and parks please see our Green Guide
Where are the best food spots in Halton?
Autumn adventures aren’t just about scenic walks, golden leaves and themed activities, they’re also about warming up with delicious food and seasonal treats. It doesn’t matter if you’re stopping off after a countryside stroll or planning a cosy catch-up with friends, Halton has a growing list of delicious eateries to satisfy every craving. From award-winning ice cream and artisan pastries to homemade deli lunches and authentic Neapolitan pizza, here are some of Halton’s best food spots to visit during your October half-term days out.
Scoop up a sweet treat at Daresbury Dairy
Address: Penkridge Lake Farm, Newton Lane, WA4 4HZ
Opening Hours: Wed – Sun (12pm to 5pm)
Only a 2-minute drive away from Lewis Carroll’s Birthplace and walking distance from Daresbury Church, enjoy the taste of Daresbury Dairy’s “creamy and smooth” ice cream. Not our words but the words straight from the ‘Guild of Fine Food’, who have recognised the creamery for producing “simply delicious and outstanding” flavours. Each flavour is made in small artisan batches using fresh milk from the farm’s dairy cows and combined with fresh fruit purees and the finest quality ingredients. Make sure to check out their award-winning ‘Stem Ginger, Strawberry, Pistachio, Chocolate, Raspberry Ripple and Plain’ or grab a scoop of their autumn specials ‘Treacle’ and ‘Apple Crumble’. Savour the flavour as you sit on the benches by the pond to take in the view.
[Insert Image: Dairy]
Launching just in time for the half-term holidays, on 15th October, Daresbury Dairy is introducing the return of its beloved Christmas range with seasonal favourites and delicious new creations that you don’t want to miss out on!
Mince Pie | Cherry & Amaretto | White Chocolate & Hazelnut | Chocolate & Orange | Caramelised Fig & Mascarpone | Plus a couple of surprise flavours coming soon!
Fresh half-term bakes at Patisserie Lane
Address: 82 Pit Ln, Widnes, WA8 9HW
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (8am to 4pm), Sat – Sun (9am to 3pm)
With its stylish décor and warm atmosphere, Patisserie Lane is the perfect spot for a relaxing meet-up this half-term. Treat yourself to freshly baked pastries, handcrafted coffee and scrumptious sweet treats, ideal for a cosy break and a bite to eat in between autumn adventures.
Grab a slice of Italy at Turn up the Base
Address: The Lockdown Pub & Kitchen, 45 Canal St, Runcorn, WA7 1SA
Opening Hours: Thurs & Fri (4:30pm to 10pm), Sat (3pm to 10pm), Sun (3pm to 8pm)
Located inside The Lockdown Pub, Turn Up The Base is spinning up handmade Neapolitan pizzas and Chicago Style Italian Roast Beef sandwiches. The local lads running the show are on a mission to bring the best and most authentic pizza to their hometown of Runcorn. Delivering fantastic choices such as ‘Grande Italian Stallion’ and mouthwatering classics like ‘Diavola’ , this is a must visit destination for pizza lovers visiting Halton.
Taste Tradition at Monks Deli
Address: 2 Granville Street, Runcorn, WA7 1NE
Opening Hours: Tues, Weds & Sat (7:30am to 2pm) Thurs – Fri (7:30 to 3 pm)
This beloved family-run delicatessen has been feeding the people of Runcorn since 1884, over 5 generations, making it one of the oldest delis in the country. Just a short drive from Norton Priory, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite before or after your visit. Choose from a selection of their fantastic pies and pastries or pick one of their unbeatable lunchtime sandwiches.
[Insert Image: Monks deli]
They only use the freshest, highest quality ingredients, which showcase not just the best of British but the very best of what Cheshire has to offer. Alongside their assortment of the finest local meats and honey, the award-winning deli also prides itself in its unrivalled range of European favourites from German cured meats and French cheeses to authentic Italian pasta. This is a must-visit spot for families and food lovers exploring Halton this half-term.
Fresh from the Farm at Field 28
Address: Chester Rd, Daresbury, WA4 5LR
Opening Hours: Mon-Tues (10am to 4pm), Weds-Fri (10am to 5pm), Sat-Sun (10am to 4pm)
Field 28 is a community fuelled, family-run urban farm that specialises in growing pesticide and biocide-free produce. The farm supplies some of the UK’s best restaurants with fresh ingredients straight from the soil. During your visit, browse the farm shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, beautifully cut English flowers and pantry fillers, then stop by the espresso bar and deli for fresh hot and cold meals using ingredients grown on the farm.
Curious about Halton?
Halton is located between Liverpool and Manchester and is one of the six boroughs within the Liverpool City Region, which comprises six towns: Runcorn, Widnes, Hale, Moore, Preston Brook and Daresbury. Rich in culture, heritage and beautiful scenery, Halton is the ideal location for day trips during the October half-term holidays with loads of green spaces to explore, information to learn, ancient relics to discover and great places to eat!
This is no trick, it’s a treat! – Enjoy Free Parking and EV Charging in Halton!
Halton treats you to free parking at most sites and has several charging points for stress-free exploration. This means you can take your time, as you (pumpkin) spice up your October half-term with scenic autumn strolls, spooky stories and seasonal specials around the borough.
Don’t have a car?
Halton has great public transport connections. For those looking to walk or hike to Halton, the Trans Pennine Trail from Liverpool City Centre to Widnes passes through some of the city’s most famous landmarks and provides great views. For those travelling by train, Runcorn Station is located on the West Coast main line and has direct services from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Chester. The Grade II listed Widnes Railway Station offers regular services from Norwich, Warrington and Liverpool Lime Street so getting to Halton could not be easier!
More things to do this half-term in Halton Borough
For more inspiration on how to make the most of your half-term around the borough and find out what’s on, visithalton.co.uk and discover our RE:wild green guide to find more about Halton’s beautiful green spaces and nature escapes and our A Taste of Halton food guide to help you plan what cafés and restaurants you want to try. For more about Halton’s history, culture and heritage, please click here.
If you found this useful, head over to our Instagram @visithalton where we post more helpful news and updates!
