October Half Term at Marwell Zoo
Join us for a wild October half term, with seasonal fun, autumn adventures and plenty of wildlife to discover!
From Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026, enjoy a wild autumn adventure at Marwell Zoo with fun for the whole family.
Get creative with pumpkin carving, navigate the autumn maze, try your hand at pumpkin patch games and settle down for story time with our friendly witch. Plus, meet Marwell’s incredible animals and their keepers.
With plenty of indoor activities, as well as boo-tiful autumn backdrops, there’s lots to enjoy whatever the weather.
Book your October half term adventure at Marwell Zoo in advance to save! (annual members enter for free)
Book Your Tickets
Wild Autumn activities are running during October half term, from Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026.
Book now
Autumn Maze
Daily, 10am – 5pm
Can you find your way through our autumn maze? Head to the maze near the Giraffe House and navigate the twists, turns and autumnal fun along the way.
Keep your eyes peeled for the golden acorn hidden inside. Find it and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to Christmas at Marwell: Fire & Ice, plus a special goody bag! (T&C’s apply)
Pumpkin Carving & Painting
Daily, 11am – 4pm
Pick your perfect pumpkin and get creative on Marwell Hall drive! Carve your own spooky design, or if carving isn’t your thing, why not paint your pumpkin instead?
£2 per small pumpkin, £4 per medium pumpkin. Card payment only.
Pumpkin Patch Games
Daily, 11am – 4pm
Pumpkins galore! Head to the pumpkin patch in front of Marwell Hall for plenty of autumnal family fun. Take on our pumpkin-themed games, test your skills and see who can come out on top!
With plenty of fun for the whole family, it’s the perfect stop during your October half term adventure at Marwell Zoo.
Face painting & Glitter tattoos
Daily, 10am – 3pm
Fancy transforming into your favourite spooky character? Head to the Giraffe House and get into the Wild Autumn spirit with face painting and glitter tattoos.
£4 half face, £6 full face, £4 glitter tattoo.
Suitable for ages 4+. Card payment only. Subject to availability.
Storytelling with Esme the Witch
Daily, 11am – 3pm
Step into Grade I listed Marwell Hall and settle in for spellbinding storytelling with Esme, Marwell’s friendly zoo witch.
Did you know? Marwell Hall was originally built around 1320, and is rumoured to be haunted…
Session times: 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your chosen session.
Virtual Reality adventures
Daily, 10.30am – 1pm
Get ready to see the tiny world of insects in a whole new way! Step into our Virtual Reality Experience and discover the colourful, fascinating world of these mighty little creatures, and the vital role they play in the world around us.
VR shows take place daily in the Giraffe House. Additional charge applies.
More Autumn Fun
Daily, 10am – 5pm
Keep your eyes peeled for scarecrows created by the Marwell teams, capture some autumnal memories at seasonal photo opportunities around the zoo, meet the Marwell machines and let little ones climb aboard our tractor, Little Blue, on the Marwell Hall drive!
Autumn treats
Served daily
Take a cosy break from your autumn adventures and enjoy a selection of seasonal treats and warming drinks. From tempting sweet treats to our autumnal favourites, including a comforting pumpkin spiced latte, there’s something perfect for those crisp autumn days.
Download the Marwell Zoo app for catering opening times.
Animal Feeds & Talks
Daily
Learn more about the animals you love and chat to their keepers during our daily feeding sessions.
Make sure you download our app to check the feed times and plan your day.
