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Discover the Spooky Secrets of Plants at RHS Garden Hyde Hall this October Half Term

Families can uncover the spooky side of nature this October half term at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford. From potion-making adventures and creepy crawly encounters to storytelling walks and a brand-new Spooky Plant Trail, the garden will be packed with Halloween-inspired family fun from 24 October to 1 November 2026.

At the heart of the programme is a brand-new Spooky Plant Trail, taking young adventurers on an interactive journey through the garden. Along the way, they'll discover strange and surprising plants, uncover stories of medicinal and poisonous species, collect bark rubbings and design their own fantastical spooky plant to take home. Expect plenty of potion-making inspiration and frightfully fun photo opportunities along the route.

Young explorers can also get up close to some truly unusual creatures during ZooLab Animal Encounters on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October. Led by a ZooLab witch or wizard, these interactive sessions combine animals and magic as participants help create a bubbling potion using ingredients such as "Eye of Newt", "Lizard's Tail" and "Elephant's Ear", while meeting snakes, snails and spiders along the way.

Families can join spooky storytelling walks on Tuesday 27 October, exploring the garden while hearing magical tales inspired by the season. Later in the week, from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October, children can get creative during craft and planting workshops, making autumn-themed creations and planting their own spooky seed character to take home and grow a wild green hairstyle.

Alongside the half-term activities, visitors can enjoy Hyde Hall's spectacular autumn displays, with vibrant seasonal colour throughout the garden providing a beautiful backdrop for a family day out.

Garden entry prices start from £15.70 for adults when booked online in advance. Entry is free for RHS members and children under five.