Families are invited to experience a magical October half term at Stowe House, where a packed programme of activities promises fun, discovery, and just the right touch of spookiness.
The Boo! Clue Trail runs daily from 27 October to 02 November (10.30am to 3.00pm) and is designed especially for ages 5 to 10. Young detectives will solve riddles and puzzles hidden in the atmospheric rooms, with every participant receiving a special Halloween treat.
The trail is included with admission, and children can join in for free with a paying adult. Costumes are encouraged, and families can take part in the Make & Take: Woolly Spooks craft activity before submitting photos to the Haunted Hall of Fame.
On 31 October, Stowe House hosts Once Upon a Scream, a family evening of spooky storytelling, hair-raising games, and plenty of laughter. Two sessions are available: 3.30pm to 4.30pm (ages 5 to 7) and 6.00pm to 7.30pm (ages 8 to 12). Tickets are £8 for one child and one adult, with additional children at £5 each. Costumes are welcome, and booking is essential.
For families who prefer stargazing to spookiness, Stars at Stowe returns on 29 October in collaboration with UK Astronomy. The evening begins with a talk before moving outdoors, where telescopes and expert guides will reveal planets and constellations. Tickets are priced at £18 for adults and £12 for children. (The 28 October session is already sold out.)
With direct parking, family-friendly facilities, and free entry for children with a paying adult, Stowe House is an accessible and stress-free half-term destination for families from across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Northamptonshire.
Booking is essential for all events, and spaces are limited. Visit Stowe House website to plan your visit.
The Stowe House Preservation Trust, an independent charity founded in 1997, manages the Grade I listed building and relies on visitor income, donations, and volunteers to support its restoration and upkeep.
