There's something magical about Cambridge in October. The mornings have that unmistakable Autumn chill, the evenings are drawing in and the city's winding lanes and centuries-old buildings take on a slightly mysterious air.Add a few pumpkins, some ghostly goings-on and the excitement of October half-term, and you've got all the ingredients for a wonderful family adventure.

Whether you're visiting Cambridge for a few days or looking for something a little different to do with the children this Halloween, there's plenty happening both in the city and across the Cambridgeshire countryside.

From pumpkin patches and woodland adventures to spooky science and afternoon tea with a Halloween twist, here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy Halloween in Cambridge with kids in 2026.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at Rectory Farm

No Halloween is quite complete without a pumpkin, and The Milton Maze in Milton is a lovely place to begin your autumn adventures.

Just a short drive from Cambridge city centre, the farm's seasonal pumpkin patch offers far more than the usual orange varieties. Expect pumpkins in all sorts of curious shapes, colours and sizes, from tiny decorative gourds to wonderfully warty specimens that look as though they've come straight from a witch's garden.

The 2026 pumpkin experience also features Halloween Spectacular Shows and the Field of Fun, making it a proper family outing rather than simply a quick stop for a pumpkin.

Our tip: Don't feel you have to choose the biggest pumpkin in the field. Smaller ones are much easier for little hands to decorate, and a collection of different shapes and colours looks rather lovely on the doorstep. Wear wellies if there's been rain; the fields can get muddy.

Enjoy a Halloween Afternoon Tea at Parker's Tavern

After a morning exploring Cambridge, there's nothing quite like settling down somewhere warm for afternoon tea. And when Halloween comes around, we think the occasion deserves something a little more imaginative than the usual cake.

At Parker's Tavern Halloween inspires a delightfully mischievous take on traditional afternoon tea.Our pastry team has created seasonal treats including pumpkin délice, a chocolate and cherry tart affectionately named 'RIP' (Rest in Parker's), and an orange butterscotch skull, alongside freshly baked scones and traditional finger sandwiches.

It's the sort of experience that makes Halloween feel like a special occasion, without needing to be particularly frightening. And for parents, there's the added pleasure of enjoying a proper pot of tea while the children admire the creations on the cake stand, so everyone’s happy.

Our tip: Make an afternoon of it. Parker's Piece is just across the road, so little ones can enjoy some fresh air before settling down for their treats.

Paint Pumpkins at Anglesey Abbey

If your children love Halloween crafts but you're less enthusiastic about finding pumpkin seeds all over the kitchen, Anglesey Abbey has a rather good alternative.

This October half-term, the National Trust property is hosting ceramic pumpkin painting sessions, where children can decorate their own keepsake pumpkins using colourful acrylic paint pens.

Sessions last 45 minutes, and children can take their finished creations home. The activity is recommended for ages four and above, with advance booking essential.

While you're there, make time to explore the gardens. Autumn is a particularly beautiful season at Anglesey Abbey, when the trees turn copper and gold and the paths are scattered with leaves.

Our tip: Book an earlier pumpkinpainting session and leave the rest of the morning free. Anglesey Abbey is one of those places where it's worth allowing children to explore.

Discover Spooky Science in Cambridge

Cambridge has always been a city of curious minds, and at the Centre for Computing History Halloween is a particularly good excuse to encourage a little experimentation.

This October half-term workshops include Ghost Hunt with the micro on 27 October, where young participants can use pocketsized programmable devices to investigate a ghostly mystery. And on 29 October, Electronics Lab: Meet Stinky, Our Friendly Ghost invites children to build a ghostthemed electronic gadget that responds to sound.Both activities offer a typical Cambridge combination of creativity, problemsolving and just a little Halloween mischief.

Our tip: These workshops are especially good for children who prefer making and discovering things to traditional Halloween scares. Check the recommended ages and booking arrangements before heading out.

Explore Cambridge's Spookier Side

You don't necessarily need a ticketed event to enjoy a little Halloween atmosphere in Cambridge. In fact, some of the city's most memorable Autumn moments are completely free.Take a wander along Trinity Lane, admire the ancient college buildings around King's Parade, or explore the narrow passageways tucked away from the main shopping streets.With their weathered stonework, imposing gateways and centuries of history, these streets can feel wonderfully mysterious as the afternoon light begins to fade.

For younger children, turn your walk into a Halloween treasure hunt. See who can spot the oldest-looking doorway, the most unusual stone carving or a tree with leaves the colour of a pumpkin.

Our tip: Cambridge is at its loveliest in the quieter hours of the morning. Start early, wander without too much of a plan, and don't forget to look up. Some of the city's most interesting architectural details are hidden above eye level.

Spooky Halloween Fun at Wimpole Estate

Get ready for a little Halloween magic at Wimpole Estate this October. Explore the mysterious world of British folklore with the Stranger Folk adventure, where families can download an interactive app and follow clues to discover strange creatures slipping into our world. Guided by the mysterious Crone, you'll be tasked with helping to close the gaps between the two worlds. This outdoor adventure is recommended for children aged 7 and over and runs until 31 October.

For more spooky fun, step inside Wimpole Hall for Halloween in the House, where cobweb-covered staircases, creepy creatures, a frightful dining room feast and pumpkin displays bring the historic house to life. Brave visitors can even venture into the basement to discover floating candles and handmade bats. Little ones can also enjoy spooky storytelling sessions on 27 and 29 October, from 11.30am to 12pm, especially suited to children aged 4–8.

Both activities are included with normal admission to Wimpole Estate, with no additional event charge or advance booking required. It'sa great choice for a family Halloween day out in Cambridgeshire.

Make a Halloween Weekend of It

With so much happening across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire, Halloween is a lovely excuse to turn October half-term into a family city break.

The beauty of Cambridge is that you can spend the morning exploring historic streets, the afternoon enjoying a special treat, and the following day discovering somewhere completely different in the countryside.

Staying at University Arms puts you right in the heart of the city, overlooking Parker's Piece and within easy reach of Cambridge's museums, shops and famous colleges.

After a day of pumpkin picking, ghost hunting and Autumn adventures, return to the comfort of the hotel, enjoy something delicious at Parker's Tavern and plan tomorrow's discoveries.