23–28 October 2026 | Greenwich, Eltham and Woolwich area
Halloween half-term is here, and I’ve mooched around the local listings so you don’t have to! Here are ten genuinely local ideas for the first part of the school break, mixing free crafts, spooky fun, museums and fresh air. Always check the organiser’s booking page before setting off: some activities are drop-in, while others need paid admission or separate tickets.
10 for Half-Term: Week 1
- Great Pumpkin Party — Eltham Palace, 24–28 October. Spooky games, interactive storytelling, a themed trail and fancy-dress fun, included with normal admission. Official details and tickets. Read our Eltham Palace guide.
- Creepy-crawly crafts — National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, 24–28 October. Free family activities across the week, including Silverfish Scribblers on 25 October and Munching Moths on 27 October. Some sessions need free tickets. Full daily programme.
- Creepy Crawly Curiosities — Cutty Sark, 27 October. Make a framed insect from recycled materials, 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm. Included with paid ship entry. Official programme.
- Textile Troublemakers — Cutty Sark, 28 October. A colourful bug-inspired art workshop, 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm; included with ship entry. Official details.
- Unboxing the Universe — National Maritime Museum, 24–25 October. A live science show with demonstrations and audience participation, at 11.30am and 1.30pm; check ticket availability. Official programme and booking.
- Bug Detectives — National Maritime Museum, 27 October. Learn how museum experts protect their collections from hungry insects. Free tickets are required; sessions advertised at 11am and 3pm. Official details.
- The Great Big Bug Show — National Maritime Museum, 28 October. Interactive poems, songs and minibeast fun, at 11am and 2pm. Free tickets required. Official details.
- Queen’s House half-term — Greenwich, from 25 October. Free family drop-in activities at the historic Queen’s House; check the daily programme for the day you plan to visit. Royal Museums Greenwich listings.
- Royal Observatory half-term — Greenwich, 24–28 October. Astronomy activities and Halloween-themed experiences; prices and booking vary by session. Official what’s-on listings.
- Autumn colour hunt — Greenwich Park, any day. A self-guided, free outdoor idea: look for changing leaves, take autumn photographs and pack a picnic. This is our own suggestion, not a ticketed Halloween event.
Before you go
Free versus paid: National Maritime Museum general admission and many family activities are free, although selected shows or sessions may require tickets. Cutty Sark and Eltham Palace require paid entry unless you have a qualifying membership or offer. Check age suitability, access arrangements and sensory information with each organiser before travelling.
More local ideas: Greenwich family events and free days out · Bexley Halloween and half-term guide · The Nightmare Realm at Avery Hill (older thrill-seekers).
Will you be doing anything on the list? Let me know — I’d love to hear your experiences. I mooched so you don’t have to! — Clarissa’s Corner
