• Get spooked at Battle Abbey’s Halloween nights
  • Don’t miss East Sussex’ epic bonfire and firework celebrations
  • Be enthralled by storytelling at the Hastings Literary Festival
  • Go fossil hunting at Pett Level

October half-term in Camber

With the October half-term in Camber right around the corner, Camber Holiday Cottages’ has scouted out the best activities and events in the area. And this year you’re in for a treat as both Halloween and Bonfire Night fall within it. So, from dazzling fireworks displays to spooky ghost tours, via an astronaut workshop, a spell quest and stargazing, it’s time to get booking.

Hastings Storytelling Festival

Be enthralled by storytelling at the Hastings Literary Festival for a great half-term in Camber

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Running from 19th October to 1st November, Hastings Storytelling Festival is guaranteed to spark the imaginations of adults and children alike. Check the roster for a brilliant selection of literary events taking place across the town.

The Observatory Science Centre

For budding astronomers and astronauts, The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux is running both star search courses in the Observatory Domes (aimed at adults and older children) and an astronaut academy, where you’ll learn everything from how science has helped people get into space to the effects of microgravity.

Fossil hunting at Pett Level

Go fossil hunting at Pett Level for a brilliantly fun half-term in Camber

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October half term is the perfect time to get your wellies on and head for Pett Level beach, as the whole stretch of coastline from there to Hastings, is packed with fossils to be discovered. While you might commonly find fish or plant fossils, if you do uncover a dinosaur bone or footprint, you should notify Discovering Fossils or the Natural History Museum in London. How exciting.

Bateman’s

Bateman's, the Jacobean house that was the home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902 to 1936, set in its garden in the countryside at Burwash, East Sussex

Photo credit: ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Over at National Trust’s Bateman’s in Burwash from 5th October – 3rd November, you can follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling as he follows a trail to see what mischief his Scottie dog Malarkey has been up to this half-term in Camber. 

The Magic Express

Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden is offering a spellbinding 60-minute journey called the Magic Express. Aimed at five – 11 years it’s packed with fun activities from learning wand control to watching magic tricks. Plus, there’s a chance to enter the best dressed wizard or witch competition for a super-fun half-term in Camber. 

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle with its water-filled moat and fairy-tale turrets is a shining example of Medieval British Castles.

Photo credit: ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Another one for little witches and wizards is the Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle, for a brilliant half-term in Camber, where Midnight the mischievous bat will help you unlock spells.

Drusilla’s Park

Running right through October half-term family-friendly zoo and theme park Drusilla’s has dedicated itself to the spooky Shriek Week with a haunted house experience and a spider’s den in the Discovery Centre.

Battle Abbey

Get spooked at Battle Abbey's Halloween nights

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For over 16s Battle Abbey is hosting spooky ghost tales, where you’ll be taken on a mystical journey of the past as storytellers weave tales of supernatural sightings from the battleground’s rich history. Don’t forget your torch.

Sussex Bonfire Society

Don't miss East Sussex' epic bonfire and firework celebrations

Image credit: Canva

Kicking off the Bonfire Night celebrations (the Sussex Bonfire Society take Guy Fawkes Night very seriously indeed), and run one every weekend for over a month. Check the website for dates and locations.

Looking for more inspiration for a half-term in Camber? Read about the best National Trust & English Heritage properties in Kent & East Sussex or discover the best family-friendly days out in the area. 

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