Isle of Wight events this October half term

We've rounded up just some of the options for keeping everyone entertained, from little kids to big kids.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

The popular Wizard Week is being held from October 25 to 29 — promising a magical week of spooky goings on.

It’s wickedly, wonderful fun this half term as witches, wizards and other ghouls take over Havenstreet.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without a little magic and there'll be a magician conjuring up a few tricks.

Meet the friendly witches of Havenstreet — you may be able to be a spooky apprentice and help with some magic spells.

Watch the skies as the birds of prey from Haven Falconry swoop and dive.

Greg Chapman will also be in the station yard telling terrible tales and mesmerising you with amazing illusions.

Take the terrifying treasure hunt trail and explore the grounds before boarding the steam train where a crafty witch will be dealing out treats (maybe a few tricks) then settle back for a journey on the train through ‘haunted’ woodland.

Read more:

• Isle of Wight events and gigs from October 15

Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill

Join in the spooky fun at Blackgang Chine with its family-friendly Halloween event, Frights and Sprites, from 11am to 3pm on several days.

Get gooey in the brand-new Rumpus Laboratory by making your very own pet slime or magic potion before meeting everyone’s favourite ghostly butler, Franklin, at the doors of Rumpus Mansion LIVE!

You won’t want to miss out on the spooky disco, puppet theatre and fancy dress competitions. There’s also crafts and games, and you’ll want to keep your eye out for a gremlin or two in the gremlin quest.

Over at sister park Robin Hill, there's evening entertainment until 10pm, as well as plenty to keep you occupied during the days.

Get stuck into the Cheeky Monkey’s Circus Workshop between 2pm and 5pm before the evening begins and the lights go up for the beautiful, illuminated woodland, live music and immersive light shows.

Warm up with dinner and toasted marshmallows around the fire pit before experiencing the new immersive Electro-Light Show at The Ponds at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.

Shanklin Chine

For the first time in its 200-plus years, Shanklin Chine is transforming into a haven for Halloween ghosts and ghouls.

From today (Friday) to Sunday, October 31, the chine will be offering a spooky experience aimed at children and families.

Open daily from 10am to 8pm, visitors can explore the chine in all its autumnal glory, but as the sun sets the illuminations are turned on and the creepy critters come out of the undergrowth.

From 5pm, the attraction will be illuminated like never before, creating a spooky, enchanting forest. Youngsters should keep their eyes open for howling werewolves, giant spiders and smiling jack o’lanterns.

During the weekends the Chine will come alive with a monster mash-up of live music from Charles Gold. Each night has a wicked, wonderful theme — including Ghost and Ghouls, Rocky Horror, and Monsters Rock.

Jo Porter, operations manager, said: “Shanklin Chine is the perfect setting for a creepy ghost walk. With our winding pathways and dense undergrowth, who knows what ghostly ghouls will be lurking.

“We have also ramped up our evening illuminations meaning the shadows cast with the new lighting will add to the spooky experience.

"With live music, food and toffee apples available there will be plenty of treats…oh and a few tricks.”

Carisbrooke Castle

English Heritage has joined forces with award winning author Cressida Cowell for some really wizard family days out.

The author’s bestselling The Wizards of Once series is the inspiration for a brand new Halloween quest at Carisbrooke Castle from October 16 to 31.

Set in a fantastical, ancient Britain, The Wizards of Once books are full of wizards, warriors, witches, giants and sprites — and are packed with thrilling adventure.

The challenges of Xar, a wizard boy with no magic, and Wish, a warrior girl with a magical secret, have inspired the English Heritage quest, created in partnership with the author.

Young adventurers must discover clues, solve riddles, and find all the ingredients for a magical spell to get rid of witches — and successful explorers will be rewarded with a magical prize.

Cressida Cowell said: “I am incredibly excited and inspired by the past. When I was little, I was very lucky to be taken to a lot of historic places and museums, and it started me thinking ‘what would it have been like to have lived back in those times?’.

"I hope the quest will bring everything alive for children and do what these historic places did for me when I was a child. I hope it will spark their imaginations and get them thinking about writing their own stories about these amazing places.”

Use The Wizards of Once selfie station and strike a fun pose as either Wish, Xar or Bodkin — and follow the instructions for a chance to win a prize.

Daytime fun includes performances from Time Will Tell Theatre.

Things take a turn for the terrifying after hours with evening ghost tours from October 28 to 31. Thrill-hunters will be guided on a bone-chilling journey through the past as they explore the haunted corners of the castle in the dark.

It's not for the faint-hearted and is strictly for over 16s. Pre-booking, and a strong constitution, required.

Tapnell Farm

There's plenty going on at Tapnell Farm from tomorrow (Saturday) to October 31.

Wanda the Witch is back (excluding Sunday, October 24) and you can join her and her team of scatty scarecrows in the magical pumpkin patch, where you can meet Wanda's team and pick your very own pumpkin straight from the stalk.

Finish your masterpiece at the carving cabin.

Back by popular demand is the Bugs and Beasties Show, in the animal theatre on October 18 to 21 and 26 to 28.

Get up close and learn more about these marvellous creatures, but only if you’re brave enough!

Newport Roman Villa

Get hands on with history, with photo hunts and free craft activities from the council’s Newport Roman Villa to keep your little ones occupied.

This half term, the villa, at Cypress Road, Newport, will be open for three days each week for photo hunt activities on the site and visitors will be able to see the villa remains, Roman bath suite, garden and museum display.

No booking is required, and the entry fee will be at a reduced rate of just £1 per person.

The first event is Help the Forgetful Roman Soldier on Monday, October 18, Wednesday, October 20, and Friday, October 22, from 10am to 2.30pm, and includes an activity pack to take home.

The second event is Nasty Newport Roman Villa, on Monday, October 25, Wednesday, October 27, and Friday, October 29, with a free craft kit and wolf mask making kit.

For scary Halloween fun for older members of the family, look at our round-up of terrifying Island events