Published: Friday, 18th October 2024
From spooky Autumn trails to creepy craft activities and a Scare Fest event, there’s a horrifying amount of fun to be had around Medway this half term.
But you don’t have to get scared out of your wits to enjoy the holiday – and if you’re after a different kind of treat, Medway’s sports camps and the Electric Medway festival could be just the trick.
Here’s what’s on…
Medway’s Autumn Trails
Following on from our always-popular Summer Trails, the Autumn Trails will be running at four of our fantastic heritage attractions
The trails at The Guildhall Museum, Upnor Castle, Eastgate House and Rochester Castle will be running from Saturday, 19 October to Sunday, 3 November, during each site's opening hours.
Starting at The Guildhall Museum, which tells the story of the history of Medway, you might notice some hidden mystery boxes - will you be brave enough to reach in and work out what’s inside? No peeking!
Next up, make sure you stop in at Eastgate House and try to spot all the pumpkin houses! You’ll also be able to learn about autumn and harvest traditions whilst exploring the Grade I listed building.
At Upnor Castle you’ll bump into a few friendly ghosts who need your help, and finally at Rochester Castle you’ll need to spot the bats hidden around the castle, each one has a letter which spells the name of a famous bat - can you work it out?
Normal admission fees to each of the heritage sites apply, but taking part in the trails is free.
Find out more about the Autumn Trails.
More heritage and Halloween fun
As well as the Autumn Trails, there’s lots more happening at our heritage sites this half term.
The Guildhall Museum will also be running Halloween craft sessions from Tuesday, 22 October to Friday, 25 October, where you’ll be able to make your own pumpkin bunting or spooky black cat handprint.
At The Chapel at Rochester Castle, you’ll be able to hear tales from our medieval storyteller! The stories are suitable for all ages, and it’s a chance to travel back in time with some fascinating folk tales.
The storyteller will be there on Sunday, 20 October, and then returning every day between Tuesday, 22 October and Sunday, 27 October.
Whilst you’re at Rochester Castle we could also do with your help. There’s been rumours of a dragon hiding in the castle! It is very friendly, but a little bit shy and not many people have seen it – so we want your help to name the dragon so they feel more welcome! If you have any suggestions, share them with the team the next time you visit.
At Upnor Castle don’t miss Lt. Palmer and the WW2 Bomb Squad, reporting for duty on Thursday, 24 October, and local artist Xtina Lamb will be in residence on Thursday, 31 October for a spooky badge and magnet making session.
There’ll be yet more excitement when the Chatham Book Monster comes to Chatham Library from Friday 25 October – offering children aged 7-13 and families a mysterious and fun digital trail, packed with creatures and clues to follow.
A special Halloween edition of The Broken Heart Bazaar will take place at Sun Pier House, Saturday, 26 October 11am to 4pm, with more than 35 incredibly talented makers bringing you their best work to wonder at and buy. On the same day, Spotlites Theatre will host a spooky play, Listen Close, an immersive theatre experience for ages 13+ that will have you on the edge of your seat. Starts 8pm.
Over at the The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ‘Yuck Yard’ will give you the chance to dive nose-first into a gruesome adventure inspired by revolting tales from naval history, from Saturday, 19 October to Sunday, 3 November.
Although it’s slightly after half term, you won’t want to miss the spook-tacular Ghost Stories at Eastgate House. Taking place from Thursday, 31 October to Saturday, 2 November at 6.30pm and 8pm, gather round the fire and enjoy some chilling tales in the 16th century mansion.
Child-Friendly Medway
Child-Friendly Medway are also running a host of other special spooky events, with free Trick or Treat activities taking place on Monday, 21 October at MidKent College, Gillingham, 1pm – 4pm; and a special screening of Monsters Inc at the Glassbox Theatre at MidKent College, on Tuesday, 22 October from 10am to 1pm – to book your free space, email childfriendly@medway.gov.uk. There’ll be even more free and freaky fun over at The Pentagon Shopping Centre, when Scare Fest takes place on Wednesday, 23 October between 11am, with activities including treat fun, spooky shows, and craft activities. Booking for craft activities opens on Wednesday, 16 October through The Pentagon Shopping Centre’s website.
Mini Youth Sports Camps
Mini Youth Sport Camps for children aged seven to 11 will also be running at Medway Park and Strood Sports Centre this half term, from Monday 21 October to Friday, 25 October. Our coaches are busy planning some fun activities for you all, including football, rounders, boxing, nerf games, Quidditch, badminton, athletics, swimming and loads more! Places must be pre-booked and paid for, with morning, afternoon and full day options available. Find out about dates and times, and how to book.
Meanwhile, Medway Park sports centre is running holiday crash swimming courses to top up or improve your child’s swimming skills – book online here – and Cozenton Park is hosting a Halloween Pool Party Party on Friday, 25 October from 5pm to 6.30pm, with decorations, disco lights , music and more!
Electric Medway festival
Now in its fourth year, the Electric Medway festival lets everyone be a digital storyteller. Taking place from Thursday, 24 October to Sunday, 27 October, you can experience VR, public art installations, theatre performances and more. The festival will take place both online and in different locations across Medway. You can view the full schedule and locations on the Electric Medway website.
It is suitable for families, but booking is required for some events.
Find out more about the Electric Medway Festival.
So much happening across Medway
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “It is fantastic to see so much happening across Medway this half term! Whether you’re checking out the always-popular trails at our heritage attractions, keeping active with our youth sports camps or enjoying the amazing Electric Medway festival there is loads to do.
“We are also lucky to have lots of great tourism attractions on our doorstep, like The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Fort Amherst, and amazing greenspaces and country parks. Our heritage and culture teams work really hard with partner organisations to bring these fantastic events to Medway residents and visitors alike, so let us all get out there and enjoy exploring this half term!”