As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that unmistakable autumn crispness, October half term is the perfect excuse to get out and explore. Whether you’re looking for spooky family fun, outdoor adventures or fascinating history, Gainsborough and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to keep all ages entertained during the school break.
From discovering the Tudor stories hidden within Gainsborough Old Hall to enjoying seasonal craft activities, woodland walks and wildlife spotting, there are countless opportunities to make the most of the autumn holidays. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in and around Gainsborough, helping you create memorable days out without travelling far from home.
Become a history hunter
Gainsborough is a market town brimming with history that dates to as early as the 9th century. The jewel in the crown is the immaculately preserved medieval manor house, Gainsborough Old Hall. Dating from the 15th century, this English Heritage site boasts a succession of famous visitors including Richard III and Henry VIII.
Uncover the magnificent Great Hall before wandering through winding corridors and up dead-end staircases. See how feasts were prepared in one of the country’s best-preserved medieval kitchens, then climb the 59 steps to the top of the tower for stunning views across Lincolnshire.
There’s plenty for children to enjoy, including the Folktale Creature Trail, a chance to dress up in period costumes and traditional games such as giant Snakes and Ladders in the medieval kitchen, all included with admission. Throughout half term, there will also be free drop-in Halloween Craft sessions with the Hall’s brilliant volunteers.
Open: Every day, 10am to 4pm (last admission, 3.15pm).
Gainsborough Heritage Centre offers a fascinating insight into the history of the town. Built in 1904, it originally served as the town’s Post Office and now gives visitors the chance to explore exhibition rooms, stroll through a period street scene and visit a Victorian Post Office. The top floor is home to an extensive archive, while the ground floor features a shop and tearoom.
The centre also offers a range of activities for children, including crayon rubbing, a Heritage Hedgehogs trail and dressing-up costumes.
Open: Every Tuesday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Gainsborough Heritage Trail is a great (and free) way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Pick up a Heritage Trail leaflet and explore some of the town’s significant locations, giving you an introduction to the town’s rich and varied history.
Printed copies can be picked up from Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough Heritage Centre or Gainsborough Library. Alternatively, please email [email protected].
Play a game of I-Spy along the way and see if you can complete the Heritage Trail Challenge. Download the Gainsborough Heritage Trail I-SPY here.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Lincolnshire is home to some of the country’s best countryside. The Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape is less than an hour’s drive from Gainsborough and offers miles upon miles of walking routes to explore. Willingham Woods, near Market Rasen, is another popular spot for families, with a circular trail covering 3.5km (just over two miles). Just down the road, you can also stop at Wright’s Ice Cream, where delicious ice cream is handcrafted on site in a wide range of flavours.
Closer to home, there are plenty of woodland trails to enjoy. Mercer Wood, Owlet Wood and Tuetoes Wood* are just a few of the woodland trails waiting to be explored. In town, the Riverside Walk follows the River Trent from Trent Bridge all the way to Morton. Keep an eye out for boats and local wildlife along the route. If you fancy a break along the way, stop off at the newly refurbished Reeds Riverside Coffee Shop or Café Walton and take in the riverside views.
*Please note, this woodland is not waymarked.
Family Days Out
Take your pick from one of the many places to visit that make a great day out in this part of Lincolnshire.
Choose from over 75 flavours of ice cream at Blyton Ice Cream, just 10 minutes’ drive from Gainsborough. From Jammy Dodger to classic vanilla – there’s a flavour for everyone! They also have sugar free and vegan options.
Open: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm, Friday, 10am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 9pm.
Bransby Horses is also a firm favourite for families and a great low-cost day out. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Gainsborough and offers walking trails with the opportunity to meet their equine residents. It’s free admission and has a play park and visitor centre with a gift shop and café.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
For a hands-on family adventure, head to Rand Farm Park. Discover an exciting mix of indoor play, outdoor attractions and hands-on animal experiences.
Hall Farm Park, around 30 minutes from Gainsborough, is a family-run working farm with lots of things to see and do, making it a great day out for visitors of all ages. Check out what Halloween fun they have planned during half term – October Half Term Fun on the Farm.
Lincoln Zoo, just a few miles outside of Lincoln, also offers a wild day out with incredible animals and hands on experiences.
For outdoor lovers and thrill seekers big and small, Wild Pines Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and have a great day out in the trees. This multi-award-winning activity centre based at Market Rasen has over 1050 metres of high tree fun, 22 zip lines and 87 elements, making it one of the UK’s top treetop adventure parks.
Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. From picking your own pumpkins to carving stations and seasonal family activities, there are plenty of places to embrace the spirit of Halloween.
- Blyton Ice Cream Pumpkin Patch and Pick Your Own Pumpkin experience, choose your perfect pumpkin before getting creative at the on-site carving station. Visitors can also meet the animals and warm up with treats from the crumble cart and hot drinks stand. Visitors can event create their own ice cream sundae. Open: Open daily throughout October, 10am to 4pm.
- Peacan’s Pumpkin Patch at Bransby Horses gives visitors the chance to come pick their own pumpkin, with proceeds supporting the equine rescue charity. Children can also try the Hocus Pocus Scavenger Hunt. A magical quest filled with tricks, treats, and a dash of Halloween fun. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Williamson’s Farm Shop offers a traditional autumn day out for the whole family. Throughout half term, visitors can pick their own homegrown pumpkins, meet the farm animals and browse the shop’s local produce.
Farm Open: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 2pm and Sundays, 10am to 2pm.
Pumpkin Patch: 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 to 31 October. Weekends, 10.30am to 4pm. Half term, 10am to 4pm.
- Fillingham Pumpkins, just 20 minutes from Gainsborough, has become a popular place for a great afternoon out. Wander through the pumpkin patch and pick your perfect pumpkin from hundreds of varieties grown on site. You’ll also find other great activities including pedal tractors, a new pedal go kart track, maize maze, straw bale pyramid and the infamous pumpkin cannon! Open: Saturday 17 & Sunday 18, Saturday 24 to Friday 30 October, 10am to 4pm.
- Fillingham Village Hall will also host their annual Apple Day on Saturday 24 October! Open from 2 to 4pm, enjoy free apple-themed games, along with a BBQ, homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks.
- Rand Farm Park’s new Frontier Pumpkin Festival will run from 10 to 31 October and is a brand-new Wild West-themed autumn event packed with seasonal fun for all ages. Visitors can explore the giant pumpkin patch, enjoy live music, watch circus performances, and take part in line dancing, games and hoedowns. There will also be plenty of street food, autumn treats and hot drinks available throughout the event.
Spooky Events and Half Term Entertainment
Marshall’s Yard Witchy Fayre, Saturday 24 October, 10am to 3pm
Step into a world of magic and mystery at Marshall’s Yard’s Witchy Fayre. This spellbinding event features live entertainment, magical makers and plenty of enchanting things to discover. Browse craft stalls and handmade treasures, take part in pumpkin and craft workshops and enjoy a day packed with seasonal family fun.
Sooty Comes to Gainsborough!
Trinity Arts Centre is thrilled to welcome The Sooty Show, coming to Gainsborough on Wednesday 28 October! Join Sooty, Sweep and Soo for a magical family show packed with nostalgia, giggles, mischief and award-winning magic.
Book now: The Sooty Show
Riverside Spooktacular, Thursday 29 October, 10.30am to 2.30pm
Enjoy a boo-rilliant day at the Riverside Spooktacular taking place on Thursday 29 October at Park Springs Community Centre. Come along and join in for some fang-tastic Halloween activities including games, crafts, face painting and activities with Everyone Active. This event is free to attend, with refreshments also included.
Hocus Pocus Outdoor Cinema and Firework Fantasia
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween at the Lincolnshire Showground! Enjoy a spellbinding outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on 29 October, followed by the spectacular Firework Fantasia on 31 October. Expect spooky entertainment, thrilling attractions, tasty food and drink, family Halloween fun, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Uncle Henry’s Halloween Adventure
Uncle Henry’s, just 20 minutes from Gainsborough, invites families to step into a world of spooky seasonal fun. Explore the giant Monsters High Maize Maze, follow the Spooky Woodland Trail, and pick the perfect pumpkin. With pumpkin carving, marshmallow toasting, mini mazes and plenty of Halloween surprises along the way, it’s the perfect autumn adventure for little monsters and their grown-ups.
Open: Open daily throughout October half-term week from 10am to 5pm
Wild Pines Halloween Hunt
From 19 to 31 October, head over to Wild Pines Park near Market Rasen and have a go at their Halloween Hunt. Kids can explore the woodland, solve the Halloween clues, make your special potion and claim your reward.
Blyton’s Spooky Bonfire Night Returns
Light up your Halloween at Blyton Bonfire Night with an exciting evening of fireworks, live music and family entertainment. With delicious food and drink, free ice cream for every child and plenty of spooky fun, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with family and friends.
Open: Saturday 31 October at Blyton Ice Cream.
Plan Your Visit
Whatever your interests, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy October half term in Gainsborough and the surrounding area. From pumpkin patches and spooky trails to fascinating heritage attractions and countryside walks, there’s something for every age and budget.
For more inspiration, you can head over to our visit page and what’s on page. You can also find other places to visit in Lincolnshire by going to:
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