Half-term is heading our way and, as it does every school holiday, presents parents with the challenge of keeping kids entertained. We’ve done some of the hard work to bring you 10 great ideas for half-term week ...

October 30 and 31, November 1, 9-3.30pm
Holiday club for 7-12 year olds, 
Oaker Wood Leisure
Two days of outdoor fun and activities for 7-12 year olds.
Friday, November 1
Activities for teenagers
A full day of activities - half day of High Ropes challenges, followed by an afternoon of Paintball. Book just one activity for half a day or book both. High ropes, 9.30 to 12 noon; Teen paintball, 12.45pm to 3.30pm.
oakerwoodleisure.co.uk
 

October 26 to November 2
Herefordshire’s Family Festival
 The Courtyard
Monday – Hansel & Gretel, 11am
Tuesday – Jack and the Beans Talk, 11am
Wednesday – family festival fun day – get out your monkey tails, practise your fin splashing and brush those manes for a day packed full of family fun.
This year’s Animal Kingdom themed Family festival will be full of paw-some activities, buzzing workshops and purrfect performances. Fancy dress is encouraged from everyone.
Wednesday – Orchestra of the Swan Carnival of the Animals Family Concert, 1pm and 3pm
Thursday - Science Made Simple present Cartoon Science, 11am
Friday - The Bird Show, 11am
 

From October 26 to November 3
Spooky Cellars & Animal Encounters
For nine days only Hampton Court Castle’s cellars are open to the public. Do you have the nerve to venture down the steps to see what lies beneath the Castle, where screaming ghouls hide among the cobwebs?
To add to the scary spectacle, Trevor Hill will be on hand with his owls and a collection of creepy crawlies. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged!
Normal admission prices apply.
 

From October 26
Murder trail at Berrington Hall
During research for the project to restore the walled garden and pleasure grounds at Berrington, it was discovered that a murder took place at Berrington in the 18th-century. You’re invited to take on the role of Georgian detective to see if you can solve the crime.
nationaltrust.org.uk/berrington-hall
 

From October 26 to November 3, 10.30am to 5pm
Croft Castle’s School of Sorcery
Follow the spooky trail around the gardens, and see if you can follow the clues, stir the potions and cast the spells. Try pumpkin carving on October 26 and 27, wand-making and crafts on October 31 and broomstick racing all holiday on the front lawn. 
nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle-and-parkland
 

Until November 3
Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre, Kington
Take advantage of the last few days of this year’s opening to visit the Owl Gardens and meet the Pygmy goats, the Miniature Zebu, the world’s smallest breed of cow, and the Ouessants, the most diminutive of all sheep.
owlcentre.com
 

October 25 to November 2
Halloween at Ralph Court 
Once again, the gardens will be transformed into a horrific Hallowe’en venue with hundreds of glowing pumpkins interspersed with smoke, and creatures of the night will fill the gardens to create a memorable visit, while a complete light and sound show will be projected on to the side of the gothic rectory.
Friday, October 25 - Don’t Go into the Cellar presents Canterville Ghost (entry included with event tickets).
November 1 and 2 - Penny Dreadful (entry included with event tickets), a one-woman show featuring Sweeney Todd’s partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett!
ralphcourtgardens.co.uk
 

From October 28
Learn to swim crash courses, for children aged 4+ 
Hereford Leisure Pool - October 28 to November 1. 01432 272512
Ledbury Pool - October 29 to November 1, 3-3.30pm; 3.30pm to 4pm. Free for children, 3+, who cannot swim unaided, and have not attended a free swimming crash course before.
Inflatable pool party (8-16)
November 2, 3.15pm to 4.15pm
Children must be competent swimmers and will be tested in the deep end before the party. 01531 632890.
Leominster Leisure Centre
Tuesday, October 29, 9-11.30am
Inflatable challenge and active games
Thursday, October 31, 9-11.30am
Snorkelling and active games. Both activities for ages 6-12.
haloleisure.org.uk
 

Until the end of November
Make a clay leaf
Visitors to Eastnor Pottery during October and November will have the chance to make a clay leaf tile painted in a riot of autumnal colour. A month later, after firing and glazing you pick it up or have it posted to you.
Booking essential: 01531 633886 or admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk
 

Manic Ceramics
On a rainy day there’s nothing nicer than a trip to a pottery painting café to allow your creativity free rein - however old you are! Make a special present for someone or paint yourself a mug. The sky’s the limit.
10 St Martin’s Street, Hereford/07930 907079/manic-ceramics.com