October half term is on its way, and there’s plenty happening in and around Market Drayton to keep the family busy.
From live theatre and films to woodland adventures, pumpkin trails, art workshops and Halloween fun, here are some ideas for getting out and about over the school holidays.
Catch a family film at Festival Drayton Centre
A trip to the cinema is always handy to have up your sleeve for a wet autumn day, and Festival Drayton Centre has several family films lined up around half term.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie is showing on Tuesday 20 October, followed by Coyote vs. Acme on Monday 26 October and Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom on Thursday 29 October.
Take a look at the latest cinema times and book through the Festival Drayton Centre website.
See some live theatre
There’s plenty happening on stage too.
On Friday 23 October, Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster in Your Show comes to Festival Drayton Centre, with performances at 2pm and 4pm.
Designed with younger families in mind, the 50-minute interactive show brings Monster, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to the stage with music, puppetry and plenty of opportunities for children to join in.
Then on Tuesday 27 October at 2pm, Magic & Marvels brings an afternoon of magic, juggling, circus skills and illusions to Market Drayton in a family show from performer Michael Jordan.
Get creative at The Grove
The Market Drayton Schools Calendar Art Exhibition takes place in the main hall at The Grove School and Sixth Form from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October, from 10am until 2pm.
Entry is free and, as well as seeing artwork by local schoolchildren, families can take part in painting workshops from 11am until 1pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
There will also be a Poets Corner display from 29–31 October featuring poetry and verse written by local people.
Head into the woods at Fordhall Organic Farm
Fordhall Organic Farm has a full day of outdoor adventure planned for children aged 6–13 on Thursday 29 October.
Wild in the Woods runs from 9am until 3pm and includes natural crafts, outdoor games, den building, slacklines and hammocks.
It’s a drop-off session, giving children the chance to spend the day exploring, playing and learning in Fordhall’s woodland. Places are limited and advance booking is required.
And, of course, you can visit Fordhall throughout the year for a walk around the farm trails, see the animals and stop off at the farm shop and café.
Celebrate Samhain at Fordhall
On Halloween itself, Fordhall is doing something a little different.
Its Samhain Celebrations take place from 6pm until 9pm on Saturday 31 October, with an evening inspired by the ancient festival marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter.
The evening includes mask making, seasonal food, folklore and activities around the farm. Tickets include the activities and food and must be booked in advance.
Follow the Halloween Trail at Hawkstone Park Follies
A short drive from Market Drayton takes you to Hawkstone Park Follies, where the Halloween Trail runs from Friday 23 until Saturday 31 October.
The family-friendly trail is included in normal admission, with spooky clues and interactive elements to discover while exploring the Follies.
With caves, cliffs, woodland paths and towers to discover too, it could easily fill most of a day. The Follies are open daily during October half term from 10am until 5pm, with last admission at 3pm.
Follow the pumpkins at Dorothy Clive Garden
Dorothy Clive Garden at Willoughbridge is holding its Pumpkin Trail on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.
Families can explore the garden looking for pumpkins and solving clues along the way, with plenty of autumn colour to enjoy at the same time.
The trail runs from 10am, with advance booking available directly through Dorothy Clive Garden.
Pick your own pumpkin
October wouldn’t be quite the same without choosing a pumpkin.
Bearstone Fruit Farm, around a 10-minute drive from Market Drayton, has confirmed that its pumpkin season begins in October, although its 2026 opening dates and times have not yet been published.
We’ll keep an eye out and add the details when they are confirmed.
Enjoy some free and low-cost activities in town
Not every half-term day needs to involve a big day out.
Market Drayton Library has regular activities, while The Zone has a programme of activities for children and young people. Our What’s On calendar currently includes activities during half term such as Kids Chill Zone, sports sessions and youth activities.
Wednesday 28 October is also market day, so you can combine a look around the outdoor and indoor markets with lunch or a treat in one of the town’s cafés.
For something completely free, wrap up warm and take an autumn walk through the Town Park or along the Shropshire Union Canal. The towpath is within easy walking distance of the town centre and is a lovely way to see the autumn colours.
Make a day of Market Drayton
Half term is also a good excuse to spend a little more time exploring the town itself.
Have a wander around the independent shops, visit the markets, stop for something to eat and look out for Market Drayton’s historic buildings as you go.
You could also introduce the children to one of the things the town is famous for and pick up some traditional Market Drayton gingerbread.
There’s plenty happening close to home this October half term – and we’ll continue adding new events to our What’s On pages as they are announced.
If your organisation, club or business is running a family event during October half term that we haven’t included, please let Make it Market Drayton know so we can add it to our listings.
