Things To Do In October In the UK 2026
Image Credit: Karalina S
In October the weather starts to get a bit cooler; autumn is definitely here in the UK and as we approach halloween, and the October Half Term holidays there are lots of things to do happening across the country.
With school holidays on the horizon, there is a bumper bundle of events in October, from kid-friendly festivals of science, art and museums, to story-telling and archeology.
There is so much to do this October across the UK. Whether you like adventure, the theatre, a movie or to get into the great outdoors there is something for everyone.
The Big Draw Festival will be held from 1st Oct to 31st Oct 2026. This month-long festival of art is 31 days of creative activities for young and old alike. During the month there are a whole host of events organised to encourage people to get drawing.
So grab your pencils! Here's where you can find out more about The Big Draw Festival
Grandparents Day UK takes place on 3rd Oct 2026. Grandparents Day in October is the UK's celebration of grandmothers, grandfathers and all grandparents. It is a day to appreciate and show your love for your grandparents.
So make the day extra special for your Grandparents with these Grandparents Day Crafts, Cards and Activities
Movie Time! As the end of the year approaches the movie industry is starting to release some of the biggest films of the year. Here is what's on at the cinema right now.
World Singing Day takes place on 16th Oct 2026. This is a global sing-along held annually on the 3rd Saturday in October. As a catalyst for positive human connection, this one day each year serves as an opportunity to celebrate our global family through the international language of music.
You can find out about events near you at World Singing Day
Trafalgar Day takes place on 21st Oct 2026. This is a celebration of Lord Horatio Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. A ceremony is held on his ship HMS Victory each year and his famous signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty' is hoisted in flags.
There will be events held around the UK, mostly in coastal areas. About Trafalgar Day
Diwali takes place on 29th Oct 2026. Diwali is the Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival of Lights, which is celebrated with fireworks, dancing, music, the decoration of homes and feasting. The most important aspect is decorating with lights, especially the traditional Diwa candles.
Here are lots of ideas for crafts, printables and activities for Diwali. Everything Diwali - Crafts, Puzzles and Colouring Pages
British Summer Time Ends takes place on 31st Oct 2026. Daylight saving ends today, so remember that the clocks go back 1 hour at 2am in the morning.
More Things To Do In October 2026
Of course Halloween on 31st October is probably the biggest celebration in October. In fact it is the second most celebrated event in the UK after Christmas.
For huge amounts of Halloween fun from crafts and printables to spooky days out and things to do here is everything Halloween including gift ideas and information about the Teal Pumpkin Project,
The National Trust and the National Trust For Scotland both have an exciting programme of Halloween and autumn themed activities at many of their properties for their respective school half term holidays.
Follow a wildlife trail, discover historical stories or get creative with natural materials. Join in at family events across the country this October half-term.
Even More Ideas For Things To Do
- Visit the Top Aquariums in the UK for an aquatic day out. See Fish, sharks, eels, rays as well as otters and sealions at coastal locations. Here are the best the UK has to offer.
- If you are near London you can check out the Best West End Shows for Kids 2026. See a favourite like Wicked, Matilda or the Lion King or a newer show such as Paddington the Musical .
- For more ideas here are 5 Things to Do in any Town, City or Village and they are all things that you can do for free.
- Best UK Christmas Ice Skating Rinks Winter 2026 Yes, some of the UK's temporary Christmas ice rinks open in October in time for half term - check out if there is one near you open yet!