Things to do this October Half Term

Whether you are looking for cosy crafts, spooky heritage activities or outdoor adventures, there is plenty for families to explore this October half-term on the Islands of Guernsey. 

Whilst the weather may be getting cooler, October is an excellent time to visit our Islands. Wrap up for family walks, get involved in local Halloween celebrations and enjoy our family-friendly food festival - the Tennerfest.

We've created a family-friendly guide to events, activities, restaurants and adventures in Guernsey for you to enjoy below.

Events, Autumn Celebrations and Spooky Days Out

Here on the Islands of Guernsey, we have lots of seasonal celebrations for everyone to get involved in. Below are some of the events going on this October.

1st October - 30th November: Tennerfest

Hotels, restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafes all take part in providing fixed price low-cost menus showcasing the best of their cuisine and the local produce available in Guernsey. The sun may have set on summer, but October and November are great months to visit the island, especially if you love your food.

Even though Guernsey’s traditional cuisine has a distinctly Anglo-French approach, restaurants and eateries based on Chinese, Indian, Italian and other traditional flavours will be taking part in Tennerfest, offering their own particular specialities.

Menus are fixed from 3 courses for £10 per head to £12.50, £15, £17.50 and £20. The festival was created around the principle of great food at a great price, and that continues to this day.

1st - 31st October: Le Hechet Farm Pumpkins

Pick your perfect Pumpkin for Halloween.  Locally grown at Le Hechet Farm, this popular attraction is open during October. 

Meet the farm animals, take photos on tractors, and enjoy a Le Hechet Farm ice cream. Open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

1st October - 18th January 2025: Guernsey Photography Festival

The Guernsey Photography Festival returns in October, with a major exhibition documenting 30 years of social change in the UK, a focus on emerging British and Local talents and a spectacular photo-symphony event for January 2025.

Fourteen years on from its inception, the Guernsey Photography Festival (GPF) continues to
engage and inspire islanders and visitors of all ages through its range of passionately curated exhibitions, educational activities and cultural events. For its 11th edition, the festival brings a
carefully considered selection of exhibitions and events to its audience of local and international organisations and individuals.

19th October: Souper Spooky Saturday

Come to the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park for a ‘Souper Spooky’ time with plenty of Spooky activities for the young and young at heart.

26th October: Abba-pocalypse

Each year St James' throws an excellent Halloween Party. This year, ABBA Arrival, a UK ABBA Tribute act, will be performing music to brighten up a dark and spooky October night.

Doors open at 8 pm. Visit St James' website for details and tickets.

1st November: Freaky Friday

Head to Guernsey Museum at Candie from 10am-5pm to discover more about Guernsey's ghoulish past and enjoy a variety of Halloween activities, including film screenings, a Living History performance, willow weaving, a pumpkin treasure hunt and Halloween-themed arts and crafts. 

Free entry to children in fancy dress.

1st November: A Night of Sinatra

Join Tom Strawbridge and his 8-piece band alongside special guests as they sing in aid of Parkinson’s Guernsey and Parkinson’s UK.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Visit St James' website for tickets.

Outdoor Adventures

The weather is cooling down, but the milder climate on our Islands means you can still get outside and experience new adventures. Wrap-up warm and explore one of the many outdoor activities on offer this half term. 

Guernsey Surf School

Head to Vazon Beach and learn to surf with the experts. Whether you are joining a group ABC's course, refining your skills with a one-to-one lesson, or getting involved with a Surf Camp, children and families can enjoy building skills and spending time together in the sea. 

Outdoor Guernsey

Outdoor Guernsey offers land and sea activities on Guernsey and Herm. You can hire stand-up paddle boards or kayaks or go coasteering. On land, they offer climbing, high ropes, bike hire, archery, clay pigeon shooting and more. Group sizes will depend on your chosen activity.

Oatlands Village

Oatlands Village is one of the island’s leading visitor attractions. It brings together many local crafts, gift shops, eateries and attractions for all the family. In the village, you will find Oaty and Joey’s, Rebecca’s Chocolate for homemade chocolate, a variety of shops, a mini golf course, go-karts, trampolines and The Kiln Cafe and Restaurant. There is something for everyone of any age to enjoy, and adults can sit back and relax knowing that their children are safe.

Island Rib Voyages

If you want to have an ocean adventure but don’t want to get in, Island Rib Voyages has a range of tours to suit all interests. You will be able to see some of our wildlife up close, delve deep into our Island’s past or explore them from a new perspective.

Karting Guernsey

Experience the thrill of go-karting. The only circuit of its kind on Guernsey caters for all visitors, regardless of age and experience. There are junior karts for ages 8 to 14 years and adult karts for ages 14 and up, as well as a brand new Kid Racer track for children aged 3 - 7 years. All gear and safety equipment is provided, and there is a racing shop on the premises. Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. 

Pirate Bay Adventure Golf

Pirate Bay is, you guessed it, a unique pirate themed 12 hole mini golf course at Nineteen Bar and Grill. You can play a round and then head inside for some food; be sure to have a go at the driving range inside the restaurant while you’re waiting for your meal.

Sausmarez Manor

Sausmarez Manor, the Islands only stately home, contains architecture, artefacts and art relating to members of the family, who are still there after over 800 years. Also on site are an unusual RHS Partner Garden, a Coppersmith, a celebrated Sculpture Park, and a relaxed 9-hole Pitch & Putt with free equipment hire.

During half term, there are spooky evening ghost tours conducted by the Seigneur, or for those not wanting to hear stories about the most haunted house on the Island, there are Historic House Tours and Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Tours. For children, there is a miniature train that takes you through part of the Wooded Garden populated by toy animals for just under a 1/4 mile.

Explore Nature

There are many outdoor activities to take part in, but Guernsey also has a range of unique nature to be explored. From cliff paths to woods, and parks to beaches, our nature is unlike anything you will find elsewhere.

Some great places to experience nature, and get some fresh air as a family, include Saumarez Park, Delancey Park, Saint Saviours Reservoir and the Fairy Ring.

Try a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Autumn is a great time to get outside and explore our Islands coastal paths, cliff routes and country lanes. Using the Visit Guernsey App you can try self-guided tours. Each walk shows a route, time and expected difficulty, and shares interesting details about the history and landscape as you explore. There are loads of routes to choose from, with varying intensity to suit your family's pace.

Indoor Activities

There are many things to do in Guernsey on a rainy day, and we have plenty of things to do inside this half term. Whether you're after something creative, something educational or something adventurous to let off steam, there truly is something for all families to enjoy. 

Candle Making with Guernsey Candles 

Explore the workshop of this local family business, witness the candle-making process and have a go at making your own unique candle to take home with you. Their on-site shop is filled with great artistic pieces, homeware and gifts - perfect for some early festive shopping.

Library Activities at Guille-Allès Library

Every half term the Library organises free events for children of all ages. Whether you need something to entertain the kids, want to spend some quality time together, or just explore the magical children's library, take a visit to the Library in St Peter Port.

You can find out more details about the events and times on their website.

Pottery Painting at Iris and Dora

Iris and Dora is a leading craft and art venue in Guernsey, offering pottery throwing lessons, craft sessions and pottery painting. All ages and abilities are welcome in the studio. They have intricate pottery or plain mugs for adults and older children to enjoy; and for kids, they have special mini-figures, wooden items and quick-dry paint, so they don’t have to wait for their creations to go in the kiln.

Explore Oaty and Joey’s Playbarn

Oaty & Joey’s Playbarn at Oatland's Village the perfect day out for families with children of all ages. Inside, you will find one of the largest play frames in Britain, with a number of slides, including a giant 6.3m astra slide, climbing ropes ball pits and more. The Playbarn also includes Highway 66 Bowling Alley, party rooms, trampolines, e-cars, pool and air hockey tables and against-the-clock basketball. If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own bear or paint some pottery. 

Being indoors, Oaty & Joey’s Playbarn is a great retreat on rainy or cold days. They also provide refreshments and snacks in their cafe, so you can sit back and relax knowing the kids are safe and entertained.

Adventures at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre

Beau Sejour Leisure Centre is Guernsey’s only community leisure centre, with plenty of facilities to cater to all of your needs. Outside, there is Cambridge Park, a recreational park that offers wide open spaces for members of the public to enjoy. From the park you can access Beau Sejour’s outdoor playgrounds, suitable for all ages, and a state-of-the-art skate park. There are also tennis and netball courts available for booking. 

Inside, there is a great selection of sports facilities, such as 5-a-side football, badminton, volleyball, basketball and squash courts. There is a 25m, 6-lane indoor pool and a separate 10m children's pool. For young children, there is an indoor soft play area, so you can enjoy any of these amenities, or simply sit in the cafe, knowing that they are safe and having fun. 

Films at the Mallard Cinema

The Mallard Cinema features 4 screens, a large pick 'n' Mix sweet selection, freshly popped American style popcorn, slush puppies and candy bars for everyone to enjoy as they sit back and watch a film. There is always a selection of films to choose from, with at least two or three being suitable for the entire family. Ideal for a rainy afternoon, 

Climbing Adventures 

Guernsey's indoor climbing centre Up Climbing Guernsey offers a range of sessions for beginners and those looking to advance their skills. During the holidays they offer Climbing and Activity sessions, pairing time on the walls with crafts, lego and painting.

Explore Forts, Castles and Museums around our Islands

Around the Islands of Guernsey, you can take a walk through history, with castles, fortifications and bunkers from across the centuries. There are many museums to explore, allowing you and your children to learn about the rich history of the Island. Many spots can be explored for free, with others such as Fort Grey and Castle Cornet charging a small fee for those over age 7 to support their on-site museums and ongoing research.

• Castle Cornet is an 800-year-old castle in St Peter Port Harbour offering insight into hundreds of years of Island history in the four museums housed within the grounds. Open until 3rd November.
• The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery at Candie Gardens have a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and art displays, as well as a cafe housed in a Victorian bandstand.
• Fort Grey is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend Guernsey's west coast after a series of wrecks that occurred in the rocky waters, known locally as the "Cup and Saucer", that now houses the Shipwreck Museum. Open until 3rd November.
• The German Occupation Museum is within walking distance of the island's airport, providing insight into life in Guernsey during the occupation.
• The Underground Hospital is the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands that is almost invisible from the surface.

Restaurants 

Finding somewhere to eat that caters to all tastes, for both adults and children, can be difficult. The Islands of Guernsey have an array of restaurants that not only cater to children and adults alike, but also have safe indoor and outdoor playgrounds that can keep your children entertained for hours.

Nineteen Bar & Grill

Nineteen Bar and Grill is located at The Golf Club, St Pierre Park, just outside of town, and boasts some of the most beautiful parkland views on the island. Their menu is expansive and caters for all, and with plenty of room inside, and a driving range and mini golf as entertainment, it's a great place for the whole family to have fun. 

Crabby Jacks 

Crabby Jack’s is the go-to venue for families in Guernsey who are looking for a place where the kids can let off some steam and the adults can sit back and relax. Situated on Guernsey’s west coast, alongside Vazon Bay, this is the perfect place for families to come together. Their menu is expansive, and with a large fenced-off playground just outside, you know the kids will have hours of entertainment.

The Longfrie Inn

The Longfrie Inn is located in St Pierre du Bois, with a restaurant and bar well known locally for its expansive menu of home cooked food and real ales. Relax in the gardens or the indoor dining space and let your children have fun in the soft play area. 

Afternoon Tea at the Old Government House Hotel

Guernsey's five star hotel is a great place to cosy up when it gets breezy out, and with its location in town, it is very convenient for taking a break from exploring St Peter Port. The team at the OGH are welcoming to children and have a selection of afternoon teas for the whole family to enjoy including Oggie's Afternoon Tea which is ideal for under 12s.

Cafe des Amis or Terrazzo Del Giardino at Le Friquet Garden Centre

With both an indoor and outdoor play area in viewing distance, this is the perfect spot to take the entire family. Situated inside Le Friquet Garden Centre, one of the island’s largest garden centres, stocking the widest array of indoor and outdoor products, you can enjoy a meal in stunning surroundings. Take a walk around the Garden Centre before settling down for a relaxed bite to eat in Cafe des Amis, or a stone baked pizza in Terrazzo Del Giardino, sitting comfortably while the kids are happily entertained. 

Earlswood Garden Centre

Earlswood is one of the most well-stocked Garden Centres in Guernsey. Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Earlswood Garden Cafe, part of a family owned Garden Centre established over 30 years ago. Enjoy a coffee and cake, a snack, or lunch whilst the kids enjoy their wooden climbing frame and playground. 

The Pony Inn

The Pony Inn serves family favourite meals in a relaxed, informal setting, and has a small and safe indoor play area perfect for children.

The Kiln

Found in Oatlands Village, with beautiful gardens, good food and a playground, mini golf course and Oaty and Joey’s just around the corner, The Kiln offers the perfect family day out. With a wide selection of options on the menu, and freshly made cakes and pastries, this hidden gem gives you the opportunity to see a different side of the Island with plenty of family activities.

Find out more about what's on each month on the Islands of Guernsey here.