Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle this Halloween Half Term as Spooktacular Science takes over the grounds from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
Young visitors can embark on Hever’s Mad Scientists Trail, wandering through the grounds in search of wild experiments, curious creations and spellbinding clues. Spot mysterious scenes inspired by eccentric scientists, uncover hidden letters and solve the puzzle to claim a reward from the Information Hut.
Budding scientists can get creative with hands-on craft activities in the Garden Exhibition, making their own pair of mad scientist goggles to wear. Throughout the event, families can also enjoy a timed show, bringing science-themed fun and surprises to Halloween Half Term.
Complete the experience with themed face painting on selected dates and enjoy a memorable family day out packed with Halloween fun, creativity and adventure in the beautiful surroundings of Hever Castle.
Included with admission unless otherwise stated.
Location: Grounds
Time: Daily, 10:30am to 5:30pm (trail closes 4:00pm)
Cost: Included in admission
Wander through the grounds keeping an eye out for scenes featuring mad scientists and their wild and wonderful experiments. Discover hidden letters along the way, solve the puzzle and collect your reward from the Information Hut.
Location: Garden Exhibition
Time: Daily, 11:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: Included in admission
Become part of Hever’s mad scientist team by creating your own wearable scientist goggles. Decorate cardboard goggles, add colourful lenses and finish your creation ready for a day of scientific adventure around the grounds.
Location: Think Tank
Time: Timed performances throughout the day
Cost: Included in admission
Join our actors for entertaining live performances packed with science-themed fun, interactive moments and plenty of surprises for the whole family.
Performance times to be confirmed.
Location: Garden Exhibition
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm (last face paint at 3:45pm)
Dates: 17 – 18, 22 – 25, 29 – 31 October
Cost: £6 per child
Transform into your favourite spooky character with Halloween face painting by Carol Slone from Sparkles Face Painting.
Face painting is available on a first come, first served basis. Visitors should book a timeslot with the face painter, pay in the Courtyard Shop and return shortly before their allocated time.
Always check details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities, and to change or cancel and events. Please note that use of partner offers may be restricted or not valid on event days.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
