1. Pooch Painting
Oct 12 & 19, 10 am - 4 pm, with tickets for £85.
October is Craft Month in Farnham, Surrey's very own designated World Craft Town. To mark the occasion artist Alison Molan is running a Paint a Pup portrait workshop in her South Farnham home. Inspired by a rescued lurcher called Parker, Alison will be on hand to help you recreate your pooch in paint.
2. Ben Elton at Leatherhead Theatre
Oct 18, 7:30 pm, with tickets for £35.50
One of the UK's most prominent writers and comedians of his generation, Ben Elton, is heading to Leatherhead Theatre as part of his Authentic Stupidity tour. Expect fast-paced, cutting-edge comedy as Ben returns after a 15-year hiatus.
3. Halloween cooking classes in Woking
Oct 30, various times, from £50.
Just the mere thought of TV's famous foul-mouthed chef might be scary enough for some, but The Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking is also hosting a spooky selection of Halloween-themed cookery classes this month, where junior chefs (ages 6-10 and 11-15) and families can have a go at making creepy cookies, edible eyeballs, devilish decorations and more.
Oct 30, various times, from £50.
4. Beyond the Barricade at Epsom Playhouse
Oct 17, 7:30 pm, with tickets for £26.60.
Epsom Playhouse hosts Beyond the Barricade - the UK's longest-running musical theatre concert tour, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024. Join the cast for two hours of the best of Broadway and the West with songs from Phantom, West Side Story and of course, Les Mis.
5. Wizards and Witches Week at Bockett's Farm
Oct 26 - Nov 3, tickets £17.50 - £19.50.
Children can enjoy science and slime shows, a reptile roadshow, a spooky stamp trail, a creepy craft corner, a pumpkin village and more, plus the usual tractor rides, friendly farm animals, pig racing and pony rides.
6. Rachael McShane and The Cartographers at Grayshott Village Hall
Oct 19, 7:30 pm, tickets from £18
Rachael McShane is a renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England. She was an original member of the award-winning folk big band Bellowhead and is also lead singer with The Cartographers, a band that features guitarist Ian Stephenson and melodeon player Julian Sutton.
The group bring their exceptional talents to Grayshott Village Hall this month for an evening of musical magic.
7. Godstone Farm's Halloween Extravaganza
Oct 26 - Nov 3; £15.95 (under 2s £8, under 1s free)
After a spot of pumpkin carving, children can putt their way through a Halloween mini golf course and embark on a skeleton scavenger hunt at this family-fun farm near the North Downs. Enjoy animal interactions and a spine-tingling farm trail, plus a low-bang fireworks event on Oct 26 & 27. (From £10.50 fireworks only, £29.95 with farm entry or £18.50 for under 2s)
8. Who do you think you are?
Oct 26, noon, tickets for £10.
Horton Art Centre in Epsom is hosting a talk on Beginning Research on Your Family Tree by Surrey Heritage Centre genealogist Jane Lewis.
9. Painshill's Wild Halloween Camp
Oct 28 - 30, 9 am - 3:30 pm, £45 per day.
Little witches and wizards aged 8-11 can have a wicked time at Painshill's Wild Halloween Camp, near Cobham, where themed activities include haunted den building, campfire cooking, making spooky woodland crafts, and more.
10. Trails and Tales at Gatton Park
Oct 25; 10 am - 11:30 am, tickets are £7.50 per child.
The Julia Donaldson favourite A Squash and a Squeeze is the book of choice for this month's Trails and Tales at Gatton Park near Reigate. Little ones also get to take part in a craft activity too. Ideal for children aged 2-4 years and booking is essential.
11. Halloween at Squires
Oct 28 - Nov 1
Paint a spooky tree or a witches hat tealight to brighten up a gloomy corner of the home at Squire's Garden Centres' Create and Grow craft sessions. There's also a free Witches Trail around the centre.
Ceramic tealights priced at £6.50 to paint and take home, book in advance at Squire's Garden Centres.
12. Arts Takeover
Until Oct 12th, times and prices may vary.
It's a big month for residents of Reigate and Banstead as the annual Arts Takeover hits towns and villages for a full seven days. Activities (many of which are free) include Crochet in Reigate Priory Park; free lunchtime concerts at St Matthew's Church, Redhill; a horror writing workshop; a photography walk; and a glow-in-the-dark paint workshop.
13. Hampton Court Palace Halloween
Oct 26 - Nov 3, included in general admission.
Hampton Court Palace, the famously haunted former residence of Henry VIII, is transformed into a creepy castle with atmospheric projections, spooky sound effects and creepy characters lurking in every corner. You might even spot the familiar grey Lady who reportedly haunts the hallways...
Thorpe Park Fright Night
14. Thorpe Park Fright Nights
Oct 4-6, 11-13, and Oct 18 - Nov 3, entry from £37 (£71 with scare mazes), ages 13+ (u13s only with an adult)
Thorpe Park's popular Fright Nights are back for another terrifying year. Ride huge rollercoasters in the dark, enjoy spooky shows and venture through 'scare zones' and a variety of themed 'scare mazes' occupied by all manner of horrifying creatures and nightmarish characters. Not for the faint-hearted...
15. Molesey Beer Festival
Oct 11-12, tickets £12.50, 1st Molesey Scout Hut, 193 Walton Road, West Molesey, KT8 2DY
Raising money for the 1st Molesey Scouts, this volunteer-run event food promises lots of local beers and ciders, Oktoberfest-inspired food and live music.
16. Halloween at Denbies Wine Estate
Oct 28 - Nov 1, kids £9.95, adults £6.50
At Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking, meet snakes, spiders and snails in a Creepy Critters Halloween Workshop (Oct 30, £8, accompanying adults free) or dance the day away at a Halloween Fancy Dress Disco (Oct 31, £8 incl drinks/snacks, ages 3+). There's also a Spooky Halloween Train Ride.
17. Steve Ross at Walton's Riverhouse Barn
Now 85 years old, New York cabaret star Steve Ross hasn't lost his touch. The singer-pianist will be performing favourites from Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Gershwin and Sondheim at Walton's Riverhouse Barn on Oct 31.
18. Murder 57 at The Olde Bell
Expect a night of chilling suspense at The Olde Bell in Maidenhead - one of England's oldest coaching inns. In an evening hosted by murder mystery experience company, Murder 57, guests are encouraged to dress as eerie creatures as they unravel the mystery of a restless spirit whilst tucking into a three-course dinner.
Oct 11; £65, overnight packages available from £269 for two; Learn more.
19. October shows at Esher Theatre
Mark Simmons: the Mock the Week regular and master of one-liners brings his Quip Off The Mark tour to Esher on Oct 23, £18.
Jocelyn Brown: back for two nights after last year's sell-out, see the R&B dance legend on Nov 1/2, £30-40.
Cabaret Provocateur: Burlesque entertainment from Surrey brother and sister performers, Shayla (aka Petit Pois) and Danny Ash. From £25, tables for 4, £120.
20. National Trust's Halloween
The National Trust's historic properties provide an atmospheric setting for all manner of spooky shenanigans. At Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher, join the Wandering Witch and her merry band for an adventure trail around the garden (Oct 19 - Nov 3), whilst, at Ham House, near Richmond, there's a potion-themed outdoor trail for kids (Oct 26 - Nov 3).
Suzanne Shorter
21. Good As New
Oct 5, 1.30 - 3.30 pm for buyers, sellers bring their items early in the day.
Cancer Research's Good As New sales raises thousands for the charity whilst helping you declutter and see children's clothes and equipment go to an appreciative new home.
Esher College Sixth Form, Learn more
22. Crockford Bridge Farm Halloween
This year brings two pumpkin-tastic events which are ticketed separately: Pumpkin Picking from Oct 4-20 (not Mons, £4.50pp plus pumpkin cost), followed by the farm's Pumpkin Festival in the week leading up to Halloween itself (Oct 25 - Nov 1, £16.50pp).
This features an immersive wonderland experience inspired by the Wizard of Oz with performers, entertainers, fairground games, activities and the opportunity to buy pre-harvested pumpkins. Fancy dress is encouraged!
Book both in advance at Learn more
23. Kerry Godliman: Work In Progress
Comedian and actress Kerry Godliman is visiting Cranleigh Arts as part of her Work in Progress tour. Join the star of Afterlife as she tries out some brand-new material before she heads out on tour—strictly 14 years plus as the show contains adult humour.
Oct 17; 8 pm. Tickets £17.50; Learn more
24. Wasing Estate Halloween
Various dates from Oct 18-31; £6.50 for everyone aged 2 & over, under 2s free (ticket still required)
At the heart of the beautiful Wasing Estate near Aldermaston, in Berkshire, visitors can follow a woodland trail to a picturesque pumpkin patch where a fairytale carriage and pumpkin picking await.
25. Walk and Wine
Oct 18; 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. Tickets: £75
The harvest is the most significant time of the year in the Dorking vineyard and the Denbies Harvest Secret Vineyard Trail and Tasting is the perfect opportunity to learn about the 2024 vintage, including winery tank sample tastings. The two-hour walking tour takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard - areas not normally accessible to the public, including the Yew Tree Vineyard. Your tour will culminate at the winery cellar door for a Crush Pad Tasting.
26. Secretts Pumpkin Week, near Guildford
Oct 19-20, 25-30, £5pp (over 2s)
Pick your own pumpkin before tucking into a pumpkin-themed lunch, which includes the Milford farm's famous pumpkin cake and soup. Further activities and attractions include biscuit decorating, a scavenger hunt, mini tractors, glitter tattoos, waffle making, a carousel and hay bales, plus an Instagram-ready decorated walkway.
@RamsterEvents
27. Autumn Glory at Ramster Garden
Until Nov 10: Wed-Sun 10 am - 5 pm. Tickets £9 (under 16s £3)
Visitors to Ramster Garden can enjoy a stunning display of vibrant reds and russets this month across its 25-acre woodlands. Stroll through the avenue of ancient maples and immerse yourself in their coppery orange and vibrant red foliage. Complete your visit with a visit to the Ramster Tea House, for tea and delicious cakes.
28. Garsons Pumpkin Parade, Garsons Farm Esher
Oct 5 - Nov 1; £4pp
Garsons Pumpkin Parade get bigger and better every year. Expect a plethora of pumpkins and the opportunity to pick your own, plus impressive displays both inside and out, and photo opportunities galore.
29. The Ghost Tour of Guildford
The Ghost Tour of Guildford makes for a suitably terrifying October evening. Lasting 1 3/4 hours and covering around 20 haunted and mysterious locations, it introduces brace tour-goers to some horrifying history.
Friday nights from Easter - Nov, plus Oct 31; £10 adults, £5 under 16s. Families welcome but the tour is recommended for ages 8+; The Ghost Tour of Guildford - About
Winkworth Arboretum
30. Winkworth Arboretum Photo Opportunities
Budding photographers and content creators will have exclusive access to capture Winkworth Arboretum's dazzling displays in the golden morning light.
Sessions are limited to 25 people. Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 8 am - 10 am, book at Home | National Trust
31. Halloween on The Priory Farm Estate, near Redhill
From a spooky Halloween trail to pumpkin-picking experiences, this beautiful 100-acre estate is all set for the season. Explore the hay bale maze, shelter under a giant witch's hat and sign on at the broomstick driving school.
Oct 4 - Nov 3; trail tickets from £8.50, PYO pumpkin & tractor ride from £8.50, park & pick £6.50pp (pumpkins paid for separately). Halloween Events on the Priory Farm Estate | Halloween Trail, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Tractor Rides - Priory Farm Estate
32. Birdsong at The Yvonne Arnaud
Birdsong, starring former EastEnder Max Bowden, is coming to the Yvonne Arnaud this month. Set in France in WW1, it follows the story of a young soldier coming to terms with first love amid the death and destruction of the battlefield.
Oct 29 - Nov 2; 7:30 pm (mats Weds/Sats); £33 (conc £13); Learn more
