Have a magical half term
This October, step into a world of autumn magic at Preston Park Museum. Our charming Victorian Street is getting a magical seasonal makeover — think pumpkins, harvest displays, and cosy autumn vibes.
Whether you're hunting scarecrows, crafting spooky creations, or meeting magnificent creatures, there's something for everyone to enjoy and all activities are included in your museum pass.
During the school holidays (25 October to 2 November), Preston Park Museum will be open every day for visitors from 10am until 4pm. Last admission is 3.30pm
Highlights include
- Scarecrow Trail - wrap up warm, pop on your favourite costume, and set off on our Scarecrow Trail! Each scarecrow has been lovingly handmade by our brilliant volunteers and placed around the museum for you to discover.
- Wild encounters- meet birds of prey and reptiles
- Wand Making - calling all young witches and wizards, craft your very own wand to take home.
- Make a Potion Bag - get ready for a magical, hands-on sensory experience as you make your very own Potion Bag to take home
- Spooky Crafts - get into the Halloween spirit with a frightfully fun craft session at the museum.
Buy your museum pass before your visit
If you already have a Museum Pass, please bring it with you.
Don't miss our new event - Trick or Treat on our Spooky Street
New for this year is Trick or Treat on the Spooky Street, a fun-filled evening at the museum on Monday, 27 October including a Monster Ball disco. Children will be able to come along in their favourite costumes and explore after hours. Each shop in the Victorian Street will have a surprise waiting inside, will it be a trick or a treat?
You will need to buy a ticket for this event. Tickets will cost £10 for children including a sweet treat, £6 for adults and free for under children under one years. The event will take place at the following times:
- 3.30 to 5pm
- 4.30 to 6pm
- 5.30 to 7pm
Find out about Trick or Treat on our Spooky Street and book tickets
Events images
Child dressed as a skeleton at Preston Park
Halloween
And if you are planning your half term visit don't forget the Tracks of Changes exhibitions, celebrating 200 years of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
- All Aboard! - a fun, interactive railway-themed playscape for children.
- Corridors - the breath-taking installation by international artist Rebecca Louise Law
- Gateway to the World - three iconic paintings by celebrated Victorian artist William Powell Frith displayed together for the first time, on loan from the Royal Collection and Manchester City Galleries
- Women of Experiment - celebrates women's untold stories into railway history. Artist Suzie Devey has transformed a goods wagon into a giant woodcut printing-block onto which she has carved powerful stories of women connected to the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
- See the stunning mural which has been created in the iconic aviary as part of the structure's impressive refurbishment. Visual artist, painter and former musician, Kate Jackson, worked with volunteers to create the piece, spanning the back wall of the aviary as part of a trail of murals following sections of the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway route.
Autumn half term is also the perfect time to enjoy the newly refurbished play area, Park Café or soak up the changing seasons in the grounds.
