Spotlight: The Sussex Events Guide - October 2025
- James Forryan
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Your regular guide to all the best events happening near you across Sussex this October...
Autumn Fun at Sharnfold Farm
October Events
Celebrate the season with two family- friendly events at Sharnfold Farm. Pick- Your-Own Pumpkins returns on 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19 October, where you can explore the farm trail, snap autumn photos, and choose the perfect pumpkin (priced by weight). Tickets pre-booked online are £6.45 per person, with free entry for children under 2.
Then during half term, don’t miss Halloween at Spookfold Farm (10am–4pm), featuring a spooky trail, pumpkin carving (£6.50), and plenty of themed fun. Book online to secure your spot –wet-weather warranty included! Come along for pumpkins, laughter, and memories this autumn.
Sharnfold Farm, Hailsham Road, Stone Cross, Eastbourne BN24 5BU
Autumn Colour at Hever Castle
Monday 29th September to Friday 31st October
Visitors to Hever Castle & Gardens can immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of nature during its annual outdoor celebration, Autumn Colour. Vibrant displays range from the fiery red of Boston Ivy on the castle walls to the golden canopy of trees along Lake Walk.
Hever is also hosting a series of workshops on fascinating topics including fungi, herbs, fabric dyes and spring bulb planting. This is the perfect opportunity to pull on your walking boots, enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and see the estate at its spectacular best.
Autumn Colour is included with admission, full details at: www.hevercastle.co.uk
The Bluebell Railway
October Dates
This October, the standout attraction is the new Ghost Train, a Halloween adventure full of spine-tingling excitement for all ages. Rated PG, it’s recommended children under 12 attend with an adult – due to atmospheric noises and dramatic staging, ensuring
a spooky experience.
The month kicks off with the Fireman Sam Weekend on Oct 4/5 , where young fans can meet their favourite firefighting hero. On Oct 11/12, comic enthusiasts can immerse their imagination with comic book heroes, sci-fi icons, amazing traders, cosplay, and NERF battles.
Giants of Steam feature from Oct 17-19, showcasing the majesty of steam engines. Finally, the Mad Scientist Show from Oct 25-31 offers wild, wacky science adventures for only £5 per show. With such a diverse range events, the Bluebell Railway ensures total family fun this October.
The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at De La Warr Pavilion
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October, 10am-5pm
The Sussex Guild returns for its eighth show at the De La Warr Pavilion. You’ll find around fifty makers in the ground-floor auditorium showing beautiful work, all handmade in small workshops and ateliers across Sussex and the adjacent counties.
The Grade I listed Pavilion overlooks the seafront in Bexhill, built in 1935 as a pioneering centre for cultural excellence, it has gained an international reputation for innovative gallery and engagement programmes.
The bright and stylish Café Bar uses seasonal local ingredients for delicious lunches, snacks and cakes. There’s a great range of wines, beers, hot and soft drinks that can be enjoyed (weather permitting) on the balconies with sea views.
Admission: £4.00 at the door (card payments accepted)
01273 479565
Halloween Half Term Fun at Hever Castle
Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th October
Get ready for a spine-tingling Halloween at Hever Castle during the half term holiday with spooky fun for all the family! Explore the Castle grounds on the Bones and Giggles Halloween Trail as you search for clues to claim your reward.
Meanwhile, Halloween-themed craft activities will engage young minds with ‘make your own movable skeleton friend’ craft fun or, for younger visitors, there’s a chance to have a go at skeleton silhouettes. Complete your spooky visit to Hever Castle with seasonal treats from the cafés and kiosks within the Castle grounds.
Halloween Half Term is included with admission, for more details visit:
Half Term at Raystede
Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th October
Calling all animal lovers! Visit Raystede this October half term for FREE Family Learning Days. Learn all about guinea pigs via a fun family trail and find out how to keep them happy and healthy! What do they need in their home? Why do they need to chew all the time? What is a ‘popcorn’ and why do they do it?
Make your own animals in the craft room and visit the Yurt Garden and learn to speak guinea pig!
Online booking is essential - visit: www.raystede.org/family-learning-days
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre Super Natural
Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November
Step into a ‘Super Natural’ adventure at WWT Arundel this October half-term. Families can weave a little magic into their day by designing a willow wand to cast spells, writing with invisible ink, making magical potions with wetland plants, and pond dipping for mini- beasts.
Capturing the memories of their other-worldly adventure will be easy for families, using a free WWT Arundel ‘Super Natural’ logbook that can be picked up at admissions. The ‘Super Natural’ event is included with admission price, except for pond dipping which is £3 per group of 6 people. 10% reduction off admission when booking online.
Search WWT Arundelwww.wwt.org.uk
Uckfield Model Railway Exhibition
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October, 10am to 5pm
The Uckfield Model Railway Clubis holding its Annual Exhibition at the same venue in 2025, following on from the highly successful event held last year. Once again featuring a selection of some of the best quality layouts around. Several trade stands as well as demonstrations and society stands. Layouts and stands over both floors of the Venue.
Adults £10, children free: up to 2 children aged 5 – 15 inclusive admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied and additional children £5. Under 5s free.
Uckfield Civic Centre, Civic Approach, Uckfield TN22 1AE
Comments