Halloween: All Hallow’s Eve
Celebrate Halloween this year with a spooky twist.
Meet spooky characters, create magical makes, and have plenty of hands-on haunted fun. Plagues & Potions is the perfect autumn adventure for curious minds, little explorers and budding witches and wizards alike.
Come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume if you dare and prepare for a magical day of history, mystery and spooky family fun!
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Something strange is happening at the Museum…
It’s 1665 and plague is approaching. A village healer has created a protective potion – but mischievous spirits have scattered the ingredients across the Museum!
Follow the Plagues & Potions Trail, search our historic buildings for clues and recover the missing ingredients before it’s too late…
The trail runs every day throughout October Half Term.
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Haunted Hambrook | 27–31 October | 10am-3.30pm
Step inside our spookily transformed Hambrook Barn for frightfully fun family games, including broomstick racing, ghostly beanbag toss, eyeball races, pin the spider on the web and more.
Just watch out for the giant hairy spiders overhead!
More Half Term Fun:
Creepy Crafts | 27–29 October | 11am-3:30pm
Get creative with Halloween-inspired crafts.
Plague Potions | 27–31 October | 10am-3:30pm
Discover some of the strange remedies people once used to protect themselves from disease.
Autumn Adventure Walks | 27 & 29 October | 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm
Explore the woods with Paul the Explorer and discover the secrets of autumn, from changing leaves to squirrels hiding their food.
Ghost Stories with The Bard Dawn 27 & 28 October | 10.30am–12.30pm & 1.30–3.30pm
Gather around the fire for a ghostly tale or two – if you’re feeling brave!
Spooky Victorian School | 28-29 & 31 October | 10am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Meet our frightfully strict Victorian school teacher and learn how to create your own spooky origami bat.
Mystics in the Woods | 31 October | 10am-3:30pm
Meet the mystics to make a magical spell jar and seal it tight with wax.
The Wise Woman’s Cottage | 31 October | 10am-3:30pm
Be revolted and enthralled by the bizarre array of cures and ointments.
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Information for Visitors
Discover 40 acres of history, nature, and countryside charm at the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester, West Sussex. Explore our collection of historic buildings, working farm animals, and heritage gardens, and experience what rural life was like in centuries past.
Come Rain or Shine You Can Explore and Enjoy
Stroll through our beautiful open-air museum, where you can see authentic period homes, workshops, and barns set within the stunning South Downs landscape. Enjoy peaceful woodland walks, spot wildlife, or visit the woodland play area — perfect for children to explore and learn through play.
Meet Our Working Animals
Look out for our Heavy Horses, Sheep, and Ducks, who help bring the Museum to life. Visitors can even feed the ducks on the mill pond — grain can be purchased in the Museum shop.
Relax and Refuel
Take a break at our waterside café, serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic, with plenty of scenic spots around the site to enjoy. During the warmer months, Shepherd’s Hut kiosks offer takeaway drinks and snacks around the Museum.
Useful Visitor Information
- Dogs on short leads are very welcome across the site.
- Free parking is available for all visitors.
- Please note: the Museum is a no-smoking site.
- Visitors with accessibility needs can find detailed information on our Accessibility page.
Please note that all activities and demonstrations are subject to change and may vary depending on the weather or season.
