Things are getting a little spooky here at Abbotsbury Swannery as the October half-term approaches, with Ghostly Games popping up around the grounds from Saturday 24th October until Sunday 1st November.
Families can set off in search of six Halloween-themed activities, with plenty of ghoulish surprises along the way – set against the beautiful backdrop of the Swannery as autumn settles over the Fleet Lagoon.
With the 2026 visitor season drawing to a close, the upcoming holiday is one of the final opportunities this year to explore the world’s only managed colony of nesting Mute Swans.
Book your October half-term visit to Abbotsbury Swannery →
Ghostly Games arrive for Halloween half term
Ghostly Games turns a walk around the Swannery into an immersive Halloween adventure for families.
Little adventurers can look out for The Bat Cauldron, brave the paths of The Mire, and climb aboard HMS Bone Wreck, passing skeletons, spiders, and pumpkins along the path. It's a great way to weave some seasonal excitement into your day out, keeping the kids active and eager to see what is hiding around the next corner.
The event runs throughout the October half-term; a great option for families searching for things to do in Dorset during the school break.
See the Swannery in autumn
The lush greens of summer begin to give way to autumn colour at the Swannery, while the Fleet Lagoon continues to draw swans and other birdlife as the seasons change.
By now, the cygnets have grown considerably and are approaching the size of their parents. The number of swans around Abbotsbury also begins to increase as other families and non-breeding birds from Dorset and neighbouring counties head towards the Fleet for winter.
For visitors, it’s a fascinating glimpse into another stage of the Swannery’s annual cycle, with plenty happening among the colony as autumn settles in.
Join one of the daily mass swan feeds
A visit during half-term also gives families the chance to experience the daily mass swan feeds at midday and 4pm.
The Swannery team arrives with wheelbarrows and scoops, inviting willing visitors to help feed the birds. Commentary from the team accompanies the feed, so that children and adults have the chance to learn more about the Mute Swans, their behaviour and life at Abbotsbury.
With hundreds of swans living freely around the site, the feeding sessions are the best way to see the colony gathered together and hear directly from the people who care for it throughout the year.
Catch the Brambly Hedge trail
Families visiting before the end of October can also enjoy the final days of the Brambly Hedge Interactive and Story Trail.
The latest trail follows stories from The High Hills and Sea Story, taking visitors around the Swannery with interactive activities, stamp points and questions along the route. Wilfred and Mr Apple’s journey to the High Hills is a magical part of a day spent looking for swans and exploring the lagoon landscape.
The Brambly Hedge trail runs until 31st October, so the autumn half-term is the final opportunity for young explorers.
Make a full family day of it
Ghostly Games can easily form part of a longer day at Abbotsbury. Families can explore the two main walks through the Swannery, tackle the living willow swan maze and visit the playground and pedal go-karts, weather permitting.
The living willow maze has been shaped into a giant swan, with a three-metre woven willow egg waiting at its centre. It changes naturally with the seasons and is another activity for children to engage with between the Halloween games and time spent watching the birds.
The café is also open for light lunches, cakes and drinks, while the gift shop offers toys, books, stationery and souvenirs to take home after your visit.
Plan your final visit of the 2026 season
October half-term falls at the very end of the Swannery’s visitor season, so this is the last chance for families to visit before the gates close for winter.
If you are looking for things to do in Dorset this autumn, make Ghostly Games part of your family day out and enjoy one final Swannery adventure before the season comes to an end.
Posted on October 6th 2026
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