Wookey Hole Halloween 2026: Our Family Stay at Wookey Hole Hotel (Pumpkins Included!)
Updated: Oct 5
Glowing pumpkins hidden deep underground, a legendary witch turned to stone, and two very small pumpkins of our own leading the way. Some family adventures are just a little bit magical.
On the very first weekend of October, we headed to Somerset for a spooky family stay at Wookey Hole Hotel, right next door to the famous Wookey Hole Caves, to kick off the Halloween season at the opening weekend of their Halloween event, which the attraction proudly calls the Home of Halloween. Our two dressed up as the cutest little pumpkins, ready to be among the very first little explorers of the season to follow the Witch’s glowing pumpkin trail.
In this guide I’m sharing everything from our stay: our Family Juliette Room, where we ate in Wells, every part of the Halloween event from the cave projections to the Monster’s Ball circus, the fascinating history of the caves, the Spooky Breaks package, and the best things to do nearby in Wells, Glastonbury and the Mendip Hills. If you’re searching for an honest Wookey Hole review, or looking for the best family Halloween events in Somerset this year, here’s everything you need to know, including our answers to the most common Wookey Hole questions at the end...
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Where is Wookey Hole Hotel?
Wookey Hole Hotel sits in the village of Wookey Hole, near Wells in Somerset (postcode BA5 1BA), nestled in the Mendip Hills and just a short walk from the entrance to Wookey Hole Caves. You genuinely can’t get closer to the action, which is a total game changer with young children.
Image credit: Wookey Hole Hotel website
If you have enough time, the location is brilliant for exploring Somerset too. The historic city of Wells is under three miles away, Glastonbury is around seven and a half miles, and Bath and Bristol are both within easy reach for a day trip. There’s plenty of free parking right outside the hotel, which makes arriving with a boot full of bags (and pumpkin costumes) wonderfully easy.
First Impressions
Wookey Hole Hotel is a modern, comfortable and relaxed hotel, designed very much with families in mind. It’s not a grand country house, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it’s a practical, welcoming base with everything you need for a fun-filled family break, and the location right next to the caves is its real superpower. From the moment we arrived, our two children were so excited about the Halloween decor on the outside of the hotel with its giant spiders, the witch-looking turret (which is a permanent fixture) and the giant Halloween statues greeting us as we entered.
One of the things that really stood out to us throughout our stay was just how lovely everyone at Wookey Hole was. Every person we encountered seemed genuinely friendly, welcoming and polite, and it made the whole weekend feel incredibly relaxed and easy. I always think the people you meet can affect a travel experience just as much as the place itself; there’s a certain kind of luxury in feeling completely looked after, with happy children, happy parents and nothing feeling difficult. We came away having had the loveliest weekend together, and ultimately that feeling of being able to switch off, enjoy each other’s company and make genuinely happy memories. This is the kind of luxury you remember long after a trip is over.
Our Room: The Family Juliette Room
We stayed in a Family Juliette Room, and it was a great spacious choice for a family of four. These rooms are on the first floor and come with a king-size bed and a single bed, with space for an additional single bed for families of four. The real highlight is the French windows opening onto a Juliette balcony, with lovely views of the village and the hillside.
Double bed in the Family Juliette Room at Wookey Hole Hotel Family Juliette Room layout at Wookey Hole Hotel, Somerset Spacious family room at Wookey Hole Hotel near Wells Family Juliette Room interiors at Wookey Hole Hotel
The ensuite has both a bath and a shower, which is always a win after a busy day with little ones, and you’ll also find free high-speed WiFi, an LCD TV with a DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. One lovely touch for families is the free DVD library at reception, which is perfect for a cosy film night in pyjamas after all the Halloween excitement. Interconnecting rooms are available on request if you need more space, and travel cots are also available. Worth knowing: the Family Juliette Rooms aren’t pet-friendly, but the hotel does have designated pet-friendly rooms if you’re bringing the dog.
Breakfast Before the Caves
We decided to have breakfast at the hotel, which made the morning so much easier and set us up perfectly before walking over to the caves. There was plenty of choice for both adults and children, with Olivia and Roman very happily starting with scrambled eggs on toast and beans on toast, followed by pancakes with chocolate sauce and fruit. There’s also a full cooked breakfast, alongside pastries and continental options, so there was something for everyone.
Breakfast at Wookey Hole Hotel before visiting the caves Morning at Wookey Hole Hotel before our Halloween day out Restaurant and breakfast room at Wookey Hole Hotel, Somerset Halloween decorations at Wookey Hole Hotel Family breakfast at Wookey Hole Hotel
More than anything, we loved the convenience. We could have a relaxed breakfast, get the children into their Halloween costumes and then simply walk across to Wookey Hole Caves without having to get back in the car, which is exactly the kind of easy start you want with two little ones.
Halloween at Wookey Hole 2026: The Home of Halloween
The main reason for our trip was to kick off the Halloween season at Wookey Hole, and we timed our visit for the event’s opening weekend. As autumn darkness creeps across the Mendip Hills, the whole attraction transforms into a spooky, magical adventure, and it’s easily one of the best family Halloween events in Somerset. This year, the event runs from 3 October to 1 November 2026, on selected weekends from 3 October and then daily from 24 October throughout the October half term, so there’s plenty of time to plan a visit.
Immersive cave projections and the Witch of Wookey
The heart of the experience is a journey deep underground through the famous caves, where spectacular new immersive projections bring the legendary story of the Witch of Wookey Hole to life among the ancient rock formations. It transforms a cave tour into a magical Halloween adventure, and watching the children’s faces light up in the darkness was really special. The Witch herself also makes special appearances throughout the event.
Glowing Halloween pumpkins inside Wookey Hole Caves Lantern-lit cave chamber on the Wookey Hole Halloween pumpkin trail Immersive Halloween light projections in Wookey Hole Caves
The glowing pumpkin trail
Hidden throughout the caves are mysterious glowing pumpkins, supposedly placed there by the Witch herself. Children follow the trail, solve the puzzle and help unravel the mystery, and every young explorer who completes the challenge receives a Halloween prize from the on-site witch. Along the way, you’ll pass spectacular underground chambers and even the cave where Wookey Hole’s award-winning cave-aged Cheddar is matured.
The Monster’s Ball Circus Extravaganza
The Wookey Hole Circus is taken over by the creatures of the night for the Monster’s Ball, where a grand monster banquet descends into glorious chaos. Expect daring vampire stunts, acrobatics, magic, juggling, gymnastics and some seriously impressive tricks.
Monster’s Ball Halloween circus show at Wookey Hole Halloween circus performers at Wookey Hole, Somerset
What makes the show even more special is that the performers are students from the local Wookey Hole Circus School, where young people train in a huge range of circus skills. We were genuinely blown away by their talent, from incredible balance and coordination to aerial work, juggling and gymnastics, the level of skill was amazing to watch.
Fun Fact: The Wookey Hole Circus team even perform at Glastonbury Festival each year, and after seeing them ourselves, it’s easy to understand why. The circus was one of the highlights of our visit and far exceeded what we were expecting from a family attraction.
Monster Mayhem 4D
The 4D cinema shows Monster Mayhem 4D, a funny monster adventure with seat-shaking action and special effects, ending in a dance celebration. It’s suitable for brave explorers aged three and over.
Monster Golf and soft play
The pirate-themed adventure golf course gets a spooky Halloween makeover for Monster Golf, and there’s a giant indoor soft play area for little monsters, as well as arcade machines and a mirror maze to burn off extra energy while the grown-ups grab a well-earned coffee
Monster Golf Halloween adventure golf at Wookey Hole Spooky pirate adventure golf course at Wookey Hole
Dino Land
Dino Land was another huge hit, especially with Roman. The life-sized dinosaurs are incredibly realistic, with movement and sounds that make it feel as though you’ve stepped into their world. At three, Roman was completely fascinated, although their realism meant he was also just a little bit terrified, very much that excited kind of scared where he wanted to stay close to us but absolutely didn’t want to leave. It made the whole experience even more magical for him, and he talked about the dinosaurs long after we’d left.
Everything else included
Your Halloween ticket also includes all of Wookey Hole’s usual attractions, including spooky museum exhibits and cave-diving footage, a vintage penny arcade, the legendary Mirror Maze and Dinosaur Valley. With so much of it indoors or underground, it’s a brilliant option whatever the October weather is doing.
Our Two Little Pumpkins
Of course, our two had to dress up, and they went as the cutest little pumpkins. Wookey Hole actively encourages fancy dress, and the Witch loves seeing families in their spooky best, whether that’s witches, skeletons, wizards or, in our case, pumpkins.
Even better, every family who takes a photo in fancy dress and tags Wookey Hole on Facebook or Instagram is entered into a daily prize draw to win a year-long Wookey Hole membership, which includes entry to the new Winter Wonderland experience. So pack those costumes!
Our two have refused to take theirs off ever since, with Roman apparently deciding that Halloween is now less of an occasion and more of a dress code, he happily headed into nursery the following morning still dressed as a pumpkin.
Our two little pumpkins in Halloween costumes at Wookey Hole Pumpkin costumes and Halloween fun at Wookey Hole Pumpkin costumes at the entrance to Halloween at Wookey Hole Halloween pumpkin display at Wookey Hole, Somerset
A Little History: The Caves and the Witch of Wookey
Even without the Halloween magic, Wookey Hole Caves are fascinating. They’re the largest show caves in England, carved by water over millions of years beneath the Mendip Hills, and visitors can explore eight stunning chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites and the underground River Axe.
The caves have been used by people and animals for more than 50,000 years. Archaeologists have found Neanderthal flint tools, and remains of rhinoceroses, bears, mammoths and lions have been uncovered in the valley. Celtic farmers settled at the cave entrance around 2,600 years ago, and the Romans revered the sacred spring outside.
Wookey Hole is also known as the birthplace of British cave diving, and in 2015, Chamber 20 opened to the public after a 70-metre tunnel was blasted through solid rock to reach a chamber previously only accessible to divers. And then there’s the legend of the Witch of Wookey, who, according to local folklore, lived deep within the caves before being turned to stone. You can still see the rock formation said to be the Witch today, which the children found both thrilling and slightly terrifying.
Fun fact: Wookey Hole’s cave-aged Cheddar, made by Ford Farm cheesemakers, is carried by hand 200 feet underground to mature in the caves. For grown-ups wanting to go deeper, the Wookey Uncovered heritage experience takes you into a chamber not on the standard tour and finishes with a tasting of cave-aged cheese and Somerset cider.
The Spooky Breaks Package
If you’re planning a Halloween trip, the hotel’s Spooky Breaks Package is excellent value. It starts from £199 for a family of four and includes an overnight stay in a family-friendly room, breakfast at the hotel, and tickets to Wookey Hole, covering the caves, the Halloween activities, the 4D cinema, Dinosaur Valley, adventure golf, soft play, the penny arcade, museums and more.
For 2026, the package is available at weekends (Friday to Sunday) from 2 to 20 October, and daily from 23 October to 1 November. We stayed on the opening weekend, and I’d really recommend one of the early October weekends if you want to get into the Halloween spirit before the half-term rush. Booking direct with the hotel also gives you the best prices on packages and discounted tickets, and Wookey Hole offers 15% off tickets booked in advance if you’re just visiting for the day. We chose a room-only stay and ate out in Wells instead, which is a good option if you’d like to explore beyond the attraction.
Things to Do Near Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole is a brilliant base for exploring this beautiful corner of Somerset. After checking in we enjoyed a drink and snack at the hotel bar before exploring Wookey Hole village, which is such an enchanting and beautiful place to wander the cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace moat.
Fun Fact: for film fans: the comedy Hot Fuzz was filmed in Wells, so keep an eye out for familiar spots!
Here are more local highlights you can enjoy if you have time:
Wells
England’s smallest city is just a few minutes’ drive away and is an absolute gem. Wells Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, with a West Front adorned with hundreds of medieval statues, its famous scissor arches and one of the oldest working mechanical clocks in the world. Stroll along Vicars’ Close, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited street, and visit The Bishop’s Palace, with its moat, 14 acres of gardens and swans that ring a bell for their food, a tradition dating back to the 1850s. Walking around the outer moat is free. Markets fill the Market Place every Wednesday and Saturday.
Milton Lodge Gardens
Just under two miles from Wookey Hole, Milton Lodge Gardens is a free-to-enter, Grade II listed garden with terraces, colourful borders and stunning views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon. It’s open from spring to autumn.
Glastonbury and Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury is famous for its history, legends and bohemian character, with Glastonbury Abbey, Chalice Well and the iconic Tor all nearby. The climb up the Tor from Wellhouse Lane takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and the panoramic views across Somerset from the top are spectacular. There’s no parking at the Tor itself, so park in town and walk.
Cheddar Gorge
England’s largest gorge is a short, scenic drive across the Mendips, with dramatic limestone cliffs, more caves to explore and, of course, plenty of Cheddar cheese to taste. It pairs perfectly with a Wookey Hole trip.
Clarks Village
In nearby Street, Clarks Village has over 90 designer and high-street brands at discounted prices, set among landscaped gardens, plus The Shoe Museum, which tells the story of Clarks shoes in the town where it all began.
Walks in the Mendip Hills
With the Mendip Hills right on the doorstep, there are beautiful countryside walks straight from the village, including family-friendly and dog-friendly trails. An autumn walk through the golden leaves is the perfect way to spend a morning.
Our Suggested Halloween Weekend Itinerary
Here’s how I’d plan a Halloween weekend at Wookey Hole with children, whether you visit on one of the October weekends like we did or during half term. My recommendation would be to stay the night before your visit, so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and make the most of the entire day without rushing.
Day One: Arrive, Explore and Settle In
Arrive in Somerset and spend the afternoon exploring nearby Wells, with its beautiful cathedral, independent shops and The Bishop’s Palace, where you might even catch the famous bell-ringing swans. Enjoy an early dinner in the city before heading to Wookey Hole Hotel to check in. Get the children's Halloween costumes ready for the following morning, then settle in for a cosy evening with a film from the hotel's DVD library.
Day Two: A Full Day of Halloween Adventures
Start with breakfast at the hotel before getting everyone into their Halloween costumes and taking the short walk over to Wookey Hole. Spend the morning exploring the spectacular caves and Halloween pumpkin trail before enjoying the Monster’s Ball circus, Dino Land, Monster Golf and the 4D cinema. With so much included, I'd recommend allowing the entire day rather than trying to squeeze everything into a few hours.
If you're travelling home the following day or have some extra time, Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge are both wonderful additions to a family weekend in Somerset.
Wookey Hole FAQs: Everything Families Ask
Here are the questions I get asked most about visiting Wookey Hole with children, with everything I found out before and during our stay.
When is Halloween at Wookey Hole 2026?
The Home of Halloween event runs from 3 October to 1 November 2026. It’s on at weekends from 3 October, then every day from 24 October throughout the October half term.
Is Wookey Hole worth visiting?
Absolutely, especially with children. One standard ticket covers the famous caves plus the circus show, 4D cinema, Dinosaur Valley, adventure golf, soft play, the penny arcade, the Mirror Maze and the museums, so it’s easy to fill a whole day. During Halloween, the cave projections, pumpkin trail and themed shows make it even better value.
How long do you need at Wookey Hole?
The guided cave tour itself lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, but most visitors spend anywhere from half a day to a full day at Wookey Hole. With the Halloween activities, circus show and soft play, I’d plan for a full day, which is exactly why staying at the hotel next door works so well.
How much are Wookey Hole tickets?
At the time of writing, standard day tickets start from around £19.99 for adults and £15.99 for children, with the best prices when you book online in advance. The Halloween activities are included in your day ticket. Prices change throughout the year, so always check the official Wookey Hole website. If you’re staying over, the Spooky Breaks Package from £199 for a family of four, including tickets, is the best value option.
Can you take a buggy into Wookey Hole Caves?
Buggies can’t be taken through the caves. Instead, you’ll leave your buggy at the entrance before the tour and the Wookey Hole team will take it around to the cave exit, ready for you to collect when you come out. There are around 200 steps through the caves, as well as a few lower sections where you’ll need to duck, so I’d recommend bringing a baby carrier for younger children. Buggies can then be used throughout the rest of the attraction. The caves themselves aren’t wheelchair accessible, although the majority of the wider Wookey Hole site is.
How cold is it inside Wookey Hole Caves?
The caves stay at a constant temperature of around 11°C all year round, which is why they’re perfect for maturing Cheddar. Even in fancy dress, pop an extra layer on the children for the cave tour.
Is Wookey Hole good for toddlers?
Yes. The soft play, Dinosaur Valley and circus show are all brilliant for younger children, and the Halloween pumpkin trail is easy for little ones to follow. The Monster Mayhem 4D cinema is suitable for ages three and over, and I’d recommend a carrier for the caves for very little ones.
Can you take dogs to Wookey Hole?
Only assistance dogs are allowed at the attraction. However, Wookey Hole Hotel does have designated pet-friendly rooms, so check availability if you’re planning a trip with the dog.
Is the Halloween event too scary for young children?
The event is designed as a magical family adventure rather than a fright-fest, with the Witch, glowing pumpkins and playful monster shows aimed squarely at children. As with anything spooky, it’s worth talking younger children through what to expect, especially in the darker parts of the caves.
Tips for Your Stay
Here’s what I’d pass on to anyone planning a stay:
Bring costumes! Fancy dress makes the day so much more fun, and you’ll be entered into the daily membership prize draw.
Book the Spooky Breaks Package. Bundling your stay, breakfast and tickets is the best value way to do it.
Consider an early October weekend. The event runs at weekends from the start of October before going daily over half term, so a weekend visit like ours is a lovely way to get into the Halloween spirit early.
Visit Wookey Hole before you check in. Check-in isn’t until 4pm, but the attraction is just a short walk away, so make a day of it.
Consider eating in Wells. If you book room only like we did, Fosso Lounge on Wells High Street is a relaxed, family-friendly choice for both breakfast and dinner, and it’s only a short drive away.
Pack warm layers. The caves stay cool all year round, and October evenings in the Mendips can be chilly.
Ask about the Juliette balcony rooms. The views of the village and hillside make them feel extra special for a small upgrade.
Book tickets in advance. Wookey Hole offers 15% off advance tickets if you’re not on a package.
Bring a car. The nearest train stations are 16 to 20 miles away, and a car makes exploring Somerset far easier.
Is It Good for Families?
Absolutely. Wookey Hole Hotel is designed for families, with a range of family room options, a children’s menu, a games room, a DVD library and, best of all, one of Somerset’s biggest family attractions just a short walk away. During Halloween, the combination of cave adventures, circus shows, pumpkin trails and fancy dress makes it an incredibly fun, stress-free family break.
It’s not a luxury hotel in the traditional sense, but for a playful, great-value family adventure, it ticks every box, and seeing the children so excited made it worth every minute. They were sad to leave as we all had such a great time!
Final Thoughts: Would We Go Back?
Kicking off the Halloween season at Wookey Hole was one of those family trips that’s all about the memories: two little pumpkins exploring ancient caves, glowing lanterns in the darkness, circus shows and a cosy night in our Family Juliette Room. For a fun, easy and great-value family break in Somerset, I’d highly recommend it, especially at Halloween.
You can find out more and book directly on the Wookey Hole Hotel website, and see the full event details on the Halloween at Wookey Hole page. And if you’re planning more UK family breaks, have a read of my Landal Dylan Coastal Resort review and Cotswolds Farm Park stay too.
Ad/PR Invite, our stay at Wookey Hole Hotel was kindly gifted. As always opinions are my own.
If this has sparked your wanderlust, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram and TikTok [@sammylouluxe] as that’s where I share behind-the-scenes stories, travel tips, and magical moments from my trips as they happen. Think of my Stories as your front-row pass to the adventure, long before it hits the grid or features on the Travel Editorial.
Image credits: SammyLouLuxe & Wookey Hole / Wookey Hole Hotel website
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