IF you're looking for things to do with the children this October half-term, then look no further.

Half-term is often our last chance to jet off with the family for a top-up dose of sunshine, but this year we'll need to find our fun closer to home... so we've rounded up a dozen boredom-busting days out for you.

Throughout the autumn: Cider Circuits

Pack the gang into the car, or older kids might have the legs to hit the new cider circuits on bikes, as there are two loops that are fun for all the family to take in the apple harvest.

Stop off for a tour and tasting at an orchard – cider for the grown ups and apple juice for the kids.

Get involved in a local pressing, pick your own from the heritage orchards at the National Trust properties at Berrington Hall and Brockhampton and indulge a sweet tooth with apple cake at a tea room or with an apple pie milkshake at The Beefy Boys.

applesforautumn.co.uk

October 24 to November 1: Skeletons, witches, and zombies in Hereford

Hereford City Council has announced that the city will be "fang-tastic" over half-term.

Using a smartphone app, you'll be able to walk around the city centre and find creepy characters including zombies, skeletons and witches. Full information has not yet been released, but with the Love Exploring app, augmented reality shows a creepy virtual world.

The app is already in use for a dinosaur trail, which Hereford's mayor, councillor Kath Hey, says is a "fantastic addition" to the city's current walks and trails.

loveexploring.co.uk

October 24 to November 1: Spooky Trail with Creepy Clues at Goodrich Castle

Gather your little monsters and book tickets for a ghoulishly good day out at Goodrich Castle. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories.

Don't forget to dress up as there will be a competition every day for the most frightening fancy dress. Goodrich is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country and its battlements offer a stunning view across the River Wye of autumnal trees changing colour.

The activities are suitable for all ages and run every day between October 24 and November 1 from 10am to 5pm. Entry to the castle is £9.90 for adults and £6 per child (5- 17-years).

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/goodrich-castle

Until November 1: The Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre

The last day of half term will also be the last chance this year to see the animals and owls at this well laid-out farm park and owl centre.

There are always plenty of youngsters to meet – including the little donkey (Smog) born in August and the owlets. Get in with the friendly pygmy goats and feed them, watch the red squirrels scurry around and gaze at the 3-plus species of owls.

There are lots of open spaces for a picnic and a small café for takeaway food and drink at the centre near Kington. Open daily from 10.30am to 5pm, entry is £10 for adults, £7 for children with under 2s going free. No need to pre-book

www.owlcentre.com

October 26 to October 31: Pick your own at Pumpkin Pete's

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If you want a fun, daytime and completely un-scary half term activity with a Halloween twist take the family to Moorcourt Farm and pick your very own pumpkin, fresh from the patch, to take home and carve a spooky lantern or make into soup or pumpkin pie.

The patch will be open from 10am-4pm and you can book your session, £2 per car, online.

pumpkinpetes.co.uk

Daily: The Viking Games in the Golden Valley

Home to a fantastic range of Viking inspired group activities Herefordshire's Golden Valley is the place to channel Nordic gamesmanship outdoors with the family during half term.

Take part in one or all of six traditional Nordic games - Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige- adapted for 21st century fun and guaranteed to bring out the Viking warrior in all of us.

Several packages are available combining the different games.

To book and for more information call 01981 240896 or visit their website

thevikinggames.co.uk

October 26 to October 28: Green Tree Adventures

The Spooky Woodland Forest School Holiday Club at Brockamptom Primary School near Bromyard will have a bunch of activities to keep children busy.

Not only will all children get to take home their own pumpkin, but from 9am to 3pm they will cook, play games and have lots of fun in the crooked house.

Children will need to wear warm clothes, waterproofs and boots, but unfortunately no Halloween costumes will be allowed. Age 4-11 year olds. Places cost £30. Fully Covid-19 compliant, places can be booked by calling Green Tree Adventures on 07976 355691.

Until November 1: Halloween at Ralph Court Gardens

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With glowing pumpkins, smoke effects, spooky sounds and fun Halloween characters, Ralph Court is transformed into a truly spooky and memorable venue. But don't miss the 12 unique gardens waiting to be explored – from Italy to Africa, via Japan and down the rabbit hole with Alice, you'll be transported around the world and beyond into a mythical-fantasy world.

With a surprise around every corner, the gardens are for all ages and wheel-chair friendly.

"What a magical and imaginative place it was. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wish to thank you for the pleasure it gave us."

ralphcourtgardens.co.uk

October 27 and October 29: Oaker Wood Leisure

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The Holiday Club was so popular over the summer that the Kingsland-based centre will be running it this October half-term, limiting numbers to ensure they can safely offer adventurous activities in a Covid-safe environment, with sessions on two days between 9am and 3.30pm.

It will be the last chance to let off steam in the woods before winter sets in and children aged between seven and 12 can speed down the zip wire, scale the monkey climbing trees, and make an outdoor pizza – among other activities.

oakerwoodleisure.co.uk

Every day: Queenswood Country Park

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The Arboretum and woodlands are open to walk in but you're asked to follow government guidelines on social distancing and advised to keep dogs on leads throughout the site.

The playground has re-opened with the advice that no more than six children enter the play area at one time, with one adult per child. If demand is high, you're asked to limit your child to 30 minutes' play and no food or drink are to be consumed within the play area.

queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org

October 24 to November 1: Spooky Witley Court

Witley Court and Gardens near Worcester is inviting all young ghouls and monsters for a scarily fun day out. Spooky Witley Court is a trail to follow with creepy clues and spooky stories along the way.

Children should get their Halloween costumes out and take part in the daily fancy dress competition.There will also be spooky woodland walks (October 29 to 31) in the evenings where Witley's ghost-hunting storytellers will take you on a journey through the shadowy grounds as darkness falls.

english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/witley-court-and-gardens

Tuesday 27 October. 9.30am-4.30pm: Dance in a Day!

Join 2Faced Dance Company's professional Dance Artists for a full day on dance and fun at our Centre for Movement inn Gaol Street.

Suitable for all abilities (ages 7-18), from complete beginners to dance fanatics, this day-long workshop will have you moving and grooving and learning some funky new moves! Learn from the best as our dancers take the lead and delivera day to remember.And all for just £25!

2faceddance.co.uk