The scarecrows are back at Walmer Castle and Gardens, near Deal this October, with a Myths & Legends Scarecrow Trail through the gardens and a week of spooky half-term activities, finishing with trick or treating around the castle gardens on Halloween.
Scarecrow Trail: Explore the gardens to find a whole host of mythical characters guarding the grounds, made by local schools, clubs and groups. Cast your vote before you leave to help your favourite win a rosette.
Make a Mini Scarecrow: Create your own spooky scarecrow in super-cute miniature form, using pre-cut pieces or starting from scratch with recycled materials and decorations.
Create Your Own Mask: Design your spooky alter ego ready for Halloween, from classic creepy characters to something out of this world.
Selfies in the Costume Studio: Explore the rail of costumes, pick your Halloween persona and gather the family for some spooky selfies.
Trick or Treat: Grab your broomstick, put in your fangs and haunt the castle gardens looking for sweets. Trick or treaters get a wristband, and allergen information is available at each station.

Prices
English Heritage members: Free
The Scarecrow Trail: Free with admission
Create Your Own Mask, Selfies in the Costume Studio and Trick or Treat: £2
Adnission
Online
Adult: From £13.85
Child - 5 to 17 year: From £6.88
Child - under 5 years: Free
Family - 2 adults + up to  3 children: From £34.76

Booking Highlights
Ticket prices are reduced by 30% while the castle interiors are closed for conservation. Book online by midnight the day before your visit to save up to 15%.

Dates & Times
17th October to 1st November 2026
Gardens opening times: 10am to 5pm until 24th October, then 10am to 4pm from 25th October.
Scarecrow Trail: Daily during opening hours
Make a Mini Scarecrow: 27th and 29th October 2026, 11am-2pm
Create Your Own Mask: 28th October 2026, 11am-2pm
Selfies in the Costume Studio: 30th October 2026, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm
Trick or Treat: 31st October 2026, 10.30am-11.30am

Runtime & Schedule
Runtime: Scarecrow Trail is self-led around the gardens at your own pace.
Schedule Note: Our calendar displays the gardens' opening hours for each day. The half-term activities run on selected dates listed above only.

Good To Know
The castle interiors are closed for a major conservation project, but the gardens, tearoom, café, shop and second-hand bookshop are open. Space is limited at the craft activities, so they ask for one adult per child, and there may be a short wait at busy times.

📍 Walmer Castle Visitor Details
Check out our main listing for Walmer Castle and Gardens near Deal for more visitor info, including accessibility and parking. For more adventures at Walmer Castle, click the Events button under the listing's main image - including our listing for Festive Fun at Walmer Castle this Christmas.

⭐ Ready to book Walmer Castle's Halloween half term? Click on the Website link above to go directly to the venue's booking page ⭐

🔗 More Like This
Looking for more spooky fun? Explore our Halloween-Themed Family Fun in Kent guide, or our Halloween & Half Term Events in East Kent guide.

Picture Credit: © English Heritage.

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