Hestercombe Haiku – An Autumn Poetry Walk
Gentle garden walk and creative haiku writing workshop with Jo Middleton.
17 unique & unusual Halloween events in Taunton and nearby.
As autumn colours deepen and the air grows crisp, Taunton and its surrounding towns are embracing the season's transition with a calendar full of events. From craft workshops like the Sculpt a Ceramic Ghostie right here in Taunton, to family-friendly pumpkin festivals further afield, there's a chance to engage with the season.
You’ll find activities scattered across Somerset and into Wales, offering a mix of ticketed experiences and some that are free to attend. Whether you're seeking creative expression, a touch of the autumnal wild, or simply a way to mark the changing light, these happenings await.
Features over 50 varieties of pumpkins, squashes, and quirky gourds.
Features ghostly steam train rides from the haunted house and costume prizes.
Spooky cave projections, pumpkin trails, and circus acrobatics in Somerset caves.
A one-man Samhain storytelling performance by Jason Buck.
See all the unique and unusual Halloween events in one place.
Ask three specifics before booking a tour: total distance, surface type, cobblestones and hills are common on historic routes, and whether the group stops to stand for long stretches, which tires people faster than walking. Many operators run shorter or slower-paced versions on request. Festivals on fairgrounds are generally manageable; grass fields after rain are the exception, so call that week.
First hour for selection, last hour for discounts, pick one. Do a full lap before spending, photograph booths you might return to, and get the vendor's card or social handle for anything you're unsure about, since most sell online year-round. Set a cash cap for impulse buys, and carry purchases in your own tote so nothing gets set down and forgotten.
Walking tours mostly run in light rain, ponchos on, stories continue, and cancel only for storms, usually with rebooking or refunds offered by text a few hours ahead. Festivals soldier through drizzle but cancel for lightning, and grass venues turn to mud that outlasts the rain by a day. Check the operator's weather policy at booking and their social feed before leaving.