Autumn suits London. Hyde Park turns gold, museums roll out hands-on half-term fun, and the city swaps summer queues for calmer days and cosy evenings. For a London October half term escape, we’ve done the sifting for you.
At Central Park Collection, Central Park Hotel and Royal Eagle Hotel put you close to the best October half term activities in London – with quiet rooms for a good night’s sleep. Make it even better with our Late Escape Deal and save up to 35% on central London stays.
Whether it’s pumpkins, science demos or a Thames adventure, this guide shows the easiest wins within 20 minutes of our doors.
October Half Term: Family Guide Near Hyde Park
Dates: Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov 2025 (check your local school dates)
Tickets: Many events are FREE; paid highlights use timed entry
Area focus: Hyde Park • South Kensington • Marylebone • South Bank
Nearest stations: Paddington (Bakerloo/Circle/District/Elizabeth), Queensway (Central), Bayswater (Circle/District)
From our hotels: 10–20 mins by foot/Tube from Central Park Hotel & Royal Eagle Hotel
This guide covers: Limited-run half-term picks + rainy-day favourites with quick routes and booking links.
London October Half-term: Where to Stay
If you’re searching for family-friendly hotels near Hyde Park for London October half term, both of our Central Park Collection properties offer comfort, convenience and great value — minutes from Paddington, Queensway (Central line) and Bayswater (Circle/District).
Central Park Hotel
Situated moments from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Central Park Hotel combines comfort with a quiet Bayswater location — two minutes from Queensway and Bayswater stations. It’s a popular choice for families planning South Kensington museum days (Natural History Museum and Science Museum) and calm evenings close to the park.
Royal Eagle Hotel
Just five minutes from Paddington Station (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Elizabeth line & Heathrow Express) and a short walk from Hyde Park, Royal Eagle Hotel is ideal if you want to be close to the action without overspending. Its classic Victorian charm and family-friendly rooms make it a smart base for Madame Tussauds, ZSL London Zoo, and easy South Bank trips on the Bakerloo line.
Both hotels balance convenience (you’re close to the fun) with tranquillity (you won’t feel the full bustle) — perfect for things to do in London October half term with kids.
October Half Term Must-See Highlights
Boo at the Zoo – ZSL London Zoo (Regent’s Park)
Pumpkin patch, spooky crafts, silent disco & animal talks.
Event & Tickets
Hyde Park “Discovery Days: Hair-Raising Halloween” (FREE)
Nature crafts, trails & storytelling at the Learning Centre.
Details
V&A South Kensington – October Half-Term Festival (FREE)
Design drop-ins, performances & sensory exploration.
Programme
London Transport Museum – “Roaring Twenties”
Hands-on family activities and shows in Covent Garden.
What’s On
Southbank Centre – Literature Festival Family Activities (FREE)
Drop-in workshops like Alphabet Soup during half term.
Family Programme
The Wallace Collection – The Big Draw & Family Armour Day (Marylebone)
Try-on armour, drawing and family sessions.
Family Events
Hamleys Regent Street – Half-Term Activities
Character meets, demos and Halloween activities all week.
What’s On
Regent’s Park Nature Roadshows (FREE)
Pop-up mini nature “museum”, crafts & trails on selected dates.
Royal Parks Listings
Great Central Add-Ons This October Half-Term
Natural History Museum – Halloween at the Natural History Museum
Family-friendly Natural History Museum Halloween trails/talks appear each Oct; it’s a classic for things to do in London in October half term and a short hop from Queensway/Bayswater.
Visit NHM
Science Museum – Halloween at the Science Museum
Expect Science Museum Halloween touches alongside Wonderlab and hands-on galleries – easy for a compact oct half term London morning.
Plan Your Visit
Madame Tussauds London (Baker Street)
Star-spotting, Marvel & Star Wars zones; walkable from Baker Street via the Bakerloo from Paddington. A reliable October half term London crowd-pleaser.
Tickets & Info
Paradox Museum London (Knightsbridge)
Optical-illusion playground; pair with South Ken museums.
Official Site
The Paddington Bear™ Experience (South Bank, County Hall)
The big new immersive near Westminster/Waterloo – easy via Bakerloo.
Official Site
SEA LIFE London Aquarium (South Bank)
60–90 minute timed visit; combine with Paddington Bear.
SEA LIFE London
Twist Museum (Oxford Street)
Illusions & photo-ops; quick from Queensway/Bayswater or Paddington → Bakerloo to Oxford Circus.
Plan Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in London this October half term near Hyde Park?
Start with Hyde Park Discovery Days (free), then pick one anchor nearby: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Madame Tussauds, ZSL London Zoo, or a South Bank combo (Paddington Bear Experience + SEA LIFE). All are ~10–20 mins from Paddington/Queensway/Bayswater.
Is there a Natural History Museum Halloween?
Yes—each year NHM runs family activities and seasonal trails around late October. It’s an easy South Kensington hop from Queensway (Central) or Bayswater (Circle/District); allow 2–3 hours and pre-book a free timed entry plus any paid extras.
Does the Science Museum have Halloween events?
They usually add spooky-science touches to galleries and family programmes during half term. Book a free entry slot, then consider Wonderlab (paid) for hands-on experiments. From our hotels, go via Queensway/Bayswater to South Kensington or walk across Kensington Gardens.
October London Half Term: How do we beat queues and plan an easy day ?
Book timed tickets (even free ones), choose weekday mornings or just after lunch, and plan one anchor + one nearby filler:
South Kensington: Natural History Museum → Science Museum → Knightsbridge (Paradox Museum)
Marylebone/Regent’s Park: Madame Tussauds → Zoo/Wallace Collection
South Bank: Paddington Bear → SEA LIFE → optional Thames cruise
How close are Central Park Hotel and Royal Eagle Hotel to transport for half-term activities?
Central Park Hotel: 2–3 mins to Queensway (Central)/Bayswater (Circle/District) — perfect for South Kensington museums.
Royal Eagle Hotel: ~5 mins to Paddington for Bakerloo, Circle, District, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express — direct for Baker Street (Madame Tussauds/Zoo) and quick to the South Bank.
