Wondering what’s on at Trentham Gardens this autumn and winter? From Halloween entertainment and spectacular circus performances to Christmas lights, festive markets, gardens and family attractions, the Trentham Estate near Stoke-on-Trent offers plenty to enjoy from October through to the New Year.
Set in Staffordshire, Trentham Estate combines beautiful gardens, woodland walks, a lively shopping village and attractions for all ages. Whether you’re planning a family half-term adventure, a festive evening with friends or a full day exploring the estate, there’s something to add to your itinerary.
One of the highlights this October is Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular, bringing thrilling circus acts and family entertainment to the Big Top from 23 October to 1 November 2026. Alongside the circus, visitors can discover seasonal activities in Trentham Gardens, browse independent shops in Trentham Shopping Village and enjoy the estate’s winter events.
Event dates, prices and opening times can change, so check the relevant organiser before travelling. If you’re curious about the circus itself, you can also learn more about how old Gandeys Circus is and its history. For the latest information about Gandeys productions, visit our tour dates page.
Gandeys Circus at Trentham: Halloween Spooktacular
Looking for something exciting to do during October half term? The Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular arrives at Trentham Estate for a brand-new 2026 production, combining spectacular circus skills, thrilling acts and big production numbers in a family-friendly Halloween show.
The Big Top brings a lively atmosphere to the estate, with spooky seasonal touches and entertainment designed for families, children and teenagers. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a traditional circus experience with a Halloween twist, whether you’re visiting Trentham for the first time or returning for another autumn day out.
Where and when is Gandeys Circus at Trentham?
The circus takes place in the Big Top at Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 8JG.
The advertised dates and performance times are:
- Dates: Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
- Opening night: Friday 23 October at 5:30pm, with an opening-night offer of £9.99 for all seats, plus a £4 supplement for Ringside seats.
- Weekend performances: 12 noon, 2:30pm and 5:30pm, with no 5:30pm performance on Sunday 1 November.
- October half term: 2:30pm and 5:30pm daily from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, with an additional 12 noon performance on Friday 30 October.
- Tickets: from £9.99 for Side seats to £35 for Premium Ringside, plus a £1.95 booking fee per ticket. Family ticket options are also available.
- On-site box office: scheduled to open on Tuesday 20 October.
Each performance lasts approximately two hours, including the interval. The show features human performers only, with no animals. Frequently asked questions about Gandeys Circus cover details such as show duration, accessibility and ticket policies, and children under two can attend free when sitting on a parent’s lap.
Hot food, drinks, candy floss and popcorn are available inside the Big Top, making it easy to enjoy a treat before the performance or during the interval, and visitors should also be aware of the circus’s full ticket terms and conditions when booking.
For ticket information and the latest show details, visit the Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular page.
Explore Trentham Estate and Trentham Gardens
A visit to Trentham can be much more than a single event. The Trentham Estate covers approximately 725 acres on Stone Road, at the southern edge of Stoke-on-Trent, with gardens, woodland, lakeside walks, family attractions and shopping all within the wider estate.
Visitors can combine a ticketed visit to Trentham Gardens with time exploring Trentham Shopping Village, which has its own collection of independent retailers, cafés and restaurants. This variety makes Trentham a popular destination for day trips from Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding Staffordshire area.
Discover the gardens and lakeside walks
Trentham Gardens offers landscaped outdoor spaces, colourful planting and peaceful walking routes. Highlights include the Italian Gardens, the David Austin Rose Border, the Floral Labyrinth and woodland walks around Trentham Lake.
The lakeside route is a popular choice for visitors who want to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. It can also be suitable for families with buggies, depending on the route and ground conditions.
Children have additional opportunities to explore through attractions such as the Adventure Playground and Hide and Speak Maze. The Junior Kart Track is another option for younger visitors, although availability and any charges should be checked before your visit.
Garden admission is charged separately, so check the official estate information if you want to include the gardens in your day.
Visit Trentham Monkey Forest
For another family attraction, Trentham Monkey Forest sits next to the estate. This 60-acre woodland is home to around 140 Barbary macaques, which roam freely through the forest.
Walking through the woodland gives visitors the opportunity to observe the monkeys in a naturalistic environment while learning more about their behaviour and conservation. It’s a distinctive addition to a family trip and can be combined with other activities in the Trentham area, subject to opening times and separate admission; if you’re planning around late October, a Halloween countdown guide with Gandeys Spooktacular dates can help you time your visit.
Shop and eat at Trentham Shopping Village
Trentham Shopping Village is ideal for browsing independent shops, finding gifts and taking a break for food or coffee. The village has a relaxed atmosphere and provides a different experience from a conventional indoor shopping centre.
With shops, cafés and restaurants gathered around the estate, it’s a useful stop between outdoor activities. The supplied standard opening hours are 10am to 5:30pm, although individual businesses and seasonal events may operate differently.
For a day that includes the circus, consider exploring the gardens or shopping village earlier, enjoying a meal and then heading to the Big Top for your booked performance. Remember to leave enough time to travel between attractions and arrive before your show begins.
Halloween Events at Trentham Gardens
Halloween is a major seasonal highlight at Trentham, with activities for families and visitors looking for something different to do during the October school holidays.
From 24 October to 1 November 2026, the advertised Halloween Half Term programme in the gardens includes pumpkin displays created by professional carvers, a family theatre show, live music, vintage fairground rides and a market. These activities are included with garden admission, according to the supplied event information.
The Shaun the Sheep Find the Flock Trail also runs until 1 November, giving younger visitors another reason to explore the gardens.
Trentham Halloween Festival
On 31 October and 1 November, Trentham Gardens is scheduled to host an evening Halloween Festival from 5pm to 9pm.
The event includes fairground rides, costumed characters and a makers market, creating a seasonal atmosphere after dark. The evening festival is booked separately, so check the organiser’s information for admission prices, availability and entry requirements.
If you’re looking for more seasonal inspiration, take a look at our guide to Halloween events for kids.
With the circus and the gardens’ own Halloween programme taking place around the same period, there are several ways to build a half-term day out, especially if you’re also considering the Gandeys Circus Trafford Centre Halloween Spooktacular or other venues. Check which activities run on your chosen date before planning your itinerary.
Christmas at Trentham Estate
Once October’s Halloween events finish, attention turns to Christmas at Trentham. From the shopping village’s festive opening party to the Winter Light Trail and Christmas Makers Markets, the estate offers several opportunities to get into the festive spirit, while other locations host events such as the Gandeys Circus Merry Hill Halloween Spooktacular earlier in the season.
Trentham Christmas Street Party
The Trentham Christmas Street Party is scheduled for Thursday 12 November 2026 in Trentham Shopping Village.
The opening party marks the start of the Christmas season, with live music, performers, local treats and gifts. It’s an opportunity to browse the village, discover independent retailers and enjoy a festive atmosphere while starting your Christmas shopping.
If you’re planning to attend, check the latest event details for timings, parking arrangements and any changes to the programme, and use the circus contact details for Gandeys ticket enquiries if you have specific questions about bookings.
Trentham Winter Light Trail
One of the main seasonal attractions is the Trentham Winter Light Trail, scheduled to run from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The trail features more than a mile of illuminated displays through the gardens, alongside food stalls and children’s rides. It offers a different way to experience the estate, with glowing installations transforming the outdoor surroundings after dark.
According to the supplied prices, tickets start at £17 for adults and £12.50 for children on super off-peak nights. Children under three go free.
Because prices can vary by date and session, check the official booking information before choosing a night. Booking in advance is advisable for popular festive dates.
Christmas Makers Markets
The Christmas Makers Markets are scheduled for three weekends in Trentham Shopping Village:
- Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026.
- Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026.
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026.
The markets are advertised to run from 10am to 4pm, with free entry. They provide an opportunity to browse handmade products, discover local makers and find distinctive Christmas gifts.
You can combine a market visit with shopping in the village, lunch at a local café or restaurant, or a separate trip to the gardens.
Meet Father Christmas at Trentham
Families can also plan a festive visit with Father Christmas in Trentham Shopping Village. Meet-and-greet sessions are scheduled on selected dates from 5 to 24 December 2026, with prices starting at £22 per child.
These visits can be a memorable part of a family Christmas outing, particularly for younger children. Sessions are date-specific, so check availability and booking requirements before travelling.
Plan Your Day Out at Trentham
With so many attractions and seasonal events, it’s worth deciding what matters most to your group before setting off. The gardens, shopping village, Monkey Forest and circus each offer a different experience, and some require separate admission or bookings.
Here are a few ideas for planning your visit:
- For October half term: choose a Gandeys Circus performance and check the dates for the Halloween activities in the gardens.
- For younger children: consider the gardens, family trails and age-appropriate activities, checking any height, age or booking restrictions in advance.
- For Christmas shopping: spend time browsing Trentham Shopping Village and visit during one of the Christmas Makers Market weekends.
- For an evening out: book the Winter Light Trail and allow time for food stalls and the illuminated displays.
- For a full day at the estate: combine a morning activity with lunch in the village and another attraction in the afternoon.
- For a smoother visit: check admission prices, opening times and transport arrangements for every attraction you plan to visit, and consider browsing recent Gandeys Circus reviews and testimonials if you’re deciding whether to add a performance to your day.
Remember that garden admission, the circus, Monkey Forest and some seasonal events are separate experiences. Check the relevant ticket information to avoid unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s on at Trentham Gardens during October half term?
The advertised programme includes Halloween Half Term activities in the gardens from 24 October to 1 November 2026, the Shaun the Sheep Find the Flock Trail and Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular in the Big Top from 23 October to 1 November. Check the relevant organisers for the latest dates, times and ticket information.
Do I need a Trentham Gardens ticket to see Gandeys Circus?
No. Gandeys Circus is booked separately through the circus organiser. You only need a Trentham Gardens admission ticket if you also want to visit the gardens.
When does the Trentham Winter Light Trail run?
The supplied dates are 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Tickets are date-specific, and prices may vary depending on the session.
Is Trentham Shopping Village free to visit?
The shopping village is free to walk around, according to the supplied information, and has a collection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Individual purchases, dining and some special events such as dancing and singing on the events stage may cost extra.
Can I visit Trentham Monkey Forest during a trip to the gardens?
Monkey Forest is next to the wider Trentham Estate, making it possible to plan a visit alongside other attractions. It has separate admission and its own opening arrangements, so check availability before travelling.
Where can I book Gandeys Circus at Trentham?
You can find information about the Halloween Spooktacular on the Gandeys Circus Trentham page. For other productions and upcoming dates, visit the Gandeys Circus tour dates page.
Discover What’s On at Trentham Gardens
From the excitement of Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular to autumn garden activities, independent shopping, Christmas markets and the Winter Light Trail, what’s on at Trentham Gardens offers plenty of inspiration for a seasonal day out.
Whether you’re visiting from Stoke-on-Trent, exploring Staffordshire or travelling from further afield, Trentham Estate makes it easy to combine outdoor attractions, family entertainment, food and shopping in one destination.
Plan ahead, check the latest event information and book popular experiences in advance to make the most of your visit.
Ready for a Halloween adventure? Explore the Gandeys Circus Halloween Spooktacular and check our tour dates for the latest ticket information.
