A Spellbinding Autumn at Tumblestone Hollow

Riddles in the woods, live storytelling and pumpkins to decorate: this Halloween, a much-loved woodland playground on the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire border is inviting families to wander somewhere a little bit spooky.

Tucked within the grounds of Stonor Park, in one of the loveliest corners of the English countryside, Tumblestone Hollow is an adventure playground built for climbing, sliding and exploring. This October, it's taking on an altogether eerier character with The Hollow Tales and Trails, a brand new seasonal experience designed to delight small witches, wizards and ghost hunters alike.

Follow the trail, if you dare

At the heart of the experience is The Hollow Trail, which leads families through the gardens in search of eight riddles. Each one is hidden in a different themed area, with names that set the tone nicely: Spider Hollow, Witches Clearing, the Skeleton Party and the Ghost Wood, among others. Children who solve the trail can collect a treat from the Visitors' Centre, a reward rather than a trick.

From there, it's time to gather together for The Hollow Tales, a session of live storytelling, before heading deeper into the woods to discover the Witches' Hovel.

A pumpkin to take home

No autumn outing feels complete without a pumpkin, and Tumblestone Hollow has its own patch for choosing the perfect one. Once picked, pumpkins can be taken to the decorating station, where little hands can turn them into suitably ghoulish mementoes of the day. Decorations are included with each pumpkin.

Adventure, as always

Alongside the Halloween festivities, the playground itself remains the main event. Spiralling chutes, tunnels, a zip line, lofty towers and ladders offer plenty of ways to burn off energy, while eagle-eyed explorers can also keep watch for the lost raven, said to be spotted around the woodland. The playground has been designed for children of all ages, and the youngest visitors have a dedicated toddler area of their own, complete with a sandpit for happily messy play.

Louisa Fifield, general manager at Stonor Park, points to the woodland setting as a big part of the appeal at this time of year, when the trees turn shades of red, orange and yellow. She calls it "an incredible setting for some Halloween entertainment", and explains that the team's aim is to give families a day out that offers good value in a special location, with the Halloween extras bringing together active play and a sense of spooky adventure to fire up children's imaginations.

Costumes are very much encouraged, too. Children are welcome to arrive dressed in their Halloween best, provided their outfits still let them climb, slide and play safely.

Time to warm up

When the autumn chill starts to bite, the Rumble Hut is on hand with wood-fired pizzas and hot drinks, including rich hot chocolates. It's an easy spot for grown-ups to sit back with something warm while the children carry on running, jumping, climbing and whizzing about.

Plan your visit

The Hollow Tales and Trails runs on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, then daily throughout the October half term, from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November. Live storytelling takes place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm each day.

Tickets can be booked online, and full details are available at stonor.com/tumblestone-hollow.

Ollēdi © 2026

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