Join us for a Spooky Spider Safari at Helman Tor with a self-guided trail, sensory stories, crafts and web-building fun.

Get wild this Halloween and discover the wonderful world of spiders at Helman Tor.

Join us for a family-friendly Spooky Spider Safari on Saturday 31st October, packed with nature discovery, storytelling, crafts and hands-on activities inspired by some of our most fascinating eight-legged residents.

Drop in any time between 11:00am and 3:00pm and enjoy the event at your own pace. Begin with our self-guided safari trail around Breney Common, one of the Helman Tor reserves, where you'll search for different types of spider webs and uncover intriguing facts about the creatures that create them.

Back at Gunwen Chapel, our activity hub will be buzzing with spider-themed activities for all ages. Meet Sally the Spider in a sensory story experience delivered by Acorn Adventures CIC, get creative with crafts, put your engineering skills to the test, and help build a giant community Web of Life.

Whether you're fascinated by spiders already or simply looking for a fun Halloween adventure in nature, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

What to Expect

Self-Guided Spooky Spider Safari Trail

Explore Breney Common and discover the incredible variety of spider webs hidden throughout the landscape. Follow the trail, learn fascinating spider facts and see the reserve through the eyes of one of nature's most skilled builders.

The trail can be started at any time during the event and takes approximately one hour to complete.

Sally the Spider's Sensory Story

Join Sally the Spider for an immersive sensory storytelling adventure, brought to life by Acorn Adventures CIC.

Through movement, imagination and sensory play, discover what life is like from a spider's perspective as Sally journeys through the wilds of Helman Tor.

Stories will be told at regular intervals throughout the event. Story times will be available on the day.

Drop-In Activities

Web Engineers Challenge Can you build a spider web strong enough to hold a treasure? Experiment with different designs and discover the remarkable engineering behind spider silk.

Spider Crafts Get creative with spider colouring activities and make your own spider headband to take home.

The Web of Life Help create a giant community web by connecting plants, animals and other living things. Add your own thread and discover how wildlife is linked through the natural world.

Event Information

This is a drop-in event and families are welcome to arrive and leave at any time between 11:00am and 3:00pm.

Most visitors will spend around two hours at the event, with approximately one hour for the trail and additional time to enjoy the stories and activities. However, you are welcome to stay for as long or as little as you wish.

The event is based at Gunwen Chapel, where toilets and shelter are available. The self-guided trail takes place on Breney Common and follows natural paths with uneven ground that may be muddy in places.

Please Bring

Sturdy footwear suitable for uneven and potentially muddy terrain

Waterproof clothing and layers appropriate for the weather

Drinking water

Any snacks you may require

Accessibility and Supervision

The trail follows natural terrain and includes uneven ground and stepping stones. Please take care while exploring the reserve and ensure children remain supervised throughout the event.

All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.

This event has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Tor to Shore project.

Description supplied by the event organiser.