October brings falling leaves, crisp cold air, pumpkin lattes, and a slew of Halloween-themed events. Here we round up all the events taking place this October with a dedicated section for those looking for a spooky Halloween event.
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Halloween Events
There are plenty of spooky Halloween events taking place in the Lake District in October 2024, including pumpkin picking and various family-friendly festivals.
Pumpkin Picking at Walby Farm Park
Walby Farm Park offers a pumpkin patch each year where you can grab a wheelbarrow and go on a hunt to find your perfect pumpkin. You can also meet farm animals and there are a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities with the October half-term offering additional activities for kids, such as ‘Ghoul School’. The café will even be serving a pumpkin soup with spooky treats.
- Date: 1 October to 1 November, 2024
- Time: 10am to 5.30pm
- Website: walbyfarmpark.co.uk/event/pumpkin-picking-2024
Halloween Family Festival at Muncaster Castle
A Halloween maze, pumpkin patch, haunted castle, live entertainment, weapons hall, vampire vanquisher trailer, vampire parade, costume competition, Muncaster bar with live music, and torchlight march are all events taking place at the Muncaster Castle Halloween Family Festival included in the price of a standard ticket.
- Date: 26 October to 3 November, 2024
- Time: 10.30am to 8pm
- Website: muncaster.co.uk/halloweenfamilyfestival
The Brockhole Halloween Experience
Some of the many events taking place at the Brockhole Halloween Experience in 2024 are: ghost (scavenger) hunting sessions, interactive ghost stories, magic show, zombie archery (7+), science show, spooky pet encounter with lizards, reptiles & snakes, mini caving experience, forest of fear, owl experience, drumming workshop & parade, mini Monster Mash disco, mini tractors pumpkin patch (2-6 years), axe throwing, laser tag (8+), graveyard golf, and a pirate boat hire.
- Date: 26 October to 3 November, 2024
- Time: 10am to 4 or 5pm
- Website: brockhole.co.uk/whats-on/brockhole-halloween-experience-2024
Halloween Half Term at Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle is putting on a Halloween event over half-term that involves spooky stories and a quest to follow spooky clues throughout the castle.
- Date: Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November, 2024
- Time: 10am to 4pm
- Website: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/carlisle-castle-halloween-half-term
Halloween at the La’al Ratty Railway
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is putting on a Halloween event for children, which will include ‘spooktacular’ activities around Halloween week.
- Date: 28 October to 1 November, 2024
- Time: 9am to 5pm
- Website: ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events/halloween-at-the-railway
Keswick Ghost Walk
What would be spookier than listening to actual ghost stories whilst walking through the cobbled stoned streets of Keswick at night? The walk starts and ends at Moot Hall and takes approximately an hour and a half. The walk is mainly suitable for adults, but mature children over the age of 10 are welcome. There are two walks taking place on Halloween itself with one starting at 5.45pm and the second starting at 7.30pm
- Date: Various dates throughout the year
- Time: 7.30pm
- Website: lakelandhauntings.co.uk/keswick.html
Halloween at Holker Hall
Holker Hall is putting on a Halloween event for the whole family. Check their website for further details.
- Date: Saturday 26 October & Sunday 27 October, 2024
- Time: 10.30am to 5pm
- Website: holker.co.uk/whats_on/halloween-at-holker
Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage
Twighlight Tales at Dove Cottage will involve listening to spooky tales whilst doing fun Halloween-themed crafts. The event is intended for families with children who are 3+.
- Date: Wednesday 23, Monday 28, Tuesday 29, and Wednesday 30 October, 2024
- Time: 4pm to 5.30pm
- Website: wordsworth.org.uk
The Last of the Agricultural Festivals
There are two remaining Agricultural Shows in the Lake District for 2024, including the Wasdale Head Show on Saturday 12 October and the Buttermere Shepherd Meet on Sunday 27 October. Agricultural shows give the community a chance to learn a bit more about Cumbrian farming with the ability to see things like farm animals and tractors up close. There also tends to be trade and crafts stands, along with food, drinks, and various activities. Please check on the official websites for further information and to double check the events are taking place as they can sometimes be cancelled due to poor weather.
Oaktoberfest at the Royal Oak Inn, Carlisle
Oaktoberfest is returning to the Royal Oak Inn in Carlisle, taking place on Saturday 12 October from 3pm onwards. There will be live music, German beer, and bratwursts. The ticket price includes either a beer or a brat.
Heron Corn Mill: Tours & Foodie Fridays
The Heron Corn Mill will be offering a Mill Tour & Milling Demonstration on Friday 4 October, 2024 from 11.30am to 1pm. Following the tour, you can check out Foodie Fridays from 1pm to 3pm where you can purchase freshly made bread and other goods made from flour at the mill.
Dark Sky Canoeing on Coniston Water
Path to Adventure are offering more dates for their Dark Sky Canoeing family-friendly outings (for ages 8+) in the month of October with dates including Tuesday 22 October at 5pm, Wednesday 23 October at 5pm, and Wednesday 30 October at 3.45pm. The family event rafts together the canoes so that they are safe and stable and canoes are designed to fit two people. Also included is an opportunity to star gaze whilst enjoying a hot beverage and taking in all the views. They also have a regular outing Saturday 26 October at 5pm with plenty of other dates available in the month of November.
Octoberfest Langdale
Octoberfest Langdale will take place between Thursday 24 October and Sunday 27 October, 2024 at Sticklebarn in Ambleside between 12 noon and 11pm each day. Here you can check out local breweries and support local charities at the same time and there will be live music and food vendors available. You can buy your tickets online now.