There’s something rather magical about the Lake District in autumn. The fells take on their beautiful golden and russet colours, crisp days are made for family walks, and there’s always the promise of a cosy café or country pub waiting at the end. With Halloween falling at the end of October, there’s an extra sprinkling of spooky fun to enjoy during the half term holidays, making it a brilliant time to explore the Lakes.
October half term 2026 dates for schools in the Lake District are: 26th October to 30th October
(with the last school day being Friday 23rd October, and most schools going back on Monday 2nd November, unless there is an inset day)
From pumpkin picking and spooky trails to Halloween adventures at some of the Lake District’s best-loved attractions, there’s plenty happening across the Lakes this October half term. Whether your kids love getting properly spooked or would rather stick to the gentler side of Halloween, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly events taking place during October half term 2026, so you can start planning your days out.
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas.
For general days out, rather than specific events, please check out our guide: things to do in the Lake District, which provides lots of inspiration. And let’s be realistic, some wet-weather days can be guaranteed over the Lake District October half term, so make sure you check out our rainy day suggestions.
As always, we keep this page updated as much as possible with news about these Lake District October half term events. But also keep an eye on the Lake District Kids Facebook Group and Instagram. Feel free to contact us if you are an event organiser and your event is not listed.
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1. Muncaster Halloween Family Festival
24th October to 1st November (from 10:30am)
Ravenglass
Click here for more information and tickets
Muncaster Castle’s Halloween Family Festival is back for 2026 with a brand-new Zombie and Boggle theme. Expect a packed day of spooky family fun, including the Halloween maze, pumpkin patch, spooky trails, parades, live entertainment and the Haunted Castle. There’s also a new Zombie-Boggle Apocalypse castle show, plus bird of prey displays, costume competitions and a torchlight march.
The first 2,500 child tickets include a free pumpkin, and there are pumpkin carving workshops too. With everything included in one festival ticket, this is one of the biggest Halloween events in the Lake District and a great choice for families who love Halloween.
2. Halloween Half-Term at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
24th October to 1st November
Ravenglass
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La’al Ratty gets a spooky makeover for October half term, with Halloween activities taking place throughout the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Stations and cafés will be decorated for the occasion, while the Ravenglass Railway Museum will have interactive exhibits and children’s activities. There will also be selected journeys using double-header steam trains, with two heritage locomotives pulling the train rather than one.
The railway is an especially good option for families who want to enjoy some Halloween atmosphere without committing to a full scare attraction. You can make a day of it by travelling along the Eskdale Valley, exploring the railway museum and stopping at one of the stations along the route.
3. Halloween at Holker
30th and 31st October (10:30am-4:30pm)
Cark, near Grange-over-Sands
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Holker Hall and Gardens gets spooky for two days at the end of October with its family-friendly Halloween celebration. There’s pumpkin fun, Halloween activities and storytelling from the legendary Cumbrian storyteller Taffy Thomas, the first official National Storytelling Laureate.
Set within the beautiful gardens of Holker Hall, it’s a good option for families who want some seasonal fun without a full-on scare attraction. Do check the individual activity details when booking, as some activities may have limited places or require an additional booking.
4. Arachnophobia at Zip World, Brockhole on Windermere
25th to 31st October (10am-6pm)
Windermere
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Expect plenty of creepy crawlies at Zip World, Brockhole, this Halloween, where giant spiders take over the Treetop Nets. Arachnophobia is a daytime Halloween experience aimed at families, with children aged three and over able to bounce, climb, run and explore the huge suspended nets surrounded by spiders and cobwebs. Each session lasts two hours, giving children plenty of time to burn off some energy.
There’s also a Pumpkin Passport Plus option, which combines the net experience with 20 other Halloween activities at Brockhole.
5. Stranger Folk and Pumpkin Carving at Allan Bank
Stranger Folk: 3rd October to 1st November (10am-4pm)
Pumpkin carving: 25th to 31st October (different sessions between 10am and 3pm)
Grasmere
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There’s plenty happening at Allan Bank during October half term. The Stranger Folk Digital Adventure is a magical interactive experience played through a mobile app, taking families on an adventure around Allan Bank and its grounds. It runs throughout October and into November.
During half term, you can also get stuck into some traditional Halloween fun with pumpkin carving, running from 25th to 31st October. Allan Bank is a particularly lovely choice for families who want to combine a seasonal activity with time outdoors, with woodland, gardens and views across Grasmere to explore during your visit.
6. Wonder World: Earth Children’s Trail at Sizergh
4th September to 1st November (10:30am-4:30pm)
Sizergh, near Kendal
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Not everything during October half term has to be about Halloween. At Sizergh, families can follow the Wonder World: Earth children’s trail and discover the fascinating world beneath their feet.
Created in partnership with children’s publisher Nosy Crow, the trail follows the accessible Holeslack route and explores soil, underground creatures and the wildlife living beneath the surface. The trail is free with normal admission to Sizergh and is suitable for children, with a route that works for buggies, prams and wheelchairs. It’s a good option for families wanting a quieter day out, particularly if you’ve already had your fill of pumpkins and spooky activities.
7. Nature’s Nightlife Family Walk at Grizedale Forest
Monday 26th and Thursday 29th October (5pm-7pm)
Grizedale Forest, near Hawkshead
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Swap daytime adventures for an after-dark family walk through Grizedale Forest. These guided Nature’s Nightlife walks take place during October half term, giving families the chance to experience the forest after sunset.
Keep your ears open for owls and other wildlife, learn more about the creatures that live in the forest and enjoy the night sky away from the lights of the towns. The two-hour walk finishes around a campfire, with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
It’s suitable for children aged five and over. You’ll need sturdy footwear, warm clothing and a torch, and dogs aren’t permitted on these walks.
8. Nature’s Nightlife Family Walk at Whinlatter Forest
Wednesday 28th October (5pm–7pm)
Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick
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Whinlatter Forest is another great place to experience the Lake District after dark during October half term. This guided Nature’s Nightlife Family Walk takes families into the forest at dusk, where you can listen for owls, learn about nocturnal wildlife and look up at the night sky.
The evening finishes around a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows, which sounds like a pretty perfect autumn adventure. The walk is suitable for children aged five and over and costs £8 per person. Bring a torch, warm layers and sturdy footwear, and leave the dog at home as dogs aren’t permitted on the walk.
9. Twilight Tales in Dove Cottage
26th and 27th October (4pm–5:30pm)
Grasmere
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For a gentler take on Halloween, head to Dove Cottage for Twilight Tales. These family sessions begin in the Learning Space with hot chocolate, gingerbread and Halloween crafts, followed by the chance for children to dress up in Georgian costumes and learn a little about the Wordsworth family. As twilight falls, families head over to Dove Cottage to hear spooky Cumbrian stories.
The sessions are designed for families with children aged five and over, although younger siblings can also attend. It’s a lovely option if your children enjoy stories, history and dressing up but aren’t keen on the more frightening side of Halloween.
10. October Half Term Family Events at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Sunday 25th to Saturday 31st October
Bowness-on-Windermere
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The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction has a full programme of family entertainment around October half term:
- Sunday 25th October, 2pm: Top Secret – The Magic of Science
- Monday 26th October, 11am & 2pm: On Your Bike Baffo
- Tuesday 27th October, 11am & 2pm: Astro Norma
- Thursday 29th October, 11am & 2pm: Claytime
- Friday 30th October, 10:30am-4pm: Bird Box Decorating
- Saturday 31st October, 10:30am-4pm: Bea-tricks & Bats
The attraction is also open daily, with its immersive exhibition bringing Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Beatrix Potter’s other much-loved characters to life. There’s also Paint Your Own Peter Rabbit each day from 10:30am–3:30pm, subject to availability.
11. Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
23rd October to 20th November
Various locations across Cumbria, including the Lake District National Park
Click here for more information and tickets
The October half term is a brilliant time to discover Cumbria’s night skies, and the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival runs throughout the school holidays and well beyond. The programme celebrates the county’s exceptionally dark skies with a variety of evening events and activities, including opportunities to learn more about astronomy and experience the landscape after dark.
Events take place at different locations and dates, so it’s worth checking the programme before making plans. For families with older children, this can be a great alternative to Halloween events, particularly if they’re interested in stars, space and the natural world. Wrap up warm and prepare for some very late-night adventures!
12. Halloween Events at Windermere Jetty Museum
24th and 31st October
Bowness-on-Windermere
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There are two family-friendly events taking place at Windermere Jetty Museum around October half term.
Cumbrian Halloween Crafting takes place on Saturday 24th October, giving children the chance to get creative with a fun Halloween-themed activity at the museum.
Then, on Halloween itself, Animals! brings a wild interactive adventure to Windermere Jetty Museum, with children invited to join Buzzard, Rabbit and Porpoise for a playful exploration of the natural world.
13. Monster Mash Kids’ Halloween Party at The Swan Hotel
Monday 26th and Thursday 29th October (5pm-7pm)
Newby Bridge
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The Swan Hotel in Newby Bridge is hosting two Monster Mash Kids’ Halloween Parties during October half term, with plenty of spooky fun for younger children. Expect a UV mini disco, Halloween-themed games and treats, plus pizza and chips for the children.
Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes, while grown-ups can enjoy a drink from the bar. Tickets are £12 per child and adults can attend free, with up to two adults permitted per child.
14. Shadows of Townend: Folklore, Fear and Farmhouse Magic
24th and 31st October (6pm-7pm and 7:30pm-8:30pm)
Troutbeck, near Windermere
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Townend gets a suitably spooky makeover for Halloween with an atmospheric candlelit tour exploring the superstitions, folklore and darker side of the 17th-century Browne family. Led by a costumed guide, the tour delves into the family’s commonplace books, revealing gruesome remedies, macabre beliefs and some rather unsettling ideas about witches, curses and bringing people back from the dead.
With the house lit by candles and torches, this is a very different way to experience one of the Lake District’s historic farmhouses. The tour is suitable for children aged 11 and over, making it a good choice for older kids and teenagers who enjoy a genuinely spooky story.
Looking for more family-friendly days out? Don’t miss our guides to the best things to do in the Lake District with kids.
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Want more ideas for family walks? Use the search walks page to find the perfect family walk.
And if you’re hiking with little ones, check out our tips for hiking with kids under 5 to help you get a extra mile or two out of those little legs.