October half term activities Cumbria 2025
There are lots of October half term activities Cumbria and the Lake District this year. There are plenty of Halloween themed ones and some that have nothing to do with Halloween. This post will focus on those that aren’t about Halloween but it will link to my guides on Halloween events and Pumpkin picking locations in Cheshire too. Find more October half term activities North West here.
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I have done my best to make sure this post is up to date and accurate but please check the organiser’s website before travelling as events may be cancelled at short notice, details might be changed and mistakes happen. I have included links to the event organisers so you can check the up to date details and terms and conditions. Most of the events need pre-booking.
As always, I will be updating these guides right up to and October half term. Please do send me details if you have an event that I have missed. I can be reached by emailing info@northwestforkids.co.uk
If you love finding new family days out and events in the North West then you need to follow me on Facebook or Instagram. If you use Facebook you might like to join my Family Days out North West group.
Family days out in Cumbria October half term
Pumpkin picking at Walby farm park – 2025 tickets on sale now
Where: Walby, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4QL
When: 4th to 31st October 2025. Including some days are for mini pickers for toddlers and preschoolers (term time weekdays).
Cost: From £12.95 per adult, £14.95 – includes entry to farm park and 1 free pumpkin for every paying child.
Summary: Also included – pumpkin carving, corn & pumpkin cannon, indoor & outdoor adventure play, photo opportunities and meet all the adorable animals. During half term there is also the Bewitched BooGaloo Disco & Game Show which is perfect for all ages.
Book here – Walby Farm Park
Find out more about this and other great events this autumn and winter at Walby Farm Park here – 5 reasons to visit Walby Farm Park this autumn or winter
Halloween at Brockholes on Windermere – Book now for 2025
Where: Brockholes on Windermere,
When: 25th – 31st October 2025
Cost: £28 per passport (full day of activities)
Summary: From storytelling around the Witch’s Cauldron to live owl encounters, science shows, and a Halloween magic performance, every corner holds something curious. Brave our Haunted House (recommended 12+), meet reptiles up close, or explore the Forest of Fear if you dare. Outdoor adventures include scavenger hunts, paranormal tours, axe throwing, laser combat, and more.
We went last year and struggled to do everything in a day!
This might be your last chance as Brockhole Windermere is currently for sale!
Book here – The Brockhole Halloween Experience
Muncaster family Halloween festival at Muncaster castle – book now for 2025
Where: Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD
When: 25th October – 2nd November 2025
Cost: From £14.95 per child and £19.95 per adult
Summary: Scare maze, pumpkin patch, castle show, live entertainment in the gardens, spooky trails, parades and much more.
Book here – Halloween festival
Scarecaster at Muncaster Castle – book now for 2025
Where: Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD
When: 30th October – 1st November 2025
Cost: £29.50 a ticket
Summary: This one is only for children age 16 +. Do you have the courage to confront the horrors within the scary maze? Step into the darkness – if you dare – and discover if you can survive the terror that awaits at every turn.
Book here – Scarecaster
Ghost tales at Carlisle castle – book now for 2025
Where: Castle Way, Carlisle, CA3 8UR
When: 30th October – 1st November 2025
Cost: from £18.50
Summary: Only suitable for adults and children over 16 years. Experience Carlisle Castle after dark this Halloween. Join our historic storytellers on a journey through the past, with tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history.
Book here – Ghost Tales at Carlisle Castle
Pumpkin Pandemonium, Holker Hall – book now for 2025
Where: Holker Estate, Cark-in-Cartmel, Nr Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL
When: 25th & 26th October 2025
Holker Hall & Gardens is set to transform into a spectacular pumpkin playground this October with Pumpkin Pandemonium, a fun-filled family event packed with spooky seasonal activities for children and adults alike.
On 25th and 26th October, little ghosts and ghouls aged 12 and under can enjoy a day of autumnal magic for just £10 per child (advance tickets only), when purchased with a standard adult gardens ticket.
Book here – Pumpkin Pandemonium – Holker Hall
Family events at National Trust properties in Cumbria
Autumn Adventures at Acorn Bank
When: 18th October – 2nd November 2025.
Enjoy outdoor activities including a leaf and seed hunt, rubbing plaques and a trail through the woodland. With autumn colour all around, there’s no better time to notice, enjoy and experience nature at Acorn Bank.
Full details here – Autumn Adventures at Acorn Bank
Juicing the harvest, Acorn Bank NT
When: 30th October 2025.
The 175 cultivars of apple growing under the care of the Acorn Bank Garden team start to ripen at the end of August, with the latest ones being picked around the middle of October. The cultivars which ripen last make the best apple juice, and the perry pears make great juice too. Come along and watch the fascinating macerator and hydropress in action, then taste the resulting nectar.
Full details here – Juicing the Harvest | National Trust
Pumpkin carving at Wray Castle – 2025 details
When: 26th – 30th October 2025.
Hands-on pumpkin carving sessions with all tools and materials provided, it’s a mess-friendly, imagination-fuelled activity. Booking is recommended £7 plus a tasty Halloween treat.
Book here – Pumpkin carving at Wray Castle
The twisted history of Wray – 2025 details
When: 25th October – 2nd November 2025.
Join a member of the castle staff on a 45-minute twisted history tour. Starting at the front terrace, you will enter the castle with the help of our resident guide. Once inside, prepare yourself to hear the frightful stories of our building and its former residents. Enter… if you dare.
Not suitable for young children
Book here – The twisted history of Wray
Spooky Cumbrian stories by the fire, Wordsworth house – 2025 details
Where: Wordsworth house and gardens, Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9RX
When: 29th October 2025
Cost: Free with normal admission fee, free for National Trust members
Summary: Join Jessie McMeekin as she tells tales by the kitchen fire to horrify and delight you. Suitable for children aged 4 – 11 years
More details here – Spooky Cumbrian stories by the fire | National Trust
Spooky Crafts, Wordsworth house – 2025 details
Where: Wordsworth house and gardens, Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9RX
When: 25th – 29th October & 1st & 2nd November 2025
Cost: Free with normal admission fee, free for National Trust members
Summary: After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of the season, get creative by making a spooky autumnal craft.
More details here – Spooky crafts | National Trust
October half term train adventures Cumbria
Halloween week at Ravenglass & Eskdale railway – book now for 2025
Where:Â Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
When: 25th October – 2nd November 2025
Cost: £ per adult, £ per child, discounts for family tickets available
Summary: Stations and cafés are transformed with ghoulish decorations, setting the scene for a frightfully fun adventure. The Ravenglass Railway Museum also offers interactive exhibits and children’s activities. There will also be the added seasonal spectacle of ‘double-header trains’ featuring two heritage steam engines rather than the usual one
Book here when tickets released – Halloween Week
Peter’s railway at Ravenglass and Eskdale railway
When: 29th – 30th October 2025
Our Young Engineers will meet author Chris Vine at Ravenglass station and experience a railway adventure of their own ‘behind the scenes’. We will be visiting our engineering workshop to piece together how a steam engine operates, taking turns to pull the levers in the signal box and enjoy a train trip up the sidings.
Early afternoon, we will be moving over to the museum for some pumpkin crafts and story time about ‘The Ghost Train’ where the children can light their pumpkin lanterns and place on the little train going around the museum. Afterwards, everyone can head up the line on an adventure of their own.
Book here – Peter’s Railway – Little Engineers Days | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Family theatre in Cumbria
Wonderland, World of Beatrix Potter
When: 28th October 2025.
Listen and watch the Hatter as he tells the story of Alice’s journey in Wonderland through puppets, beautiful painted scenery, music , song and of course hats!
Along the way meet some strange and magical creatures, get to wear one of the Hatter’s special hats, join in the songs and the lobster dance.
Book here – Wonderland
Nick Cope’s family show, Brewery Arts, Kendal
When – 30th October 2025.
Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, such as ‘I’m a Little Lizard’ and ‘Ralph the Rusty Robot’. Nick performs with his guitar and stunning animations to sell-out crowds all over the country.
Book here – Nick Cope’s Family Show – Brewery Arts – Kendal
The enormous turnip, Theatre by the lake
When: 27th – 30th October 2025.
Living in their tiny shed squeezed in amongst the garden tools, Mr and Mrs Chickweed’s amazing prize-winning vegetables have taken over everything! Before they retire, they can’t resist planting one last seed, try for one more champion vegetable and one more trophy!
Suitable for all the family (recommended for ages 3-10).
Book here – The enormous turnip
The enchanted princess ball, The Coro
When: 27th October 2025.
Featuring the music of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Chappell Roan, Six and Many More!
This fast paced, high-energy musical adventure is filled with dazzling sets, sparkling costumes, toe-tapping songs, and plenty of audience participation!
Book here – The enchanted princess ball
Hallowbean, The world of Beatrix Potter – book now for 2025
When: 25th October 2025.
Hallowbean is an acclaimed madcap musical comedy for children aged 3 – 10, featuring puppetry and witty original songs.
Book here – Hallowbean
The witch who couldn’t sleep, World of Beatrix Potter – book now for 2025
When: 30th October 2025.
Based on a story from Steven Lee’s best selling “How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairy tales”, this gentle, heart warming show is just what you need to enjoy a cosy, cuddly time together with your family.
Book here – The witch who couldn’t sleep.
She ran away to the circus, The Coro – book now for 2025
When: 31st October 2025.
This original story is bursting with poetic narration, live music, catchy songs, silly dancing and sensory theatre. An immersive show that gets to the heart of finding our ‘happy’ place and how running away from our sadness won’t solve our problems but how talking to people can.
Book here – She ran away to the circus.
Shlomo’s beatbox Adventure for kids, Theatre by the lake
When: 31st October 2025.
Join world record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo who makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world with legends like Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental.
Book here – Shlomo’s beatbox Adventure for kids
Events at museums and galleries across Cumbria
Hedgehog day at Keswick Museum
When: 25th October 2025.
11am – 3pm family learning & crafts activities
3pm Hedgehog Talk by Cumbria Wildlife Trust (45 mins)
Full details here – Hedgehog day at Keswick Museum
Halloween family crafts at Keswick museum – Details for 2025
Where: Keswick Museum, Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NF
When: 30th October 2025, 11am or 1:30pm
Cost: £5 per craft
Create and take home your own Boo-tiful, spooktacular, Halloween-themed pencil case or tote bag!
Book here – Halloween Crafts — Keswick Museum
Halloween fun at Windermere Jetty Museum -details for 2025
When: 28th October – 1st November 2025
Where: Windermere Jetty Museum
Autumn & Winter Wildlife trail around the museum and grounds. Plastercine monster making sessions. Spooky storytelling in the boathouse on 29th October at 2pm.
Full details here – October half term at Windermere Jetty Museum
Spooky storytelling, Blackwell – details for 2025
When: 30th October 2025, 1 and 3pm
Cost: included in hose admission
A special spooky storytelling session with professional storyteller Emily Hennessey– a perfect Halloween treat for families. Costumes are strongly encouraged!
Full details – October half term at Windermere Jetty Museum
October half term at Blackwell
When: 27th October – 2nd November 2025
self-led Arts & Crafts inspired activities from 11am – 3:45pm each day. From designing your own seasonal creations to exploring Blackwell’s stunning Arts & Crafts interiors, there’s plenty to spark imaginations of all ages.Â
Full details here – October half term
October half term at Abbot Hall
When: 29th October – 1st November 2025
Transformation Zines – Let your imagination run wild and make your very own zine inspired by the theme of transformation. Add your creation to our temporary zine library or take it home to keep! This is a free self-led activity with resources available from the Coffee bar and Creative space.Â
Interactive Soundscape Session – Join local musician Jack McNeill on Thursday 30 October and build an organic soundscape using natural materials, instruments, and your own creativity. Together, we’ll create an atmospheric audio world responding to the artworks in Gallery 8. Sessions will be running from 11am and 1:30pm. This is a ticketed activity – tickets coming soon!Â
Art Trail – Embark on our brand-new Art Trail, encouraging curious minds to explore, observe, and respond to art in new ways. A perfect activity for all ages to deepen their connection with the gallery.Â
Collective Sketchbooks – Sketch, doodle, and leave your mark in our visitor sketchbooks as you respond to historic and contemporary works on display.Â
Full details here – October half term
Events at World of Beatrix Potter
Halloween crafts at World of Beatrix Potter – 2025 details
Where: The Burrow, World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere
When: 31st October 2025
Cost: £2 plus admission fee
Summary: Some spooky colouring, sticking and gluing and create a Halloween wreath to hang on your door handle at home!
Full details here – World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Other family events this October half term in Cumbria
Bouncefest
Keswick. 25th – 26th October 2025.
Kirby Lonsdale. 30th October 2025.
Indoor inflatable play zones.
Book here – Bouncefest
Twilight tales in dove cottage, Wordsworth Grasmere – book now for 2025
Where: Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH
When: 21st – 30th October 2025
Cost: children £10, adults £5
Summary: Join the team for hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts in our cosy Learning Space. Children will have fun dressing up in Georgian costumes while learning about the Wordsworths and hearing some of their writing. At twilight we’ll all head over to Dove Cottage and listen to some spooky Cumbrian stories!
For families with children aged 5+.
Full details here – Lake District Events | Wordsworth Grasmere
Little scarelings at Dobbies Garden Centre, Carlisle, book now for 2025
Where: Dobbies Carlisle, Orton Grange, Carlisle , CA5 6LB
When: 25th, 26th and 31st October & 1st November 2025
Cost: £15 per child & £7.50 per adult
Summary: Fun and interactive with just the right amount of spookiness, this event provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a relaxed setting whilst enjoying some tasty food. What’s included:
- A spooktacular Halloween-themed afternoon tea
- Potion commotion: Stir, bubble and brew your own magical potion to take home
- Wizard slime lab
- Wand workshop
- magical games
Book here – Events | Dobbies Garden Centres
Monster mash at The Swan – book now for 2025
Where: The Swan, Newby Bridge,
When: 31st October 2025, 5-7 pm
Cost: £12 per child
Summary: Kids UV Mini Disco, delicious array of Halloween-themed goodies, frighteningly Fun Games and Pizza and Chips.
Book here – Swan hotel Halloween party
Pumpkin carving competition at Ivy House, Hawkshead – details for 2025
Where: Ivy House, Main Street, Hawkshead
When: 30th October 2025, 5pm
Bring your carved pumpkin along. prize for adult, teenager and child winners. Only kitchen utensils allowed.
Full details here – Pumpkin contest
Halloween scavenger hunt, Outside In – Details for 2025
Where: Outside-In Cumbria, Beezon Road, Kendal, LA9 6EL
When: from 20th October 2025
£5.50 includes snack, drink, activity book and goody bag. Add to your booking at the centre
Creep around the centre and find all the figures.
Full details – Outside-in
Stephney farm pumpkin patch – book now for 2025
Where: Stephney Farm CA20 1DQ Seascale
When: 4th – 31st October 2025
Cost: £5.95 (plus booking fee) for everyone over 2 years. Additional costs for food drink, bouncy castle etc.
Summary: As well as pumpkins galore and plenty of photo opportunities there will be Halloween crafting and colouring, toddler play in the barn, bouncy castle, barrel train rides, animal barn, face painting and food and drink on sale. There will also be live family entertainment.
Book here – Stephney Farm Pumpkin Patch
Halloween events Cumbria
Find all the spooky fun in the Lakes here – Halloween events Cumbria.
Pumpkin picking Cumbria
Fancy picking a pumpkin? Find ideas here – Pumpkin picking Cumbria.
Nearby October half term activities guides
If you are happy to travel a little further there is plenty going on in Lancashire.
October half term activities Lancashire
More things to do with kids in the Lake District and Cumbria
A walk is always a good idea. Here are some of the best Family walks Lake District
Find the best Child-friendly attractions in the Lake District here.
Let’s face it there are bound to be some wet days this October so get prepared with my guide to Things to do in the lake district when it rains.
Are your children under 5? Here are the best things to do in Lake District with toddlers
