What's on in Cumbria - family ideas from The Hiking Household

What’s on in Cumbria this October half term.

With the school half term fast approaching Laura Earl, Cumbrian mum to four small children and the founder of The Hiking Household, has found some great local attractions where she hopes to take her brood this autumn half term.

While the weather may be turning, and the leaves are beginning to fall, October half term will soon be upon us. Some families will welcome the one week break from school, while others might be wondering how best to keep the children busy this Halloween.

From fabulous autumn days out in the fresh air, to Halloween events, we’ve come up with some of our favourite Halloween activities to do…. and they won’t break the bank.

Carlisle Castle:

Halloween half term at Carlisle Castle, 26th October – 3rd November 2024. Gather your little monster’s for a ghoulishly good day out at Carlisle Castle this half term. Join in on the interactive after-dark ghost tours of you dare! Carlisle Castle is the perfect way to enjoy a half term day out, with lots to see and do your children will be entertained for hours. For more information click here.

Currock Community Centre:

On Monday the 28th October join Stardust for the best children’s Halloween party. From ages 0-10 years, hot dogs available and best dressed announced this is sure to be a fright fest extravaganza!

The Brockhole Halloween Experience:

26th October – 3rd November 2024. Book quick as this event is notorious for selling out fast. This really is a must see event at Brockhole this October half term. Prepare for another spine-chilling Halloween at Brockhole, where the Haunted Forest is more alive than ever! My children absolutely adore this day out and is something they particularly look forward to as the October half term approaches.

To find out more information, and to book your tickets, click here.

Allan Bank pumpkin carving:

26th-31st October 2024. Have a go at carving a spooky pumpkin this half term, something all four of mine will enjoy. If you have children of differing ages then this is the activity for you – there is something for everyone!

They provide the pumpkins. To book now please click here.

Keswick Museum:

31st October 2024, Decorate your home with a chillingly delightful super scary clay tea light holder.Using clay, you will learn how to make and decorate a hauntingly delightful Halloween masterpiece. Perfect to illuminate even the spookiest of nights! Pre booking is essential.

Beetham nurseries – Halloween crafting:

26^th October, 10.30-12.30. Join in this October half term and create a scary spiderweb and a haunting Halloween mask. In this Adult & Child workshop, you will be shown how to make different Halloween crafts using the very best that nature has to offer! Each child is invited to attend in fancy dress – although this is optional!

For more information click here.

Barrow – ghost hunt:

On Tuesday the 29th October head down to The Round House Hub & Café, Walney, where you will be greeted with your very own Ghost Gear.

Ghost Gear is abandoned fishing gear which can continue catching and injuring marine animals. Help fight against pollution by cleaning up the beach. Prizes will be available for the best Halloween costume! This event is free it pre booking is needed. Please click here.

Millerbeck Light Railway, Stavely-in-Cartmel:

Saturday October 26^th & Sunday October 27^th 2024. The spooky fun filled day is suitable for all ages, just don’t miss out on this thrilling adventure. Can you make it round this track in one piece? Will you brave the haunted carriages? To book please click here.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe:

Boo at the zoo! Saturday 2nd November 6-9.30pm. The zoo will reopen on this date for a spooky evening of ghostly fun! With a fancy dress competition, face painting, late night animal feeds and much more you really can’t miss this Halloween event! Book here.

Monster Mash at The Swan:

31st October 2024, 5-7pm. Are you ready for a night of ghoulishly good fun? Head to the Monster Mash Halloween party to find out! This party includes a UV mini disco, spine-chilling treats and frighteningly fun games! With fun for all ages this is a great way to enjoy Halloween night!

Book here.

Windermere Jetty Museum: Make a Monster!

This October half term enjoy making Halloween themed creations using a range of materials. You can choose between many different drop in sessions, something that always really appeals to me and my family as being restricted by time isn’t ideal. For further information please click here.

Ulverston’s Candlelit Walk:

Thursday 31^st of October 2024. Join in the candlelight this Halloween and enjoy a walk around Ulverston. This is suitable for the whole family but early slots do go fast so click here for spooky satisfaction.

The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven:

Thursday 31^st of October 2024. Join in the Halloween crafts session where you can paint your own spooky cauldron and create a Halloween scary mask. My family and I love it here! Places are limited and booking is advised please click here.

Moresby Park, Whitehaven – wreath making:

Thursday 31^st of October 2024. Join the West Cumbria Rivers Trust this Halloween in making a spooky Halloween wreath! You will take a walk through the woodlands, collect some natural materials and then use these to create your own spooky Halloween wreath! We love this idea as it is suitable for all abilities. This event is free but booking is essential. Please click here to book a ticket.

Wordsworth House, Cockermouth:

30^th October 2024. Join Jessie McMeekin as she tells tales by the kitchen fire that will horrify and delight you! Suitable for ages 4 – 11 years. Booking is not required, for further information please click here.

Whitehaven Library:

On Monday 28th October why not take your little ones to Whitehaven library where you can make your own Halloween book cover – this activity is perfect for all ages! To pre book please click here.

Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven

Join Oddsocks as Roger Radio attempts Frankenstein. The age guidance is 8 years + and I look forward to taking my two boys to this family theatre. Will doctor Frankenstein face his destiny? Will the monster eat your crisps? Will there be a dry seat in the house? For further information and to book online please click here.

Parton Beach, Whitehaven:

On Monday 28^th October, 12.30pm-3.30pm, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust hosts rock-pooling at Parton’s Beach. This is a free event but please do book here.