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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.
The first half term is here already – now that was fast.
October in Cumbria promises a variety of frightfully delightful, family-friendly activities. And from Halloween discos to pumpkin carving extravaganzas, Stagecoach buses offer an affordable way to travel throughout the school break, with single fares capped at just £2.
You’ll find me leaving the car behind this half term, as we hop on the bus, and let the little ones lead the way for a half term to remember.
Tullie, Carlisle
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus Stop: A 5-minute walk from The Market Hall
Tullie is often our main go-to for any school holiday event, there is always so much on offer. Head down this October half term and enjoy their drop-in craft sessions from 1-4pm between the 23 October and 28 October.
You can make skeleton pictures, paper pumpkins, Roman peg dolls and much more, free for kids with adult admission. Don’t forget to join in the Spooky Skeleton trail running everyday during half term – follow the trail, solve the puzzle and get a spooky prize. If you dare you can book onto Tullie’s family Ghost Tour with professional storyteller Jo Mills on Saturday the 28 October, tickets £6. With something for all ages we are sure a trip to Tullie won’t disappoint this October half term.
Carlisle Castle
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus Stop: 5-minute walk from The Market Hall
Halloween half term at Carlisle Castle, 21 October – 29 October 2023. Gather round for spooky stories and solve creepy clues on their Halloween Quest. 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.
Kids Spooktacular Halloween Party, Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick
Bus route: 73, 77, 77A, 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5
Bus Stop: Keswick Bus Station
Sunday the 29 October from 3pm-5pm at Skiddaw House, Keswick. This wonderful ‘fangtastic’ party in Keswick is sure to be a hit with your little ones this half term. Featuring entertainment, magic, games, puppetry, pizza and ice cream. Don’t miss this brilliant disco in the idyllic Lake District.
The Brockhole Halloween Experience, Brockhole-on-Windermere
Bus route: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Bus Stop: Brockhole gates
21 – 29 October 2023. Book quick as this event is notorious for selling out fast. This really is a must see event at Brockhole this October half term. New activities for this year include Axe Throwing, Haunted Forest, Tipi of Terror and Laser Tag in the Wood. 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.
Twilight Tales in Dove Cottage, Grasmere
Bus route: 555 & 599
Bus Stop: Wordsworth Grasmere
Various times from Tuesday the 24 October to Friday the 27 October 2023 at Dove Cottage, Grasmere.
Join the fun at Dove Cottage and enjoy hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts. Children will have fun dressing up in Georgian costumes while learning about the Wordsworths and hearing some of their writing. At twilight head over to Dove Cottage and listen to some spooky Cumbrian stories. For families with children aged 3+.
Tickets can be bought here.
Halloween Disco, Harraby Community Centre
Bus Route: 61
Bus Stop: Harraby Community Centre
Friday the 27th of October 2023 at 13:00 in Edgehill Road, Carlisle, CA1 3SN. Head down to Harraby Community Centre for a spooktacular afternoon of dancing, laughter, and frights at the Halloween Disco. Tickets can be bought via EventBrite and cost £6, which includes entrance and a free hot dog and a drink.
Tickets can be bought here.
The Coro, Ulverston
Bus route: 6 & X6
Bus Stop: Victoria Road
The whole of October half term doesn’t need to be Halloween based and for those children who aren’t as keen on Halloween The Coro in Ulverston have two fantastic shows on this October:
- The Jungle Book, 11.30am and 2pm on the 22 October (age guidance 4+).
- Dinosaur Adventure Life, 2pm and 4.40pm on the 27th of October (age guidance 3+)
To find be redirected to The Coro website, and to find out more, please click here.
To help plan your journey this half term, please visit Stagecoach’s journey planner here
This article was published in September 2023 and all content is true from time of writing.
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Below are two further suggestions, that are sadly not on a bus route, but can still be enjoyed this October half term:
Big Red’s Pumpkin Carving, Langwathby
Head over to Langwathby this October to pick some pumpkins with the Red Shepherdess. Red’s Pumpkin Patch is back by popular demand and this year can be found in Langwathby. This local pumpkin patch really is one of the best places for those looking for a natural pumpkin patch experience. Running during the weekend of the 14th and 15th October and then from the 21st October right through until they are gone! A must this half term!
Check out @redsheperdess on Instagram to find out more.
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Various times from 21st of October to the 29th of October 2023 at Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass.
Halloween at Muncaster Castle is a must do as a family! They claim that this year is bigger and better than last year, with two festivals there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Family Friendly Festival is suitable for all ages with a spooky maze and castle tours. Scarecaster is their new night festival which is recommended for older children, and adults, and is not for the faint hearted!
To find out more, and book tickets, click here.
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