Things to do in the Lake District Over October Half Term 2023.

Share it!

Here is our list of all the best things to do for families in the Lake District this October Half term!

This October in the Lake District don’t miss out on all the events going on, ranging from spooky Halloween horrors to calming and crisp nature trails and walks around the grand mountains and lakes! Whatever you’re looking for there is sure to be amazing days out for all ages, so make sure you take advantage during the October half term break.

1. Twilight Tales in Dove Cottage

Kick off the Halloween festivities this October with a trip to the home of famous English poet, William Wordsworth! See where he wrote some of his most famous poems. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a gingerbread while having a go at the Halloween crafts. Dress up in traditional Georgian clothing while learning about Wordsworth and hearing some of his writing.

Then as night falls head over to the Dove Cottage to listen to the spooky tales of Cumbria by candlelight! Find out more information, including dates and times here!

2. Dark Skies Festival

The Cumbrian Dark skies festival takes place each year, offering wonderful and unique experiences under the stars! With close to 0 light pollution, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of the night sky fully with the various activities available to book! Take a late-night stroll on a stargazing walk or a moonlit dip in the lake with the guided night swims! From art shows and installations to Astronomy and space talks, running from October 28th to November 18th there really is something for everyone! Learn more here!

3. The Brockhole Halloween Experience

Tickets are on sale now for the Brockhole Halloween Experience in Windermere, with new activities for this year including Axe throwing, new haunted forest and laser tag in the woods, just to name a few! With a whopping total of 20 activities available with a day pass and yummy food stalls including an outdoor BBQ and a fish and chips van plus the Gaddum kitchen open from 9am for breakfast, book your tickets here for a full day of Halloween fun!

4. Pumpkin Picking

For the month of October at the Walby Farm Park, Pumpkin Picking is back on! The team have worked hard to grow a glorious selection of pumpkins this year! From big beefy ones perfect for carving to smaller ones in a variety of colours ideal for decorating your home for the spooky season. But the fun doesn’t stop there, Pumpkin Carving, Corn Cannon, Indoor & Outdoor Adventure Play. Plus, much more. Pre book your spot here now!

5. Beatrix Potter Tour

Explore Beatrix Potter’s hilltop home and see Esthwaite lake where she loved to fish. This is a small group tour of locations in Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside. Explore the beauty of the Lake District and learn all about the fascinating life of the legendry author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter. Book your guided tour here!

6. Go down the rabbit hole!

Follow Alice on her magical journey, from her fleeting encounters with the White Rabbit to her eventual showdown with the crazed Queen of Hearts. Caterpillar, Ukulele twanging Tweedle twins, and an array of others pop up along the way before Alice finds her way out of wonderland. No matter how old or young this family favourite show is a must watch! Click here to book your viewing now at the Old Laundry Theatre.

7. The Wonderful World of Optical Illusions

Ready to have your mind messed with? Head down to the Lake district’s wonderful world of optical illusions! Explore the anti-gravity room, Hologram gallery and eyelusions exhibition! This indoor activity is perfect for any weather, in the unpredictable October climate!

Walk through the wacky world of illusions where there is always more than meets the eye this October half term. Click here to book your tickets to the puzzling place!

8. Autumn Walks

October in the Lake District is the perfect time to take in all that this beautiful corner of the world has to offer! Wrap up warm and bask in the gorgeous autumn sunshine on one of the many walks and trails around the lakes and forests!

One of our favourite spots for autumn walks and hikes is the beautiful Whinlatter Forest. Wonder through the trees and take in the bursts of stunning colours, with deep orange, reds and amber tones! If you’re looking for a brisk hike or a casual stroll to take in the sites, there are paths for all abilities, plan your routes for you’re stay now! This stunning forest is only a 40 minute drive away from our Lake District Park, Lyons Manor House . The perfect spot for October half term breaks, click here to experience the magic of the Lake District this October half term.

9. Steam Rail Ride

Take a ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway. A heritage railway through the heart of Cumbria! Take in the amazing views of the area from the comfort of the cosy steam train. First opened in 1875 and used to iron between 3 mines near and around the villages, You’ll be in for a trip packed full of history and amazing views.

No matter if you’re looking to thrills and scares that send shivers down your spine or calm and tranquil walks in the orange autumn leaves, This October Half term the Lake District is the place to be! Look no further for your Halloween Holidays and October half term Breaks, Click here make Half Term memories to cherish at Lyons.

A group of Zebras is called a Dazzle, and ZeZe certainly Dazzles with her hip dance moves and rocking smusic taste

The latest member of the Beach Buddies is ZeZe! After Leo, Milo and Hetty enjoyed the delights of Mombasa Beach and the Chalbi desert on their backpacking trip through Kenya, they made a friend in ZeZe, the sassy, rockin’ and dazzling Zebra. ZeZe has a natural flair for playing any instrument available to her and she loves writing songs for her friends. Much to the delight of Hetty who loves a boogie.

You can catch ZeZe at ZeZe’s Eco Fashion, Beach Buddy Pap Call, Beach Buddy Showtime and ZeZe’s Birthday Party. Check the events calendar for more details.

Milo loves to tell jokes… “Why did the monkey take its banana to the doctors? It wasn’t peeling good.”

A cheeky-chappie who loves to joke, Milo is enthusiastic about EVERYTHING! You will often see Milo bounding around park, full of energy. Milo absolutely loves all things bananas; Banana bread, banana
cookies, banana milk! Milo’s favourite dance move is the “banana split!”, letting his creativity shine when he’s rapping and dancing, Milo loves joining Hetty in making up new, cool moves. The laughter never stops when Milo is around with his funny jokes, friendly pranks and infectious chuckle! Milo’s good-nature and zest for
life, means you just want to be around him all the time.

You can catch Milo at Milo’s Make a Mess, Beach Buddy Pap Call, Beach Buddy Showtime and Milo’s Birthday Party. Check your parks event calendar for more details!

Cool and smart, Leo is definitely, the “mane” man!

Full of energy, Leo is a probably the coolest guy you’ll ever meet and he loves making new friends! You will often find Leo socialising with all his friends and hosting the best parties. Keeping active is Leo’s favourite way to spend his time! Leo will try any sport or activity from playing basketball and football to archery, becoming a master of them all! Smart, logical and grounded, Leo leads his Buddies, always thinking of games and exciting activities. You can’t help but smile when Leo is around.

You can catch Leo at Leo’s Sports Day, Beach Buddy Pap Call, Beach Buddy Showtime and Leo’s Birthday Party.

Hetty always says, “I’m gonna hippo-pot-a-miss you!” When it's time to say goodbye

The quietest of all her friends with a big imagination, Hetty always has the most fantastical, creative ideas and believes that all dreams can come true! Hetty can often be found dancing around park and making up new moves with Milo for her friends to join in all her dances. Hetty loves all things colourful and covered in sparkles, her favourite colour is pink… all shades of pink! Baby pink, bubble-gum pink, flamingo… She loves them all! Kind-hearted and loveable, Hetty loves to meet new friends and giving them all a big hippo hug. You can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy when you meet Hetty.

Come and see Hetty at Hetty’s Sensory Play, Beach Buddy Showtime, Beach Buddy Pap Call and Hetty’s Birthday Party. Check your parks event calendar for more details.