Autumn is in full swing in the Lakes. Burnt colours decorate the landscape and there’s a crisp chill in the air.
There’s heaps of spook-tacular adventures to be had during Halloween & Bonfire Night in the Lake District.
We’ve compiled an exciting list of all of our favourite things to do. Keep reading to find out more…
Things to do for Halloween in the Lake District
The Brockhole Halloween Experience
Brockhole Visitor Centre
Saturday 21st October – Sunday 29th October 2023 – 9am – 5pm
A short distance from White Cross Bay Holiday Park, on the outskirts of Windermere, The Brockhole Visitor Centre hosts an annual Halloween Experience. The event takes place between the 21st-29th October and is open between 9am-5pm daily.
Grab your Pumpkin Passport when you arrive and follow spooky trails, enjoy ghost story telling, craft-making, zombie archery and lots of other scary fun. Refuel after all that excitement with a witches brew and a green goblin cake!
There are activities suitable for children aged 8+ and a mini-Pumpkin Passport for those younger guests who don’t want to be quite so scared!
Walaby Farm Pumpkin Picking
Walaby Farm
Sunday 1st October – Tuesday 31st October 2023
For some family-friendly Halloween fun in the Lake District, pumpkin picking at Walaby Farm is the perfect choice.
Wrap up warm and head out on the farm in search of the perfect pumpkin. When you’ve picked your favourite, there’s help on hand to assist with carving!
There’s plenty for little ones to see and do, including an indoor and outdoor adventure play area, cuddly farm animals and quirky corn cannon!
Online booking is essential and admission includes a pumpkin for every paying child. Find out more here.
Winter Droving
Saturday 28th October 2023
One of the most highly-anticipated events in the Lake District in October, the Winter Droving takes place in the heart of Penrith.
Not your typical Halloween event, the Winter Droving celebrates Cumbria’s rural heritage. The celebration is reminiscent of the tradition of herding farm animals to the market to sell at the end of the farming year.
Penrith town centre will play host to several stages playing live music, a vintage funfair and a food and craft market selling the very best local produce.
The Drover’s Cup will take place throughout the day, with events including sausage eating, egg throwing and pint carrying, and there’s even a fancy dress competition for dogs!
Things to do on Bonfire Night in the Lake District
Windermere RUFC Firework Extravaganza
Saturday 4th November 2023 – 5:30pm
If you’re looking for something to do on Bonfire Night in the Lake District then be sure to add this Firework Extravanganza to your list!
Taking place on the 4th of November, the event will see a magical firework display, along with live music, fire eaters and an on-site bar and BBQ.
All proceeds raised will go toward support for Macmillan Nurses and the development of Windermere Rugby Club. This is a ticketed event, with doors opening at 5:30pm. Book your tickets here.
Holker Hall Winter Market
Friday 3rd November 2023 – 12pm – 7pm
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th November 2023 – 10am – 4pm
Kicking off the festive season early, the Holker Hall Winter Market is a unique way to spend Bonfire Night in the Lake District.
A three day event, the Winter Market plays host to an enchanting variety of stalls, where you’ll find artisan gifts, crafts and textiles, along with a mouth-watering collection of food and drink.
There’s also live entertainment held throughout the day, sure to keep the little ones entertained. Why not stop by and enjoy a spot of live music performed by local bands and singers?
Dark Sky Canoeing
Wesnesday 1st & Saturday riday 4th November – 3:40pm – 6:40pm
Wesnsday 8th, Saturday 11th & Wednesday 15th November 2023- 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Saturday 18th November – 3:10pm – 6:10pm
Try something a little different this Bonfire Night in the Lake District with a night time canoe on Coniston Water.
A guided canoe tour will begin during the daylight, before the dark sky of the evening rolls in, revealing a star-studded canopy above. Can you identify the constellations and the Milky Way?
A truly unique experience, you’ll enjoy a hot brew amongst a secluded bay before continueing your journey through the darkness. Find out more here.
Hayes Garden World Fireworks Night and Late Night Shopping
Friday 3nd November 2023 – 6 – 9pm
Bonfire Night in the Lake District sees Hayes Garden World host a fireworks and late night shopping evening.
Along with an explosive evening of fireworks, there will be hearty food on offer, including lamb hot pot and chilli bratwurst.
The World of Christmas will open it’s doors, boasting themed Christmas displays using baubles, lights and garlands all available to purchase on-site. Guests will even be rewarded with an additional 10% off Christmas items purchased on the night!
Booking is essential for entry to this Lake District firework display. Purchase your tickets here.
Ullswater Steamers
Looking for something leisurely? The Ullswater Steamers will be sailing atop the pristine waters of Ullswater throughout October and November, enveloped by the autumn colours of the surrounding landscape.
Thinking of heading to our wonderous region to experience Halloween or Bonfire Night in the Lake District? Secure one of these Autumn lodges and start planning your spook-tacular holiday itinerary today!
If you’re stuck on things to see and do, we’ve also created the ultimate guide to the Lake District, sure to help you come up with some ideas!
This blog has been adapted based on original content written by Lake District Lodge Holidays.
