10 things to do in the Lake District in October [2024]
October is one of my favourite months, and the perfect time to go on some microadventures. The Lake District goes all out for spooky season, with plenty of events to celebrate! There’s also the start of Cumbria’s Dark Skies festival, with plenty of events to explore. So, here is a run down of 10 of the very best things to do in The Lake District in October.
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Top 10 things to do in The Lake District in October
From pumpkin picking, to spooky forests, to dark skies, there really is something for everyone!
Go pumpkin picking After Dark at Walby Farm Park
Who says Halloween is just for kids? Walby Farm Park is opening after hours for grown-ups to have lots of fun this season. With live music, pumpkin picking, food and drink, as well as the soft play and mile castle opening up for the adults.
This is a really unique event, and I can’t wait to go to this fall festival in Cumbria!
Find out more and buy tickets here
Unique things to do in The Lake District in October : Apple Tasting at Acorn Bank
Acorn Bank has an orchard with over 150 different types of Apples, and every October they hold apple tasting events. Try a Keswick Codlin, a Howgate Wonder or even a Pitmaston Pineapple – which is actually an apple!
Twilight Tales at Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage was home to the writer William Wordsworth, and is now a beautiful museum. For halloween, they have some special events, where you can have hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts in the cosy Learning Space.
Children can 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 – perfect for a special Halloween in the Lake District!
Find out more and book tickets here
Unmisssable things to do in the lake district in october : A spooky night wild swim at Ambleside
One of the most unique wild swims you’ll go on – take to swimming the lake with ghost story writer, Simon K Unsworth, for swimming, fun and spooky stories.
This isn’t a swim for first-timers, and you do need to be able to swim a mile in open water, but if you can do that, this is definitely a cool thing to try out!
Find out more and book tickets
Biofluorescent Night Walks at Hawswater
Biofluorescence is a unique phenomenon where certain organisms emit light in different colours than the ones they absorb, and we will embark on a guided walk to discover this captivating natural phenomenon up close.
RSPB are holding a cool event at Haweswater, you can delve into the enchanting world of biofluorescence and uncover the wonders that await in the darkness. Armed with UV torches, venture into the darkness to witness a stunning display of biofluorescent organisms in their natural habitat. From fungi to insects and plants, we will encounter a diverse array of species that come alive with vibrant hues of green, blue, red, purple, orange, and more, revealing Nature’s hidden spectacles.
A Stargazing Canoe trip on Coniston Water
This month is Cumbria’s dark skies festival, with plenty of things to do in The Lake District after dark.
Try something different and experience a night-time adventure with the whole family on Coniston Water in rafted canoes. Head off on a journey and explore the Island from Swallows and Amazons and have a proper micro adventure, where you’ll light a small fire to boil water for hot chocolate, tea or coffee and watch as the sun finishes setting over the magnificent mountain scenery.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Winter Droving at Penrith
Winter Droving is an annual event in the Eden Valley, and is a magical celebration of rural life, food, fun, masquerade, and fire.
There’s street theatre, local market stalls, live music and the highlight of the day: a fire and lantern procession which travels through the town, watched by thousands of spectators.
Visitors are encouraged to don masks and many make their own for the occasion – so it’s time to get creative!
Dark Skies Walk at Whinlatter
Whinlatter Forest is the perfect place to explore the dark skies, and during the dark skies festival, you can join amateur astronomer Jo, who will help you have some fun finding the major constellations and will have star maps and guides on hand to help.
Find out more and book tickets
Scary things to do in The Lake District in October : The Forest of Fear at Brockhole
If you’re looking for spine-tingling, spooktacular things to do in The Lake District this October, then make sure you head to Brockhole on Windermere.
There are plenty of events happening, from the immersive forest of fear, to axe throwing, to Interactive ghost stories with Madame Elvira – there’s something for all fear levels and for all ages!
Find out more and book your tickets
Go Ape after dark
There’s no bigger thrill than Go Ape, and at Grizedale, you can take it that one thrilling step further, and go after dark. The forest is lit up and full of colour, and this is a magical way to have a go at Go Ape!
As you can see, there are so many fun and spooky things to do in The Lake District this October. If you’re planning a trip to the lakes, make sure to check out our Lake District section, with plenty of inspiration on where to stay, the best places to eat, and fun things to do.
