Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit the Lake District. This peaceful season is also one of the most beautiful, as the leaves in the valleys turn from green to gold. The orchards in places like Sizergh are ripe with fruit, ready and waiting for harvesting; Ambleside is awash with autumn colours; Skiddaw is blazing with purple heather; and for early risers, you can take advantage of the beautiful displays of low-level mist above the lakes and rivers.
But this time of year is not only a beautiful sight to behold; autumn in the Lakes is full of fantastic seasonal events perfect for the whole family. Here are just a few picks from the extensive range of goings-on in the Lake District this autumn:
Have you ever wondered where Beatrix Potter got the inspiration for some of the darker characters in her tales? This autumn, from 20th October until the 24th November, you can head over to Wray Castle in Ambleside for the Forests of Folklore event. The Germanic folk stories of Beatrix Potter’s childhood had elements of character and plot that eventually made their way into her own books. You can play hide and seek with the eerie shadows of Wray Castle’s very own folk characters inside their indoor shadow forest.
Make this Halloween a truly special event with a visit to Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass. From the 23rd to the 28th October, you can visit one of Britain’s most haunted castles (if you dare), for a spooky variety of Halloween-themed activities.
Arrive in fancy dress and enjoy all that’s going on at the castle, including the Muncaster Monster Cabaret – a conjuring and comedy aerialist show with fire-eating and more. There is also The Scary Maze, where the Meadowvole Maze has been transformed into a dark, scary nightmare for Halloween; The Ghostly Grotto which includes lantern-making workshops, ghost stories and face-painting; Twilight Owls, a display of beautiful owls in low-level lighting; and the Castle Halloween Tour – a scripted, theatrical tour of the castle. Give your family a Halloween to remember with a visit to Muncaster Castle.
Another wonderful activity for the kids. Come down to Acorn Bank on the 27th October from 10:30 to 15:30 for a broom and wand making workshop. Your little witches and wizards can make their very own broomstick and wand using natural, woodland materials. An activity that is certain to spark their imagination and creativity as well as get them outside and enjoying being in nature.
The Lakes International Comic Arts Festival is the only event of its kind in the UK, and it takes place in the quaint little market town of Kendal. The festival celebrates the amazing world of comic artists, creators and writers, bringing the biggest names in comic art to Cumbria. This year it consists of 70 special guests from across the comic world. You can get work signed by your favourite creator, buy some incredible works or enjoy the various talks and discussions exploring comic art in all its guises.
This autumn, the Allan Bank Woodland trail will be taken over by spooky pumpkins. Your children can venture into the woods to see how many they can find, just make sure they remember to check inside the spine-tingling tunnel. Allan Bank is a place to relax in front of a warm fire while the children play. This is available from the 15th October until the 31st and booking is not required.
One to certainly delight kids and adults alike; from now until the 2nd October, head down to Hill Top in Cumbria for the Peter Rabbit Trail. On this trail, you’ll join Peter Rabbit as he searches for Beatrix’s clues in the garden and for Samuel Whiskers’ family in the house. Explore the garden with your senses. Keep your eyes peeled for objects hidden in the vegetable patch that may have fallen out of Beatrix’s handbag. Relive your favourite childhood books and let your children experience the magic that is Beatrix Potter.
Get down to the Lake District this year and take advantage of all the incredible events going on. We have a range of luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District to suit all needs. Whether you want to get your spook on this Halloween, or feel wonderful and festive in time for Christmas, there will be something going on in the Lakes for you and your whole family.
