October is one of our favourite times to be in Cumbria. The crowds of summer have eased off, the landscapes are starting to turn properly autumnal and, if you know where to look, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Cumbria this October, we’ve found four very different options to put in your diary. From Carlisle’s spectacular Fireshow and getting stuck into conservation work to live classical music and contemporary art, there’s a little something for everyone.
And, importantly, these are all things you can enjoy without paying an admission fee when you arrive.
Watch Carlisle’s spectacular Fireshow
If you’re saving your biggest October outing until the end of the month, Carlisle’s annual Fireshow is hard to beat.
On Saturday 31 October, Bitts Park will host the 37th Carlisle Fireshow, with the event getting underway at 6.30pm.
There’ll be a huge central bonfire followed by more than 2,000 fireworks set to music, making this one of the most spectacular free events in Cumbria’s October calendar.
This year’s display also has a local connection to look out for, as it celebrates Cumberland’s countdown to the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027.
Admission is free, although organisers will be collecting for local charities, so it’s worth taking some cash if you’re able to make a donation.
The Fireshow is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators, so plan your journey in advance and expect Carlisle to be very busy.
When: Saturday 31 October, from 6.30pm
Where: Bitts Park, Carlisle
Cost: Free
Instagram: @cumberlandcouncil
Get your hands dirty at a free conservation day
Fancy doing something a little more active? On Tuesday 20 October, Cumbria Wildlife Trust is holding a conservation day at Cold Springs Community Nature Reserve in Penrith.
The reserve is being developed as a place where people and nature can thrive together, with work taking place across its grassland, hedgerows, trees and wildlife habitats.
The conservation days are a chance to get outside, learn a few practical skills and help with the ongoing work. At Cold Springs, tasks can include tree planting, hedge work and general habitat management.
It’s a refreshing alternative to simply visiting somewhere beautiful for an autumn walk – you’re actually helping to look after it too.
The conservation day runs from 10am to 3pm and places need to be booked in advance, so don’t just turn up on the morning.
When: Tuesday 20 October, 10am–3pm
Where: Cold Springs Community Nature Reserve, Penrith
Cost: Free
Instagram: @cumbriawildlifetrust
Enjoy a free piano recital at Carlisle Cathedral
If autumn weather is doing its worst, head indoors for an afternoon of classical music.
On Wednesday 7 October, Carlisle Cathedral welcomes acclaimed pianist Jill Crossland to the Fratry Hall for one of its free afternoon recitals. The performance starts at 4pm, with doors opening beforehand.
There’s no admission charge, although a collection will be taken at the end for anyone who would like to support the artist and the cathedral.
It’s a lovely option if you’re after something a little different from the usual October day out. Carlisle Cathedral itself is worth taking your time over, so you can make an afternoon of it rather than simply arriving for the music and heading straight home.
When: Wednesday 7 October, 4pm
Where: Fratry Hall, Carlisle Cathedral
Cost: Free, with optional collection
Instagram: @carlisle.cathedral
See autumn through an artist’s eyes at Farfield Mill
For something quieter, make the trip to Sedbergh and spend some time exploring Tumbling Stones, Wiggly Tin at Farfield Mill.
The exhibition by artist Hilary Grisewood focuses on the old buildings and landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, including weathered stone barns and corrugated iron buildings. There’s a strong sense of place running through the work, making it particularly fitting for an October visit when the landscape around Sedbergh is beginning to change.
The exhibition runs through autumn and is free to visit, with Farfield Mill open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am until 4pm.
Farfield Mill is also home to other exhibitions, galleries, artists’ studios and working looms, so this is one of those places where you can easily spend longer than expected.
When: Throughout October, Wednesday–Sunday
Where: Farfield Mill, Sedbergh
Cost: Free
Instagram: @farfield.mill
Make the most of October in Cumbria
You don’t need to book an expensive attraction or spend a fortune on a day out to enjoy autumn in Cumbria.
Whether you fancy watching thousands of fireworks over Carlisle, getting involved with conservation, listening to live music or discovering local art, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season for free.
Just remember that event details can change, particularly with outdoor activities, so it’s always worth checking with the organiser before setting off.
