Halloween in Cumbria is shaping up to be a real treat this year, with family-friendly frights, pumpkin patches and spooky trails appearing across the county. Whether your little ones love dressing up, carving pumpkins or braving a haunted maze, there is something for everyone, from gentle garden adventures to castle capers and eerie evening fun.
Here are four of the best Halloween events and attractions for children and teenagers in Cumbria this October.
1. Pumpkin Pandemonium at Holker Hall
Location: Near Cartmel, between Ulverston and Grange-over-Sands
Dates: 25 – 26 October 2025
More info: holker.co.uk/whats_on/pumpkin-pandemonium
If you are looking for a wholesome, autumnal day out, Pumpkin Pandemonium at Holker Hall is a must-visit. The stately home’s glorious gardens will transform into a pumpkin-filled wonderland for one weekend only.
Children can explore the pumpkin trail, take part in carving workshops and enjoy autumn-themed crafts, all surrounded by the vibrant colours of Holker’s historic parkland. Parents can wander through the gardens, browse local produce or warm up with something delicious from the Courtyard Café.
It is a relaxed, low-scare event that is perfect for families with younger children. Tickets cost £10 per child (ages 12 and under), purchased alongside a standard garden ticket. It is a great way to soak up the seasonal spirit without any jump scares.
Tip: Arrive early as Holker’s Halloween events tend to sell out fast and parking can get busy on sunny October days.
2. The Brockhole Halloween Experience
Location: Brockhole on Windermere, between Windermere and Ambleside
Dates: 25 – 31 October 2025
More info: brockhole.co.uk/whats-on/the-brockhole-halloween-experience-2025
Set on the shores of Windermere, Brockhole’s Halloween Experience has become one of Cumbria’s biggest and best family Halloween celebrations. Running throughout half term, it offers a mix of fun, fantasy and fright, with something for every age and bravery level.
This year’s programme includes over 15 themed activities such as the Haunted Forest and Haunted House for older children, as well as forest trails, scavenger hunts, owl encounters, magic shows, and even zombie archery and laser combat for adventurous teens.
Younger visitors can meet friendly characters, join in craft workshops and enjoy the new “Witch’s Cauldron” storytelling sessions. It is a full-day experience and “Halloween Passports” start at around £28, giving access to a packed schedule of activities.
The setting alone makes it special. Imagine autumn leaves tumbling over Lake Windermere as families in costume wander through spooky woodland paths. Add food stalls, local performers and plenty of photo opportunities, and you have a day that is equal parts eerie and enchanting.
Good to know: Some of the scarier zones have age guidance, so check before booking to make sure the experience suits your group.
3. Kendal Ghost Walks – Tales from the Old Town
Location: Kendal Town Centre
Dates: Evenings throughout October, including Halloween Night (31 October 2025)
More info: trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/55564
For something atmospheric but not too frightening, the Kendal Ghost Walks offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s darker past. Guided by local storytellers, the walks explore Kendal’s historic streets and shadowy yards, revealing spine-tingling tales of restless spirits and strange happenings.
It is a brilliant option for families with older children or teenagers who love a good ghost story. Expect to hear about mysterious figures glimpsed in Angel Yard, eerie noises near the river and other haunting local legends.
Walks usually last around 90 minutes and start from the town centre. The pace is gentle and the stories are crafted to intrigue rather than terrify, making them suitable for ages ten and up.
You can also combine the walk with The Haunting at Brewery Arts, a one-off ghost-themed performance that blends storytelling with live theatre. It is the perfect way to round off a spooky evening in Kendal.
Top tip: Wrap up warm and bring a torch as Kendal’s old alleyways can get very dark once the sun goes down.
4. Muncaster Castle Halloween Family Festival
Location: Ravenglass, Western Lake District
Dates: 25 October – 2 November 2025
More info: muncaster.co.uk/halloweenfamilyfestival
No list of Cumbrian Halloween events would be complete without Muncaster Castle. This spectacular fortress near Ravenglass has earned a national reputation for its immersive and imaginative Halloween celebrations, and 2025 promises to be no different.
The Halloween Family Festival runs for nine days, filling the castle grounds with street performers, spooky trails, costume parades and interactive shows. Families can explore the haunted castle rooms, try the Scary Maze, or watch the Castle Show, a special theatrical performance titled Sherlock Holmes and the Curious Case of the Girt Dog.
Younger children will love the bird of prey displays, pumpkin patches and fancy-dress competitions, while thrill-seeking teens can test their nerve in Scarecaster, a darker after-dark experience recommended for ages sixteen and up.
Day tickets start from £22.95 for adults and £16.95 for children, with combined castle and show packages also available. Everything is set against the dramatic backdrop of Muncaster’s towers and autumn woodland, creating a uniquely Cumbrian kind of magic.
Do not miss: The torchlit parade and evening light shows are unforgettable, especially on crisp autumn nights.
Make It a Spooktacular Half Term
From Ulverston’s stately gardens to Windermere’s lakeside adventures, Kendal’s haunted streets and the eerie halls of Muncaster Castle, Cumbria has a Halloween experience to suit every family.
Whether you want to dip into crafts and pumpkin carving or brave a haunted maze, these events offer safe, imaginative and laughter-filled fun across the county. So grab your broomsticks, pack a torch and prepare for a half term full of ghoulish giggles and ghostly tales.
If you are planning to visit, book early as most events sell out before half term week begins. Remember to check each organiser’s website for the latest updates, ticket information and weather-related changes.
Happy haunting!
