Lucy Brown
Features Writer
10:54 AM 30th October 2024
family
Make The Most Of Halloween With These Great Things To Do In Cumbria – And All By Bus
Laura Earl and family
Laura Earl, from Linstock near Carlisle, has thousands of followers on Instagram, where she is known as The Hiking Household.
Laura has compiled a selection of family friendly activities taking place throughout Cumbria. These include Halloween costume parties, pumpkin carving sessions and ghostly storytelling. There are also many options available for those who prefer to avoid the frightful themes. And all these events are accessible via Stagecoach buses.
“As the spookiest time of the year approaches, one of the greatest challenges may be finding ways to keep your kids engaged this Halloween.
Thanks to Stagecoach you can still get on a bus and travel anywhere in the county for just £2 per person one way.
Stagecoach also offers a great deal for families where up to five people can head out for the day without having to think about parking, thanks to their group bus tickets. So whether you head for the hills, mooch around a museum or go wild at your local zoo, you can save money with a full day of unlimited travel.
From fabulous autumn days out in the fresh air to Halloween events Laura has come up with her favourite family activities to do by bus in North Cumbria and they won’t break the bank.
For anyone looking for extra advice on making the most of ditching their car, Stagecoach have also put together this fantastic guide to getting around the Lakes by bus.
North Cumbria
Halloween at Carlisle Castle
Carlisle Castle
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus Stop: 5-minute walk from West Tower Street
Halloween half term at Carlisle Castle, 26 October - 3 November 2024.
Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Carlisle Castle this half term, where you can join the interactive after-dark ghost tours if you dare. Carlisle Castle is the perfect way to enjoy a half term day out and with lots to see and do your children will be entertained for hours with creepy clues and spooky stories.
For info here
Bitts Park
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus Stop: West Tower Street
This family friendly park is great for all ages and is completely free. With a good, solid walkway it’s ideal for all wheels, including prams. The park also hosts a sand pit, slide, climbing frame and more. This really is a great place to visit this half term with the whole family.
More info here
A family day out to Keswick
Bus route: 77, 77A, 78, 509, 553, 554, 555, X4 & X5
Bus Stop: Keswick Bus Station
Recently my children and I visited Keswick on the Stagecoach bus. We had a fantastic time visiting Hope Café, seeing the delightful views of Derwentwater and enjoying a game of pitch and putt. I would highly recommend a trip to Keswick this half term as it has something for all ages and you’re never short of things to do.
More info here
Rydal Caves
Bus route: 555 & 599
Bus Stop: White Moss Common / Church for Rydal Mount
This free walk is perfect for all ages, and looks spectacular in the Autumn months. With less than a mile to walk before you reach the caves, this adventure is always a huge success with my children. Each time we visit we have a wonderful time exploring. For further information please visit www.thehikinghousehold.com
The Brockhole Halloween Experience, Brockhole-on-Windermere
Bus route: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Bus Stop: Brockhole gates
26 October - 3 November 2024. Prepare for another spine-chilling Halloween at Brockhole, where the haunted forest is more alive than ever. This really is a must see event at Brockhole this October half term but you’ll need to book quickly as it always sells out fast. My children love this day out and it is something they particularly look forward to as the October half term approaches.
More info here
Allan Bank pumpkin carving
Bus route: 555 and 599
Bus Stop: Grasmere Village
26 - 31 October 2024. Head to Wordsworth’s former home at Allan Bank in Grasmere to have a go at carving a spooky pumpkin this half term, something all four of mine will enjoy. If you have children of different ages then this is the activity for you. Pumpkins are provided and booking is essential.
More info here
Aira Force
Bus route: 508, 509 & UB1
Bus Stop: Aira Force
Aira Force is a family favourite and suitable for all ages, although due to the many steps it may not be accessible with a pram. I would highly recommend this walk for a lovely family day out, especially if it has been raining. Please don’t ever be put off by the bad weather as often these places are better after a rain shower.
More info here
West Cumbria
Free Walks - Maryport
Bus route: 30, 300
Bus Stop: Curzon Street
This is a fantastic walk for the whole family. You are able to enjoy a trip down to the sea, an ice cream and a safe bike ride (or pram walk) along the new coastal path. My family and I love this walk as it offers so much to do and allows our older children to enjoy being on their bikes whilst on a safe path.
For further information please see www.thehikinghousehold.com
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Bus route: multiple services in Whitehaven
Bus Stop: Wittinton Cat (stand C)
Thursday 31st of October 2024. Join in the Halloween crafts session where you can paint your own spooky cauldron and create a Halloween scary mask. My family and I love it here! Places are limited and booking is advised please
More info here
Wordsworth House and Gardens, Cockermouth
Bus route: X4/X5 & 600
Bus Stop: Cockermouth Main Street
30th October 2024. Join Jessie McMeekin as she tells tales by the kitchen fire that will horrify and delight you! Suitable for ages 4 – 11 years. Booking is not required.
Further info here
South Cumbria
Free walks – Fell Foot
Bus route: 6
Bus Stop: Fell Foot Country Park
This stunning lakeshore park offers a wonderful green space where your children can play whilst surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Situated at the southern tip of Windermere, Fell Foot is a fantastic family day out. There are so many things to explore here, including a children’s play park, pram accessible walks and a cafe. The easy lake access also makes it a perfect place for paddling, swimming and boating. Please note you have to pre-book your tickets for Fell Foot, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details.
Tarn Hows
Bus route: 505
Bus Stop: 1 mile walk from Hawkshead Hill
Tarn Hows circular walk is a Lake District classic and wonderful for families as it’s a short walk that is accessible for prams. There is a pay & display car park and you get some really special views of the Lakeland fells whatever the weather. Tarn Hows is approximately 2 miles long and very easy to navigate, just follow the path clockwise around the Tarn. See the National Trust website for further information.
Ford Park
Ford Park, Ulverston
Bus route: 6 & X6
Bus Stop: Canal Street
Ford Park is a charity-run park in the heart of Ulverston. We love this park as there is so much to enjoy, from exploring the trails and having fun on the playground to relaxing in the orchard and enjoying the kitchen garden. There is also Base Restaurant, a casual, fine dining eatery that can be found in the beautiful surroundings of Ford Park.
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe
Bus route: 755
Bus Stop: Request stop at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis entrance
Boo at the zoo - are you ready for a late night spooktacular at the Wildlife Oasis? The zoo will reopen on Saturday 2 November for an evening of ghostly fun from 6.00pm - 9.30pm. With a fancy dress competition, face painting, creepy bugs, a skull and bones table, late night animal feeds and talks and tasty treats in the cafe you really can’t miss this Halloween event.
More info here
Monster Mash at The Swan
Bus route: X6, 6
Bus Stop: The Swan Hotel
31 October 2024, 5.00pm - 7.00pm. Are you ready for a night of ghoulishly good fun? Head to the Monster Mash Halloween party to find out. This party includes a UV mini disco, spine-chilling treats and frighteningly fun games. With fun for all ages this is a great way to enjoy Halloween night.
More info here
Windermere Jetty Museum: Make a Monster
Bus route: 508 & 599
Bus Stop: A short walk from Bowness
This October half term enjoy making Halloween themed creations using a range of materials. You can choose between many different drop-in sessions. This always appeals to our family as you’re not restricted to a specific time and can just pop in when you’re free.
More info here.
Walney Community Centre
Bus route: 1 & 2
Bus Stop: Central Drive
30 October 2024. Walney Community Centre host their annual Halloween party with puppets, magic fun and games and prizes for the best dressed. This party is the perfect Halloween entertainment for your little ones.
More info here