Have a scream in the Lakes this Halloween

Guest Blogger Tracey Gannon from Hidden Lakeland shares her top tips for a fang-tastic Halloween. 

The Coffin Trail

Why not start by walking the coffin trail from Rydal to Grasmere, with breathtaking autumnal views over Rydal Water and Grasmere across to Loughrigg Terrace. You’ll be following in the footsteps not only of the dead, who were carried along the trail from Ambleside to the Parish Church at Grasmere in days gone by, but of the doyen of the Lake’s society of dead poets, William Wordsworth himself, whose former homes in Rydal and Grasmere mark the start and end of your walk.

If you’re walking this route on Halloween (31 Oct), you might enjoy a visit in the evening to the Jerwood Centre in Grasmere for “Franken Time” – a one-hour talk from Richard Stanton - strictly for adults.  Join him for “a bloody good time” and follow Mary Shelley’s creation from the pages of her 1818 novel through to Robocop in a future Detroit and the creature’s rebirth in post-war Iraq.

Alternatively, time your walk for the weekend before Halloween, and head through Grasmere for a pumpkin carving workshop at Allan Bank (26 & 27 October), former home of Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, co-founder of the National Trust. What could be nicer than carving spooky faces on pumpkins to scare the trick and treaters from your door in a Georgian villa with stunning views over Grasmere.

Feeling brave?

Head to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway for Witches and Wizards Week, from 21 – 31 October. Watch out for the haunted carriage, trapped forever in Haverthwaite tunnel, and enjoy creepy crafts in the Halloween carriage on your way to continue the fun at Lakes Aquarium and Windermere Lake Cruises at Lakeside, and remember:  the train ride and entry to the aquarium is free to kids in fancy dress.

You can also pick up a Pumpkin Passport and enjoy 13 different Halloween activities at the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole from 19 - 31 October. Brockhole is being taken over by monsters, ghouls and ghosts and you’re invited to join them for a Halloween “Spooktacular”, including the Pumpkin Trail, Graveyard Golf and Zombie Archery.

Dare you miss out?

Catch the 555 or 599 services to access Rydal, Grasmere, Brockhole and Windermere Lakes Cruises. For Haverthwaite Railway & Lakes Aquarium catch the 6/X6 services. To plan your journey visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey .

Hidden Lakeland provide individual and small group tours for Japanese visitors travelling to the Lake District, helping them to discover the hidden gems of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  For further details visit: https://hiddenlakeland.co.uk/.