Things to Do in the Yorkshire Dales This Autumn: Family Days Out & October Half Term 2026

Crunchy leaves, crisp country walks, pumpkin picking and plenty of Halloween fun - autumn is a wonderful time for a family break in the Yorkshire Dales.

As the landscape turns shades of gold, orange and red, there are plenty of reasons to wrap up warm and head outdoors. With October half term bringing a packed calendar of family-friendly events across the area, it's an especially good time to visit.

From exploring Malham Cove and Linton Falls to following pumpkin trails, meeting farm animals and enjoying a spooky Halloween party, here are some of our favourite things to do in the Yorkshire Dales this autumn.

Enjoy an autumn walk around Grassington and Linton Falls

You don't need to venture far from Long Ashes Park to enjoy some beautiful autumn scenery.

Nearby Grassington makes a lovely starting point for a family walk. Explore its cobbled square and little ginnels before heading towards the River Wharfe and Linton Falls, where you can watch the water tumble over the rocks.

For a longer adventure, continue towards Grass Wood, following the riverside and woodland trails. Grass Wood is a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a mix of limestone scenery and woodland that's particularly atmospheric as the leaves change colour.

For families looking for something a little gentler, there is an easy-access circular riverside walk from Grassington.

Just remember your wellies or walking boots - this is Yorkshire in autumn, after all!

Discover Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

For a bigger family adventure, head to Malham, home to some of the most recognisable scenery in the Yorkshire Dales.

Take the walk from Malham village to the spectacular limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove, or head to the dramatic gorge at Gordale Scar. You can also include the enchanting woodland waterfall at Janet's Foss if little legs are up to a longer walk.

Pack a flask of hot chocolate, add a few snacks to your rucksack and you've got the makings of a perfect autumn day in the Dales.

Join our Children's Halloween Party at The Gamekeeper's Inn

Things are getting spooky a little closer to home too!

On Saturday 31st October from 12pm-3pm, we're hosting our Children's Halloween Party at The Gamekeeper's Inn.

Get your little witches, ghosts, vampires and monsters dressed in their best Halloween costumes and join us for an afternoon of frighteningly good family fun.

There'll be a spooky disco, a pumpkin trail and plenty of Halloween excitement to keep your little ghouls and goblins entertained.

Tickets are £12.50 per child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

To book, call 01756 752434 or email info@gamekeeperinn.co.uk.

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Follow the Pumpkin Trail at Bolton Abbey

Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

One of the highlights of October half term in the Yorkshire Dales, the Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail returns to Strid Wood for 2026.

Follow the giant pumpkins through the woods, keeping an eye out for clues hidden inside mystery boxes. Collect them as you go and see if your family can solve the final puzzle.

Trail sheets are available from the Cavendish Shop and the route leads through Strid Wood towards the Strid. The trail is included in the Estate car park fee, and due to its popularity, pre-booking the Riverside car park is strongly advised.

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Carve Pumpkins at Hesketh Farm Park

For younger children in particular, Hesketh Farm Park near Bolton Abbey makes a brilliant autumn day out.

Halloween brings pumpkin carving, quizzes and a Halloween grotto, complete with plenty of spooks and perhaps even a friendly witch to lend a hand with your pumpkin.

There's plenty to enjoy beyond the Halloween activities too. Hesketh is a working farm with more than 1,000 livestock, and children can get involved with animal feeding and handling before burning off some energy in the play areas.

If the Yorkshire weather decides not to cooperate, much of the fun takes place inside, making this a handy one to keep up your sleeve for a rainy October half-term day.

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Pick and Carve Pumpkins in Skipton

Make a trip into Skipton on Thursday 29th October between 10am and 4pm for a day of Halloween fun at the Canal Basin.

Children can grab a wheelbarrow, head into the pumpkin patch and choose a favourite pumpkin before carving it ready to take home for Halloween. There will also be Halloween crafts and family activities to get involved with.

While you're in town, leave some time for a wander around Skipton's shops, cafes and historic streets.

Plan Your Visit

Spend a day at Thornton Hall Country Park

There's a whole month of Halloween fun planned at Thornton Hall Country Park this October.

Families can head to the farm and pumpkin patch earlier in the month, from Saturday 3rd to Friday 23rd October. You can also enjoy the Halloween Toddler Party on select dates, with soft play, pumpkin patch and carving, animal petting, glitter tattoos, Halloween party games, giant bubbles, crafts and more.

SPOOKS! brings family-friendly Halloween fun on selected dates in October and throughout half term. Expect characters, entertainment and plenty of seasonal surprises alongside the Country Park's usual family attractions.

For families with older teenagers looking for something considerably scarier, Thornton Hall also hosts its SCREAMS! Halloween experience on the last 3 Fridays and Saturdays of October. With live actors and scare attractions, this one's aimed at an older audience rather than younger children, so make sure you check individual age guidance before booking.

If you're extending your autumn break into November, Thornton Hall's Bonfire Weekend on 6th and 7th November promises a huge bonfire, fireworks and family entertainment.

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Take a steam train through the autumn countryside

There's something rather magical about seeing the Yorkshire countryside from a heritage steam train.

The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway takes passengers on a journey through the countryside aboard beautifully restored vintage carriages - an easy way to turn an ordinary autumn afternoon into an adventure for younger train enthusiasts.

The railway also hosts special events throughout the year, such as on-board Murder Mysteries and comedy nights, so it's worth checking what's on during your stay.

If you're visiting a little earlier in autumn, don't miss the Bavarian Bash on Saturday 3rd October - an unforgettable evening of Oktoberfest-style entertainment with a lively oompah band, roaming musicians and singers, traditional stein stomping, singalongs, and interactive Bavarian Bingo.

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Head Underground at Stump Cross Caverns

Need an idea for a rainy day?

Swap the autumn skies for an underground adventure at Stump Cross Caverns, where the whole family can discover a hidden landscape beneath the Yorkshire Dales.

The caverns traditionally host Halloween trails, with this year’s spooky activities set to be announced very soon! There’ll be plenty of exciting experiences to get stuck into, including the popular UV Tours, which run daily after 3pm. Once the lights go out, you’ll explore the caverns in the darkness, with only your UV torch to guide the way.

Plan Your Visit

Make a Family Break of October Half Term

With so much happening, it's difficult to squeeze the Yorkshire Dales into just one day.

Make a few days of it and you can combine pumpkin trails and Halloween parties with long autumn walks, family attractions and plenty of time simply enjoying the countryside.

At Long Ashes Park, you're perfectly placed for exploring Grassington, Malham, Skipton, Bolton Abbey and many of the Dales' best-loved family attractions.

Families can settle into one of our self-catering holiday lodges, giving you plenty of space to relax together after a busy day exploring. Or, for an easy family getaway without the cooking, book a family room at The Gamekeeper's Inn and have the restaurant just downstairs when everyone returns hungry from a day out.

Because our Children's Halloween Party is taking place right here at The Gamekeeper's Inn on 31st October, staying with us means the Halloween fun is practically on your doorstep.

After muddy walks, pumpkin picking and days spent exploring, you can head back to Long Ashes, get cosy and start planning tomorrow's adventure.

Planning an October half-term break in the Yorkshire Dales?

Explore our family-friendly stays at Long Ashes Park and The Gamekeeper's Inn and make autumn 2026 one to remember.

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