October half term is here and there are plenty of family fun activities in and around the North York Moors.
Here are just some of things on offer this October half term.
Flamingo Land
Until Sunday 30th October, Flamingo Land have a host of spooktacular events, attractions and activities for the whole family. As well as being able to spend the day exploring the theme park and zoo, there is also the option to purchase 'an evening ticket' on certain dates which allows you to enjoy the rides for the last hour of the park's opening time, along with a special Rock in the Park show and fireworks display. Flamingo Land is usually a bit quieter in the autumn and you can check out our Flamingo Land blog for more information on the park.
Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is one of the hosts of the Dark Skies Festival over the half term week. There are multiple opportunities for star gazing and with Dalby Forest having one of the darkest skies in North England and with minimal light pollution, it's the perfect place to appreciate the amazing night sky. The star gazing events are run by Astro Dog who offer a guided tour, learning about stars, asterisms, constellations, star-hopping and how to navigate the night sky.
On Saturday 29th October there is also Fear in the Forest which is a guided Halloween trail through the forest. Each walk lasts approximately 40 minutes. It is not recommend for children under 5 years of age due to the darkness and content of the trail.
York Maze
Each year York Maze excels itself with Halloscream - a live action Haunted House attractions. This is for adults and children aged over the age of 14 years due to the nature of the event. However, York Maze also hosts a Hallotween event specifically for children aged 10 to 15 years and for adults of a more nervous disposition which is on selected dates between 22nd October and 30th October.
NYMR
The North York Moors Railway offers a fun family day out on board a heritage steam or diesel train. Enjoy the ride whilst sitting in the vintage carriages as you embark on a scenic journey through the enchanting North York Moors National Park. Daily trains up until trains up to 30 October 2022.
There is also the Light Spectacular Express each evening from the 22nd October to 30th October. As part of the Dark Skies Fringe Festival, the trains are decorated with thousands of lights, before departing from Pickering Station for an awe-inspiring journey alongside a DJ-Mix of music. Each passenger will be given an interactive LED wristband which is synchronised to the music and passengers become part of the show. This hour-long round trip, with on-board narration and music, departs from Pickering Station for Levisham Station.
Whitby Abbey
It's not just the trains that are lighting up the sky this half term, as Whitby Abbey is illuminated on the evenings from 21st October and 31st October. See Bram Stoker's inspiration in a different light as it is swathed in dramatic colourful lighting. As English Heritage celebrate 125 years of Dracula, the story is brought to life within the Abbey ruins.
Eden Camp
There are some spooky goings on at Eden Camp over the October half term. As well as enjoying the World War II museum, there is Halloween Bingo, a spooky tour and 'Witch Crafts' to keep the children entertained.
Pumpkin Picking at Cedarbarn Farm Shop
Throughout half term, you can visit our neighbours at Cedarbarn Farm shop & cafe to pick your own pumpkin and carve it too. Hop aboard the miniature railway 'The Pumpkin Express' as it takes you across the fields. You can also pop in to the cafe afterwards to warm up and enjoy a pumpkin spiced latte.
There's so much family fun on offer over the October holidays in the North York Moors, that you'll have a wonderful North Yorkshire staycation.
