Are you in need of some inspiration this half term? Why not explore Yorkshire and make the most of a host of festive activities on offer this autumn? There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied for a week so, hire a campervan and head out on the hunt for haunted houses, pumpkin patches and whimsical woodlands this spooky season.
There’s no better time to explore this mystical cave and enchanted woodland than in the autumn. As the birthplace of Mother Shipton, England’s most famous prophetess, the cave is shrouded with myths and legends. Make a wish at the wishing well or watch in awe as the waters of the petrifying well turn everyday objects to stone. Discover the fables and folklore of the forest at the Halloween Haunted Village, open from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November. Wander the woods and watch out for the witches or search for skeletons along your trail. Remember, even ghosts and ghouls need to practise social distancing so, don’t forget to pre-book to avoid disappointment!
Explore the ancient ruins of Fountains Abbey after dark at their annual Fountains by Floodlight event. Take your torch and seek out the hidden tunnels and passageways and discover this medieval monastery by moonlight. Soak up the atmosphere and explore the chapel and cloisters while listening to traditional choir music. Head to the Mill Yard for some warm food on a wintery evening and choose from a selection of stalls including Pie and Tap, Toast of Harrogate and Posh Dogs. This year, the event takes place between Monday 19th October and Sunday 25th October between 5pm and 8:30pm. Booking is essential through the Fountains Abbey website and entry will be staggered in half hour intervals to allow for social distancing.
Nothing screams Autumn more than pumpkin picking. Luckily, Yorkshire has plenty of pumpkin patches so you can complete your Halloween decorations with the perfect Jack O’Lantern. From 24th October to 1st November, the farm at Piglets Pumpkin Festival will be open every day and giving away one free pumpkin to each full paying child. There’s over 10,000 to choose from in different an array of colours, shapes and sizes for your autumn displays.
Enter if you dare! The spooky stroll through Strid Woods is lined with over-sized pumpkins and hidden mystery boxes concealing the clues to the trail. Pick up your trail sheet from the Cavendish shop and follow the path past Barden Tower to Trollers Gill. Legend has it that the limestone ravine at Troller’s Gill is home to a black spectral hound capable of turning people to stone along with boggarts, imps and pixies.
Infamous for being Europe’s most haunted city, York offers a range of ghost walks and tours revealing the city’s supernatural secrets. Featuring a spooky tour guide, you’ll discover the horrors of Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and the ghosts that inhabit the city walls. If you’re looking to learn about York’s modern-day paranormal activity as well as its historic tales, try an evening walking tour departing from the Minster. For an interactive experience of York’s 2000-year history, make sure to visit the Dungeons. Visit the Plague Doctor, meet the torturer of York Castle and encounter the witches of the prison. In this series of theatrical performances you’ll discover the truly gruesome events of York’s past.
Fancy checking out these Yorkshire attractions this half term? Hiring a campervan is a great way to see as many sights as possible. Find out more about the range of vehicles we have available to hire by clicking here. At GOAT Roadtrip, we have a range of VW T6 transporters as well as a brand new Rimor Evo 5 motorhome waiting to take you on your next adventure!
