More things to do near Ullswater this October Half-Term!

We recently shared some of our favourite family days out for October half term, but a few more local events have since been announced, so here are some more ideas to add to the list. From pumpkins and spooky wildlife to mountain rescue, fell running and a proper Ullswater challenge, there’s plenty happening close to The Royal Hotel, Dockray.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Autumn Open Day

Saturday 24 October A particularly local one for us, and a cause very close to our hearts. Patterdale Mountain Rescue is holding its Autumn Open Day, giving visitors the chance to meet the team, take a look at the rescue vehicles and equipment, and learn a little more about the work that goes on behind the scenes. Mountain Rescue is such an important part of life here in the Lakes, so this feels like a lovely opportunity to support the team and find out more about what they do. And with Patterdale just down the road from The Royal, it’s an easy one to add to your half-term plans.

Pumpkin picking at Greystoke Castle

October half term It wouldn’t really be October without a pumpkin or two. Greystoke Castle is opening for pumpkin picking during the half-term period, with children able to choose their own pumpkin and enjoy the Little Knights & Princesses play area too. There’s food available on site, so it works well as a relaxed half-day outing – and it’s only a short drive from Dockray. Dates are still being shown slightly differently across listings, so we’d recommend checking the booking page before setting off.

Kids’ Halloween Party at Greystoke Castle

Friday 30 October, 2–5pm Greystoke is also hosting a children’s Halloween party, with fancy dress, apple bobbing, sweets, cakes, dancing and a Monster Bash. Tickets are £10 per child, with adults attending free. A good one if the weather turns and you want something easy, local and very firmly in the Halloween spirit.

Spooky Bug Hunt near Penrith

Friday 30 October, 5.30–7.30pm For something a little different, Cumbria Wildlife Trust is hosting a Spooky Bug Hunt at Cold Springs Nature Reserve near Penrith. Families can head out after dark with torches and look for spiders, bats, badgers and other nocturnal wildlife before finishing with hot chocolate. It’s free to attend, children need to be accompanied by an adult, and dogs aren’t permitted. Definitely one for anyone whose idea of Halloween involves actual creepy-crawlies rather than plastic ones.

Lakeland Trails Helvellyn

Saturday 31 October If your half term is more about getting outside than Halloween, the Lakeland Trails Helvellyn event could be worth a look. There are 5km, 10km and 15km routes, all starting and finishing in Glenridding beside Ullswater. The 5km route is open to runners from age 12, making this one that older children and teenagers can join in with too. And even if you’re not taking part, Glenridding is a lovely place to soak up some atmosphere and enjoy a walk by the lake.

Ullswater Way & Challenge

Saturday 31 October Another one very close to home. The Ullswater Way & Challenge offers walkers a choice of a 20-mile Ullswater Way route or a 24-mile Challenge route. The Challenge comes through Glencoyne to Dockray and over Gowbarrow, so this one really does pass through our patch. If you’re taking part, The Royal makes a very convenient base — and if you’re not, you may well spot plenty of walkers making their way through the area.

And if you just want an easy autumn day…

Not every half-term day needs to involve a ticket or organised event. You’ve got Aira Force, Ullswater, Glenridding, Keswick, Gowbarrow and plenty of lower-level walks all within easy reach of The Royal. October is one of the loveliest times to be here — crisp air, autumn colour and usually just enough mud to make you feel like you’ve earned whatever comes next.

Make The Royal your base this October half term

The Royal Hotel sits at Dockray, close to Ullswater and perfectly placed for exploring Penrith, Keswick, Glenridding and the surrounding Lake District. So whether your half term involves pumpkins, wildlife, muddy boots or a serious walk around Ullswater, there’s plenty happening nearby. And after a day out, you know where to find good food, local beers, a warm welcome and somewhere cosy to sit down afterwards.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com