As the nights draw in, the leaves begin their stunning transformation, the North York Moors becomes a truly magical place. Here at Low Costa Mill, we know that October half term is the perfect time for family fun and fresh air. That’s why we’ve created Spooky Fun & Autumn Adventures: Your Guide to October Half Term in the North York Moors. We’ve got everything from spooky ghost trains and pumpkin patches to the dazzling dark sky festival and autumn colours. Plenty of choice to ensure you and your family have an unforgettable holiday adventure.
Dark Skies in the North York Moors
As the evenings draw in, the skies fill with stars. The North York Moors is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve. This makes it officially one of the best places in the country to see stars due to lower light pollution. On a clear night, you can see up to 2000 stars with the naked eye. You might even glimpse the Milky Way or a planet or two.
This year’s Dark Skies Fringe Festival is perfectly timed for half-term, running from October 24th to November 2nd, 2025. Events range from stargazing and night walks to photography workshops and more. Their full programme can be found here.
Halloween Happenings and Gothic Goings-on
Cedarbarn Farmshop: A perfect location for pumpkin picking! You can select your perfect pumpkin, carve it, and join in with Halloween crafts and activities. Their miniature train is also transformed into a Ghost Train during October half term.
Castle Howard: They have a frighteningly fun October half term planned. Follow the Pesky Pumpkin Trail around the House and the Magical Beasts Guided Trail through Ray Wood. You can even watch an outdoor play, The Great Pumpkin Adventure, at Skelf Island. Alternatively, attend a broomstick making workshop! Finally, pick your perfect pumpkin to take home for carving.
Whitby Abbey: Famous for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula, there’s no better time to explore than at Halloween. Visitors can participate in spooky daytime activities like a creepy clue quest and listen to ghost stories. During the evenings, the Abbey holds a separate event with a trail of lights and a spectacular light show. Seeing Whitby Abbey lit up is truly magnificent. Ghost hunters will also have an opportunity to join a performance of a new show, The Dead Shall Walk the Earth, featuring shadowy figures and perhaps a visit from Dracula himself. Booking in advance for the Illuminated Abbey event is essential.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Take a ride on Mad Alice’s Ghost Train on Saturdays around Halloween. This is a spine-tingling ride where you can learn about ghosts haunting the carriages and stations. Listen to supernatural tales and folklore while on an eerie adventure through the heart of the North York Moors.
Autumn Colours
What better place to see the changing trees and stunning autumn colours than North Yorkshire? We’ve got two perfect options for you: Yorkshire Arboretum and Dalby Forest.
The Yorkshire Arboretum promises bright autumn colours in a peaceful, calming setting of parkland and lakes with over 7000 trees. Leaves are turning to fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. There are plenty of berries on the trees too. The result is spectacular. You could even pay a visit to the red squirrel population to see this year’s kits (babies), which are incredibly cute.
Top locations in Dalby Forest to enjoy the autumn colours include the Jerry Noddle Trail at Bickley Gate where you can view the Winged Sheep at the viewpoint, or the Pexton Moor Trail at Haygate near the Lumberjills.
Dalby Forest is beautiful in autumn. The many evergreen trees complement the bright autumn leaves perfectly. There are miles of paths to wander, with piles of big, crunchy leaves. Don’t forget the on-site café for a warming hot chocolate after you’ve explored. Our recommendations in Dalby Forest to enjoy the autumn colours include the Jerry Noddle Trail at Bickley Gate where you can view the Winged Sheep at the viewpoint, or the Pexton Moor Trail at Haygate near the Lumberjills statue.
Your Perfect October Half Term Awaits
From pumpkins to planets, and ghostly encounters to glorious autumn colours, October half term in the North York Moors promises an unforgettable family adventure. With so much to see and do right on our doorstep, your biggest challenge will be fitting it all in! Why not make our cosy, family-friendly cottages your home base for all these wonderful activities? We look forward to welcoming you to the Moors for a truly magical break.