October is here and autumn’s in full swing, so things are starting to look a little spooky. There’s loads going on in and around York this month for families, from ghost hunts to pumpkin picking. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and sign up to the popular weekly Little Vikings newsletter – so you don’t miss a thing.
Pumpkin picking at The Balloon Tree
There’s nothing more autumnal than picking your very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, and then taking it home to carve (or decorate with a Sharpie like we did last year!). The Balloon Tree’s fields – just outside Stamford Bridge -are groaning with squash of all varieties and you can just drop in to pick your own. Find out more.
North Yorkshire Moors Light Spectacular
Marvel at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s heritage carriages, decorated with thousands of lights, before departing from Pickering Station for an awe-inspiring journey this October half term. Save 10% with our discount code VIKINGS10. Find out more
Platinum and Light at York Minster
Experience York Minster in a different light during October 2022 when the cathedral’s cavernous
Nave will be illuminated with a new sound and light projection – Platinum and Light. The new show, which will run for eight nights from Thursday 20 to Thursday 27 October 2022, takes
inspiration from Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Find out more.
Foss Fairy Trail Halloween Event (FREE!)
The fairies are preparing for Halloween! the trail on Sunday 30 October between 4 and 6 pm and enjoy a walk down the trail beginning at the Monkbridge gate entrance with some scary storytelling! Dressing up for the children (and adults) is encouraged! Free – donations are appreciated. More here.
The Little York Ghost Hunt 2022
Join the search each evening at dusk for the Little York Ghosts which hide on the streets that flank the Minster. This is a seek-and-keep hunt. As twilight gives way to night, The York Ghost Merchants invite you to join the search each evening from 24th to 27th October 2022 (between 6pm and 8pm) for Little York Ghosts along the atmospheric ancient streets that surround York Minster. Find out more.
Spooky Stories with Mad Alice at No.1 York
Want to fuel up the little ones and really get them in the spirit of things before a Bloody Tour of York this Halloween? Well, gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good afternoon of spooky stories, screamin’ snacks and frighteningly good fun with award-winning York tour guide, Mad Alice herself at York’s newest, gorgeous hotel. Find out more.
Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail!
Want to explore York on foot with your children, but minus the moaning? Then the Little Vikings I Spy Trail of York is just the thing! Recommended by The Sunday Times, our brand new, free York walking trail is available all year round – all you have to do is collect or download the map and get your shoes and coats on! For little legs, just do the first 10 clues. Find out more
Eat out for less with York Restaurant Week
York Restaurant Week is back in October 2022 with amazing deals from York’s best venues. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a romantic date, or coffee with a friend, York Restaurant Week has loads of exclusive offers and fixed-price menus to suit. More here.
Plan your October half term
October half term will be here before we know it, and there’s lots of fun to be had. From pumpkin festivals to ghost hunts, it’s all happening in and around York. Read our guide for our pick of the best.
Ghosts in the Gardens
The ghosts are back in some of York’s most stunning green spaces and this year it’s bigger than ever. There are 25 sculptures to spot across the city and it’s FREE! Find out more.
Marathon du Malton 2022
Starting and finishing in Malton’s pretty Market Place, this unique 10k course offers contestants the chance to nibble & sip their way around the treat-laden course. With a programme of live music, food, drink & fun aimed at spectators as much as racers – bring the family down, cheer on the participants and enjoy a joyful day of laughs, live entertainment & more! 23rd October 2022 – visit the website
