As the spookiest time of the year approaches, one of the greatest challenges may be finding ways to keep your kids engaged this Halloween.

Laura Earl, from Linstock near Carlisle, has thousands of followers on Instagram, where she is known as The Hiking Household.

Laura has compiled a selection of family friendly activities taking place throughout Cumbria. These include Halloween costume parties, pumpkin carving sessions, and ghostly storytelling. There are also many options available for those who prefer to avoid the frightful themes. And all these events are accessible via Stagecoach buses.

Thanks to Stagecoach you can still get on a bus and travel anywhere in the county for just £2 per person one way.

Stagecoach also offers a great deal for families where up to five people can head out for the day without having to think about parking, thanks to their group bus tickets. So whether you head for the hills, mooch around a museum or go wild at your local zoo, you can save money with a full day of unlimited travel.

From fabulous autumn days out in the fresh air, to Halloween events, Laura has come up with her favourite family activities to do by bus in North Cumbria and they won’t break the bank.

For anyone looking for extra advice on making the most of ditching their car, Stagecoach have also put together this fantastic guide to getting around the Lakes by bus.

Carlisle Castle (Image: Supplied) Carlisle Castle Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle Bus Stop: 5-minute walk from West Tower Street

Halloween half term at Carlisle Castle, 26 October - 3 November 2024.

Halloween at Carlisle Castle (Image: Supplied) Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Carlisle Castle this half term, where you can join the interactive after-dark ghost tours if you dare. Carlisle Castle is the perfect way to enjoy a half term day out and with lots to see and do your children will be entertained for hours with creepy clues and spooky stories.

For info here

Carlisle Castle will host a Halloween event (Image: Supplied) Bitts Park

Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle Bus Stop: West Tower Street

This family friendly park is great for all ages and is completely free. With a good, solid walkway it’s ideal for all wheels, including prams. The park also hosts a sand pit, slide, climbing frame and more. This really is a great place to visit this half term with the whole family.

More info here

Bitts park (Image: Supplied) A family day out to Keswick Bus route: 77, 77A, 78, 509, 553, 554, 555, X4 & X5 Bus Stop: Keswick Bus Station

Recently my children and I visited Keswick on the Stagecoach bus. We had a fantastic time visiting Hope Café, seeing the delightful views of Derwentwater and enjoying a game of pitch and putt. I would highly recommend a trip to Keswick this half term as it has something for all ages and you’re never short of things to do.

More info here

Keswick (Image: Supplied) Rydal Caves Bus route: 555 & 599 Bus Stop: White Moss Common / Church for Rydal Mount

Rydal Cave (Image: Supplied) This free walk is perfect for all ages, and looks spectacular in the Autumn months. With less than a mile to walk before you reach the caves, this adventure is always a huge success with my children. Each time we visit we have a wonderful time exploring. For further information please visit www.thehikinghousehold.com

Halloween at Brockhole (Image: Supplied) The Brockhole Halloween Experience, Brockhole-on-Windermere Bus route: 505, 516, 555 & 599 Bus Stop: Brockhole gates 26 October - 3 November 2024. Prepare for another spine-chilling Halloween at Brockhole, where the haunted forest is more alive than ever. This really is a must see event at Brockhole this October half term but you’ll need to book quickly as it always sells out fast. My children love this day out and it is something they particularly look forward to as the October half term approaches. More info here

The Brockhole Halloween Experience (Image: Supplied) Allan Bank pumpkin carving Bus route: 555 and 599 Bus Stop: Grasmere Village

26 - 31 October 2024. Head to Wordsworth’s former home at Allan Bank in Grasmere to have a go at carving a spooky pumpkin this half term, something all four of mine will enjoy. If you have children of different ages then this is the activity for you. Pumpkins are provided and booking is essential.

More info here

Halloween at Allan Bank (Image: Supplied) Aira Force Bus route: 508, 509 & UB1 Bus Stop: Aira Force

Aira Force is a family favourite and suitable for all ages, although due to the many steps it may not be accessible with a pram. I would highly recommend this walk for a lovely family day out, especially if it has been raining. Please don’t ever be put off by the bad weather as often these places are better after a rain shower.

More info here

Aira Force (Image: Supplied) Dobbies Garden Centre, just outside Carlisle Bus route: 300, 400, 554 & 600 Bus Stop: 5 minute walk from Orton Grange roundabout

On the 25, 26 and 27 October head to Dobbies garden centre near Orton Grange for their ‘little scare-lings’ Halloween afternoon tea. Sink your fangs into some terrifyingly tasty treats, followed by a spooky gourd decorating activity and fun games with the Dobbies’ monster, while you sit back with a cuppa and a treat. Fancy dress is very much encouraged.

Tickets sell out fast so please book here.

Halloween at Dobbies (Image: Supplied)