Affordable autumn adventures await families in the Lake District's forests this October half-term

Looking for unforgettable days out that won’t break the bank this October half-term? Forestry England invites families to explore the magic of the nation’s forests, where a wide range of affordable and free activities are waiting to be discovered.

From illuminated trails to outdoor adventures, the nation’s forests offer the perfect setting for autumnal fun, fresh air and quality time together.

Hayley Skipper, Head of Recreation at Forestry England, said:

"There’s something truly magical about spending autumn days in the forest. Whether you're enjoying the forest after dark, trying new activities, or simply soaking up a rainbow of colour, our forests are ready to welcome families for unforgettable, affordable adventures."

Highlights of October half-term activities in Cumbria

Family trails:

Stick Man family adventure trails, Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests

Set off on a magical woodland adventure with Stick Man this autumn. Running across 24 forests in England, including at Grizedale and Whinlatter, these activity trails invite young explorers to help Stick Man find his way back to the family tree.

Children can enjoy nine interactive activity stations and six spotter panels, where they'll build with sticks, learn about forest wildlife, and discover the wonders of woodland birds and their nests. Families can also buy an activity leaflet for just £1, and young adventurers will receive a special sticker as a keepsake.

Cost: £1 per activity leaflet. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Wallace & Gromit’s Forest Walkies, Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests
This autumn is your last chance for you and your dog to have a cracking adventure with Wallace and Gromit! Take fun challenges with your four-legged friend, solve crossword clues and explore the great outdoors on a Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit – and you could even win an amazing dog-friendly holiday!

The routes are packed with games, challenges, and plenty of laughs for the whole family, including your dog! Don’t have a four-legged friend? No problem! The trail now includes a Find Feathers McGraw activity, making it just as fun for humans, too.

Simply download the route on the OS Maps app before you head out and remember to pick up your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack (£5) for tips, activities, and extras to make your woodland adventure truly unforgettable!

Cost: £5 per pack. App: Free. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Gruffalo sculpture trails

Head into the deep dark wood to find the Gruffalo character and his friends from Julia Donaldson’s classic story. Each hand-carved sculpture is placed in different positions, can you find them all? Little ones will love meeting Mouse, Owl, Fox, Snake and Squirrel at Whinlatter as well as the Gruffalo at both Whinlatter and Grizedale!

Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Dark skies experiences, Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests

Make the most of the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival this half-term! Running from 24 October until 21 November there’s a fantastic range of events across Cumbria, including Sundown Adventures at Go Ape Whinlatter, dark skies guided walks with JAG Outdoors and a fantastic range of stargazing experiences at the brand-new Grizedale Observatory and Planetarium – book your place for an out of this world experience.

Further details on the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival are available at darkskiesfestival.co.uk.

Cost: Event prices vary, check with provider before booking. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Gruffalo orienteering, Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests

Challenge your family with Gruffalo orienteering! This low-cost navigational activity lets children and adults work together to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden throughout the woodland. Armed with a simple map, you'll explore the deep dark wood while developing valuable skills in map reading and decision making. Answer fun questions at each marker and race to see who can complete the trail first. Perfect for families with children of all ages, no previous experience needed!

Cost: £1.50 per Gruffalo orienteering leaflet, including map and certificate. Parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.

Family cycling adventures, Whinlatter and Grizedale Forests
With over 2,500 km of cycling trails and family-friendly off-road routes, the nation’s forests are the perfect destination for a family bike ride this autumn. Experience a kaleidoscope of colour as you pedal along dedicated cycling trails ideal for introducing your children to the joys of cycling. So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful ride through nature.

Cost: Free, bike hire charges and parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.