October is officially here, and we don’t know about you, but we’re not ashamed to say that we’re ready to crack out the warm coats and fluffy socks and get into the Autumnal spirit. Which, fortunately, is set. to be pretty easy this year in Yorkshire. From Halloween events for all the family, to wholesome Autumnal walks, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Yorkshire this October.
1. Try a new tipple at Eat Leeds Cocktail/Mocktail Week
Eat Leeds is back following the success of this year’s Restaurant Week with a whole week dedicated to one thing and one thing only: cocktails.
This month’s event will kick off from October 17th til October 23rd, putting a spotlight on some of the city’s very best cocktails (and mocktails for those who prefer theirs alcohol-free!).
As part of the cocktail/mocktail celebration, guests will be able to enjoy a ton of happy hours and offers, alongside fantastic menus with creative cocktails alongside.
Bars such as SALT, Canal Club and The Alchemist are just a few of the big names taking part this year. Found out more and get your vouchers here.
2. Scare yourself silly at the Yorkshire Scare Grounds
Yorkshire’s terrifying Yorkshire Scare Grounds Scream Park is returning, and trust me when I say, it’s set to leave us all quaking in our boots this year.
Boasting seven experiences that’ll bring all of your worst nightmares to life, guests will need to have their wits about them as live actors will be lurking in the darkness, bringing tons of jump scares and even more gore.
Yorkshire Scare Grounds is going all out this year with a gory circus theme, where there’ll be blood, guts and freaky clowns ready to have you absolutely papping your pants. Get tickets here.
3. See the ghosts at York’s Treasurer’s House
York’s Treasurer’s House is ready for Halloween, and there’s something lurking in the garden.
The annual Ghosts in the Garden event sees an array of net sculptures lurking in the grounds, shaped like Victorian figures that cleverly resemble ghosts.
There are 25 ghosts to find in total at the free-to-attend event, which will run at Museum Gardens right until 7th November. Find out more here.
4. Get into the Halloween spirit at Mother Shipton’s
One of Yorkshire’s most mysterious attractions is getting into the Halloween spirit this month. Decked out with giant spiders, ghosts and creepy skeletons, guests can explore the spooky forest where the famous Prophetess, Mother Shipton, was born during a thunderstorm.
Guests can explore the cave itself, before enjoying the Haunted Halloween Village and enjoying a few refreshments. Find out more.
5. Go for an autumnal stroll at the Yorkshire Arboretum
Fancy getting up to something Autumnal this month? The Yorkshire Arboretum is the perfect place for a colourful stroll, boasting 128 acres of stunning trees – many of which are endangered.
Enjoy a kaleidoscope of colours from greens to yellows and Autumnal oranges, alongside a woodland playground, hidden glades and stunning meadows. The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7BY.
6. See Leeds light up for Leeds Light Night
Light Night Leeds returns this 13th and 14th October, lighting up the city with gorgeous projections and installations across the centre.
Enjoy pretty lights at some of the most iconic spots in the city, alongside street performances, music and more. Find out more here.
7. Unleash your inner kid at Hull Fair
Hull Fair is back and running until October 15th, with tons of fairground rides for families to enjoy.
The annual fair is Europe’s biggest travelling fair, and boasts over 250 rides to enjoy. It’s the perfect nostalgic day out. The fair takes place at Walton Street car park.
8. Try out top grub at the Great White Festival
Yorkshire-born Marco Pierre White is launching his first food festival in Harrogate this month, and he’s bringing a number of acclaimed chefs along with him for the occasion.
There, guests will be able to enjoy tons of incredible street food, while learning new recipes and techniques from Marco himself, in addition to demos from the likes of Simon Shaw and Jean-Christophe Novelli. The event takes place 28th-30th October and tickets are on sale now.
9. Visit the North York Moors in honour of its 70th birthday
It’s been 70 years since the North York Moors National Park was created, and to this day, it’s one of the most underrated national parks in the country.
Boasting ample beauty, the national park is home to numerous Yorkshire highlights, including Roseberry Topping, Castle Howard and the wonderful Dalby Forest. What better excuse to visit than it’s 70th birthday?
10. Visit Whitby for the stunning Illuminated Abbey event
Illuminated Abbey is back for 2022, lighting up Whitby Abbey with beautiful colours.
Amplified by music and dark skies, visitors will be able to see the Abbey in a way like never before, thanks to beautiful, colourful projections that will reflect in the water. Illuminated Abbey will kick off on October 21st until Halloween night. Find out more here.
11. Enjoy the wholesome Wild Lights lantern trail
The RSPB is hosting a Wild Lights lantern trail this October, bringing wildlife sculptures and puppets to life with beautifully illuminated lanterns.
Bring your torch and explore Old Moor after hours along paths lined with beautiful lanterns and artwork, make a waterlily wish to float out onto the water, enjoy crafts and shadow puppetry before snuggling up round the campfires with a hot chocolate.
The event takes place on 14th and 15th October. Find out more here.
12. See Fountains Abbey by floodlight
Fountain’s Abbey will be dramatically lit by floodlight this October, providing the perfect opportunity to see the historic abbey like never before (particularly if you’re a budding photographer).
The event will take place on numerous evenings this October, and you can find out more here.
13. Enjoy the iconic Whitby Goth weekend
The iconic Whitby Goth Weekend is back this month, and thousands are set to embark on the town in wonderful, gothic attire.
Taking place October 28th-30th, the alternative music festival brings a fantastic market along with it, where visitors can shop gothic art, fashion and homeware. It’s a huge celebration of gothic culture, amplified by the gothic backdrop of the historic seaside town of Whitby.
14. Take in the sea air at the Scarborough Surf Festival
Scarborough Surf Festival is set to take place this 15th October at North Bay, bringing surf lessons, beach yoga, sand art and so much more to the seaside town.
Taking place between 10am-4pm, there’ll be tons of activities to get stuck into, alongside food and drink stalls to keep guests refreshed throughout the day. Find out more here.
15. Cheer on the runners at the Yorkshire Marathon
The Yorkshire Marathon is returning for 2022, and will take place this 16th October. Runners of all abilities will be participating in the York-based run, which will route from York city centre, past the Minster and out of the city centre to Stamford Bridge, through Dunnington and back to the city. Find out more here.
16. Gaze in awe at Luke Jerram’s famous moon installation
Luke Jerram’s famous moon installation will glow over Yorkshire this month, with dates planned between 11th-31st October at the stunning Bolton Abbey.
The Abbey will provide the perfect, dramatic backdrop to the artwork, which will be illuminated by night. Find out more here.
17. See famous artworks brought to life at Van Gogh Alive
Art fans rejoice, because the nationally-loved Van Gogh Alive will come to Yorkshire this month. Taking place at Bradford’s Regency Hall, visitors will be able to see Van Gogh’s works brought to life in a unique manner, with seas of sunflowers, huge projections, and even a recreation of Van Gogh’s famous bedroom.
The event will run from 13th October right through until January 2023, and you can get tickets here.
18. Get into the Bavarian spirit at Yorktoberfest
York is putting a Yorkshire spin on Oktoberfest this month, with a huge beer festival taking place at the racecourse.
Taking place between 20th-23rd October and 27th-29th October, Yorktoberfest is set to be the place to be for Bavarian antics this Oktoberfest, with German-inspired food and drink and live entertainment in store. Guests are encouraged to don their Lederhosens and Dirndls, of course! Find out more.
19. Enjoy a Light Spectacular lighting up the NYMR
The North York Moors Railway will glow this October as part of the Light Spectacular, which is loved every single year.
A regular sell-out event, the Light Spectacular will see heritage steam locomotives glow with thousands of lights, while they journey through Yorkshire for an ever-unique train ride.
Expect DJ sets and party vibes on-board for the annual occasion. Find out more here.
Read more: 16 Spooktastic Halloween Events In Yorkshire To Visit This Year
