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 2023.
1. Challenge yourself at Sheffield’s newest bar, Gameshow All-Stars
Sheffield’s newest games bar has arrived – this time, in the form of fun games bar, Gameshow All-Stars.
A highly interactive experience that’s perfect for mate dates, family outings, team building, and more, Gameshow All-Stars allows players to take on their favourite game shows, including Countdown, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune and more.
If that wasn’t all, the bar is also home to its own pizza kitchen in partnership with Proove Pizza, and serves up some delicious beers and signature cocktails to enjoy while you enjoy the nostalgic games. Book here.
Gameshow All-Stars, 5-7 Orchard Square, Leopold St, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2FB.
2. Gorge on cheese at the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 2023
Love a good cheese board? Or, are you a fan of all things cheese? Then we have the festival for you! The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 2023 will be returning this October for an un-brie-lievable four days of fun this October 2023. You’re not going to want to miss this maturing event that celebrates the cheesy goodness. With Yorkshire Dales known for its green pastures and sprawling landscapes – you know they’re producing top cheeses.
This festival will be welcomed by all cheese lovers and visitors looking to enjoy some inspiring food and drink with the stunning and unique landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Taking place from Friday 6th October to Monday 9th October, the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival 2023 will celebrate the incredible produce of the Yorkshire Dales.
3. 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 for 2023 from 6th October to the 31st October with a gore, blood, guts and more ready to have you absolutely papping your pants. Get tickets here.
4. 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 and this year you’ll find them across the historic city.
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 even more ghosts to find in total at the free-to-attend event, which will run at Museum Gardens right until 7th November and across the city until 12th November. Find out more here.
5. 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.
From the 28th October to the 5th November, guests can explore the cave itself, before enjoying the Haunted Halloween Village and enjoying a few refreshments. Find out more.
6. 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.
7. See Leeds light up for Leeds Light Night
Light Night Leeds is set to unfold over two consecutive nights on October 12th and 13th, this cultural extravaganza will cast a luminous spell upon the cityscape. More than 50 captivating arts installations will adorn the city’s prominent edifices, streets, and open spaces, painting a canvas of artistic brilliance.
Enjoy pretty lights at some of the most iconic spots in the city, alongside street performances, music and more. Find out more here.
8. Unleash your inner kid at Hull Fair
Hull Fair is back and running Friday 6th October and run through to Saturday 14th October., 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.
Read More: 12 Of The Best And Most Scenic Forest Walks In Yorkshire
9. Visit Whitby for the stunning Illuminated Abbey event
Illuminated Abbey is back for 2023, 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. The Whitby Abbey Illuminated 2023 event takes place on Friday the 27th October and is there to help celebrate Whitby Goth Weekend. So make sure you get your tickets. Find out more here.
10. 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.
11. 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 27th-29th, 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. Find out more here.
12. Cheer on the runners at the Yorkshire Marathon
The Yorkshire Marathon is returning for 2023, and will take place this 15th 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.
13. 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-21st & 27th-28th October 2023 at the Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse, 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.
14. 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. Taking place from Friday 27th October until Sunday 5th November and from Friday 10th until Sunday 12th November.
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.
15. Get in the autumnal spirit with various PYO pumpkin spots across Yorkshire
Autumn is upon us once more and I have to admit, after that long spell of rain we had – I’m pretty in the mood for it. There’s nowt quite like it, after all. Hot chocolates, toffee apples, cosy nights in front of the tele, and, of course, pumpkin picking – something we actually do pretty well here in Yorkshire given we have some of the best pumpkin patches around.
Whether it’s a day out with the kids, a cute date day, or just an excuse to get out of the house and get into the spirit, there’s a little something for everyone this season – but most importantly, there are fields galore just waiting to be picked from. Find out more here.
16. Enjoy the wholesome Wild Lights lantern trail
The RSPB is hosting a Wild Lights lantern trail this October 2023, 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 13th October. Find out more here.
Read more: 16 Spooktastic Halloween Events In Yorkshire To Visit This Year
