Muncaster Castle in Cumbria has announced details of its Halloween Family Festival and Scarecaster, which begin this Saturday, 24 October, just in time for the October half term break. The historic, family-owned estate, reputedly one of the most haunted castles in the UK, overlooks the River Esk and has been occupied by the Pennington family for over 800 years.
Visitors can explore grand state rooms, including the Library and the Tapestry Room, where centuries of stories are woven into the fabric of the building. The castle and its 77 acres of woodland gardens will be transformed into a haven for all things Halloween.
Festival Programme and Family Fun
The Halloween Family Festival runs daily from 10.30am until 8pm, with tickets including spooky mazes, Halloween trails, parades, drumming workshops, walk-about acts, fire shows, costume competitions, games, inflatables, and a silent disco. The Pumpkin Palace returns with a free pumpkin to carve for the first 2,500 children's tickets sold.
The Hawk & Owl Centre and The Weapons Hall are also open, offering World of Owls and Sky Hunters flying displays, plus have-a-go sessions in archery, axe-throwing, and crossbow.
This year's Castle Show, The Zombie-Boggle Apocalypse, is a new theatrical piece combining Cumbrian myth, legend, and folklore with music, storytelling, comedy, and drama. The show runs every day of the festival with six performances throughout the day.
Ghost Train and Scarecaster Events
The Muncaster Express, a vintage ghost train, will make two journeys through the Lake District and along the Cumbrian coast. On Monday, 26 October, the train departs from Manchester Victoria, stopping at Preston, Lancaster, Carnforth, and Ulverston. On Wednesday, it departs from Carlisle, stopping at Penrith, Oxenholme, Carnforth, and Ulverston.
Passengers are treated to onboard entertainment and scenic views on the journey to Ravenglass station, before being taken by coach to Muncaster for a day at the festival. Tickets start from £49.50 and include return train travel, coach transfers, onboard entertainment, and festival entry.
Between 29 and 31 October, Scarecaster offers a strictly over-16s zombie apocalypse experience through Muncaster's woodlands, with a Stable Yard sanctuary featuring a bar, food, live music, and a DJ. The Halloween Family Festival takes place from 24 October to 1 November, with more information and tickets available on the Muncaster website.
