Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-halloween-fun">HALLOWEEN FUN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="656" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/delapre-Abbey-ghost-trail.jpeg" alt="Sppoky halloween ghost trail Delapre Abbey Northampton" class="wp-image-51925" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/delapre-Abbey-ghost-trail.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/delapre-Abbey-ghost-trail-300x197.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/delapre-Abbey-ghost-trail-768x504.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



WOOoooooo! Spooky season is swooping in and there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.boughtonhouse.co.uk/event/halloween-at-boughton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween</a> action at Boughton House from 26-31 Oct. Visitors can pick the perfect pumpkin, take part in ghoulish themed activities, get lost in the hay bale maze and try your hand at pumpkin bowling. Boughton’s Off-Road Barista, better known as B.O.B., will also be on site serving up some tasty treats.



There’s a <a href="https://delapreabbey.org/events/ghost-trail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween Ghost Trail</a> around the mysterious rooms of Delapré Abbey from 2-31 Oct too. Find the hidden ghouls, explore and learn about the history of the Abbey for the chance to win a prize. <a href="https://delapreabbey.org/events/spooktacular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delapré Spooktacular</a> is on 26 Oct. Bring your little ghostbusters along to the Abbey to take part in some family-friendly Halloween fun, where you’ll encounter the eerie spirits of the past as you make your way through one of the Northampton’s oldest buildings, with ghostly apparitions and spooky surprises. You can also head to Delapré Abbey on 30 October for a not-too-spooky <a href="https://delapreabbey.org/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storytelling experience from Preacher the Storyteller</a>, who’ll regale listeners throughout the day with stories of the spectral residents who roam the Abbey.



Also head to Evenley Wood Garden near Brackley from 19 Oct – 3 Nov for their <a href="https://www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween Spooktacular</a>, where you can carve a pumpkin and have a go at making your own broomstick. Don’t miss the <a href="https://www.belvoircastle.com/singleevent/halloween-trail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween Adventure</a> at Belvoir Castle’s Adventure Playground from 19 Oct – 2 Nov, where Betty the Witch and her sisters have carelessly lost all the ingredients for their special Halloween spell. Little ones can follow the Halloween trail to find the magical items and help them create a spooktacular charm to protect the castle on Hallows’ Eve. You can also visit the Animal Park and take part in pumpkin carving while you’re here.



Burghley House’s <a href="https://burghley.co.uk/events/the-burghley-halloween-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween Trail</a> returns this half term from 19 Oct – 3 Nov, where little ghouls can hunt for the ghosts hiding around the Sculpture Garden. Collect the clues as you crunch through autumn leaves and creep along hidden pathways to complete the trail sheet and be rewarded with a tasty treat. And if you want to immerse yourself even more in Burghley’s spooky vibes, try a <a href="https://burghley.co.uk/events/beastly-boring-tours-at-burghley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beastly Boring Tour</a> (26 Oct – 2 Nov), where you can find out all the grizzly gruesome, horrible history associated with the house and the people who lived here.



And Rockingham Castle is hosting spooky <a href="https://rockinghamcastle.com/event/halloween-fun/">Halloween Fun</a> on 26, 27, &amp; 29-31 Oct. The Castle has been decorated by witches and wizards and there are pumpkins carved in the shape of ghoulish characters and there’s a garden trail where you need to find hidden letters to make up a spooky word. Visitors can also test out their pumpkin rolling skills.



Over at Conkers in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, there&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.visitconkers.com/event/halloween-family-party-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hollween Family Party Night</a> on 31 Oct, with a disco, ghost walk, halloween show and fancy dress prizes, plus revolting refreshments (I&#8217;m sure they&#8217;re actually very tasty). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pumpkin-patching">PUMPKIN PATCHING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/pumpkin.jpg" alt="pumpkin patches Northants Leicestershire and Rutland" class="wp-image-51929" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/pumpkin.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/pumpkin-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/pumpkin-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Good gourd &#8211; there&#8217;s rich pickings to be had in a pumpkin patch near you this half term, kicking off with <a href="https://www.kislingburysunniesandspooks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kislingbury Sunnies and Spooks</a>, a family farm bursting with seasonal PYO pumpkins, more than 20 varieties in fact. Open for pumpkin picking from 5-31 Oct, there’s also Halloween face-painting, a spooky Halloween trail, bale mountain, classic tractors and ride-ons, a children’s playhouse area and a vintage railway carriage café selling great barista coffee, hot food and cakes. We absolutely love <a href="https://www.costowfarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Costow Farm</a> in Marston St Lawrence. It&#8217;s a fabulous pumpkin barn, where you can take you pick from all kinds of gourds and giant pumpkins, beautifully displayed alongside vintage tractors and a wooden haywain. All the pumpkins are grown right here on the farm, but the best thing is, the’ve already been picked and cleaned up, so no wellies required. Win. Based at Stonepit Lodge Farm, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fotheringhay_pumpkin_patch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fotheringhay Pumpkin Patch</a> is also on a family farm. No need to book and it’s free entry with kids activities, mini tractors and farmyard animals. Open from 5 Oct.



<a href="https://www.wappenhamfarm.co.uk/pumpkinfarmspooktacular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wappenham Farm</a>’s annual Pumpkin Spooktacular also opens from 5-31 Oct. You can collect a wheelbarrow and pick up a pumpkin (or several), follow the 3D spooky trail around the farm (3D glasses and map included) and fire the corn canons, then refuel and the fab Tipi Café and explore the seasonal Halloween and Christmas shops.



Want more pumpkin patches to pick from across the rest of Northants, Leics and Rutland, here&#8217;s <a href="https://northantsleicsrutland.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/where-to-p-p-p-pick-up-a-pumpkin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">where to p-p-p-pick up a pumpkin</a>!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workshops">WORKSHOPS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/8984031.jpg" alt="Animation workshop Leicester Phoenicx" class="wp-image-51945" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/8984031.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/8984031-300x150.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/8984031-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Head to Leicester Phoenix this half term (various dates) for a <a href="https://www.phoenix.org.uk/art-at-phoenix/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2 day workshop to learn animation skills</a>. There are sessions for both 7-11 year olds and for 14-17 year olds, where youngsters can create their own animations based on tales of Leicester which will then be shown at Phoenix and Leicester Gallery &amp; Museum.



Budding chefs can learning new culinary skills at Manor Farm Cookery School&#8217;s <a href="https://www.manorfarmcookeryschool.co.uk/courses-and-clubs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Junior Chef’s course</a> on 23 Oct on the Leics/Lincs border. A chance to make some tasty dishes to take home to impress the family, the course is designed for children and teens, with a focus on fun, whilst encouraging young chefs to make independent healthy food choices and boost confidence in the kitchen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-film-screenings">FILM SCREENINGS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="613" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Paddington.jpg" alt="Paddington screening at Northampton Filmhouse" class="wp-image-51933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Paddington.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Paddington-300x184.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Paddington-768x471.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



In anticipation of the latest Paddington film being released next month, Northampton Filmhouse will be screening <a href="https://www.northamptonfilmhouse.com/films/paddington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddington</a> (PG) and <a href="https://www.northamptonfilmhouse.com/films/paddington-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddington 2</a> (PG) on various dates through half term, whilst <a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre/whats-on/harold-and-the-purple-crayon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harold and the Purple Crayon</a> (PG) is on at Wellingborough&#8217;s Castle Theatre on 28 &amp; 30 October, all about a man who can make anything come to life simply by drawing it, with perilous and heartwarming results. 



There are two open air screenings of witchy classic <a href="https://delapreabbey.org/events/hocus-pocus-open-air-cinema/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hocus Pocus</a> (PG) at Delapré Abbey on 28 Oct, at 4pm and 7pm. Bring your own seating (folding chair advised to prevent damp bums), blankets etc. You can BYO food and drink but on-site catering is also available.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre-amp-performance">THEATRE &amp; PERFORMANCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="646" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Circus-Cortex.jpeg" alt="Circus Cortex the golden Age Duston Mill Northampton" class="wp-image-51935" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Circus-Cortex.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Circus-Cortex-300x194.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Circus-Cortex-768x496.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://tickets.circuscortex.com/events/circuscortex/1381332?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circus Cortex</a> are in town, bringing a special Halloween twist to their show at the Muddy Award winning Duston Mill in Northampton from 24 Oct &#8211; 3 Nov. Expect fabulous costumes, death defying feats and plenty of thrills. 



Head to Northampton&#8217;s Royal and Derngate theatre with your little ones on 29-30 Oct, for a fab production of Julia Donaldson&#8217;s beloved <a href="https://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/charlie-cooks-favourite-book/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book</a>, all about nurturing a childhood love of books and stories. Also on at <a href="https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/charlie-cooks-favourite-book/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leicester Curve</a> on 22 &amp; 23 Oct.



Then, is there anyone who hasn&#8217;t been on a school trip to see this at some point? Stephen Daldry’s adaptation of Priestly’s <a href="https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/an-inspector-calls-4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An Inspector Calls</a> is on at Leicester Curve from 29 Oct-2 Nov, with smoke, rain and pyrotechnics. 



And Castle Theatre in Wellingborough are hosting a <a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre/whats-on/castle-family-day-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Day</a> on 29 Oct, with a pirates &amp; fairies theme inspired by the upcoming panto, The New Adventures of Peter Pan. Expect fun workshops &#8211; from dance to singing to crafts, treasure hunt, character meet and greet and more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-off-some-steam">LET OFF SOME STEAM</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="713" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/parks-trust-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/parks-trust-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/parks-trust--300x214.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/parks-trust--768x548.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Get your sweat on this Halloween with <a href="https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/cattle-creepy-10k">The Cattle Creepy 10K</a>, returning on 29 Oct. Sporty teens will love getting dressed up (spookier the better) to pelt it along the riverside in Wolverton. Head torches essential.



Snozone over the border in Milton Keynes are running <a href="https://snozoneuk.com/holiday-camps">holiday camps</a> throughout half term for ages 7-15 to learn a super cool new sport and meet some new mates. Options are available for beginners or experienced skiers and snowboarders, and include a nutritional lunch, snacks and refreshments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-amp-exhibitions">ART &amp; EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="673" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Banana-canopy-2022-1596x1074-1.jpg" alt="Tim Fowler Attenborough Arts Centre Leicester" class="wp-image-51947" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Banana-canopy-2022-1596x1074-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Banana-canopy-2022-1596x1074-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/10/Banana-canopy-2022-1596x1074-1-768x517.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://attenborougharts.com/whats-on/tim-fowler-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Fowler&#8217;s The Ground</a> is a bold new exhibition at Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester that arty older kids and teens will love, featuring new large scale works on public display for the first time, informed by a research trip to Barbados earlier this year.



Silverstone Museum is on track to encourage more women and girls to take pole position in motorsport careers with their <a href="https://www.silverstonemuseum.co.uk/learn/girlswill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Girls Go Free</a> offer to grant free entry throughout October to all girls under the age of 18. If you haven’t been to the museum before it’s an opportunity not to be missed.



Running until Feb ’25, <a href="https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/site/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaped by Shoes: The Northamptonshire Shoe Industry</a>  looks at how the industry has affected the lives of the people of Northamptonshire and beyond, exploring the history of the biggest employers in Northamptonshire through personal stories and artefacts.



Looking for the best bonfires and fireworks displays? <a href="https://northantsleicsrutland.muddystilettos.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch this space</a>!

Hocus focus: Halloween & half term happenings for kids

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