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Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.

The Magic of Autumn: Top 10 Spooktacular events in the Peak District

October 3, 2023
October 3, 2023 - The Magic of Autumn: Top 10 Spooktacular events in the Peak District
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We love sharing local things to do as the seasons change and have put together our top 10 Spooktacular and exciting events for October.

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, October is the perfect time to visit the Peak District.

Stay in one of our cosy log cabins or gorgeous glamping pods with ensuite facilities and explore the local trails, admire the golden shades of Autumn and delight in the scrunch of leaves beneath your feet.

High Peak trail in autumn

Hoe Grange Holidays is the perfect base to make the most of the many Spooktacular events on offer!

Top 10 Spooktacular events in the Peak District

1. Creepy Cavern Tours at Poole's Cavern

Thursday 26th October to Tuesday 31st October, 4.15pm, 5.15pm or 6.15pm

With all the tour guides gone, dare you follow Warslow Joe into the Poole's Hole, unearthing lost legends and local folklore?

Poole's Cavern Buxton

photo credit Poole's Cavern

For this Spooktacular event you will be guided through the cavern by Warslow Joe himself, resurrected for All Hallows Eve. Be warned, for it is said that Poole’s Hole is haunted by a villainous outlaw. Look out for ghouls that lurk in the dark and be wary of those glowing stalagmites that tower above.

An exciting underground expedition with strobing and flashing lights. Enter into the spirit and go in fancy dress for a chance to win a prize!

Adults £22, children £10, family tickets £59 (2 adults, 2 children)

2. Experience the Magic of Matlock Bath Illuminations

During October weekends, Matlock Bath hosts the Matlock Bath Illuminations with fabulous firework displays on Saturdays at 9pm. An amazing spectacle that has been enchanting visitors since the illuminations were first created for Queen Victoria.

Matlock Bath Illuminations

photo credit Let's Go Peak District

The illuminations, held on the River Derwent, are a captivating display of themed brightly-lit models mounted on rowing boats. Make the most of the experience and enter the riverside gardens to see the boats up close, and enjoy the many family fun activities, including stilt walking and fun fair.

Pre book tickets online from £6.50 per adult, children go free.

3. Discover the Heights of Abraham

Take a cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham, where you can explore caverns and enjoy panoramic views of the Peak District. The rugged landscape and changing leaves add an extra layer of charm to this already magnificent attraction.

From 21st October to 5th November, encounter the “frights of Abraham” with the Spooky Pumpkin Scarecrows and an I-spy trail to find the items Belinda Broomstick has lost.

Go underground in the Halloween grotto and help Belinda collect ingredients for her latest potion by capturing a troll (additional  £4.50 per child).

Adults £24.50, children over 5 £17, under 5’s free, or Family tickets £73.

4. Drive in Halloween Movies at Hopton Hall

Friday 27th and Saturday 28th October, 5pm and 8.30pm

 A spooky Halloween experience like no other in the spectacular gardens of Hopton Hall near Carsington Water! Just 3 miles from Hoe Grange.

Drive in Halloween Movies at Hopton Hall

Photo credit Hopton Hall

Classic Halloween movies that will give you a fright – simply drive in and tune in to the designated radio frequency and let the spooky atmosphere engulf you.⁠ Ghosts, ghouls, vampires - why not go the whole hog and dress up too? Enjoy popcorn, candy floss, toffee apples, or tasty bites from Bear’s Street Food trucks and a tipple or two from the bar.

Be afraid, be very afraid!!

£38.87 per car (max 5 people)

5. Shine a light at Cromford Mill

On 26th and 27th October, enjoy the magnificent light and sound displays projected onto the historic Cromford Mill.

Shine A Light at Cromford Mills

Providing fun and entertainment for the whole family, Shine A Light brings to life some of Derbyshire’s heritage and history of innovation in awe-inspiring large-scale moving animations. The dramatic displays take place every 20 minutes, lighting up the dark skies. Late night shopping and food and drinks also available.

Adults £9, children £6 per child (aged 4-12), free for under 3s, Family tickets £28 (two adults and up to three children).

6. Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral

12th October 2023 to 10th November, 10am - 5pm

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon is a stunning sculpture featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, internally lit to shine like the moon. The giant artwork is suspended over the nave of Derby Cathedral, and accompanied by a surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor-Novello award winning composer, Dan Jones.

Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral

photo credit Derby Cathedral

Day-time entry to the Cathedral will be free, although there is a suggested donation of £3 per person towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral, helping to keep its doors open for all. You can view the moon from above on some of the evening tours.

For those wishing to visit during our quieter times, there will be quiet time slots every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 10.30am, where music will be lower and visitor numbers limited.

Adults £3, children £2

7. Discover tales of local folklore on the Edale coffin walk

From 26th to 30th October, enjoy a 7km guided circular walk of the Vale of Edale spiced up with tales of local folklore and ancient history.

Starting in Edale, the route follows the well-worn Coffin Road onto the Great Ridge before returning via the sleepy hamlet of Barber Booth and the Pennine Way. Your experienced guide will lead you by lamplight and share stories of local legends, mythical creatures, and ancient traditions. The walk will end at The Old Nags Head Pub for a pint in front of a roaring fire.

Adults £7.50, children £5. Dogs on leads welcome but there are some stiles.

8. Find the Paw Patrol heroes at Peak Rail 

On Sunday 29th October,  Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall are coming to Peak Rail.

Enjoy travelling on a steam train and meeting the friendly heroes Chase or Marshall along the way. Every child will receive a gingerbread train biscuit and juice carton too!

Adults £22.50, children 6 months to 11 years £9.95

9. Pick your own pumpkins 

PumpkinsChoose from a huge variety of organically grown pumpkins at Pumpkin Corner near Osmaston, with family friendly activities and colourful props for those family fun photos. There are tasty treats on offer such as milkshakes and waffles. Free entry, just pay for your pumpkins depending on size.

Find the exact location using What 3 Words ///blueberry.prickly.bounded

Alternatively pop along to Shirley Pumpkins to pick your own - small, big, warty, striped - the varieties are endless! Again free entry, just pay for the pumpkins in your wheelbarrow!

10. Fang-tastic Halloween with animals galore at Matlock Farm Park 

From 21st until 31st October, enjoy Halloween activities at Matlock Farm Park from picking and carving pumpkins to following the spooky trail through the Enchanted Forest and meeting Halloween characters along the way. Or get creative with Witch Wendolyn’s craft workshop or try your hand at flying a broomstick. You may even come across the legendary headless horseman.

Halloween at Matlock Farm Park

photo credit Matlock Farm Park

Go dressed up and get into the Halloween spirit and you may win an on-the-spot prize!

Best of all there will be all the usual animal delights of Matlock Farm Park too, including Sheep Racing, Small Animal Petting, Meerkat Talks, Wallaby Encounters & Ferret Racing, as well as daily Pony Rides for children.

Adults £15.95, Children £13.95, Family of 4 fang-tastic day pass £57

Autumn at Hoe Grange

One of the most appealing aspects of an October stay at Hoe Grange Holidays in the Peak District is the peaceful, relaxing surroundings. Whether you're sipping hot chocolate in a cosy cabin, unwinding in the hot tub, or simply watching the world go by, Hoe Grange Holidays provides a tranquil haven for you to relax and enjoy the beauty of autumn.

log-fired hot tub and sauna

We hope we have inspired you with our top 10 Spooktacular activities. However if that is all a bit too scary, you can enjoy the full glory of the dark night skies from a peaceful spot just outside your cabin. Don't forget to bring a telescope or binoculars for an even more captivating experience.

Book your log cabin or glamping pod and immerse yourself in the wonders of Autumn!

Don't forget that Book Direct is best!

Felicity 

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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020

    star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019
  • star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020

    star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019
  • star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019
  • star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019

    star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019
  • star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019
  • star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020
  • star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019
  • star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019
  • star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

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