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.
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.
Hoe Grange Holidays is the perfect base to make the most of the many Spooktacular events on offer!
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?
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
On 26th and 27th October, enjoy the magnificent light and sound displays projected onto the historic Cromford Mill.
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).
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.
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
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.
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
Choose 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!
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.
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
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.
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