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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.
Your ultimate guide to October half term in the Peak District
September 22, 2026Archives
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Best things to do with the kids this October half term in the Peak District
Fun-filled days out for the whole family this autumn
Looking for the perfect October half term Peak District getaway with the kids?
There’s something rather lovely about October half term in the Peak District. The hills turn shades of gold and orange, the wellies come out, pumpkins appear everywhere and there’s usually just enough mud to keep the children happy!
If you’re wondering what to do with the kids this October half term, we’ve gathered together some of our favourite family days out near Hoe Grange. There are Halloween adventures, animals, pumpkin picking, vintage trams and plenty of fresh-air fun, with a few ideas for those days when you don’t want a packed itinerary too.
And when everyone has run out of steam, you can head back to your cosy log cabin, put your feet up and enjoy having your own comfortable home-from-home in the Peak District. If an October escape sounds tempting, take a look at our family log cabins and check what dates we have available.
1. The Frights of Abraham
A cable car ride is a pretty exciting way to start a family day out, especially with autumn colours spreading across the Derwent Valley below you.
The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath is getting into the Halloween spirit again for October half term. As well as the cable cars, woodland and sculpture trails, adventure playgrounds and cavern tours, there will be seasonal fun including Halloween characters, a Tommy-knockers hunt, scarecrows and games.
It’s a good option if your family likes a day with lots of different things to do rather than one single activity. The caverns are particularly handy if the Peak District weather decides not to cooperate.
2026 dates: October half-term activities are advertised from 19 to 31 October.
Good to know: The Heights is set on a naturally steep hillside. Wheelchair users can use the cable cars with assistance and ramps, and the buildings at the summit have wheelchair access, but the caverns are not accessible and some parts of the estate have steep gradients so check the detailed access information before visiting. They also offer a two for one ticket for disabled visitors with a carer. Pushchairs are allowed, and sensory-friendly activities are available.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
2. Ride the trams at Crich Tramway Museum
If you’ve never taken the children to Crich Tramway Museum, October half term is a great excuse.
There’s something wonderfully different about climbing aboard a vintage tram and rattling through the Derbyshire countryside. You can explore the historic street and exhibitions, stretch your legs along the Woodland Walk and, during half term, join in with the Halloween activities.
For 2026, Halloween Fun runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, with a Halloween trail along the Woodland Walk, stories on a tram, face painting, crafts, a Halloween show and tricks and treats along the way.
Even better, Hoe Grange guests can get discounted tickets for Crich Tramway Village, so ask us about them when you stay.
There are ramps or lifts to the visitor facilities and a smoother route through the historic cobbled areas for wheelchairs and buggies. One important change to note is that Crich's accessible tram is currently out of service, so wheelchair users won't be able to ride a tram at present.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
3. A whole week of Halloween at Thornbridge Hall
Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell, is running a full Halloween Week from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. There’s a Halloween trail through the gardens, face painting and seasonal food, plus extra activities on selected days.
Pippa the Pumpkin Witch and Patch the Scarecrow will be bringing games and meet-and-greets to the gardens on 27, 28 and 29 October. There are also bookable children's craft workshops and a Halloween-themed afternoon tea if you fancy making a bigger occasion of it.
Garden trail activities are included with standard garden admission, although some of the extras have an additional charge.
It makes a lovely autumn day out without having to rush from one activity to another. Wrap up warm, give yourselves time to explore and enjoy the colours in the gardens as you go.
4. Sparkling evening adventures at Matlock Bath Illuminations
October half term doesn’t have to end when it gets dark.
The Matlock Bath Illuminations are one of those Derbyshire traditions that generations of families have enjoyed. As darkness falls, illuminated boats travel along the River Derwent, each decorated with hundreds of coloured lights.
The 2026 Illuminations season runs until Sunday 1 November, with displays at weekends and an extra evening on Friday 30 October, making it a good half-term evening activity.
You could even combine the Illuminations with the Heights of Abraham earlier in the day if your children still have enough energy left!
It can get busy in Matlock Bath on Illuminations nights, so booking ahead and allowing plenty of time to park will make the evening much more relaxing.
The event is wheelchair accessible with designated viewing areas and accessible toilets.
5. A magical autumn day out at Chatsworth
Bring your little monsters to Chatsworth farmyard to meet the animals and join in with creepy Halloween-themed activities this half term.
From 24 October to 1 November, the farmyard is hosting Halloween-themed crafts, face painting, animal feeding, guinea pig cuddling and spooky tractor and trailer rides. Pumpkin carving runs until 31 October.
Then there’s the adventure playground, which is always useful when somebody still has energy to burn off.
You don’t have to turn a Chatsworth visit into a huge day either. A Farmyard and Playground ticket gives you plenty to fill a few hours, while the wider estate has walks and open spaces if you want some quieter autumn time too.
If access is important to your family, a lift and ramp provide access around the farmyard. The adventure playground is in woodland, so some areas have uneven terrain and soft bark surfaces. Chatsworth also has accessible toilets and a Changing Places facilities near the house entrance.
6. Farmyard fun and Halloween thrills at Matlock Farm Park
For children who want pumpkins, animals and Halloween fun all in one place, Matlock Farm Park is an easy choice.
Its Fang-tastic Halloween Festival and Pumpkin Patch returns from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.
Families can follow the Spooky Trail through the Forbidden Forest, tackle games and riddles, join Witch Wendolyn's craft workshops and explore the farm park. Each child with a paid entry ticket can also choose a pumpkin from the patch, subject to availability, before heading to the carving stations. Keep an eye out for the Headless Horseman later in the day too.
There are lots of animals to meet around the farm, so it works particularly well if different members of the family aren't equally enthusiastic about Halloween.
Hoe Grange guests can get discounted tickets for Matlock Farm Park, so remember to ask at reception.
For wheelchair users and families with pushchairs, the main routes around the farm park are smoothly tarmacked, with most either level or on a slight slope. There is Blue Badge parking close to the entrance, accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities.
7. Pick your own pumpkin at Hassop Family Farm
If pumpkin picking is firmly on your half-term wish list, there's a new option near Bakewell this year.
Hassop Family Farm is opening its Enchanted Pumpkin Farm for just two days, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026.
As well as choosing a pumpkin, children can make a wand, create potions, listen to stories in the Straw Bale Theatre and explore the Pumpkin Playground. There is also a Broomstick Academy activity that can be booked separately.
Because it's only running for one weekend, this is one to plan rather than leave until the last minute. Tickets are required, so check availability before setting off.
And yes, this is definitely a wellies day. It is a working family farm in October, after all!
8. Animal encounters at Peak Wildlife Park
Not every child wants a week full of witches and pumpkins. Sometimes a really good animal day is exactly what's needed.
Peak Wildlife Park makes a lovely family day out, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and watch the animals rather than dash between rides and attractions.
The park's 2026 event listings haven't yet announced a specific October half-term programme, so we'd suggest checking its What's On page nearer your visit rather than planning around last year's Halloween events.
Even without a special event, it’s a good option for animal-loving children and makes a change of pace from some of the busier Halloween attractions. The park is fully wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, toilets, and pathways for pushchairs. Sensory-friendly activities are available. Carers go free.
Image credits: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Wesley Kristopher Photography
7. Burn off some energy with a cycle on the High Peak Trail
Half term days out don't all need an entrance ticket.
Sometimes the best way to spend a crisp October morning is to pull on your boots, pack a few snacks and head outside.
The High Peak Trail runs close to Hoe Grange and is great for walking and cycling as a family. You can choose how far you want to go, which is handy when little legs are involved, and autumn is a beautiful time to be out among the Derbyshire countryside.
There are no timed tickets, no queues and no pressure to fill an entire day. Just pick a stretch that suits your family, enjoy the peace and quiet, then head back to your cabin when you've had enough fresh air.
A flask of hot chocolate is always a great hit!
You can also borrow adult bikes for free when you stay at Hoe Grange, so you only need to bring the kids' bikes with you.
The trail is well-maintained, with a smooth flat surface. Hire our Boma 7 off-road wheelchair so you can get up the fields as a family and explore the trail with ease!
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
10. Slow things down with a day at Hoe Grange
After a couple of busy days out, there’s a lot to be said for not getting straight back in the car.
Hoe Grange is a working family farm, so younger guests can enjoy seeing the animals and learning a little about country life. Depending on what's happening on the farm, there may be eggs to collect too.
Then you can simply enjoy some time together. Play a game, cook pizzas on the outdoor oven, head out for a walk or settle down for a cosy afternoon if it's raining.
Our log cabins have their own kitchens and plenty of space to relax, which means you don't have to organise every meal around restaurant bookings or persuade tired children to go back out after a long day.
Sometimes a quiet afternoon is exactly what everyone needs.
Last but not least, our Peak District farm setting offers the perfect environment for children and toddlers to let off steam and explore all that the Peak District countryside has to offer. Meet our farm animals, fly a kite from the top of our hills, and drive the toy tractor on our on-site playground.
October half term holidays in the Peak District
When the Peak District weather turns
October in the Peak District can give you bright blue skies, sideways rain and something in between, occasionally all on the same day.
It’s worth having a couple of flexible plans. Crich has indoor museum spaces alongside its outdoor attractions, Matlock Farm Park has indoor areas, and Chatsworth's farmyard gives you a mixture of things to see and do.
Pack waterproofs, bring the wellies and try not to let the forecast dictate the whole holiday.
One of the nicest things about self-catering is knowing you can come back, peel off the muddy layers and warm up in your own comfortable cabin.
A quick note about accessibility
If someone in your family has access requirements, we recommend checking each attraction's detailed access information before booking. Historic properties, woodland sites and hillside attractions can vary considerably from one part of a venue to another.
We're always happy to help you look at possible days out before or during your stay. We know that a little extra detail can make planning a family day much easier.
At Hoe Grange itself, Hipley, Rainster and Daisybank cabins have spacious accessible layouts and wet rooms, with a range of additional accessibility equipment available to borrow. Accessibility needs are individual, so have a look at our detailed access information or get in touch to talk through what would work for you.
Plan your October half-term break in the Peak District
With pumpkin patches, Halloween trails, animals, trams, autumn walks and illuminated boats, there's plenty to fill an October half term in the Peak District.
You don't need to squeeze everything in.
Choose a couple of days out that the children will really enjoy, leave some space for muddy walks and slower mornings, and enjoy having time together away from the usual school and work routine.
Hoe Grange makes a comfortable, peaceful base between Ashbourne and Bakewell, with cosy self-catering log cabins where you can come and go at your own pace. You'll have everything you need for family meals, lazy mornings and those welcome quiet evenings after a full day exploring.
Have a look at our October availability and come and enjoy autumn on the farm with us. We’ll have a warm welcome waiting for you.
- Caroline
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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...
- Tiggywinkle15
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 
November 5, 2019HelenLCarter 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
February 6, 2020vincent s 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
July 28, 2019 - sophiee249 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
January 2, 2020Paula C 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
July 4, 2019KBarry 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
September 15, 2019 - 548julie 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
September 14, 2019Jan Horsman J 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
September 17, 2019L9943KBlesleym 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
April 3, 2020 - EJYork2013 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
June 25, 2019mickvfr 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
July 28, 2019Jdrichie12 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
July 11, 2019 - Ajtravels14 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
February 3, 2020Adventurer_12121 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
January 30, 2020Big_Al_0000 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
July 16, 2019 - dghiggs61 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
October 25, 2019David H 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
October 25, 2019ElizabethA717 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
September 21, 2019 - Catboy86 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
August 17, 2019rachelthomas2015 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
June 18, 2019Thesamps 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
October 4, 2019 - krimpenijssel 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
October 25, 2019joanne B 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
June 4, 2019Charlotte M 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
August 7, 2019 - Peachey167 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
July 16, 2019Angie B
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
August 3, 2019karenmD4738KD 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
June 25, 2019 - plopster1 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
June 7, 2019Wheelieuser 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
June 13, 2019