Halloween Lakeside Light Trail Review

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Disclosure - We were invited to enjoy the trail for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.

Last week we visited our very first Halloween Light Trail. We have done lots of light trails over the years around Christmas time but we have never done a spooky one before. We were all really excited as we do like a light trail, we had no idea what to expect we just knew to wrap up warm and prepared for a spooky walk. 

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9 Pumpkin Patches Close To Liverpool

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Last Updated Sept 24 

Picking a pumpkin is so much fun. Before little J was born we would usually pop to the local supermarket to buy pumpkins but then we found out about pumpkin patches and pumpkin picking. Pumpkin patches have popped up all over the North West with most of them being within a 30 minute drive from Liverpool. Some patches go all out with fairground rides, maize mazes whilst others are just patches that you choose your pumpkin. Whichever you choose, Pumpkin Picking is definitely a must especially with little ones, they will love it. 

Pumpkin Patch High Town

No Information on 2024 yet 

Orrell Hill Lane, L38 5DA

Famous for their huge, perfect and fabulous varieties of pumpkins, squashes & gourds  Pumpkin Patch High Town has lots to offer pumpkin pickers. 

Opening Times

Open 9am til 6pm every single day from 1st October through to 31st October 2023

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Free Maize Maze

Refreshments

Picnic area 

How Much?

Pumpkin Patch High Town is free and no need to book

Paul's Farm Pumpkin Patch

No Information on 2024 yet 

382 Dunkirk Lane, Leyland PR26 7SY

Pick your perfect pumpkin, fresh from the field. 

Opening Times

Open 10am till 4pm on 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd 28th and 29th.

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Free tractor and trailer ride to the patch

Face Painting

Games

Spooky Shop

Photo Opportunities

How Much?

Paul's Farm Pumpkin Patch is free and no need to book

Kenyon Hall Farm

Winwick Lane, Croft, Warrington WA3 7ED

The Kenyon Hall Farm Pumpkin Festival is back for 2023 with countless displays of pumpkins & squashes of all shapes, sizes and colours.

Opening Times

Open from Sat 28th Sept to Thurs 31st Oct. Check specific dates for opening times as may vary

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Small children's playground

Pumpkin-tastic photo opportunities.

Refreshments available

How Much?

​Entry tickets cost £2.95 for adults and children; infants under 18 months go free. No pumpkins are included with the entry ticket and booking is essential

Book your tickets online at Kenyon Hall Farm

Birchall's Pumpkin Patch

Reeds lane Rainford WA11 7JP

Pick your own pumpkin at Birchall's Pumpkin Patch

Opening Times

The pumpkin patch is open from 5hth October to 31 October. Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm. Friday and Saturday 9am to 6pm. Sunday 10am to 5pm 

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Enjoy sitting on the tractors and combine and a tractor ride

Refreshments served with a brand new food menu including  a range of breakfast barms served until mid morning. 

A marquee where you can sit and enjoy drinks and food after choosing your perfect pumpkins. 

Plenty of opportunities for photographs. 

How Much?

Birchall's Pumpkin Patch is free and no booking is required.

Grange Farm

No Information on 2024 yet 

Lowton, Stone Cross Lane South WA3 1JU

A vibrant showcase of all things pumpkin.

Opening Times ​

Tuesday - Saturday 9:30am till 3:30/4pm, Sunday 10:00am till 3:30/4pm and Pumpkin Picking activities available on the 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and 21st-31st October 2023

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Fun Fair 

Maize Maze

Children's Entertainment and Games (not available on the 7th or 8th)

Enjoy the Animals of Grange Farm 

Pumpkin Carving 

How Much?

Tickets are priced at £3.50 and booking is essential

Book Your Tickets Online at Grange Farm

Sandy Lane Farm

Sandy Lane WA8 3XP

Pumpkins are ready you just need to pick your favourite. 

Opening Times

Daily 10am to 4.30pm from 5th October

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Miniature railway (weather depending)

How Much?

Just pay for what you pick

The below are pumpkin patches however I cannot find any details on their opening times or whether they offer anything else. Will keep updated

Catchdale Moss Farm / Rainfords 

Ln, Eccleston, Saint Helens WA10 5QG

Pumpkins are ready you just need to pick your favourite. 

Opening Times

Pumpkin Season begins on September 28th for a weekend of opening season fun. 

Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Enjoy the opening of Pumpkin season. The bar will be open, they'll be live music, hay bales, pumpkin picking, artisan stalls, hot food and drinks, cakes and goodies, crafts, games, photo ops and lots of fun to be had!

How Much?

Entry is free

Pumpkin Alley

Delf Lane, Ormskirk L39 7JJ

No Information on 2024 yet 

Church View Farm Shop

Southport Road, Lydiate, Merseyside L31 4HJ

No Information on 2024 yet 

Are you planning on visiting a Pumpkin patch this year? Which one is your favourite? 

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Michelle

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Halloween Light Trails In The North West

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Over the years light trails at Christmas time have become so popular however we are now seeing light trails for Halloween too. I love a light trail so any excuse to visit one is fine by me. There are a few popping up in the North West already and I'll make sure I update if any others get announced too.

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25 Halloween Events In Manchester 2023

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

We try to find as many fun things to do around Halloween as possible and each year our list of places to visit gets bigger and bigger. The North West definitely gets in to the spooky spirit with so many Manchester Halloween events to enjoy. If you are looking for family fun this Halloween then you need to check out our ever growing list which I will keep updated.

Halloween Events In Manchester

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The Best Pumpkin Picking In The UK

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Updated for 2022

A few years ago we went Pumpkin Picking for the first time and it was so much fun. We went to Kenyon Hall Farm in Warrington and it was really good. We wanted to choose somewhere close by, so I asked some of my friends and Kenyon Hall Farm was the most popular. Being popular means you usually have to book your tickets early and we have already secured ours for this year. If you are looking to pick a pumpkin this year, I have asked some friends from all over the UK to tell me their favourite places to Pumpkin Pick so check out their recommendations below.

North

A popular choice amongst us is Kenyon Hall Farm

Emma from A Farmers Wife and Mummy visited too. We loved it so much last year I think we will be visiting again this year too.

Midlands

Laura from Little Ladies Big World visits Adventure Farm in Staffordshire

Emma at Mrs Shilts visits Essington Farm in Wolverhampton

SOUTH

Sian from quite frankly she said recommends The Pop Up Farm in Hertfordshire. 

Victoria from Verily Victoria Vocalises visits Bailey ridge in Dorset

Katy from Katy Kicker recommends Cammas Hall in Essex/Hertfordshire

Laura from Dear Bear and Beany - Millets Farm in Oxfordshire

Emily from Emily and Indiana enjoyed Pick Your Own Pumpkin in Sevington, Ashford

Jenny from The Gingerbread House - Farrington's Farm Shop, Somerset

EAST

Lauren from Dilan and Me gives us a round up of the best in Norfolk

Are you planning on going Pumpkin Picking this year? If you have any other recommendations I'd love to hear them.

I am always so grateful for any support I receive on my blog and social channels. If you did find this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Leave us a comment below and let us know what you thought. 

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Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

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Visiting Disneyland Paris During Halloween Season

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Last Updated - September 2023 

Halloween season is lots of fun and even more special if you are heading to Disneyland Paris. We have always enjoyed visiting Disneyland Paris during Halloween and there are lots of tricks and treats to enjoy at the hotels and the parks to keep you busy. If you are planning a trip this Halloween season then I've gathered some information to make the most of your visit. 

What To Expect During Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival

Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival is back for 2023 and begins on the 1st October right up until 5th November. 

Disneyland Park

From the moment you head in to the park you will be greeted with pumpkins and Halloween decorations as they line the streets with tricks and treats ready to pop up anywhere to give you a spooky surprise.

Main Street is one of our favourite places to take photographs as it is always decorated perfectly for the Halloween season. There will be lots of Mickey pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls ready to be snapped. 

The decorations and music at Disneyland Paris really add to your whole experience and they do it so well.

What Characters Are In Disneyland Paris For Halloween?

Halloween brings out the villains and you will definitely spot a few of your favourites. Halloween season is the only time you can spot some of the villains so you won't want to miss them.

Maleficent will be lurking around Sleeping Beauty's Castle so make sure you check out Fantasyland.

If you fancy seeing Captain Hook head to Adventureland and look out for the Jolly Roger.

Also meet the Mischief Makers - Chip, Dale and Goofy.

Mickey's Halloween Celebration

Disneyland Paris wouldn't be the same without a parade and this Halloween join in with the Mischief Makers as they entertain you during Mickey's Halloween Celebration.

Nightfall With Disney Villains

As the sun sets, Disney Villains bewitch Sleeping Beauty Castle with projections, music and water fountains for a freakishly fun moment.

Hollywood Studios

From 1 October, evil villains and other mischievous characters are invading Studio Theatre for your goosebump-inducing pleasure. A screamingly good time awaits those courageous enough to spend time in the presence of these rebellious rapscallions.

The Tower Of Terror

Welcome to the dusty remnants of the once-glamourous Hollywood Tower Hotel. Going up? Hop inside the service elevator and discover the surprises that lie on the upper floors - we’re sure you’ll fall quickly for this old Hotel’s quirky charms. Oh, and make sure you strap in, you never know what can happen in a rickety old lift.

As well as all the spooky shenanigans you can enjoy all your favourite rides. 

Opening times and ride closures are updated on the Disneyland Paris website under plan your visit so make sure you check that out before your visit so you can plan your days. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways

Have you visited Disneyland Paris during Halloween season? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

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Michelle

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How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

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This post was updated September 2023

You all know we love Alton Towers. I have been visiting since I was a little girl and I love how the park has developed and expanded over the years just getting bigger and better every year. A few years ago Alton Towers announced lots of events that would happen over the year including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest and our personal favourite Scarefest. We often get asked how scary is Alton Towers Scarefest? What I love about Alton Towers is they cater for all ages and you can make it as family friendly or scary as you want as there is so much going on. 

What To Expect When Visiting Scarefest, Alton Towers 

Alton Towers really do get their spook on when it comes to the Halloween event and you can expect all kinds of tricks and treats. 

Open till 9pm every night you can experience your favourite rides in the dark, 4 scare mazes, family fun and new for 2023 Daz Games - Panic 

How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

The park itself isn't scary however like I said early it can be as scary as you like with 4 scare mazes and new for 2023 Daz Games Panic. These chargeable attractions are not for the faint hearted, trust me I've done a few. Whilst they make you jump and scream (I did both) the actors inside these mazes don't touch you they are just there to give you a scare. 

What Is Daz Games - Panic?

This is a new attraction for 2023 and it claims it will take you on the first adrenaline-inducing escape room meets live action scare maze for the ultimate horror experience.

I do love an escape room however you are plunged into darkness and have just 7 minutes to complete a series of tests that will challenge the mind and body as you try to locate the symbols and escape…. all whilst evading capture from the inhabitants within.

Racing against the clock you'll have to think fast and stay calm as you take on an AI-themed assault of the senses… all before the game strikes back and traps you within. Forever

What Scare Mazes Are Available This Year?

New for 2023 - Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge

Rumours are afoot that the old Altonville Mines are alive with activity once again. Following a breakthrough from local law enforcers, the notorious Skin Snatchers have been detained...but for how long? The ironically named Tiny, however, has evaded capture and is believed to still reside within the Mines. Explore at your peril and risk the adventure, if you dare.

The Invitation 

The Lakeside Cemetery invites you to join them for a grave experience that will live with you for eternity. Their friendly funeral director is dying to assist you as you descend in to the burial chamber, where you can choose your final resting place. Some caskets have already been filled while others are empty, waiting for you. Recommended 12+

The Attic: Terror of the Towers 

In Alton people talk of the Governess – how she’s haunted by the death of young children. She wants revenge, and she will do it by seizing the spirits of the living in retribution. They say her ghost haunts The Attic and that’s where you’re headed. Recommended 12+

Darkest Depths

Enjoy some extra-spooky swashbuckling aboard ‘The Mutiny’, a notoriously spine-chilling ghost ship. You’ll truly earn your golden Piece of Eight by venturing into the darkest depths, avoiding the hazardous calls of the treacherous Sirens, dodging the swords of terrifyingly ghoulish pirate mutineers and coming face to face with the Kraken – the legendary monster of the seas! Recommended 12+

We have done a few scare attractions over the years with Altonville Mine Tours our most recent and I can confirm they are very scary.

How Much Are The Scare Mazes?

Each maze is chargeable and can be pre-booked online. 

Daz Games - Panic

£10 or £8 for Merlin Pass Holders

Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge, The Invitation, The Attic: Terror of the Towers  and Darkest Depths

£34 for all 4 or £27.20 for Merlin Pass Holders. All 4 must be completed within 2 hours. 

I think on the day you can purchase single scare mazes as we have done that in the past.

What Attractions Are Suitable For All The Family?

Alton Towers do try to make it suitable for everyone and over the years we have seen new attractions introduced which make it a family friendly event too.

New for 2023 - Burial Grounds

Burial Grounds is a free-flowing outdoor scare zone shadowed by the mighty Wicker Man where you'll encounter the rejectors of modern-day society fulfilling their terrifying primal instincts.

Trick O'Treat Town

Suitable for all ages Trick O'Treat Town is an interactive walkthrough where you must pluck up the courage to knock on doors. The residents of Spooky Avenue up to Witchy Woods love Trick or Treating so be prepared for plenty of treats and tricks too.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 2 adults can accompany a child without a purchase of a bag (£12 or £9.60 for Merlin Pass Holders)

Alton Ancestors

On Arrival you will usually bump in to the Alton Ancestors. They have left their gravestones behind and are back from the dead. One thing you should know about the Ancestors is they love to dance so make sure you check them out and even join in.

CBeebies Land Monster Ball

Join the CBeebies characters live in Big Fun ShowTime as they dance and play games. the show features Bing, Ubercorn, Peter Rabbit and many more of your favourite CBeebies friends, you can even dress up in your favourite costume.

Freaky Fun Zone

You won't want to miss the Freaky Fun Zone on the front lawns.  The five super-freaky Halloween characters put on the most spook-tacular shows, with meet and greets and photo opportunities. Little ones will love this as the characters are so much fun and very colourful. 

There are also many other reasons to visit Alton Towers during Scarefest including the Alton Towers Dungeon

Alton Towers Dungeon

As Scarefest descends on the Towers, enter The Alton Towers Dungeon for a little less laughing… and a lot more screaming! Will you be found guilty by the Bishop of Stafford, survive a visit to the Plague Doctor and make it out of The Witch of Burslem’s Cottage? Enter The Alton Towers Dungeon this Halloween, as we celebrate the most hideously horrible time of year with your delightful peasant screams… If you dare!

Recommended for guests age 10+ and a charge is applicable. Pre booking is advised. 

As well as as this scary fun you can enjoy your favourite rides in the dark as the theme park is open till 9pm every night during Scarefest. 

Also if you want to make the most of your visit to Scarefest you can stay over at the resort where the spooky fun continues. 

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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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