What better way to enjoy a short break than to immerse yourself in local life. To help you do that, here are some dates for your diary showcasing the fantastic array of fairs, shows and festivals we have within an hour's drive from the park. Many of these events are a huge contributor to the local economies and a massive part of local life. We hope you enjoy any you attend and please let us know which events have been your favourite.



SEPTEMBER
Kilnsey Show – Tuesday 1st – Agricultural show that has been marking the end of Summer since 1897. Showcasing farming life through livestock classes, equine events, sheepdog trails, baking, handicrafts, horticulture & the Crag Race. Find out more here.
Kendal Music Festival – Friday 4th / Saturday 5th – Live music across a host of venues in Kendal. Find out more here.
Westmoreland County Show – Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th – Voted one of the UK’s favourite shows, Westmoreland County Show is a major livestock show with classes in cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas & horses. Theres also stalls, live music, food & drink, and much more! Find out more here.
Grassington 1940s Weekend – Saturday 19th/Sunday 20th – Grassington transforms into a living snapshot of 1940’s England for the weekend, with vintage vehicles, live entertainment and much more. Find out more here.
Ribble Valley Scooter Rally & Music Festival – Friday 25th – Sunday 27th – 3 days of vintage scooters, music & merriment. Find out more here.
Bay DrumFest – Saturday 26th – A free family fiesta on Morecambe Promenade. Find out more here.
Yarndale – Saturday 26th/Sunday 27th – “The Festival of Yarn & Woolly Creativity” returns to Skipton Auction Mart, with a variety of exhibitors with “yarny” stuff to sell. Find out more here.
OCTOBER
Pumpkin Picking at Greenlands Farm – Saturday 3rd – Saturday 31st – Grab a wheelbarrow and pick your pumpkin, with spooky displays & ghoulish photo opportunities aplenty! Find out more here.
Lancaster Music Festival – Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th – Live music in over 50 venues around Lancaster by 300+ acts. From a tiny bookshop to a medieval Castle, the venues are as eclectic as the acts themselves! Find out more here.
Spooks! at Thornton Hall Country Park – Selected dates from 10th – 31st – “Meet the mischievous residents of Trick or Treat Town and be spellbound as a green witch and pink princess join forces for a magical celebration filled with music, dancing and enchanting surprises.” Find out more here.
Screams! at Thornton Hall Country Park – Selected dates from 16th – 31st – “Experience heart-pounding thrills at Thornton Hall Screams, the ultimate Halloween event featuring terrifying live actors, immersive scare attractions and unforgettable fright nights in the Lancashire countryside”. Find out more here.
Pumpkin Trail at Bolton Abbey – Saturday 24th – Sunday 1st November – Navigate your way through Strid Wood following the giant pumpkins. Keep your eyes peeled for clues that will help you solve the puzzle! Find out more here.
Bentham Bonfire – Saturday 24th – Our community bonfire & fireworks, including food & drink, fairground rides & stalls. Find out more here.
NOVEMBER
Light up Lancaster – Thursday 5th – Saturday 7th – Fantastic light and art installations around the city of Lancaster, some of which have to be seen to be believed. Find out more here.
Polar Express at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway – Selected dates from 13th – 3rd January – This magical journey is now a firm festive favourite for those who believe! Grab your festive pyjamas and buckle up for some family fun! Find out more here.
Winter at Sizergh – Friday 20th – Thursday 24th December – Enjoy an enchanting trail of light and sound installations and make magical memories this Winter. Find out more here.
Crafts in the pen – Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd – 230 crafts stalls, along with two cafes on site, and Santa in his grotto. Find out more here.
Christmas Adventure at Thornton Hall Country Park – Selected dates from Sunday 22nd – Thursday 24th December – “Discover a magical village, hidden away from the everyday world. Meet enchanting characters and help bring Christmas wises to life through charming activities, magical encounters and festive surprises around every corner.” Find out more here.
Morecambe Comedy Festival – Saturday 21st – Saturday 28th – A week of comedy events including fringe shows and headliner events. Find out more here.
12 Days of Christmas at Bolton Abbey – Selected dates 28th – 3rd January – A festive stroll through Strid Wood, solving a mystery as you go. Find out more here.
Kendal Christmas lights switch on – Friday 27th – Christmas lights switch on, late night opening and farmers market. Find out more here.
Lancaster Christmas Markets – Friday 27th – Sunday 29th – A festive weekend of artisan makers, unique gifts, delicious food & drink and live entertainment. Find out more here.
Settle lights switch on – Saturday 28th – Festive market and live music, with Christmas lights switch on. More details to follow.
We hope you will enjoy staying with us as the perfect base to experience any of the events listed above…. BOOK HERE

