What else to do in to entertain the children in Halloween Half-term than to pay a visit to Stockeld Adventure Park for its spooky Halloween Trail.

We’ve visited Stockeld Park a couple of times in the past and each time it has grown into something more magical. And I have to say – I’m especially impressed on how I managed to wrangle the amazing weather we had for October (I’m taking the credit – shhh!) Which worked out well really – because when I got there, I suddenly realised I’d forgotten my 4 year’s coat. Fortunately it was so warm and she was zipping around everywhere so didn’t feel cold at all.

My family and I got there for opening time. For this event I’d agreed with Stockeld that we would leave a list of names at the ticket stall on entry and our families just had to check in. Call me paranoid but I just like to make sure it is there before people arrive! Of course it was. They were all very well briefed on us attending and so friendly and helpful I had nothing to worry about. I love it when a place we visit has it all in hand like this. It’s nice to know you can hand over and families will be well greeted.

We started off in the maze and obviously got lost. I was grateful for the maps scattered around even if the kids were happy just going for it. And the hidden delights scattered throughout helped keep everyone’s attention.

After that we decided to do the Woodland Trail and loved the comical skeletons and just amazing witches that greeted us at various points. The witches were an absolute delight. The costumes were amazing and they were engaging and playing perfectly to their audience. So the gobby 15 year got locked into Hansel and Gretel’s jail and the shy 4 year was engaged with in a more friendly manner. She was dressed as Sleeping Beauty (short story – I’d asked her that morning if she wanted to go in fancy dress, MEANING Halloween fancy dress, but she came up with the idea of Sleeping Beauty. She was so excited I didn’t want to change it) so when we met Maleficent there was a lovely little repertoire.

I also love now how the walk around is scattered with various playgrounds and hidden delights through – such as the dragon, ogre, talking tree, fairy garden and best of all – the hot chocolate stall…And yes – worth the purchase.

We weren’t done after that though – following that we visited the Pumpkin patch where my children decided to try and find the biggest and heaviest pumpkins going – not REALLY thinking about getting them back to the car. My arms still ache. Thankfully Sarah, one of our Trustees had joined us around the Woodland Walk and she helped carry them as well.

By the end of all this, we were all shattered and headed home – meeting some families in the courtyard before we did depart. So it was nice to have a chance to say hi to some other Little Hiccups members. And after a brief rest at home, we were back up and carving pumpkins all ready for Halloween.

What the families say:

“We had a lovely day thanks.”

“Thank you very much for the fantastic day we had at Stockeld Park today.”

“Thank you for a fantastic day. We had a lovely time and the kids really enjoyed themselves.”

“Thanks to everyone involved in the mammoth task of planning, organising and booking the autumnal weather!”

“Thank you for a great day x”

“Thanks Little Hiccups for a fab day out today. X loved the musical garden but wasn’t so keen on the Maze! It was so nice to see some familiar faces after so long xxx”

“Thankyou so much little hiccups!!”

“What a fantastic day! All 3 are absolutely exhausted!”

“Thankyou little hiccups for a wonderful Halloween trip to stockeld park. Fab day out.”

Website: https://stockeldpark.co.uk