Yorkshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="682" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5372" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n-300x213.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n-768x546.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">RHS Glow at RHS Harlow Carr</figcaption></figure>



Yes, we may be getting ahead of ourselves, but we’re so excited about <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr/whats-on/harlow-carr-glow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow at Harlow Carr</a> (19 Nov – 23 Dec) that we couldn’t help but shout about it. Think dazzling lights, lakeside reflections, bratwurst by the fire and Betty’s treats in hand. Grab your tickets now before it sells out.



If you can’t wait until then, head to see <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden/helios-at-fountains-abbey">Helios at Fountains Abbey</a> (4-5 &amp;&nbsp;11-12 Oct) – a seven-metre spherical sculpture of the sun&nbsp;by Luke Jerram that combines light, solar imagery and sounds recorded by NASA to bring the sun&#8217;s intricate details to a new light.&nbsp;



Ghostly sculptures haunt the streets and green spaces of York as this popular installation runs throughout October. Spooky, but stunning, they’re certainly a sight to behold, see where you can catch &#8216;Ghosts in the Garden&#8217; <a href="https://www.theyorkbid.com/ghosts-in-the-gardens/">here</a>.&nbsp;



See the city of Leeds in a new light (literally) and discover free arts events across the city centre during <a href="https://www.lightnightleeds.co.uk/">Light Nigh</a><a href="https://www.lightnightleeds.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a> (22 &amp; 23 Oct).&nbsp;This popular initiative is back and bigger than ever with large-scale light projections and interactive installations to music, dance and street performances. It’s going to be lit!



You have two options to view the annual spectacular of the <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/shows/dark-skies-festival/">Dark Skies Festiva</a><a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/shows/dark-skies-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a> – either head to the North York Moors or the Yorkshire Dales to see the skies totally clear and full of spectacular stars. There’ll be a range of activities being held between&nbsp;24 Oct to 2 Nov&nbsp;from walking trails to kayaking under starlight. What. A. Dream.&nbsp;



Over on the coast, head to <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/whitby-abbey-illuminated-24-oct-1-nov-25/">Whitby Abbey</a> for an unforgettable evening beneath the soaring illuminated remains. Catch it from&nbsp;24 Oct to 1 Nov&nbsp;when ghost hunters will also relish the chance to join Time Will Tell for a performance of their thrilling new show&nbsp;The Dead Shall Walk the Earth, featuring shadowy figures, strange powers and perhaps even a visit from Dracula himself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts-amp-culture">ARTS &amp; CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Photo-©-David-Levene_David-Levene-1024x683.jpg" alt="turner exhibition" class="wp-image-5650" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Photo-©-David-Levene_David-Levene-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Photo-©-David-Levene_David-Levene-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Photo-©-David-Levene_David-Levene-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Photo-©-David-Levene_David-Levene.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mohammed Sami artwork at the Turner Prize 2025 exhibition at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford. Photograph by David Levene </figcaption></figure>



This year marks 250 years since the birth of J.M.W. Turner in 1775, one of the nation’s greatest painters. Coinciding with this celebration, <a href="https://bradford2025.co.uk/programme/turner-prize-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Turner Prize exhibition</a> is coming to Bradford for the first time to showcase the works of the four shortlisted artists, Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa, at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. Inspired by Turner, the finalists were announced on the anniversary of the painter’s birth on 23 April 2025. On throughout October. 



Lovers of words, be it written, spoken or performed, must make their way to the miniature Victorian spa town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire for the <a href="https://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilkley Literature Festival</a> (3-19 Oct). There’s a whole host of famous faces in attendance from Hugh Bonneville and Tony Robinson to Mary Portas and even Nick Clegg!&nbsp;



There’s also a stellar line up of bestselling authors and celebrated speakers at The Crown Hotel during <a href="https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/festival/raworths-harrogate-literature-festival/">Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival</a> (9&nbsp;– 19 Oct). This year, one of the country’s most famous literary festivals hosts the likes of Chris Tarrant, Sir Jeremy Hunt, Dom Joly, and Helen Lederer.&nbsp;



If you’re after&nbsp;even more&nbsp;literary loveliness, then the <a href="https://offtheshelf.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Off the Shelf Festival of Words</a> is sure to satisfy you. Running from 10 Oct to 10 Nov, this is one of the most vibrant literary festivals in the North, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield. Catch Kate Mosse, Lucy Worsley, and many more.



Have a laugh at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/hyena-comedy-club-comedy-festival-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hyena Lounge Comedy Club</a>&nbsp;(Harrogate Theatre, 4 Oct) and expect a riotous line-up: Ian Stone (Mock the Week), Tez Ilyas (Live at the Apollo), and Nina Gilligan (fresh from scooping up Comic’s Comic and Chortle gongs), all marshalled by cheeky host Dave Twentyman. Cheaper than cocktails and twice as funny.



Scarborough’s theatre legend Sir Alan Ayckbourn returns with his annual premiere:&nbsp;<a href="https://sjt.uk.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Angel</a>&nbsp;(Stephen Joseph Theatre, until 11 Oct). A funny, probing look at what makes a “good person” &#8211; and whether angels walk among us after all. Expect wit, warmth and a touch of Ayckbourn mischief.



York Theatre Royal gets cheeky on 10 Oct with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/freida-nipples-presentsthe-exhibitionists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freida Nipples Presents: The Exhibitionists</a>. Expect glitter, satire and a gloriously camp celebration of drag, art and rebellion &#8211; one night only, darling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids">KIDS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="351" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Cirque-Eloize-iD-Reloaded-photo-125-Caroline-Thibault.jpg" alt="what's on yorkshire october" class="wp-image-5572" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Cirque-Eloize-iD-Reloaded-photo-125-Caroline-Thibault.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Cirque-Eloize-iD-Reloaded-photo-125-Caroline-Thibault-300x105.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Cirque-Eloize-iD-Reloaded-photo-125-Caroline-Thibault-768x270.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cirque Eloize: iD Reloaded. Credit: Bradford Theatres</figcaption></figure>



It’s spooky season, but if your little ones can’t wait until Halloween then <a href="https://farmercopleys.co.uk/events/pumpkin-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer Copley’s Pumpkin Festival</a> (27 Sept to 31 Oct) over in Pontefract is the one for you! This is a pumpkin patch you don’t want to miss, but it’s not just gourds &#8211; there’s witchy stories, spooky tractor rides, fancy dress fun, and so much more.&nbsp;



Fresh from an award-winning, 5-star run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Hoglets Theatre invite audiences on an exciting deep-sea adventure packed with beautiful handmade puppets, hilarious sea creatures, original songs, and lots of audience interaction.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-tale-of-the-loneliest-whale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tale of the Loneliest Whale</a>&nbsp;is a magical, interactive show that celebrates friendship, difference, and the beauty of being yourself.&nbsp;Catch it at York Theatre Royal Studio&nbsp;3 &amp; 4 Oct.



Over in Bradford,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/cirque-eloize-id-reloaded" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cirque Éloize: iD Reloaded</a> (Alhambra Theatre,&nbsp;14–15 Oct) explodes onto the stage with jaw-dropping stunts, BMX tricks and aerial acrobatics set to thumping urban beats. High voltage spectacle in every sense.



On every weekend throughout October (plus daily between&nbsp;25 Oct – 2 Nov), <a href="https://stockeldpark.co.uk/activities/season/halloween/">Stockeld Park’s Halloween Adventure</a> is truly un-boo-lievable. Not only is it home to one of Yorkshire’s biggest pumpkin patches, there’s an Enchanted Forest, Spooky Woodland Witches, a Monster Masquerade Ball, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, Magical Maze and even a Zombie Laser Experience!&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grown-up-fun">GROWN UP FUN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Ignite-Concerts-3-1-1024x683-1.png.jpeg" alt="what's on october yorkshire" class="wp-image-5573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Ignite-Concerts-3-1-1024x683-1.png.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Ignite-Concerts-3-1-1024x683-1.png-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/09/Ignite-Concerts-3-1-1024x683-1.png-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Candlelit Halloween. Credit: Harewood House</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://sheffield.camra.org.uk/festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steel City 49 Beer and Cider Festival</a> will be taking over Kelham Island Museum from&nbsp;15 to 18 Oct&nbsp;with a huge range of cask ales and craft beers, artisan ciders and street food vendors. Add in traditional pub games and live entertainment, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a weekend.&nbsp;



There’s even more over in York as the city prepares to celebrate <a href="https://www.yorktoberfest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yorktoberfest</a>! Feel as though you’re in Germany when you step into the fully-styled marquee, grab a stein full of beer from Brew York and tuck into a tasty bratwurst or two. Lederhosen optional, but fully encouraged.&nbsp;17-18 &amp; 24-25 Oct.



For something a little special, book a tickets to <a href="https://harewood.org/events/candlelit-halloween/">Candlelit Hallowee</a><a href="https://harewood.org/events/candlelit-halloween/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n</a> (17 Oct) over at Harewood House. Enjoy exclusive, after dark access as you sit&nbsp;back and soak in the magical atmosphere in the magnificent Gallery for an evening of music surrounded by candlelight. The talented Ebor string Quartet will perform a spellbinding selection of haunting classics with a mystical and magical twist. How enchanting.



Hotly anticipated, This is Yorkshire Beauty will be hosting <a href="https://thisisyorkshirebeauty.com/book-events">The Power of Beaut</a><a href="https://thisisyorkshirebeauty.com/book-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">y</a> in the stunning setting of Grantley Hall on&nbsp;24 Oct. It’s a full day dedicated to the hottest topics in women’s health, beauty and longevity delivered to you by leading experts. There’ll also be a sumptuous two course lunch, beauty hall of amazing brands, and specially curated experiential sessions to leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated and empowered.&nbsp;



Also, on at Grantley Hall is their decadent <a href="https://www.grantleyhall.co.uk/whats-on/grantley-hall-presents-the-halloween-house-party/">Halloween Part</a><a href="https://www.grantleyhall.co.uk/whats-on/grantley-hall-presents-the-halloween-house-party/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">y</a> (31 Oct) where guests are encouraged to go all out and ‘dress to thrill’ at what is set to be the most extravagant house party of the season. Expect haunting beats, innovative cocktails, immersive theatrics, and surprise acts.



Or for something a little different this Halloween, head over to Harrogate for Harrogate Theatre’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/harrogate-theatres-halloween-dining-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halloween Dining Experience</a>&nbsp;(31 Oct) blends food, fun and fright night in equal measure. Think gothic glamour, ghostly goings-on and a side of spook with your supper.&nbsp;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/our-pick-of-the-pyo-pumpkin-patches-in-yorkshire/">Our pick of the PYO pumpkin patches in Yorkshire</a></li>



<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/how-to-wear-aw24-trends-with-help-from-indie-yorkshire-boutiques/">How to wear AW25 trends, with the help from India Yorkshire boutiques</a></li>



<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants-bars/autumn-supper-clubs-yorkshire/">The tastiest autumn supper clubs happening near you</a></li>
</ul>

20+ things to do in Yorkshire this October

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