Over the spooky season, our friends at Heaton Park will be decking out the stables and animal centre with an autumnal theme. There’ll be pumpkins galore, a haunted history trail and lots of FREE midweek activities for you to sink your teeth into too.

From Saturday 19 October – Wednesday 31 October, Haunted History Trail activity packs will be available (every day from The Stables reception between 10am – 3 pm) for just £2. Find all 13 spooky scarecrows to win an extra spooky prize.

Facepainting will be available on weekends (Sat 19, Sun 20, Sat 26 and Sun 27 October) for a small additional cost.

On Sunday 20 October – head to Dower House, between 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, to meet the park’s resident beekeepers. They are hosting their annual honey showcase and are on hand to answer questions about their wonderful hobby.

On Monday 21 October, it’s Heaton Park’s Apple Day. Head to the outdoor space near The Stables, between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, to kickstart your half term with lots of family-friendly apple-themed fun including chutney tastings, juicing, games and much more.

From 11:30 am – 1:30 pm you can also join Earlybird CIC in The Stables classroom for a special craft workshop. In celebration of Apple Day, you can help create a special apple tree nature collage alongside other seasonal nature-based crafts. This is a free drop-in activity (no need to book) supported by the Parklife Community Fund.

Lots of amazing local groups will be at the park too, including Sow the City, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Lakeside CIC, Nephra Good Neighbours and the Heaton Park Community Garden group.

On Tuesday 22 October, The Creepy Crawly Show will take over The Stables classroom from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Get up close with a variety of creatures and pick up some interesting animal facts to impress your friends. Free. No need to book. Just turn up.

On Wednesday 23rd October, Heaton Hall will host some spooky storytelling sessions. Meet outside the main entrance to the hall. Sessions take place at 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm and  last approximately 30 minutes.

On Thursday 24th October, between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, you can get your teeth stuck into some Halloween Crafts with the Earlybird Project.

And on Friday 25th October, Wacky Woody brings his Magic Show to the Stables courtyard. Shows take place at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.