Levens Hall and Gardens to Get Spooked Up for October Half-term and Halloween

Cumbrian historic mansion and gardens, Levens Hall and Gardens, is making the most of a decision to open for longer this year, by arranging a spooky Halloween family event, workshops and candlelit ghost tours for the October half-term week (October 26 – November 2).

The Elizabethan mansion, built around a late 13th century pele tower, has long been associated with the paranormal and various ghostly legends.  These will, this year, be brought to life through special candlelit house tours at 4pm and 5pm, with such tours available on October 29, 30, 31 and November 1.

Visitors booking a tour can hear about sightings of the Grey Lady, the Pink Lady and the little black dog. Add to this the legend of an old woman’s curse on Levens Hall, and other inexplicable goings on, and the mind will race! 

Meanwhile, if simply wanting to visit the house and gardens at half term,  families can enjoy special activities.  A Spooky Scavenger Hunt will help use up some energy in the 10-acre gardens, which include the world’s oldest topiary garden.  In the house, the fun will involve a Spider Hunt, as keen eyes are invited to overcome any arachnophobia and spot some eight-legged creatures.

Those with a love of art and crafts also have their own opportunity to do even more at Levens Hall and Gardens, by taking advantage of specially arranged Halloween workshops.

On October 27 this will be a Halloween Ceramic Painting workshop (11am – 1pm), in which participants can either paint a pumpkin lantern or a star jar lantern.  The price of the workshop is £20 or £23, dependent upon choice.  On October 29, the activity transforms into a Halloween Mask-making workshop, with local Cumbrian artist, Bob Sutcliffe. This will take place between 10am and 11.30am, at a cost of £17 per child.

Levens Hall and Gardens is also organising a children’s Halloween costume competition during half term, with a prize of a Levens Hall Gift Shop voucher for the best costume.  Spooky-themed treats will be rustled up for purchase in the on-site Levens Bakery, where mouthwatering bakes and cakes always go down a storm.

The Grade-1-listed historic property normally closes its doors for the season in the first week of October.  This year, it is open until November 8.  Hall opening hours are 11am to 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm.  The gardens open between 10am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Standard admission to the Hall and Gardens during the Halloween event costs £15 for an adult, £5 for a child and £35.50 for a family.  Gardens-only admission is priced at £9, £3 and £21.50 respectively. 

Those wishing to book a candlelit ghost tour at 4pm or 5pm will pay £17 per adult or £10 for a child aged 5-16.  The tours are not suitable for under-5s or for people with restricted mobility.

Booking for the optional tours and workshops is essential, so head to www.levenshall.co.uk to grab tickets that will give you access to spooky seasonal fun!                          

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Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.