Stockeld Park The Halloween Adventure Review
Stockeld Park
Halloween Adventure
Reviewed by Emma Lydon
I recently visited Stockeld Park with my husband and young girls, aged 5 and 2, to enjoy the Halloween Adventure. We have previously been to the Christmas Adventure and so we knew where to find it, although it is pretty easy to find and is signposted well – there is plenty of car parking available which is free of charge.
The park is open daily and there are events running throughout the day during half term but as we wanted to wait until it was dark to walk through the Enchanted Forest we left it till 3:30pm to go. The park was fairly quiet but that may have been because there was heavy rain forecast but for me there’s nothing quite like a walk through the woods in the rain!
The staff on the ticket and information desk were friendly and very helpful – we found out that we could enjoy any of the activities available with our day passes. As my youngest is probably too young at two to do either the skating or the skiing we decided to go with the maze, which we have never done before, and the Enchanted Forest. We started off with a trip inside to see the lovely ladies doing Halloween glitter tattoos, which at £1.50 per child, was very reasonable and we only had to wait five minutes or so.
We decided to head into the maze first, which is a mile-long yew tree maze, the biggest in Yorkshire. The kids loved it and we had trouble keeping up with them as there are so many twists and turns – don’t underestimate how long you might need in the maze, depending on your sense of direction (which I challenge anyone to maintain when each row of trees looks like the last!) you will inevitably find yourself going round in circles at least twice! There are lots of interactive bits and pieces along the way, including a tardis, a big globe in the middle of the maze and a few bridges from which you are able to see the whole maze (and also maybe shout for help with directions as we did…).
After a quick toilet stop, of which there were plenty and all very clean, we headed into the Enchanted Forest. It was just getting dark which was perfect as it really adds to the atmosphere with all the illuminations. The trail winds its way through the forest, with all sorts of fairytale characters and mystical creatures along the way. It really does look fabulous in the dark so if you are planning a trip I would recommend waiting until dark to do the forest and as there is so much more to do at the Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park, including Witch & Wizard training and ice-skating, there is plenty to keep you entertained until the sun goes down. There are also two super playgrounds along the way, which were both open when we went through but were just closing as we came out as it was too dark.
There is also a cafe on site, along with a super gift shop. We didn’t try the cafe out but there looked to be a great selection of tasty meals and treats and plenty of seating.
All in all, we had a fantastic time at Stockeld Park, both the maze and the forest did not disappoint and the girls were still excited all the way home. We are definitely planning a trip back next year, and might even try out the super scary sounding Fright Night through the forest if we are feeling brave!! With a mid-season price of £12.50 for adults and £10 for children to take part in two activities it may be a little on the steep side and the only reason that I haven’t rated it 5/5, however I feel it is well worth the money as you can make it a real day out.
Rating: 4.5/5
For more information, tickets prices fro all event or to book tickets online visit www.stockeldpark.co.uk.
Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, LS22 4AN | 01937 586101
