Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail
Giant pumpkins and clue-solving adventures in Strid Wood.

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Posted on 1st September 2026

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The Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail returns for October half-term, inviting families to step through the giant spooky gates into ancient Strid Wood for an autumn clue-hunting trail in the Yorkshire Dales.

Included with standard estate car parking, the event guides visitors along the designated green trail following giant oversized pumpkins. Hidden mystery boxes placed along the route hold clues that children can solve to uncover a final seasonal puzzle.

The 2026 Pumpkin Trail runs daily throughout October half-term from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026. The trail operates daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm (car parks close at 5:00pm).

What's Happening 🎃🍂

Key highlights and features of the Bolton Abbey Pumpkin Trail include:

• Strid Wood Route: The trail starts near the Cavendish Shop and follows the green woodland path alongside the River Wharfe up to The Strid.
• Giant Pumpkins & Clue Boxes: Oversized pumpkin markers lead the way, with interactive mystery boxes containing letters to fill out on your trail sheet.
• Free Trail Sheets: Trail activity sheets can be collected at the Cavendish Shop before entering Strid Wood.
• One-Way Return Route: To reduce congestion along the green trail, families are encouraged to take the upper woodland paths or riverbank route back to the car park.
• Dog-Friendly & Pushchair Accessible: The green trail features a hard-standing surface suitable for robust pushchairs and wheelchairs, and dogs are welcome on leads.

Photo Gallery - coming soon

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Practical information for visiting the Bolton Abbey Estate during half-term:

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Admission & Pricing

INCLUDED WITH CAR PARKING

The Pumpkin Trail is free and included with standard estate car parking. Pre-booking Riverside Car Park online is strongly advised to guarantee closest access to the start.

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Dates & Hours

Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November 2026
• Trail Open: 9:00am – 4:00pm daily
• Estate Car Parks: 9:00am – 5:00pm (Last entry 4:00pm)

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Footwear & Clothing

Sturdy walking shoes or wellies and warm waterproof layers are recommended for autumn walks through Strid Wood.

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Dog Friendly

Dogs are welcome on the trail and throughout the estate paths, but must be kept on a lead at all times to protect local wildlife.

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Visitor Tip

Book Riverside Car Park (BD23 6AN) when purchasing your estate admission ticket online. It provides direct access to the Cavendish Shop where trail sheets are handed out.

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Recommended Car Park Location:

Riverside Car Park, Bolton Abbey Estate, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AN

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🚗 Driving & Parking

Situated off the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton, or via the B6160 from Ilkley. Riverside Car Park offers the nearest parking access to Strid Wood and the trail start point.

🚌 Public Transport

Seasonal DalesBus services operate between Skipton, Ilkley, and Grassington, stopping near the Bolton Abbey village entrance and Cavendish Pavilion.