REVIEW: Halloween Lakeside Trail At Partridge Lakes, Cheshire

On Friday, October 4th, I had the pleasure of visiting the Halloween Lakeside Trail at Partridge Lakes in the heart of Cheshire’s picturesque countryside with my family. Set amidst 70 acres of stunning woodland, this annual event runs from October 4th to October 31st, 2024, providing a scenic backdrop for what is billed as a spooky, family-friendly adventure. We, the trailblazers were invited to help Luna the witch free her one true love Victor from a spell which has seen him in a deep sleep for an eternity.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

The trail takes you on a magical journey through a mystical forest, past Skeletons’ Hollow, friendly ghosts, and a witches’ lair. There has clearly been a huge amount of effort invested into creating a Halloween atmosphere. The experience leaned more towards the whimsical than the eerie. The scares were mild, making it feel more like an enchanted forest than a terrifying Halloween trail. While this may appeal to younger families, it wasn’t quite enough to keep our teens fully engaged or excited. For those looking for a darker, more spine-chilling experience, the Terror Trail—which runs on select dates for visitors aged 14 and over—might be a better fit. While the lakeside location is undeniably enchanting, the trail’s Halloween charm was more suited for younger children, which left our 13- and 15-year-old teens a little less engaged. (We should have read the fine print and taken them next week instead).  We appreciated it as adults though. If you have younger children, they will no doubt be mesmerised by the ghoulish tricks and treats along the trail.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

That said, the actors did a fantastic job bringing the scenes to life. They were deeply committed to their roles, fully immersed in character, which added a layer of entertainment even though the overall scare factor was light. For younger audiences, I can see how this immersive role-playing would make the experience more thrilling, but for older children or teenagers like ours it lacked the edge needed to hold their attention.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

What really stood out, though, was the idyllic setting and the additional offerings at the event. There were plenty of food stalls offering everything from pizza and halloumi fries to chips and s’mores, which made for a lovely pause between the activities. The fire pits scattered around the venue were a charming touch, with families gathered around, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the warm autumnal evening. There was even live music—though this was likely because it was opening night—which added to the cozy, festive atmosphere.

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

For those looking to visit, it’s important to know that the main trail is very much geared towards families with younger children, with gentle spooks and whimsical creatures that will delight, rather than frighten. If you’re seeking a more adrenaline-filled experience, I recommend the Halloween Lakeside Terror Trail, which runs on select dates in October and is tailored for the brave-hearted, aged 14 and over. (Again, we would have done well to consider this before taking the teens with us). 

Photo Credit: David Munn Photography

Tickets for both the family-friendly Lakeside Trail and the scarier Terror Trail are selling fast, especially for the more popular dates and times. You can book your tickets online at www.halloweenlakesidetrail.co.uk to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re coming for the enchanting forest, the spooky role-play, or just to enjoy a cozy evening by the fire pits with some marshmallows, the Halloween Lakeside Trail offers something for everyone—just perhaps not the chills and thrills that older teens might be seeking.

I enjoyed this introduction to the Autumn season. I loved being able to spend quality time with special people in an idyllic setting, The colours of nature alongside the spectacle of the lights was a wonderful complement.

Tickets start at £18 for adults and £14 for children, with under threes gaining free entry. Family tickets for two adults and two children with a car park ticket of £5 are available for £69.  The trail will be open each weekend before Halloween and also during the half term period.                                                                        

Click the link to visit the website to secure your tickets.