Spooky trails and autumn colour at Thorp Perrow

It’s the final weekend to creep through the Halloween Trail at Thorp Perrow Arboretum, just outside Bedale, and it’s back this year with brand-new surprises along the way.

Brave explorers can make their way through Widow’s Web, Captain’s Bog and CarnEVIL, plus plenty more, with lots of twists, turns and surprises to make spines tingle. Trail sheets cost £2.50 and include a free gift, with standard entry applying.

If ghouls aren’t your thing, the arboretum is also putting on a seasonal show of reds, oranges and golds. Wander through the Autumn Bays and the vivid Acer Glade, then warm up with a coffee and cake in the tearoom. There are daily birds of prey displays too, and dogs on leads are welcome.

Until November 1, Thorp Perrow, near Snape, Bedale, DL8 2PS. Day tickets should be pre-booked during busy periods, with a discount for booking online. [Check entry prices and opening times]

Last chance to see Fountains by Floodlight

One of the district’s oldest autumn traditions takes its final bow on Friday night, as Fountains Abbey glows after dark for the last time this year.

Fountains by Floodlight first lit up the abbey in 1932, when the Vyner family used lights to illuminate the UK’s largest monastic ruin. This year, a new six-minute projection show created by Illuminos brings the story of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to life across the West Door through light, colour, sound and movement.

There’s music too, with the Saxophony Quartet at 6.30pm and Yorkshire Voices at 7.45pm, plus local street food sellers to keep you warm.

£12 adults, £6 children and free for under-5s, though everyone must book. Entry slots from 5pm to 8pm, October 30, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

A free Halloween party in Knaresborough

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough is throwing open its doors for a day of family-friendly Halloween fun.

Expect pumpkin carving, a spooky trail, face painting, a campfire with marshmallows, live music, a raffle and Halloween treats. It’s dog-friendly too, so the whole family can come along in costume.

Henshaws is a charity supporting people with sight loss and other disabilities, so it’s a great way to back a local cause while you’re having fun.

Free entry (pay for activities), 12pm to 5pm, October 31, Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL. 

Brew up some magic in Harrogate town centre

Little witches and wizards can head into Harrogate this weekend for the last few days of Harrogate BID’s free Halloween Potion Trail.

The trail takes families to 10 locations across the town centre to collect clues and discover ingredients for an imaginary Harrogate-themed potion. Stops include Harrogate Theatre, the Harrogate Town AFC Shop, Mama Doreen’s and Søstrene Grene, so it’s a great excuse to explore some of the town’s independents.

Pick up a map from The Crown Hotel or download one from the Harrogate BID website, then return your completed map to the hotel to claim a prize. Keep an eye out for the BID’s spooky street entertainers as you go.

Free, until November 1, starting at The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ. 

The Police tribute lights up Ripon Cathedral

Swap trick or treating for something a little different on Halloween night, as Ripon Cathedral hosts a one-off gig from The Rozzers.

The band are billed as Europe’s most authentic tribute to Sting and The Police, and the show marks 15 years since they formed. Expect all the classics ringing out under the vaulted ceilings of one of Ripon’s best-loved landmarks.

The cathedral will be beautifully lit for the occasion and there’ll be a bar on the night. Proceeds help fund the cathedral’s work, including free children’s activities during school holidays, music and heritage conservation.

From £12, 7.30pm, October 31, Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.