Bonfires & Halloween in Grewelthorpe. A Luxury Family Escape in the Yorkshire Dales

As autumn settles gently over the Yorkshire Dales, the village of Grewelthorpe comes alive with glowing bonfires, golden leaves, and the cheerful buzz of community celebrations. It’s a season that invites you to slow down, wrap up warm, and enjoy life’s simple luxuries from crisp woodland walks to cosy evenings by the fire.

For families staying at our luxury holiday cottage in Grewelthorpe, October and early November offer a truly magical experience. Whether it’s toasting marshmallows under starry skies or exploring Halloween trails with the children, this is a time of year that promises warmth, laughter, and memories to treasure.

🔥 Bonfire Night in the Dales

Few traditions capture the spirit of autumn quite like Bonfire Night. Across the Dales, local villages host spectacular displays, blending community spirit with Yorkshire charm.

A few of our favourite events nearby:

• Masham Bonfire & Fireworks – Just a short drive away, this much loved celebration features a grand bonfire, a stunning fireworks display, and plenty of delicious local food this years display is on Saturday 8th November 2025.

• Ripon Fireworks Display. A family-friendly evening out with fairground rides, stalls, and treats to keep little ones happy. This year the Ripon Bonfire is on Friday 7th November.

• Bedale Bonfire is early this year on Saturday 1st November, tying in beautifully with the end of the October half term, no bonfire this year but fireworks begin at 7pm.

• Grewelthorpe’s Own Bonfire will be on 5th November in Lofty's field (take the road between the Crown Inn pub and the Church and follow the tractor lit track to the bonfire. A smaller, village-style celebration where families gather together for sparklers, laughter, and a true sense of community.

Afterwards, return to the comfort of your cottage light the log burner, pour a mug of hot chocolate (or perhaps a glass of mulled wine), and relax as the fire crackles.

Halloween Adventures for All Ages

Halloween in Grewelthorpe is every bit as enchanting as Bonfire Night. The village’s old stone cottages and winding lanes set the perfect stage for a little family-friendly spookiness.

Children can enjoy gentle trick-or-treating around the village, while parents might prefer an atmospheric twilight walk and a tipple in the village pub.

For day trips, there’s plenty nearby to keep everyone entertained:

• Lightwater Valley’s “Frightwater Valley” (Ripon) – Halloween-themed fun with spooky rides and entertainment suitable for families.

• Swinton Bivouac has a Halloween trail at just £5 per child with a treat at the end

• Visit Ripon is also offering a pumpkin trail and a pumpkin picking festival in the market place on October 30th & 31st.

🕯️ Evenings of Comfort and Luxury

After a day exploring the Dales, return to your private haven of comfort. Sunnyside Cottage has everything you need for a perfect evening from a roaring fire and soft throws to a fully equipped kitchen ideal for preparing hearty family suppers.

Settle in with a film, play a board game by the fire, or simply gaze out at the autumn stars from the courtyard garden. The Dales’ dark skies are famously clear, offering some of the best stargazing in Yorkshire once the fireworks fade away.

✨ Plan Your Autumn Getaway

Autumn in Grewelthorpe is a season of simple pleasures and quiet luxury. From bonfire celebrations to woodland adventures, it’s the perfect time for families to reconnect and unwind in style. Sunnyside Cottage has some late availability for Halloween, book your stay this season and experience the warmth, comfort, and charm of a truly luxurious family retreat in the Yorkshire Dales.