Halloween Lakeside Trail, Culcheth
Review Carla Whittaker
My family and I were lucky enough to attend the opening night of the Halloween Lakeside Trail at Partridge Fisheries in Culcheth, and it was an enchanting experience filled with spooky delights and atmospheric wonder. While not designed to terrify, this eerie adventure offered just the right amount of spine-tingling excitement, perfect for families seeking a magical, Halloween-inspired evening.
The journey began in a beautifully decorated tippee, crafted to resemble a giant witch’s hat, glowing with the soft flicker of real fires and adorned with twinkling autumn lights. Inside, an animated story set the stage, immersing us in the tale of Luna, a lovelorn witch, and Victor, her skeletal soulmate. The storytelling, projected on a large screen, felt wonderfully eerie, pulling us into a mystical quest through a shadowy forest to help Luna reunite with her lost love. This captivating narrative lingered throughout the trail, adding layers of enchantment to every step.
The entire setup was breathtaking, a perfect mix of cozy and creepy. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the trail, while the scent of wood smoke from the fires added to the autumnal ambiance. The food area was also a delightful surprise, offering a tempting array of treats like rich hot chocolate, crispy halloumi fries, wood-fired pizza, and succulent chicken dishes. Although the selection was mouth-watering, I would have appreciated a few more kid-friendly choices—perhaps burgers, hotdogs, or chips—but that’s a minor detail in an otherwise perfect setup.
As for the trail itself, it was a feast for the senses. The path wound through a forest wrapped in swirling fog, with vibrant strobe lights, glowing ropes, and projections casting shadows across the trees. Creepy props lined the trail, adding to the haunted feel, and my son was particularly entranced by the spider’s tunnel, an unsettling yet exciting feature that gave just the right jolt of fun fear. The lake surrounding the trail shimmered with haunting beauty, lit up in spectral colors that reflected off the water like something from a ghostly dream.
One of the highlights was the live actors, who played their parts with ghoulish glee. They interacted with the kids in a playful, spooky way that had everyone laughing as much as gasping. These performers were fantastic at bringing a touch of theatrical horror without pushing it too far for the little ones, striking just the right balance between eerie and entertaining.
For those who love capturing memories, there were photo opportunities around every corner. From spooky backdrops to magical lighting effects, the whole trail was a photographer’s dream. However, these popular spots did draw a bit of a crowd, with queues forming as families waited their turn to snap a picture. Thankfully, everyone was patient and polite, so the waiting time wasn’t a problem.
The grand finale was truly spectacular. We finally discovered Luna, surrounded by her bubbling cauldron, which was spewing out smoke-filled bubbles that drifted through the night air like enchanted orbs. This magical sight was the perfect conclusion to a night filled with Halloween wonder and left a lasting impression on both the kids and the adults in our group.
Pram-friendly and easy to navigate, the trail took around an hour to explore at a leisurely pace. A word of advice: it can get quite chilly, so make sure to bundle up, and wear sturdy shoes to tackle the uneven terrain. The event organizers did a great job with the logistics, from the well-placed parking lot just steps from the entrance to the staggered entries that kept the trail from feeling overcrowded, despite the large number of visitors.
In summary, the Halloween Lakeside Trail was a magical and eerie adventure that offered an unforgettable evening of spooky fun. The enchanting atmosphere, captivating story, and delightful mix of frights and laughter made it a hit with every member of the family. We can’t wait to return next Halloween for another spellbinding experience!
I highly recommend visiting as dusk begins to settle and darkness creeps in, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere and truly appreciate the stunning light displays. The event runs until 31 October 2024, and tickets are reasonably priced for the experience offered (booking recommended!).