The Western Lake District does Halloween differently

The beautiful Western Lake District is reinforcing its innovative approach to tourism by offering half term holidaymakers and local residents something entirely different during the school holidays.

At the new Wave Centre, in Maryport, children can chortle away at the jokes told by James Campbell, the only stand up comedian whose target audience is children. His repertoire of jokes is tailored to appeal to kids aged over six, their parents and anybody who loves comedy that doesn't come with rude words.

With subject matter ranging from parents to Playstations, his act is focused on the hot subjects discussed around the family dinner table, though he might also reveal his thoughts on what he had for breakfast, or his opinion about why we have hair!

Tickets for James Campbell's show, taking place at 2pm, on November 1, cost £6. Visit thewavemaryport.co.uk for more details.

The Helena Thompson Museum in Workington is also doing things differently, by holding a Scarecrow Week. Their scarecrow will arrive in the next few days and will be at the heart of a series of fabulous events taking place in the museum.

On Wednesday, October 29, there will be children's workshops from 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm, in which children can design a tombstone and make strange death masks. These sessions cost £3 per session, including refreshments.

On October 30, a 5pm Halloween ghost walk for young children aged under seven years, if accompanied by an adult. At 7pm there is a ghost walk for older children, which will be a little more challenging and which will require wearing stout shoes and warm clothing. For both walks, groups should meet at the museum. Those heading off on the 7pm walk can also look forward to some hot refreshments to take off the chill and maybe cure the spine tingling! A small charge of £3 applies.

The museum will also have a host of Halloween activities to enjoy on Saturday, November 1, between 2pm-4pm. Visit htmworkington.com for more details.

The spirit of innovation will also be communicated at Wordsworth House, in Cockermouth, where there's a packed programme of fun and craft-focused, hand-on activities running from October 25 to November 1 and a daily indoor animal safari that allows you to follow a trail and claim a prize.

This is the ideal opportunity for families to test their skills at a game of Georgian ninepins, with a skittles challenge running on Saturday, October 25 between 11.30 and 12.30. On October 27 and 28, the focus shifts to making a gorgeous pomander gift, using cloves and oranges that will provide a wonderful autumnal scent once hung up at home. This is a drop in session at Wordsworth House, taking place from 11.00 am to 1 pm.

Food will take central stage on October 28 and 29, with marzipan hedgehogs and pastry squirrels and fish being prepared by the Georgian housemaids at Wordsworth House. With lots of tempting tit-bits and recipes to take home, this is a real treat for anyone who loves food, whatever their age!

More traditional Halloween fun follows on October 31 and Saturday 1, as the maid-of-all-work tells spooky Cumbrian stories in the Wordsworth House kitchen. Taking place at 12 noon, this is suitable for children aged seven and over.

There are also chances to listen to taster talks throughout the week. These give fascinating insights into Georgian life, examining a range of topics from how the manservant set the house on fire thanks to the lighting system operating in Georgian times, to how green were the Georgians.

Further details can be found at wordsworthhouse.org.uk. All events are free with admission. This costs £4.90 for an adult, £2.40 for a child and £14.50 for a family of two adults and two children.