At a glance

Leighton Hall near Carnforth is hosting its third annual Apple Day on 18th October 2026, featuring apple-related activities, countryside crafts, and food stalls. The event aims to celebrate the autumn apple harvest while promoting local food, biodiversity, and sustainability. New attractions include a smoothie bike and a walking tour, with the event offering family-friendly fun and educational experiences.

After two successful years, Leighton Hall near Carnforth is bringing its much-loved Apple Day back for a third time with a bumper celebration of apples, countryside crafts, food, family fun and fascinating facts. Taking place from 10am - 3pm on Sunday 18th October 2026, Leighton Hall Apple Day promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family, with tastings and samples, talks, guest demonstrations, orchard tours, family-friendly activities, apple pressing, food stalls, hands-on rural crafts and nature trails, all set within Leighton’s glorious gardens, woodland and historic orchard. The event embraces the local tradition of celebrating the autumn apple harvest while highlighting the importance of local food, biodiversity, sustainability and community.

There’s plenty to discover this year, with returning favourites and fresh new faces from the world of conservation, craft and countryside living. Visitors can expect to see Cross Apiary, Coppice Co-op, The Red Rose Wood Turning Group, RSPB, Larksfoot Forest School, and outdoor cooking expert Harrison Ward, the ‘Fell Foodie’, all back to share their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. The children’s play area, caterpillar maze, tree face trail, woodland walk and tearoom will also be open.

NEW FOR 2026 - Pedal Power Meets Apple Power!

This year, visitors can pedal their way to a delicious, healthy treat with the brand-new smoothie bike. Hop on and use your own pedal power to whizz up a fresh smoothie - then enjoy the fruits of your labours! Fun for all ages, it’s a great way to discover just how much effort goes into producing the food we enjoy. And there’s more to explore, with a brand-new walking tour and talk, offering visitors the chance to discover more about Leighton Hall, its landscape, heritage and connection with the countryside.

“We were delighted by the response to our other Apple Day events and it has been fantastic to see the event grow,” says estate manager Lucy Arthurs. “It’s become a really lovely celebration of autumn, bringing together families, local producers, craftspeople, conservation groups and people who simply love being outdoors and discovering something new. This year we’ve added some new activities to keep things fresh - and we think the smoothie bike is going to be a real hit! There’s something rather satisfying about pedalling hard for your lunch!”

Behind the fun, Apple Day also highlights a serious message about the importance of seasonal foods and sustainability within our food system. Supporting and preserving traditional and heritage apple varieties helps protect biodiversity, celebrates our agricultural heritage and encourages people to reconnect with where their food comes from.

Early-bird tickets are available at discounted prices and visitors are encouraged to book ahead, although tickets can also be purchased on the day. There is free parking, and the event will take place rain or shine. Dogs are welcome at the event on short leads, but access to some areas will be restricted.

Editorial insight

Leighton Hall’s Apple Day returns as a fixture in the local calendar, offering a blend of rural tradition and family entertainment in the heart of north Lancashire. Now in its third year, the event continues to draw interest from the community and visitors, reflecting ongoing enthusiasm for seasonal celebrations rooted in heritage and local food culture.

For families and countryside enthusiasts, the day provides a practical opportunity to engage with local producers, conservation groups and craftspeople, while promoting messages around sustainability and biodiversity. The addition of interactive features such as the smoothie bike and new tours aims to keep the event fresh and accessible, encouraging participation across age groups. As the autumn apple harvest approaches, such gatherings serve as a reminder of the value placed on local produce, traditional skills and community connection in rural areas.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Human interest

Cultural and Economic Role of Traditional Apple Varieties at Leighton Hall’s Annual Event

Leighton Hall Apple Day celebrates traditional apple varieties, focusing on their cultural significance and economic potential within the local community. This ties into broader discussions about heritage foods and the role they play in regional identity and economy.

Target audience culture-arts, regional-news Story potential 7/10 Environmental/social impact

Sustainability and Local Food Movements Highlighted at Leighton Hall Apple Day

Leighton Hall's Apple Day not only provides family entertainment but also emphasizes the importance of local food production, biodiversity, and sustainability. This year's event includes new features that align with these themes, such as the smoothie bike, which educates visitors on the effort involved in food production.

Target audience environment, culture-arts, food-drink Story potential 8/10