A BUSINESS in Mersea has come up with a novel idea for getting families involved in Halloween.

Mersea Boating Lake, which opened in 2020, has opened a spooky pumpkin trail where children take on a number of challenges and encounter some monsters along the way.

Gazette: Bounty – one youngster is surrounded by plenty of pumpkins to go aroundBounty – one youngster is surrounded by plenty of pumpkins to go around (Image: Mersea Boating Lake)

The lake manager, Rebecca Edwards, explained that although the take-up was slow at first, the activity has grown in popularity as the month has gone on and as Halloween, which falls on a Monday this year, draws closer.

The idea of a Halloween trail at Mesrea Boating Lake followed the success of a similar idea which came together in the run-up to Christmas last year.

Gazette: Reflection – the signage is mirrored in the waterReflection – the signage is mirrored in the water (Image: Mersea Boating Lake)

With the good autumn weather seeing families enjoy outdoor activities, word has got around the pumpkin trail is a good morning or afternoon out.

Mrs Edwards said: “Last year, we came up with a Christmas event, and we've seen how pumpkin patches have been very popular.

Gazette: Spooky – a train is decked with skulls and bones in a nod to Halloween spiritSpooky – a train is decked with skulls and bones in a nod to Halloween spirit (Image: Mersea Boating Lake)

“I have two young children, and I know from a mum’s point of view families want to do things that don’t cost a bomb.

“I wanted to do something that was slightly different – it’s more a pumpkin trail than a pumpkin patch.”

Gazette: Posing – one youngster lounges on the hay balesPosing – one youngster lounges on the hay bales (Image: Mersea Boating Lake)

Mrs Edwards said the 12 stations dotted around the lake each give the children a puzzle which they have to work out at the end.

“I wanted to make it more than a opportunity [for social media] – I want to make it a little bit more than that.

Gazette: Creepy rawly – one toddler is unnerved by the giant spiderCreepy rawly – one toddler is unnerved by the giant spider (Image: Mersea Boating Lake)

“I was a bit worried to start with, but as half-term comes around it should get really busy – we’re trying to get the word out there so people can see what it’s all about.”

The fact dogs can tag along as well, Mrs Edwards said, was also a draw.

“At the weekend, we had a lot of families who came with extended family – it’s outdoors, so it’s nice for people to meet up, plus we are dog friendly as well.”