If you and the kids are looking for something a bit different to do this half term and Halloween, check out some of these eerie events near you
London and South East
Take a spooky flight on the London Eye
Daily flights at 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm from 24 October - 1 November 2009
Meet two witches, Trick and Treat, who try to entice children to be either naughty or nice.
Adult tickets cost £23.50, children aged 4-15 £17.50 (includes a spooky goodie bag)
Halloween Hocus Pocus
23 October - 1 November 2009
Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
There will be plenty of freaky frolics at Chessington's Halloween Hocus Pocus event when the witches come back to cause mayhem at the park this Halloween.
Rides in the dark and a new 'Black Forest Pass' walk through will send chills down the backs of even the bravest souls - let's see who can make it onto the Vampire ride without screaming!
www.chessington.co.uk
London Dungeon
17 - 31 October 2009
The London Dungeon welcomes the curious, the fearless and the foolish this Halloween. The Dungeon's mix of historical gore and scary fun will be hair-raisingly heightened by the Scare Witch Trials. Stand trial before the Witchfinder General in a 17th century courtroom and learn about the punishments meted out for witch crimes.
For further information, location and ticket details please visit www.thedungeons.com
Kid's Ghost Tours, Hampton Court Palace
31 October then every Sunday until 28 December 2009
How much do you really know about the spooky palace past? Creep your way around dark corners and hear stories of kings and queens from long ago. Tickets £12.50 each and includes a free ghost investigators booklet. Recommended minimum age 8 years. Tours start at 17.00. Limited numbers and advanced booking essential. Group bookings welcome. For information and bookings call 0844 482 7795
The Haunted Castle, Dover Castle, Dover, Kent
26 October - 31 October 2009
Scare yourself silly this Halloween at Britain's most haunted castle, perched on the dramatic White Cliffs. If you're sure you don't believe in ghosts, Dover Castle's programme of spooky events may just change your mind...
Besides a line-up of freaky fun for kids, adults can join a ghost walk through the castle and grounds to discover more about the bloodcurdling myths and legends surrounding this ancient site.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Halloween Festival at Bristol Gardens Zoo
24 October - 1 November 2009
Visitors can follow a special spooky trail, take part in a pumpkin carving competition and meet the Zoo's very own witch and her cat for a fancy dress parade around the zoo.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk
Spooky Tours at Powderham Castle
25 October - 30 October 2009
Meet the fascinating residents from the past and enjoy a tour of the Castle in a different light w. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Suitable for 5 to 12 year olds and brave mums and dads!
www.powderham.co.uk
The Midlands
Explore the haunted castle at Warwick Castle
25,29,31 October 2009
Discover the haunted hollows and scary dungeon at Warwick Castle. Or enjoy a three-course banquet on the 30th at the Dungeons after Dark Dinner - an evening that promises scarily good entertainment!
Halloween at the Black County Living Museum, Dudley
24 October - 1 November 2009
Britain's friendliest Museum becomes Britain''s 'Most Haunted' as Halloween gets underway. The young and the young at heart can enjoy hair-raising thrills and spine-tingling chills when they listen to ghostly tales of yesteryear.
On the 31st little devils and mini ghosts and ghouls can trick or treat in SAFETY at Britain's 'Most Haunted' Museum. The Museum's eerie gas-lit village is the perfect venue for safe thrills and chills on Halloween. Visitors can meet psychics and mystics and listen to tales of Black Country bumps in the night!
PRE-BOOK ONLY ON 0121 520 8054 Trick or treat?
www.bclm.co.uk
Hallowe'en half term, Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
October 2009
Come to Claremont for a children's trail around the Garden with a spooky Hallowe'en theme. There will be children's craft activities in Leaky Cauldron Cottage on Monday to Thursday. On Friday there will be an opportunity to carve your own pumpkin into a Hallowe'en lantern. Additional charges for crafts and lantern making.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Children's Hallowe'en tours at Lancaster Castle
31 October 2009
Historic Lancaster Castle invites children of all ages to dress up in their spookiest costumes for a special Halloween tour of the grounds. The organisers of the event emphasise the true origin of Halloween as a festival of light and fire, with pumpkins designed to ward off evil spirits. A guided tour informs visitors of Hallowe'en's true history and allows kids to get dressed up in their most ghastly outfits. Children's Tours: 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30pm
Adults only tours (not suitable for the under 15's) 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00pm
www.lancastercastle.com
Halloween for Creepy Kids at JORVIK Viking Centre, York
31 October 2009
The JORVIK Viking Centre is hosting its very own Halloween for Creepy Kids late night party, with characters returning from the Viking underworld and escorting youngsters on a horrible history tour around JORVIK. Pre-book only at 01904 615505.
www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk