Halloween MadnessOctober 26Children can get a head start on Hallowe'en this year by coming along to this spooky activity afternoon with pumpkin carving and trick-or-treat basket making sessions. Venture into the Witches Hovel to hear a spine

children can indulge their inner monster with plenty of Halloween themed games and creepy crafts.Tractor Spooktacular October 13, 27Ancient Blair Castle in the stormy Scottish highlands is the perfect setting for a ghoulish family adventure. Children

Alton Towers ScarefestOctober 15–31Now in its fifth year, the annual Alton Towers Scarefest may just be Britain’s biggest and boldest Hallowe’en celebration. The park will remain open long after sunset to provide plenty of chills and thrills

of wild activities.Halloween SkiesOctober 24Those who are afraid of the dark may wish to avoid this special celestial event at The National Maritime Museum. Sit back and relax as an astronomer from the Royal Observatory guides you through the night sky

Hallowe’en WeekOctober 22–30Visit the striking 13th century Cilgerran Castle in Pembrokshire during half term for a whole host of eerie activities. Those who dare to navigate the special trail should look out for the creepy goings-on lurking around

HallowedenOctober 22–30Head to the Eden Project in Cornwall this Half-term for a packed calendar of Hallowe’en celebrations. Creative little critters should enter the Wishcraft Tent which will be full of creepy and crafty goings on including spooky

Cookie bouquet by imageonfood £20 from Waitrose (selected stores)

Ghosts And Gourds WeekendOctober 22–23Hallowe'en is coming early to Rowallane Garden in Saintfield where inquisitive young ghost-hunters can follow a special trail, carve a pumpkin, hear terrifying tales and transform themselves with fearsome face

. Cut each chocolate stick into 6 pieces and stick in the middle to look like stalks. sandwich the halves together to finish the pies.Adapted from Halloween Treats by Annie Rigg (£9.99, Ryland Peters & Small)More spooky recipes...Swampy slimy jellies

The thrill of listening to a spooky story at Hallowe’en is one that stays with most of us long beyond childhood, but in many households this year ghost stories are set to become an altogether more modern affair.Ogres, goblins and ghouls abound