If you love being spooked, why not join the ‘Family Ghost Tour’ at Chillingham Castle on Saturday 28^th October? You can walk around the grounds and explore the castle with a guide, who will regale you with chilling tales of ghostly goings-on. Suitable for children aged five and upwards.

Do you dare to ride in the ghostly carriage? The Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre on the Ford and Etal Estate is gearing up for Hallowe’en with some special spooky carriage rides over the weekend. You can either pre-book for the longer ride at 11.30am which includes a ‘witchiepoo picnic’, or just turn up for the shorter afternoon rides (1.30 – 3.30pm). Takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Pets are welcome.

There’s more spooky thrills and spills at the Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure Centre in Cramlington on Sunday 29^th October. A fun-filled day full of free spooky activities for the whole family is on offer from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Kids can wear their best ghoulish outfits and go round the centre trick-or-treating, claiming devilish delights from the retailers. The little ones can take part in magical broomstick flying lessons and enjoy ‘Room on the Broom’ story time.

Alnwick Castle will be celebrating Hallowe’en in fine ghostly style during the half-term break. If you dare to go along, you’re apparently in for some spook-tacular delights, including the aptly named ‘Spooky Trail’, as well as Broomstick Training and Dragon Quest events happening every day. All Hallowe’en events are included in admission to the castle.

Whether you’re a scary monster or a spell-casting witch, you’re invited along to Wallington Hall, Cambo for some Hallowe’en celebrations during half-term. See how many skeletons you can find in the woodland, make a spooky mask, create a mud face and book your place on a pumpkin carving session so you’re all set for Hallowe’en!

The Woodhorn Museum, Ashington, is the place to go if you want to hear some spine-tingling tales from Northumberland’s past over the weekend. Gary Cordingly, a professional story teller, is promising to leave you shocked and fearful, all in one session. The tales will be told against the background of Woodhorn’s atmospheric colliery site, so be prepared to be scared!

And finally . . . get ready to blast off! Kids are sure to have fun at the ‘Build a Rocket Workshop’ at Bowlees Visitor Centre in Yarrow, County Durham, on Saturday 28^th October. The event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2017. You’ll be able to design, build and launch your very own water bottle rocket, with all materials provided.