THERE is a lot going jump in the night – especially the startled ghost-hunters – as Warwick Castle marks Halloween in typically spooktacular style.
Three new attractions have been added this year by Merlin Entertainment, which runs the castle — one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval forts. And they are scarily good.
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My two teenage sons pride themselves on not being frightened easily.
But they let out a few bloodcurdling yells while sampling Paranormal Encounters, based on the popular telly show, and Dead Of Knight, a truly chilling walk in the dark.
“Wow, there were some really good jump-scares in both of those,” admitted my 16-year-old, Lytham, who gave a big thumbs-up to both attractions.
Without giving too much away, the actors involved in those tests of nerve (and in my favourite, the Castle Dungeon) really throw themselves into their roles as they recreate gory episodes in the castle’s 950-year history.
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The third newcomer to the Haunted Castle set-up, the Junior Ghost Hunt, is more family friendly.
But it is still great fun, as is the Horrible Histories Maze. Maybe Horrifying Histories would be a better description.
There is more to see around every corner: Stage shows, spooky storytelling, a wizard school and witches’ workout.
Britain’s biggest bird of prey show, The Falconer’s Quest, is not to be missed.
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Warwick Castle is an ideal backdrop for a Halloween event, with its warren of underground rooms and dungeons. The lofty Great Hall and richly decorated rooms on the higher levels will come into their own when the Christmas celebrations begin next month.
The festive season will see Warwick Castle add an ice rink to its annual attractions for the first time this year, while Stories With Santa, Christmas feasts and the enchanting Christmas riddles that need solving in the Princess Tower will be back.
So everyone on Santa’s “nice” list — and those trying to get off the naughty one — will want to get their skates on from November 23.
But there is still plenty of time to enjoy the spooky stuff, as the Haunted Castle attractions will run until November 3, three days after you thought it was safe to venture out without running into witches. You can even stay in the castle grounds.
The Knight’s Village offers cosy accommodation in woodland lodges that sleep up to five people.
As to whether sleep comes easily, that will depend on how good your own fear factor turns out to be.
Dining in the Village’s own Great Hall is highly recommended. The menu is not so much mutton and mead as burgers, fish and chips and rump steak, while a wide variety of vegetarian options also got 13-year-old Iestyn’s vote. We certainly wouldn’t be afraid to go back if we get the chance.
GO: WARWICK CASTLE
SCARING THERE: The Haunted Castle runs until November 3. Prices are from £20pp for daytime entrance and from £15pp for night entrance in half-term. Tickets including the Castle Dungeon experience are from £25pp.
STAYING THERE: Have a spooky sleepover in the Knight’s Village in the castle grounds. Riverside lodges are from £80.50pppn including breakfast, car parking and two full days’ entry to Warwick Castle. Price is based on four sharing.
MORE INFO: Go to warwick-castle.com.
