Double , double , toil and trouble , have we got a witch’s brew for you here in the county, from light shows and Lego to Halloween ghost hunts and pumpkin picking . Whether you’re in search of truly hair-raising history or more light-hearted spook-fests to entertain little ghouls over the half-term break , read on – if you dare . . .
FOR CHILDREN BIG AND SMALL
Ghosts at the Mote
October 21-29
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/ightham-mote
You can always count on our historic houses to lay on a ghoulish treat for the little ones in half term, and this year Ightham Mote will be enlisting their help to track down the resident ghosts that have hidden in the garden. After busting spooks, your mini ghost hunter can round off their day with half term crafts to keep that imagination thriving. On 3rd November Ightham Mote will be hosting a family-friendly murder mystery night, Gunpowder, Treason & Plot. You and your crime fighter will be tasked with solving the mystery, touring the house after dark and questioning curious characters to solve the crime.
Hever Castle
hevercastle.co.uk
Beautiful, historic, and with more than a few skeletons in their closets, our castles really come to life at this time of year. Of course, Hever Castle has a pretty iconic history, once home to Anne Boleyn, whose life tragically ended with beheading under the instruction of her husband, King Henry VIII. So, it should come as no surprise that her ghost is reported to have been seen here over the years, with one sighting in 1976 made by C.W. Bamford, who believed that Anne was not only his ancestor, but was also trying to make contact with him when he visited the castle! Learn about her time at Hever in the latest exhibition, Catherine & Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers. Beyond communication with the other side, Hever will of course be laying on spine-tingling fun over the half term break, with a giant spider, a spooky trail and creepy costume competition to entertain.
Oh What A Knight! - Lego brick-model-building workshops at Canterbury Cathedral
October 24-26
canterbury-cathedral.org
Canterbury Cathedral will be every child’s dream this October half term, as professional Lego Brick Artists and Designers, Kevin Hall and Emily Corl, as seen on TV’s Celebrity Lego Masters at Christmas, will be running three days of Lego-brick building workshops inspired by Canterbury’s medieval knights! Children will get hands-on, learning how to make their very own Lego knight, customising their armour, swords, shields… you name it. What’s more, the favourite builds will stay on display throughout the workshops.
GHOSTLY TOURS AND TUNES (INCLUDING ADULTS ONLY!)
Spooky Woodland Walk at Walmer Castle
October 27-29
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/walmer-spooky-woodland-walk/
For fun that's rather more light-hearted, Walmer Castle down the road from Deal will be organising a ghost-hunting trail for everyone. Join their ghost-busting storytellers on a family-friendly wander through the shadows of Walmer Castle’s gardens, and listen to the web of spooky, strange and ghoulish goings on to help you get into the spirit of the season.
Ghost Tales at Deal Castle
October 27, 28 and 31
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/deal-ghost-tales/
What were we saying about our castles? Deal Castle was built by order of King Henry VIII as an artillery castle to help defend the coast, and this month, historic storytellers will be weaving together its darkest tales and journeying into the castle’s past. With a promise of ghost tales, stories of the supernatural, historic horror and more after dark, you’d better believe this jaunt into the spirit world will give you the creeps, so hear us when we say: this one is for over 16s only.
The Canterbury Ghost Tour
thecanterburytours.com/
Canterbury’s cobbled streets, ancient buildings and Roman ruins may look pretty spectacular, but it’s safe to say there are also pretty spook-tacular. This 90-minute tour through the streets will shine a light on Canterbury’s dark side, telling of tragedy at what is now Tiny Tim’s Tea Rooms, the perils of the Ouija board and tales told by the security guards of the iconic Cathedral and their night encounters in the precincts. This award-winning ghost tour is guaranteed not only to raise a few hairs on backs of necks, but many questions, too.
Rochester Ghost Walks
visitmedway.org/attractions/rochester-ghost-walks-2439
Any reader of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or The Signalman will know of the author’s ghost-tale-telling prowess, so Rochester has got to be a stop on our spooky Kentish tour. The twisted gravestones, the ancient ruins, the winding alleys, and the cobbled streets all acted as inspiration for Dickens, so allow it to inspire you on a Rochester Ghost Walk. From the spectre of Mr Dickens in the high street, to the haunted shops and ominous castle that is home to The White Lady and Black Monk, and the Cathedral’s own collection of spooks, this tour will take you to the darkest corners of Rochester’s past.
Ghost Hunter Tours – Tonbridge Castle
November 10
ghosthuntertours.co.uk/product-page/ghost-hunt-at-tonbridge-castle-10-11-23
A castle with a history of violence, battle and public execution – Tonbridge Castle has all the makings of a good ghost-hunting tour, so let’s get stuck in. Take the Ghost Hunter Tour here and you’ll hear how this 11th-century castle is considered to be one of the most haunted in Kent, with apparitions, haunting screams, and plenty of paranormal activity reported to keep you on your toes. And from what we hear, your tour will leave you in very little doubt that this is indeed one of Kent’s most haunted locations.
Totally Wired: Halloween 17: Rock The Dead!
October 28
dreamland.co.uk/event/totally-wired-halloween-17-rock-the-dead/
Everyone’s favourite vintage theme park, Dreamland, will be transformed for Totally Wired: Halloween 17: Rock The Dead!, the alternative Halloween Party. Once night falls, the all-you-can-treat seaside setting will be swapping screams of joy for screams of terror (and a little joy), with a party to remember at the Roller Disco. Throw spooky shapes to rock, pop, punk, emo, indie and metal sounds at this popular event, which promises to be a graveyard smash. Over 18s only.
PICK UP A PUMPKIN
Pumpkin Moon
pumpkinmoon.uk
Make the spooky season extra special for the smaller monsters by picking Pumpkin Moon for your Halloween celebrations. Take a deep breath of fresh farm air, explore the 80 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd, and dress up as your favourite creepy character. Once you’ve tired from all the frightening fun, take a bite into some fabulously fresh and lovingly local produce at one of the stalls (yum).
Lower Ladysden
lowerladysden.co.uk/experience/pick-your-own-pumpkins/
Wheelbarrows at the ready: Lower Ladysden Farm is ready to harvest its pumpkins. Carving, cooking, squashes, gourds, they’ve got the lot, so you can rest assured these pumpkins will be perfect for a little spooky crafting, or a warming bowl of soup. As you and the family can choose your very own gourd, it’s a great opportunity to take some snaps, or maybe even convince little ones to give their squash a taste via one of Lower Ladysden’s very own recipes, which you could make when you get home.
Pick your own Pumpkin
pickyourownpumpkin.farm
Muddy those wellies and pick your way into Insta-heaven at Pick Your Own Pumpkin in Ashford. Combine a flourish of orange with a rustic wheelbarrow and you’ve just about created the perfect recipe for a snazzy snap to brighten up those feeds. And of course, be sure to take your picturesque pumpkin home with you to carve up a terrifying treat!
PYO Pumpkin
pyopumpkins.com
PYO returns for another splendid pumpkin season with new varieties and old favourites. Not only are PYO’s pumpkins superbly spooky when decorated, but also terrifically tasty in a pie or soup. Explore the patch, get the pick of the bunch from its specially selected pumpkins and squashes and take them home to cook up some cosy comfort food on a chilly October’s day!
