There's a host of creepy encounters and spooky experiences just waiting to be discovered at Blenheim Palace this October Half Term holiday (Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 October).

The World Heritage Site has a week-long line up of hair-raising Halloween entertainment including spooky stories, ghostly train rides, flaming fire performances and pumpkins aplenty.

Settle in for spook-tacular storytelling sessions taking place inside the Palace with tales of ghosts, ghouls and ghastly goings on.

Head outside to the Great Court and watch daring fire performers dance with danger whilst nature lovers can explore the Bat Trail in the Walled Garden and receive a Hotel Chocolat sweet treat at the end.

Younger visitors will also be able to meet some creepy characters lurking around the Palace grounds and join in a selection of ghastly games.

Those brave enough can step board the ghost train and take a trip through the 'Terrifying Tunnel'*, try their hand at axe throwing* and visit the picture-perfect pumpkin patch*.

The Walled Garden Adventure Playground and the Pizza Café will also be open plus there's a special Halloween-themed Afternoon Tea available in the Orangery Restaurant (pre-booking online).

Hotel Chocolat will also be greeting ghoulish girls and boys on a cocoa adventure in their spook - taculat tent, create your own handmade chocolate truffle spider and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at the famous Chocomobile!*

In addition to the Halloween activities visitors can explore the architecturally astounding palace interiors and explore the autumnal colours of the 'Capability' Brown parkland with guided walks and beauty spots to admire England's finest view.

After Dark Entertainment - Halloween at Blenheim Palace (Friday 21 - Monday 31 October)*

As daytime descends into dusk the illuminated Halloween trail returns by popular demand guiding friends and families through the park after dark.

Flickering flames, daring fire artists and glowing pumpkins will light the way through Blenheim Palace's atmospheric grounds. Spot neon cobwebs and wicked witches before ducking for cover from the larger-than life spiders and beastly bats.

Wind along the Halloween trail and discover the Secret Garden filled with more hidden surprises. Could it be a trick of the light or do things really go “bump in the night”?

There's a delicious twist to the sweetest of treats on offer to calm your nerve afterwards. Enjoy a wickedly good hot toddy* or devilishly decadent hot chocolate*, or toast a marshmallow* with someone special.

October Half Term at Blenheim Palace is an unmissable outdoor experience, designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

• For more information on Halloween and October half-term activities, opening times and admission prices visit blenheimpalace.com.
• The Halloween at Blenheim Palace trail (£17 adult, £12 children) is a separate charge from the daytime activities. Pre-booking is highly recommended.

*Separate charges apply

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Ellen Gray at EGray@blenheimpalace.com or Ollie Young at ollie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk .

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Steeped in history, the magnificent Palace is surrounded with over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown parkland and beautiful Formal Gardens.  Tours, exhibitions and events showcase the splendour of 'Britain's Greatest Palace' and deliver an unforgettable day out for all ages.

Today it houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries.

Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain's most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the 'finest view in England'.