If you have nerves of steel, or like to be scared witless, then visit Margate and the neighboring village of Birchington this Halloween.  The multi-award winning Screamland returns to Dreamland for the second year, with six scare experiences throughout the park, plus rides with an unexpected twist.  In nearby Birchington, 'Nail in the Coffin' productions present three new spine-chilling scares in the grounds of Quex Park.

Younger Halloween enthusiasts are well-catered for too, with Menacing Marionette making, a haunted house, ghostly tours and stories.

All just 90 minutes from London on Southeastern's high speed service from St. Pancras International.

For further information on Halloween events in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate - www.visitthanet.co.uk/halloween

Screamland at Dreamland Margate – 14 to 29 October
Experience 'all the fun of the scare' and a darker side to Dreamland this Halloween, with the return of their multi-award winning interactive scare mazes and sideshows, set to thrill and haunt the darkest soul.

Festino's Forgotten Funhouse – King of Clowns- Pearlywight, the self-styled King of Clowns, and Alonzo Festino's one-time apprentice, has taken control of the old Funhouse. Frenzied with fury, the cannibal clown and his hoard of carnivorous cohorts have overthrown Festino, presenting Festino's Forgotten Funhouse in their own sinister style.  It is guaranteed to wipe the smile off your face permanently!  Scare Factor 5

The Paradise Foundation - Happy but broke? Rich but unhappy? No problem…Contact The Paradise Foundation, where you can be transformed, literally, into the very best version of 'you'. Take a tour of the facility, or check yourself in for the revolutionary, if controversial, BLISS full transformative service. Doctor Prometheus and his devotees will ensure that you are never quite the same person again, but remember, paradise comes at a price… Are you a patron or a provider?  Scare Factor 5

The Bloody Mirror – Enter a mist-clad netherworld of mirror and madness and journey towards an inevitable encounter with Bloody Mary herself, as you gaze into the bloody mirror for a trial with a twist.  Call her name …if you dare.  Scare Factor 5

The Final Cut presents..They Came From Outer Space - Step into the movies as you take the starring role in a science-fiction screamer!  Collect your ticket for Horrorwood Picture House, and pass through the silver screen… Become part of the action in an alien adventure, as The Final Cut takes on a whole new dimension.
Lights! Camera! HACKtion!  Scare Factor 5

Dead & Breakfast II – Murder Hotel - Fag Ash Lil, the sickeningly sarcastic landlady at Better Days Guest House, opens her creaking doors once again, to welcome you into her decrepit seaside hotel. But behind the salt-scarred façade, deep in the bowels of the building, an even darker horror awaits. Sharpen your senses as you take a journey into Dead & Breakfast, don't miss it, or you'll be gutted, but beware… the hunt is on.  Scare Factor 5

The Story Teller - Join Eliza Body, the strictly sinister spinster, as she reads twisted tales from her weatherworn storybook. But, be warned, as Ms Body has a peculiar propensity for bringing the characters in her stories vividly to life… Scare Factor 2

Details of Advance and On The Day tickets available on www.dreamland.co.uk/screamland/details
Ticket price includes unlimited use of all the rides – some with an unexpected twist.

Suggested age for Screamland experiences is 14+, but there is Halloween fun available for younger ones during October half-term in 'Get Spooked'.

'Get Spooked' at Dreamland – free to enter, pay per ride and attraction or buy a wristband or Dreamland Membership and enjoy unlimited access to the rides and attractions.  Go on a ghost hunt with Gus the Ghost, learn the Monster mash or join Teddy and Betty on a spooky adventure!  If you're feeling a little braver, enter the Witches Mirror Maze or take part in a series of scary challenges put forward by the Dreamland team.

All this plus fancy dress contests, games and magic and a creepy crawly display – it'll be spooktacular!!
www.dreamland.co.uk

New for 2016
QuExtreme Terror at Quex Park, Birchington – 28 to 30 October
Quex Park, in association with Nail in the Coffin productions, presents a thrilling new scare attraction for Halloween 2016.

Within the eerie surroundings of Quex Park's forest areas, maize field and woodland trails you will be immersed in the spine-chilling adventure of three terrifying scares:

The Harvest – In the late 1950's, The Raven Family were infamous serial killers. They reportedly killed over 30 men, women and children before disappearing never to be seen again. Reports vary, from the Raven family being killed by the relations of their victims and set on poles here in the field, to them living out their days here, disguising themselves as scarecrows. Recent reports suggest that those who venture into the field seldom return but someone needs to bring in the corn! Are you brave enough to attempt The Harvest?

Contagion - Although the Typhon Virus is rife, the undead are safely contained within purpose built storage facilities. Vaccination centres are set up all over the country and it is now common practice to attend for your annual booster. The short trip through the woods to our nearest hospital has been without incident for over 3 ½ weeks… Allow us to relieve you from the troubles of unwanted reincarnation. Climb aboard and please….enjoy the ride!

The Lost – The year is 1876, a young peasant girl was in love with the heir of the farm, and he in love with her. They kept their relationship secret for many years even when she bore his secret child…a girl. But the child was discovered and taken from her. The woman herself was thrown from the tower to her death. Since that time, numerous reports of missing children in this area are reported. Could it be she is eternally seeking her child, is she attempting to replace her child with others or is she just out for revenge?

One ticket, three amazing scare experiences:
Full Price Advanced Admission - £15
On the Gate Admission - Friday, 28 October - £17, Saturday, 29 October - £16.50, Sunday, 30 October - £16
Gates open at 6:30pm, last entry is 8:30pm. 
Not suitable for under 12s.  Under 16s must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult.
Tickets available from www.quexevents.co.uk

Menacing Marionettes at Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens, Birchington – 25 to 28 October
Taking inspiration from their collection of Burmese Marionettes, create your own menacing marionette.  You can then use your marionette to tell a spooky story.  What will you dare to make?
From 11am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3pm .  £8.50 adults, £6 children (includes admission to the Museum, House and Gardens).  Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Places are limited so booking is advisable on 01843 842168
www.quexpark.co.uk/events/halloween-half-term-marionettes.html

Tudor House and Margate Museum
The Tudor House and Margate Museum are two of the town's oldest buildings and both venues are reportedly haunted, which has created interest in psychic circles. 

This Halloween (31 October only) visit Margate Museum's haunted corridor with ghostly stories and scenes of horror. 
From 4:30pm to 9pm, entry by donation
www.margatemuseum.wordpress.com

The Tudor House will become a haunted house, with decorations, fancy dress competition, face painting, ghostly tours, stories and children's competitions. 
28 to 31 October, from 5pm to 8pm each day, entry by donation
www.margatemuseum.wordpress.com/tudor-house

Stay over – there is lots of quality graded accommodation in Margate
Walpole Bay Hotel, Museum and Napery (2*) – www.walpolebayhotel.co.uk
Smiths Court Hotel (3*) – www.smithscourt.co.uk
Sands Hotel (4*) – www.sandshotelmargate.co.uk
Premier Inn (Budget) – www.premierinn.com
No. 9 B&B (Kent Accommodation Scheme) – 07740 185348
The Bay (1*) – www.bayguesthouse.com
The Malvern (3*) – www.themalvernhotelmargate.co.uk
Information on self-catering options and the nearby resorts of Broadstairs and Ramsgate can be found on www.visitthanet.co.uk

ENDS

Press enquiries:
Please contact Julie Edwards, Thanet Tourism on 01843 577671 or Julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk

Thanet Tourism can also assist with digital images, reader competitions and bespoke press trip itineraries, including accommodation and tours, for journalists with a commission.