Sunday 3 October 2010

October Half Term and Halloween at the Treasure Houses of England


Halloween at Blenheim Palace
Celebrate October Half Term and Halloween with The Treasure Houses of England and their feast of festive events and activities. Set amidst beautiful backdrops and showcasing a series of historic and cultural artifacts and exhibitions 
– the ten castles, houses and palaces make for an exciting and entertaining day or evening out for all.

Bill Spectre at Blenheim Palace


Reputed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places, Beaulieu is a brilliant venue for a stream of festivities from spooky storytelling sessions by real-life Ghost Hunters to gruesome face painting. Follow the Halloween trail to see the 250 vehicles on show – and marvel at land speed record breakers and genuine James Bond movie cars (22nd-30th October).

With a scary ‘Monster Mash’ trail featuring crazy mirrors concealed in the Marlborough Maze at the Pleasure Gardens - Blenheim Palace presents an elaborate mix of festive entertainment (22nd-30th October). Create your own monster or pumpkin ‘Jack-o-Lantern’ and decorate a scary piece of pottery for creative – and gruesome-themed – craftsmanship for kids.

The Pumpkin trail at Burghley
Follow Burghley House’s pumpkin trail (22nd-30th October) for a special prize or dare to follow the clues around Castle Howard’s spooky pumpkin trail through the woods (22th-30th October).

If you're feeling brave, then bring your little monsters along to Chatsworth for a whole week of terrible treats, evil entertainment and devilish delights (22nd -30th October). See areas of the house, garden and farmyard transformed, with pumpkins galore, a spooky secret tunnel, crafts, dancing zombie workshops, creepy crawlies and much more.
Find out what really happens when the doors are closed for the day on a spooky exploration of Chatsworth by torchlight. Those who are brave enough can join our Guides on an eerie exploration of the house and hear creepy stories and tales of spooky goings on (27th-31st October).

Experience a mouthwatering mix of ‘food, folk and fun’ at Harewood House (22nd-30th October), which will be presenting twilight tales and Diwali celebrations amongst a mass of Halloween themed fun.

Holkham Hall will host a spellbinding set of activities and adventures beginning with an afternoon of ‘all things batty’ (27th October), including crafts and a guided evening bat walk. Their selection of Halloween delights (27th-30th October) includes witch dodging, spider hunting and Victorian ghost hunting with belly-filling treats. Round off Holkham’s Halloween with Freaky Face Painting and Scary Snacks in the Stables CafĂ©.  It won’t be just the heating pipes making strange noises below stairs in Holkham Hall, as a renowned Victorian ghost hunter leads the hunt for all things ghoulish and unlocks the secrets hidden in the labyrinth of cellars beneath this grand mansion. Do you dare to investigate with him on one of our new basement tours? Once visited – never forgotten!

Pumpkins at Leeds Castle
Spooky themed crafts will be on offer at Leeds Castle in Kent between 22nd-28th October. With a range of activities taking place in the marquee (additional charge applies) by the maze as well as a moreish menu of themed food on offer, Halloween will truly tickle the senses for children and adults alike in supreme style.

Halloween supers will be available at the restaurant at Hatfield House.

A full schedule of events is available on request.

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk