DAYSOUT
Kent's Very Own Hauntfest
Once upon a time, Halloween was for the most part centred around the neighbourhood and family home, but nowadays it has become somewhat of a social affair, with an increasing number of us choosing to venture out and explore the in?ux of hot spots at which to get our Hallows' Eve hit. Gone are the days of witches’ hats and apple bobbing, as spooky mazes, ghostly trails and haunted rides have taken over in favour of a much scarier, forbidding October-end. And there is no need to travel far, as a whole host of Kent venues have cranked up the fear-factor to make sure all of your screams come true this year. BY GEMMA DUNN
Day Haunts
Halloween Daytime 26 Oct – 1 Nov Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford A day full of tricks and treats, Rare Breeds' annual half-term Halloween extravaganza is designed to thrill and excite your little terrors once more. Amidst the scary fun-fuelled games, the farm's pigs will once again be transformed into little devils for their daily race and the spooky quiz trail will end in a surprising treat. Guests are also asked to dress up in a bid to scoop the prize for best costume. www.rarebreeds.org.uk Halloween at Half Term 26 Oct-3 Nov Leeds Castle, Maidstone It's half term fun for the whole family this October as Leeds Castle is transformed into a Halloween hangout full of creepy crafts, gruesome face painting and a pumpkin trail through the grounds. If you're feeling brave, venture further into the spooky maze among the ghosts and ghouls and listen to Raggedy Jack's ghostly tales. If you prefer treats to tricks, ensure your little ones come dressed to scare to be in with a chance of winning a prize in the daily fancy dress competition at 2pm. www.leeds-castle.com Halloween at Quex 28 Oct-1 Nov Quex Park, Birchington Join in the hair-raising Halloween adventures at Quex Park as the family fun, mysterious storytelling and entertaining pumpkin craft activities continue on for another year. Oh, and watch out for the White Lady on your walk to the Round Tower. Daytime activities run from 3.30pm – 5pm. www.quexpark.co.uk Halloween Half Term Spooky Fun 28 Oct-3 Nov Hever Castle, Edenbridge Treat the children to a fun day out this Halloween at historic Hever Castle in Kent. There’s a spine-tingling programme of spooky entertainment to keep the children amused, from pumpkin trails and drop-in Halloween workshops, to ghostly goings on from a storyteller with tales from beyond the grave. Feeling peckish? Head to Hever Castle's award-winning restaurants and try out one of their special Halloween-themed meals or snacks to revive your spirits. Stories and workshops are extremely popular and will be on a first-come first-served basis. www.hevercastle.co.uk
Night Haunts
Shorne Scream 25 Oct Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend If you dare, join in on this eerie evening trail in the midst of Shorne Country Park's woodland. With only a mere lantern to light your path, there is no telling who or what you might encounter lurking in the woods. The event is suitable for children over 8 years old, however under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. It is also asked that you wear suita