Wednesday 16 October 2013

Have a Scream in the West Country this Halloween


Scary witch's nose, a white sheet with holes cut out for eyes, trick or treat bags….add them all to your suitcase if you are heading to the West Country over Halloween - you'll find plenty of chances to use them. There is even an alternative Jollyween event to counter all the screams with smiles.

Devon proves it’s as spooky as it is scenic, with numerous popular attractions getting their creep on for October 31st and half term week. But it’s not all frights and tricks. Crealy Adventure Park has invited Casper the Friendly Ghost to enjoy Halloween at the venue, meeting visitors throughout the day on the 31st.

The Big Sheep near Bideford (pictured top) has created an entire festival for Halloween fans as part of its 25th Anniversary this year celebrations. Horror-seeking holiday makers can chose from the Fun by Day events or the Scary by Night options from Saturday 26th October until Sunday 3rd November 2013, 10am until 6pm Daily. Attractions include a smelly version of trick or treat, with Heaven Scent or Smell from Hell, and the Haunted Hayride on a tractor, which does not include jumps and frights so is bound to be popular with all ages. There is even a Witches Flying School and free face painting.

Stop off in Seaton for a ride on the Tram of Terror between 26th-31stOctober. From gruesome drivers to spooky entertainment, you’ll work up an appetite for the revolting refreshments available from the Tramstop Café.

Woodlands has declared 26th October – 3rd November Halloscream week. Dare to get lost in the Phantom Maze or carve pumpkins and make scary masks at the Weird Workshops but leave time for the ghost train and to see the creepy crawlies at the zoo-farm. There is an especially scary time to be had at Fright Night on 1st November from 5pm-7.30pm, when you will be glad you brought your costume.

Pennywell Farm has seen the brighter side of Halloween – mystical marvels like flying pigs, funny-faced pumpkins and brilliant nocturnal animals like bats and owls are the highlights of this event, called Jollyween. Featuring the all new Batty Bat show in the Pennywell Theatre on 31st October, find out about a character who gets scared sometimes and needs help from her friends to face her fears – ideal for little ones who want to escape the spookiness.

In Cornwall, the Eden Project boasts Room on the Broom – the witchy favourite from Julia Donaldson. Special Halloween activities include a trail to find things the witch needs to cast her spell, workshops to make wands, mud monsters and protection charms, storytelling and face painting. On Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October, there will be a Little Monsters’ Ball Halloween disco, and the 31st October and 1st November sees one biome become haunted at night. Ice skating is also available during half term.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway will hold a Halloween Murder Mystery on 29th October, all set on a steam train journey through the Cornish countryside.

Find a safe retreat from the ghoulish goings on. Go to helpfulholidays.com or call us on 01647 433593.