Castles are the ultimate haunted hot spots to explore this Halloween.

After you've been pumpkin picking or you've scored that best costume at the Halloween family disco, why not explore some of the best haunted history that the area has to offer.

Whether you're ghost hunting or looking to get into the spooky spirit over half term, we've got your next day out sorted.

Here is a selection of some of the best creepy castles in or near Oxfordshire for you to discover this Halloween.

All castles and attractions included are within 50 miles of Oxfordshire and will make a spooktacular day out without having to spend too much time in the car.

Halloween events at castles in and around Oxfordshire

Oxford Castle and Prison

Oxford Castle and Prison is hosting its annual Ghost Fest, promising spooky tours and gruesome tales. 

1000 years of history will leave a chill down your spine as you navigate the vaulted well chamber,  the punishment cells and go underground into the crypt.

The castle recommends you bring a torch (or your phone) because if you truly want to spot a ghost, you have to explore in the pitch black.

Where: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY

When: Friday October 22 - Sunday October 31 2021. Spooky tours take place every 30 minutes at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm and 9pm.

How to book: Tickets cost £18 and can be purchased via their website.

Wrest Park

Inspired by Cressida Cowell's bestselling Wizards of Once series, this adventure trail is suitable for the entire family.

Come along in fancy dress and uncover the secret ingredients of the witches' spell to discover the location of the cup of second chances.

Wrest Park is also hosting an early evening spooky woodland tour which the whole family can enjoy - event the scaredy cats!

Where: Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR (40 miles from Oxford)

When : Saturday October 23 2021 to Sunday October 31 2021 

How to book: Tickets are free for English Heritage members and a family with two adults costs £36.30. 

Buy yours now.

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden

Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is also hosting some spooktacular events this Halloween. 

Just 43 miles from Oxford, you can take part in another Wizards of Once adventure trail while exploring the stunning Elizabethan grounds. 

You can also go on a ghost tour from Thursday October 28 to Halloween itself. 

The gruesome tour follows the dark side of the castle including all of its horrible history and supernatural sightings. 

The tour takes place outside regular opening times and are sitable for those aged 16 or above.

English Heritage has put together a list of frequently asked questions that it recommends you read before booking.

Where: Castle Grn, Kenilworth, Warwickshire , CV8 1NG

When: Saturday October 23 2021 to Sunday October 31 2021 

How to book: Tickets are free for English Heritage members and a family with two adults costs £39.10.

Book yours now.