THERE'S everything on offer from ghosts, ghouls and gourds at these spooktacular events happening throughout the county this week. Miranda Norris follows the creepy trail . . .

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Things that go bump in the night – and day – will create a spook-tacular half-term experience for all the family. Halloween entertainment includes nerve-jangling activities, spine-chilling statues, scary stories, fiendishly fiery performers, pumpkin carving and ghostly train rides.

Hop on board the mini ghost train for a trip through the ‘Terrifying Tunnel’, come face-to-face with spooky statues in the palace and see if you can spot the Beasts of Blenheim lurking amongst the paintings and artefacts. For younger visitors, there is also the chance to listen to scary stories.

There are daily Frightful Fire performances in the Great Court on the afternoons of October 26 and 27 – and a Bat Trail in the Walled Garden.

Enjoy a spooktacular fireworks display on November 3. In addition to the pyrotechnics, you can watch a witch take to the sky on a broomstick as she ‘flies’ across a trapeze, discover a levitating gargoyle human statue lurking amongst the crowd and be wowed by Halloween Stilt Walkers, featuring skeletons, zombies and the Grim Reaper. Indulge in a wicked food from hot dogs and waffles to seasonal treats.

Oxford Castle and Prison

Brew up some magic with potion making sessions and spine-tingling spooky tours during Ghost Fest until October 31.

Book online to try an eerie tour of the Oxford Castle and its prison on Halloween night. Hear ghostly stories from the near and distant past of the site. The route will take in the ancient well chamber and underground crypt, along with the Victorian prisoners rarely seen punishment cells. With over a thousand years of history and stories to tell, what might you learn this Halloween? At the stroke of midnight, the tour will conclude with a glass of bubbly.

Cogges Manor Farm, Witney

Now in its third year, The Witch’s House is firmly established as a Halloween highlight. Explore a magical mystery tour and have fun solving a series of clues and challenges to graduate as a witch or wizard.

The Manor House will come to life with technical wizardry, lighting and interactive sound effects with bubbling potions, bats, spiders and even a cauldron on the fire.

Outside, you can spot the friendly ghosts hidden around the Walled Garden and enjoy the sight of the apple crops around the orchards and grounds.

Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton

A Scarily Ever After Halloween event takes place until Sunday, October 31.

With games and activities, free pumpkin carving, spooky biscuit decoration and an evening of spells and potions.

Fairytale Farm is hosting a family friendly late night Halloween event on October 27 and 28. Visitors can combine the excitement of their illuminated gardens with Halloween activities to create a memorable evening out.

Arrive in fancy dress and you will receive a free treat.

Fright Night at Crocodiles of the World, Brize Norton

Get Halloween off to a fangy start at the UK’s only crocodile zoo.

For one night only, explore the zoo via torchlight and enjoy animal feeds and talks, plus your chance to see what the animals get up to as darkness falls. Just remember, predatory animals like to stalk their prey at night . . .

Spooktacular Event at Stonor Park

Ahead of the launch of its brand new children’s book The Moon Witch And The Thief, by best-selling author Amy Sparkes, Stonor Park is launching a new event at its children’s playground Tumblestone Hollow, this Halloween.

The Moon Witch’s Halloween Adventure, which runs from 20-31st October, makes its debut this year with some witchy mayhem and ghastly ghoulish goings on around the park, which are set to thrill families across the spooky season.

Following the success of the first book which coincided with the opening of Tumblestone Hollow, the second is launching later this year and visitors can hear a sneak peek with special book readings at the event, before getting lost on a ghostly treasure trail around the park and gardens, and sinking their teeth into some pumpkin carving.

Suitable for children up to the age of 11 and their families, The Moon Witch’s Halloween Adventure is open from 9:30am to 5pm, with pumpkin carving taking place every hour.

Ticket prices: adults £8.50, children over 105cm £11, Children 92cm to 105cm £9, children under 92cm and adult carers go free, with pumpkin carving sessions available for an additional £5.

To book visit www.stonor.com/tumblestone-hollow/. Pre-booking is essential and tickets will be limited to adhere to social distancing measures.

Spellbound: Magic, Ritual and Witchcraft at the Ashmolean Museum

Explore the history of magic over eight centuries in this immersive and thought-provoking exhibition at Oxford’s Ashmolean Musuem.

The intriguing objects on display show how our ancestors used magical thinking to cope with the unpredictable world around them.

They range from the fantastical and macabre (a unicorn’s horn, a human heart encased in lead), the beautiful and mysterious (exquisitely engraved rings to bind a lover and medieval books of ritual magic), to the deeply moving confessions of women accused of witchcraft.

Oxford’s Ghost Trail with Bill Spectre

Named as one of the Top UK guided walks and tours, this historically informative yet hugely entertaining ghost tour with Bill Spectre – distinctively dressed as a Victorian undertaker – is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of Oxford, leaving you with a deliciously scary tingle running down your spine.

If you’re dying for more, Bill Spectre performs two classic ghost stories The Judge’s House and The Monkey’s Paw. Multiple Halloween times and dates are available.

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath

If you fancy venturing a little further during half-term, this Bath attraction extends over four atmospheric floors, including a dark foreboding basement.

Immerse yourself in Mary Shelley’s complex and unconventional past and uncover the true story behind her iconic monster.