A haunting host of thrills and chills are promised as Longleat’s Halloween Festival returns in time for the October half-term holidays.

Ghost tours - which sold out last year - take place six times a day on October 11-12, 18-19 and October 25 to November 3.

Listen to tales of terror and intrigue in the spooky surroundings of Longleat House and go in search of mysterious apparitions in its gloomy cellars, shadowy attics and chilling corridors.

Witches have taken over the Great Hall and are brewing up trouble with their weird and wild Witches’ Coven. Also keep an eye out for other creepy costumed characters in the park.

Visitors can follow the giant Pumpkin Trail around the attractions and children can get crafty having a go at carving their very own jack ‘o’ lantern, October 24-November 3.

You can also enjoy a creepily close encounter with Dracula in the Bat Cave. Plus there’s the chance to get hands-on with a selection of creepy crawlies in the Nasty But Nice Shows.

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park will also be staging a series of fabulous fireworks extravaganzas!

Fiendish Fireworks - October 24 to 25 - features a spine-tingling display to accompany a specially compiled medley of ghoulish and hair-raising tunes.

There’s an equally spectacular adventure-themed display set to classic movie music to mark the official Bonfire Weekend on October 31-November 1.

For more information and to book any of the events, including the ghost tours, places are limited, visit www.longleat.co.uk/events or call 01985 844400.