Longleat has been overrun by witches, vampires and the walking dead as part of their frightfully exciting Halloween Festival which runs until November 3.

Even the stately home’s famous fountains have come under the witches’ spell with the water being turned pumpkin-orange and even apparently shark infested.

The weird sisters have taken over Longleat’s Great Hall and are brewing up trouble with their wild Witches’ Coven. Visitors will also need to keep a careful eye out for other creepy costume characters on their way around the park.

The witches are part of a haunting Halloween host of thrills and chills taking place throughout the October Half-Term Holidays at the Wiltshire estate.

Following its sell-out run last year, the popular Ghost Tours are back with a vengeance. Taking place six times a day, the tours provide a frightfully exciting experience (Oct 18-19 and Oct 25-Nov 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.

Visitors can follow a giant Pumpkin Trail around the attractions and children can get crafty having a go at carving their very own jack ‘o’ lantern from next Friday (Oct 24) until Nov 3.

There are creepily close encounters with Dracula in the infamous 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 and Adventure Park will also be staging a series of fabulous fireworks extravaganzas.

Fiendish Fireworks will take place next Friday and Saturday (Oct 24 and 25), featuring a spine-tingling display to accompany a specially compiled medley of ghoulish and hair-raising tunes.

There is also 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 contact 01985 844400.