Magic spells will spread month-long mirth and mayhem throughout
the Peak District & Derbyshire as the area dons its mischievous
disguise as Spookyshire this October.
Last year's festival of haunting Hallowe'en events and fabulous
fireworks was so successful that this year Visit Peak District
& Derbyshire has decided to prolong the fiendishly-exciting
celebrations.
The area's official tourist board has put together a bewitching
brew of Hallowe'en happenings and ghostly-goings on to keep witches
and wizards of all ages entertained for days on end.
Scores of events aimed at everyone from autumn-loving adults to
fun-seeking families - offering everything from bat walks and
pumpkin parties to murder mystery dinners and 'tomb trails' - are
in store at a wide range of attractions across the area.
Visitors and locals alike can feel their toes curl on a
Candle-lit Ghost Tour at Peak Cavern in Castleton, sense their
blood run cold with some night climbing and night canoeing during a
Hallowe'en Party and Spooky Tour at Tittesworth Water or tremble
during a Terror Tour at Poole's Cavern in Buxton.
Other brave souls can join some ghoulish fun and games at the
Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, carry their Chinese lantern to
the red-hot sound of a Samba band in the Chesterfield Lantern
Parade or take the Hallowe'en Steam Train at Rudyard Lake.
Haunted Hayrides through the Freaky Forest will send shivers
down the strongest spine at the Tropical Butterfly House and
Wildlife Centre at North Anston, while the craft room at Denby
Visitor Centre will be transformed into a Creepy Crypt.
Nature lovers can take a Hawk Walk at Rosliston Forestry Centre
in the National Forest, enjoy Fungi Forays at Calke Abbey at
Ticknall, Kedleston Hall near Derby and Hardwick Estate near
Chesterfield or tuck into a juicy Apple Menu Week at Sudbury Hall
& Museum of Childhood.
"Last year's Spookyshire promotion proved so popular with people
of all ages - offering everything from ghost walks to the
enchanting Garden of Light at Queen's Park in Chesterfield - that
this time the thrills and spills will last throughout October,"
said David Thornton, Head of Marketing and Deputy Chief Executive
at the tourist board.
"And lots of quality assured accommodation providers on our
website and in our Spookyshire leaflet are joining in the
celebrations with a host of special offers to persuade would-be
ghost busters and trick-or-treaters to turn their visit into a
value-for-money short break."