Halloween 2011

Halloween is coming – so be prepared to be scared!

Bobbing for apples, trick or treating, carving Jack o’Lanterns, Halloween has many weird traditions and despite popular belief, Halloween is not just another American import, it is actually a very British affair.  For thousands of years, the ancient Celts celebrated Halloween – or Samhain as it is truly known, as one of the most important dates of the Celtic faith.

Many attractions in 1066 Country will be holding their own particular ghoulish event:

Fright Nights at Kent & East Sussex Railway – 28 and 29 October

Take a ride from Tenterden to Bodiam Station on the popular 'Fright Night Train'. Enjoy scary face painting, 'make and take' activities and pumpkin carving at Tenterden Station from 4:30pm. Once onboard, be prepared to be frightened silly with ghostly goings on at stations with a firework display and a few surprises along the way. Every child will also receive a delicious snack box for the all-inclusive ticket price of £14.50. Booking essential. Families are encouraged to come in fancy dress, the scarier the better!

Priory Meadow, Hastings Children’s Halloween event on Saturday 29 October in Kings Walk Mall between 11-3pm

Children's MUMMY fancy dress competition - meet in the mall for 2pm.

March of the " MUMMIES" through the mall approx 2.15pm for the adults to judge the winner at 2.30pm.Crowning of the winner.

TRICK or TREAT! Dare you put your hand into our creepy box to see what the outcome will be ?Guess how many sweets in the Witches Cauldron.  Guess correctly to win it all!Come and meet "Frankie" Frankenstein our scary walkabout

Crones Corner at Bodiam Castle

Visit the weird and wonderful castle witches in 'Crones Corner' on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October between 11am and 3pm. Once in their tower listen to their dragons stories but be aware of their unconventional cooking skills. (Free with Castle admission).

Cost:  adult:  £6.80, child:  £3.40, 2 adult family £18 and 1 adult family £11.20. There is a reduced rate for visitors arriving by cycle, on public transport or via The Kent and East Sussex Railway.

Guided Ghost Tours at Rye

A unique opportunity to visit the sites of Rye’s hauntings, ghost sightings, paranormal activities and the unexplained

Pre- booking is essential as numbers are restricted - Saturday 29 and Monday 31st

Family Open Evening with optional Halloween drop-in activities at The Observatory on Saturday 29 October between 6.30pm-11pm

Among the activities you can make your own flying bats and screaming balloons as well as decorating goody bags with spooktacular pictures. 

SPECIAL OFFER 1 child admitted FREE with every full paying adult. There will be a charge of £1 per child for the Halloween activities. Please note that children 2 years and up will be charged for the activities 

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield is one of the most haunted English Heritage sites

Paranormal phenomena and sightings over the 944 years since the Battle of Hastings have been rife. On the anniversary of the battle (October 14^th), the ghost of the former King Harold is said to appear at the spot of his eventual demise, which is now occupied by the grand high alter of the abbey church. Visit the site on a rainy day and see the battlefield awash with the ‘blood’ of this gruesome battle (although sources suggest the likely reasoning for this is iron oxide in the soil).

Join Professor Midnight for a spine-tingling ghost walk around the haunted grounds of one of the bloodiest events in England’s history during 22-30 October. Hear about the site’s sinister past and chilling tales of mysterious monks and spooky soldiers.  Then peek into the shadows if you dare! Suitable for brave adults and children of all ages. Youngsters will also enjoy taking part in the frightfully fun spooky trail – follow the clues and receive a Halloween treat.