Spooky family fun across the West of England this Halloween

With Halloween right around the corner, the West of England is bursting with exciting activities this spooky season.

From decorated pumpkins, spooky houses to family-friendly fright nights, here is a round up of some of the spookiest events happening in the west.

Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious are hosting a Halloween silent disco – one ticket grants access to both venues.

Families can step on board the SS Great Britain, explore the “haunted” ship and follow the mischievous turnips around in their Terrifying Turnip Trail.

Bristol Zoo Project is hosting Howl-O-Ween at its new North Bristol Home, where visitors can discover the creatures of the dark.

And for a gentler fright, FEAR Avon Valley Scream Park is hosting a tamer version of its immersive attraction.

The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare is hosting an extra-spooky edition of its annual fireworks display on 31 October.

Shepton Mallet Prison is hosting a spine-tingling guided tour every Thursday. It is one of the UK’s oldest prisons and is renowned for its ghost stories.

Families can head to Wookey Hole Caves in Wells, where there are family-friendly Halloween activities including broomstick-riding lessons, a witch’s grotto and a special Halloween circus show.

Over Farm, is bringing back its popular Pumpkins After Dark event – an illuminated pumpkin trail through the countryside, open throughout October.

Families can also enjoy pick-your-own pumpkins, a mini-funfair and seasonal food stalls.

At Painswick Rococo Garden, the Time Traveller Scarecrows have returned for half-term week, with dozens of creative and funny scarecrow displays hidden among the 18th-century gardens for visitors to discover.

And at Berkeley Castle, families can step back in time with the Haunted Castle Experience. Costumed guides share eerie tales of the castle’s past, and children can take part in pumpkin decorating and trick-or-treat trails through the grounds.

The annual Trowbridge Pumpkin Trail takes place from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November in the town centre, with 34 decorated pumpkins displayed in shop windows.

Maps can be downloaded or collected locally and participants can add up the numbers displayed and email the total for a prize draw.

Near Swindon, Lotmead Farm is running a Halloween trail daily from 22 October to 1 November for children of all ages.

The trail around the farm includes puzzles and challenges, and can also be combined with pumpkin picking.

Families can also visit Longleat near Warminster, which is featuring Ghost Tours of the house as part of its autumn events, and a giant Tops Trumps trail during half term.