All fright on the night: What to do for Halloween

From devilish rides to haunted houses, put on your most spine-chilling costume and seek out some ghoulish entertainment...

ASCOT RACECOURSE
The racecourse opens its gates on Oct 30 to celebrate the new jump season with a Family Fun Day. While punters can enjoy the sport of kings, there's plenty to keep children entertained. Along with thrilling rides, magic acts and a firework display, there's a Halloween-themed barbecue, dodgems, waltzer and ghost train. Ascot, Berkshire, SL5. Tickets: Grandstand admission £16, under-18s free when accompanied by an adult. Visit ascot.co.uk

HEVER CASTLE
Little devils can soak up the spirit of Halloween in this 13th century castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII. From Oct 25 to 31 there'll be a pumpkin trail in the grounds, a traditional storyteller, an ethereal Lady from the Wildwoods and the castle's phantom residents hiding behind every nook and cranny.
Edenbridge, Kent, TN8. Tickets: £13, children £7. Visit hevercastle.co.uk

SPOOKY CHOCOLATE
For a very special treat, take the little ones to visit chocolatier William Curley for a Halloween chocolate-making masterclass. Creepy chocolate lollipops and truffle-filled chocolate pumpkins are on the menu and will be specially wrapped for trick or treating. The 90-minute session will be held on Oct 30 and includes a beginner's guide to chocolate.
Ebury Street, SW1. Tickets: £40. Visit williamcurley.co.uk

HALLOWEEN AFTERNOON TEA
Grab your broomstick and head to the Podium Restaurant at the Hilton to savour the delights of its Halloween-themed afternoon tea from now until Oct 31. Posh finger sandwiches and scones take centre stage, followed by gooey toffee cupcakes. Toffee apples and blood orange chocolate bats complete this fiendish feast.
Park Lane, W1. Tickets: £25. Visit podiumrestaurant.com

THE LONDON DUNGEON
Horror fans will need nerves of steel when they come face-to-face with Jack O'Lantern and the "Sounds of Hell" from Oct 15 to 31. The tormented soul stalks the blackened corridors. Climb aboard the adrenaline-charged Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom, or face unspeakable punishment on Traitor: Boat Ride to Hell.
Tooley Street, SE1. Tickets: £23, children £17. Visit thedungeons.com

PARTY WITH A MAGICIAN
Magician and TV star Simon Drake will bewitch party-goers on Oct 30 with a night of mystery and skulduggery so bloody your skin will crawl. Drake's fancy dress party is held in a secret location with an enchanted garden and gothic house. Magicians, fortune tellers and a magical cabaret will provide entertainment.
Kennington, SE17. Tickets: £45-£75. Visit houseofmagic.co.uk

BOO AT THE ZOO
Raid the dressing-up box for a night of sorcery at London Zoo on Oct 28. Beware of ghostly figures when the guided tour passes by the spooky Reptile House; watch out for eerie sea creatures in the Aquarium; then help keepers prepare tricks and treats for the animals.
Regent's Park, NW1. Tickets: £19, children £15, concessions £17. Visit zsl.org

SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM
Calling itself an "Aqua-scarium", the London Aquarium is fishing out its sea monsters and cooking up a cauldron of blood shrimps, bat fish, spider crabs and pumpkin seed fish from Oct 23 to 31. There will also be daily appearances from the scaly fish witch and a shark walk for those with nerves of steel.
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1. Tickets: £18, children £12.50. Visit sealife.co.uk/london

BRITAIN'S OLDEST BREWER
Beer lovers might get more than they bargained for when they take a Ghost Tour around Shepherd Neame on Oct 30 and 31. As well as sampling its range of Kentish ales, such as Bishops Finger, visitors may witness eerie cigar smoke by the fermentation vessels, a man in a frock coat, and the spirits of monks in the old malt kiln.
Court Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13. Tickets: £12.50. Visit shepherdneame.co.uk

LITTLE SHOPS OF HORRORS
Can't decide what to wear for Halloween? Here is a round-up of London's top fancy dress shops....

ANGELS FANCY DRESS
Trained costumiers from the world of film, TV and theatre will kit you out in the most realistic fancy dress from London's famous costume supplier.
119 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H. Call 020 7836 5678 or visit fancydress.com