Haunted Happenings this Hallowe’en

Join the National Trust this October and scare yourself silly with the masses of mystical activities and events for young and old, the brave and the not so brave.

Hezlett House will be hosting their very first Haunted House. Blow the cobwebs off your fancy dress costume and come along on the 28 and 29 October to see the house bedecked in all things spooky! There’ll be creepy crafts, a family fun fair and a ghoulish guided tour to keep you on your toes. Hear chilling tales of the strange and peculiar inhabitants of this historic site as you tiptoe tentatively around the grounds.

Experience Springhill House in Moneymore as you’ve never before, by testing your nerve on a spine-tingling tour!  On Saturday 30 October, one of the spookiest nights of the year, you’re invited to walk in the historic footsteps of the Lenox Conyngham family to discover eerie tales and strange happenings at Springhill. Come along and enjoy a ghostly tour of the House with a costumed guide and hear tales of the mysterious happenings over the last 300 years. Past residents might even join you as you wander through their home by night.

For something different visit Rowallane Garden on the 23 and 24 October to carve out your pumpkin. Scary storytelling and Ghostly Garden Trails will keep all ages amused. Relax in the Garden Kitchen Tea Room with warm Hallowe’en refreshments before heading home with your own uniquely carved pumpkin.

Mount Stewart will once again have its exhilarating Enchanted Garden on the 30 October. Come along in your scariest costume and brave your way through the enchanted gardens on this bewitching Hallowe’en eve! The evening will include a mystical journey through the gardens where music, lights and spooky stories will leave you spellbound.  There will also be an opportunity to view Mount Stewart House during the eerie hours of darkness on our twilight tours.

For those in Co. Armagh, Ardress House has an afternoon of ghostly story telling, fancy dress and face paintings to keep children entertained. A great day out for the whole family on 30 October, so come along and take part in the autumnal activities.

Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh will be a flurry of fun on 31 October with a range of exciting activities for all ages.  From spooky tours of the house to the ever popular Hallowe’en Craft Fair, Florence Court will have plenty to offer visitors this Hallowe’en. Enjoy the gorgeous reds and golds of autumnal foliage while browsing through the range of innovative craft stalls.  Among the crafts on offer are woodturning, handcrafted knit wear, honey, jewellery, loose leaf teas, and wonderful handmade chocolates. With face painting, Hallowe’en crafts and a magician, there will also be plenty of entertainment for children.  Also new this year will be pumpkin lantern making.  Choose your own pumpkin and face design for National Trust staff to carve for you.

Enjoy the outdoors on Hallowe’en night with a guided walk to the summit of the Black Mountain in Belfast for the spectacular views of the firework displays. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!