CAREW Castle will reveal its darker side this half-term, as familiar rooms and hidden corners are transformed by haunted tales, eerie encounters and a week of Hallowe’en adventures for all ages.

Running from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, November 1, the nine-day programme will bring Halloween to every corner of the Castle and Tidal Mill, from gentle family fun for younger visitors to more atmospheric experiences for those who like their half-term with a little edge.

Throughout half-term, the castle will be overrun by a cast of mischievous scarecrows, hidden in corners and tucked away in unexpected places for the self-led Spooky Scarecrow Trail. Some will be silly, some spooky, some famous and a few distinctly unsettling, with families challenged to track them all down and uncover a mysterious prize.

Across the water, the Tidal Mill will be given its own Hallowe’en transformation for the return of Creepy Mill: A Haunted House Experience. Visitors can make their way through the darkened building and discover what might be lurking in the gloom, with the experience included in normal admission.

Live storytelling will take centre stage from Sunday to Tuesday, October 25-27, when Oliver McNeil of The Storymaster’s Tales brings The Castle of Blood to Carew. Blending fantasy, performance and audience participation, the hour-long show will invite families to influence the course of the adventure, with each choice helping to shape how the story unfolds.

Performances will take place at 1pm and are suitable for ages six to adult. Booking is highly recommended at www.storymasterstales.com/live .

As daylight fades, the focus will shift to some of Carew’s more unsettling stories, with family-friendly Halloween Ghost Tours running from Tuesday to Friday, October 27-30. Visitors will follow a guided route through the Castle while hearing tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained encounters linked to the historic site. Keep your eyes peeled along the way – you may find you’re not quite alone!

Tours will run from 4.30pm-5.30pm. Booking is essential at www.carewcastle.com. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing, bring a torch and arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins.

Younger visitors will have their own chance to get caught up in the magic on Wednesday and Thursday, October 28 and 29, when Carew’s friendly witch settles by the fire for special Room on the Broom storytelling workshops. Julia Donaldson’s much-loved tale will be brought to life with props and lively storytelling, before children make their own magic wand, mix a potion and try casting a spell of their own.

The one-hour sessions will take place at 11am and 2pm and are recommended for children aged four to eight. Booking is essential at www.carewcastle.com. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Carew Castle will be open daily from 10am-4.30pm throughout half-term, with Nest Tearoom open from 10.30am-4pm and the Tidal Mill from 11am-5pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. For full event details, including prices, accessibility information and booking, visit www.carewcastle.com.