Review: Warwick Castle starts off the spooky season with exceptional actors and bags of fun

The historic castle has come to life with haunted happens for the spooky season, and it's great for a family day out. I was subject to a jump-scare or two by some excellent and very funny actors – I mean, ghosts.

From October 21 until November 5, there is all sorts of Halloween fun to have at the castle, from live shows and mazes to ghost tours and scare schools. Scary characters roam the grounds and will sometimes stop and talk to you, if you're unlucky.

My favourite part of all, however, was one of the many tours of the castle by historian Andrew, who really knew how to hold an audience. He was funny and informative – everything a tour guide should be. There was also a more grisly tour, which takes visitors through the main rooms of the castle and tells tales of murders at the grounds many years ago.

Also on the agenda is a brand new live show, The Witches of Warwick, brought to the castle for the first time – an all-singing, all-dancing show to thrill the whole family.

The Haunted Hollows trail has returned this year, where brave visitors can make their way through the miner's tunnel and meet ghosts along the way.

In the Junior Ghost Hunt, families can help the mad scientist, Gizmo, to catch the mischievous spirits of Victorians, Vikings, and Cavemen.

Also brand new for 2023 is the Curse of The Kingmaker maze – an underground adventure where adventurers will follow clues and crack the code to find a missing mystical sword.

Head to the Dead Centre Stage for a Halloween talent show, where audience members can get involved too, with singalong sessions, dancing, sketches, and games throughout the day.

Visitors can learn more about the spooky tales of the castle's past through tours with historians, including a Halloween History Team Tour, which will uncover the past of Warwick's witchcraft.

At the Spooky Schools, little adventurers can have fun in spooky lessons, from slaying giants to Halloween health and safety. They will be joined by all new characters for 2023, the Giant Slayer, Brewen the Bear, and Gary the Goblin.

As well as all the fearfully fun attractions, there are Halloween themes across the grounds, with a giant bubbling cauldron, spider webs, pumpkins, the roaming headless horseman, and spooky decor galore.

Those brave enough can stay for the Castle After Dark, which features scare mazes, fire-breathers and dungeon tours.

To book tickets, visit warwick-castle.com.