Review: Half Term Hauntings and Happenings at the Black Country Living Museum

Guests were spooked by strolling ghosts around the museum's 26 acres – exploring the period shops and houses during the Half Term Hauntings and Happenings event, which ran until Sunday.

There's some odd noises in the trap shop as ghostly figures haunt the cobbled streets' residents and shopkeepers. Meet the wise local person, known only as the 'white rabbit' at various points around the museum to help with the evil spirits haunting the Black Country Living Museum.

The miners are refusing to go back down into the thick at Perilous Pit due to ghost of a former worker John who had recently passed away – but the white rabbit is on hand to help out. While he also comes to the rescue when the ghostly figure of the Cavalier is tormenting a shopkeeper in Hell Lane by moving things and banging doors.

The white rabbit characters are inspired by historic stories of local white witches Nelly Nicholls and Kat Rhodes, who were said to have great powers. They were said to use their incantations to defeat evil spirits, and Nelly was able to turn herself into a white rabbit.

While a fortune teller at Catchem's Corner will tell you what your future holds. While elsewhere across the site, you could take part in crafts and watch films in the cinema including Laurel and Hardy – while one of the museum volunteers tells you stories of hauntings and ghosts from across the Black Country.

Students from Dudley College were also on hand throughout the museum performing spooky-themed routines. The school was transformed into a potions class – where you could help a trainee witch pass her exams (after trying to for 10 years).

Especially for Halloween, guests were encouraged to wear their spooky costumes and the museum was open for extended hours.

It was the first time I had visited the museum since the coronavirus restrictions were put in place, and we were very impressed with how it was handled. One-way systems were in operation and social distancing was encouraged around all areas – including any inside areas including the cinema, pub and houses. Hand sanitising stations were located throughout the museum and you could still enjoy the museum's famous fish and chips in a takeaway service.

Pre-booking to visit the Black Country Living Museum is essential under the current restrictions. To book, visit bclm.co.uk