Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle Halloween 2016

Haunted CastleThis week the wonderful Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle has opened. It promises spooky scares and terrifying torments (just how scared you want to be is entirely up to you!) We popped along yesterday to sample some of the unnerving goings on.Haunted Castle

The castle is open every day until 9pm and the truly terrifying scares happen from 5pm onwards. For younger visitors (or those of a more nervous disposition) the daytime activities may be more your speed.Haunted Hollows

Haunted Hollows

Without a doubt our favourite attraction was the Haunted Hollows, a magical and spooky garden where even the statues appear to come alive!HauntedHollows3

All the attractions are given a rating based on their ability to scare, the Hollows has 2 Pumpkins which means it’s a family friendly affair.Haunted Hollows

My youngest had the nerve to tell this lovely Gargoyle that he wasn’t scary!Haunted Hollows

We enjoyed the hollows so much we went through twice! You can see a glimpse of this magical garden in this little video we made.

The Witches Tower

Witches TowerThe Princesses have been evicted and the Witches have taken up residence. For children aged 3-8 (and their adult) the witches ask for your help cooking up a spell for eternal youth. But as any good witch knows there’s no point playing by the rules and your spell just might not work! My son loved hunting for rats tails and bats wings. Definitely a must see for younger visitors but as this is a ticketed and timed event make sure to visit the tower early and book in your slot (there’s no extra charge).Witches Tower

Spooky Stories

When the Eagles aren’t flying (and they still are as usual) Spooky stories are told by a witch on the Eagle Lawn. Cue lots of audience participation with roaring dragons and ear shattering battle cries.

After Dark

The castle lights up about 5pm and the real scares begin! HauntedHollows2

The Dungeon is open from 11am (pumpkin rating 4 and absolutely no under 10s).

Tormented is a brand new attraction for 2016 and has a ghastly 5 on the pumpkin rating, I can’t tell you much more as I had little peeps with me but suffice to say one poor soul is trapped in the castle and destined to suffer a fate worse than death!

At 5pm a parade of plague victims are led through the central courtyard by the plague doctor and led on down to Outbreak 1349 where victims must struggle through the darkness to flee the infected. We caught the poor souls at the end of our video so make sure to take a look.Outbreak 1349

At 6.30pm there’s a public hanging which sees the famous Black Boar finally get his comeuppance and at 7pm there’s a Halloween Fire Joust across the river.

Of course there’s still twice daily flight of the Eagle shows as usual and the castle and ramparts can also be explored at your leisure. There’s also the Horrible Histories maze which is so much fun you have to visit whatever the occasion. To see more of the normal attractions take a look at one of my previous posts.Haunted Castle

We had an amazing time and managed just the right amount of spookiness for us. I think there’s something for everyone whether you like to scream your lungs out or chuckle heartedly when a Scarecrow peeps over your shoulder so definitely pop along if you can.

Information

The Haunted Castle event runs from the 22-31 October.

After dark entry is available from £14 per person.

For more info or to see event timings visit www.warwick-castle.com

 

Drayton Manor’s War of the Worlds Fireworks Spectacular Review

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Last night I took my family along to the best firework display I’ve ever seen! Full of atmosphere, drama and sparkle it’s an event you really shouldn’t miss. But if that isn’t enough to convince you then read on for sneak peaks in today’s Drayton Manor’s War of the Worlds Fireworks Spectacular review.

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We arrived shortly before 4pm and delighted at the Halloween decorations strewn around the park (nothing overtly scary for the little ones either 🙂 ).firework9+

 

As the sun went down, the lights came on and a wonderful sense of atmosphere flowed thoughout. Some areas (like the zoo) shut at 5pm, but most of the rides have been covered with lights and can be enjoyed right up until 9pm. The carousel is always a firm favourite and creates a magical blur of lights and sounds in the evening.

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Shortly after 7pm we made our way to the lake to wait for the firework display. The show started at 8pm but if you want a front place view you have to get there reasonably early. Although I should add that the fireworks are huge so you can actually see them from most of the park. There’s also a screen provided from one of the lawns which is great if you’re taking smaller children.

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At 8pm Liam Neeson’s voice came over the speaker and we knew that the Fireworks were about to start. For those unfamiliar with the War of the Worlds musical, Liam provided the narration.

firework5+The fireworks began in stunning style as they shot high above the lake. All perfectly timed to the music it made for a truly breath-taking display.

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Complementing this was a kind of smoke cloud set upon the lake showing images from the critically acclaimed musical, plus an alien spaceship to one side which was shooting lasers!

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I’ve seen many fireworks over the years and certainly some very impressive displays but never such a perfectly choreographed event that utilises images, lasers, music and the most stunning and gigantic fireworks! I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you can get there.

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The fireworks close out the 65th Anniversary season at Drayton in epic style and they continue tonight and tomorrow (31st Oct, 1st Nov, but fireworks at 7pm) so there’s still time to get tickets and book a visit to the event.

 

firework8+For more information and to book your tickets (you know you want too!) then pop over to Drayton Manor’s website here.

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Finally a short video showing the amazing fountain that rested on the lake playing images from the War of the Worlds musical.

 

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Rachel’s Organics Spider Cupcakes Recipe

Spider-cupcakes

It’s nearly Halloween which means sweets galore! Although I think homemade treats are the best and with today’s recipe from Rachel’s Organics you can enjoy wonderful homemade Spider Cupcakes with a creepy twist.

Ingredients

100g plain chocolate

150g unsalted butter, softened

150g caster sugar

20g cocoa, sifted

3 eggs, beaten

125g self raising flour

1 ½tsp baking powder

2 tbsp Rachel’s Greek Style natural yogurt

Ingredients for Frosting

4tbsp golden syrup

80ml double cream

100g milk chocolate

100g plain chocolate

3tbsp Rachel’s Greek Style natural yogurt

Decorations

Chocolate sugar strands

Smarties or similar sweets (for the eyes)

Liquorice laces or Catherine wheels

Step 1. Pre-heat the oven 180°C, Gas Mark 4 and line a muffin tray with paper cases.

2. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave on medium power for 1 minute until melted, alternatively place over a pan of simmering water.

3. In a mixing bowl beat the butter, caster sugar, cocoa powder and eggs, until soft and creamy. Add the flour and baking powder. Lastly add in the yogurt ensure the mixture is well combined.

4. Spoon the mixture into the cases and bake for 20 minutes until risen and firm to touch. Leave to cool.

5. Meanwhile in a small bowl gently heat the icing ingredients (except the yogurt). Either do this in a microwave, medium power or over a pan of simmering water until the chocolate has melted, leave to cool then add the yogurt. The frosting should be soft but not runny.

6. Spoon the frosting onto each cake and carefully spread with the back of a knife. Dip each cake into  chocolate sugar strands then place the Smarties for eyes, cut the liquorice laces into 8 equal pieces and push into the icing – work quickly before the frosting sets. To make the eyes stand out and a mouth simply place some of the frosting in a piping bag with a small plain nozzle and pipe for the desired effect.