As the nights draw in and Halloween approaches, there are ghostly things afoot at 16th century Rufford Old Hall.

A range of spooky Halloween craft activities are taking place on 20 – 22, 24 and 27 – 31 October, 11am – 4pm, including Halloween mask making, pumpkin carving, creepy colouring - and on 29 October a gruesomely named game, ‘Executioner’s Row’, which involves trying to knock ‘heads’ (coconuts) off spikes with a ball.

Outside there are ghostly trails to follow around the garden.

On Halloween night itself, you can embark on a ‘Twilight Tour of Terror’, followed by a Magic Show.

Catherine Hazley is Rufford’s events’ co-ordinator: “The twilight tours are very creepy” said Catherine. “ You’ll tour of some of the rooms inside the house and then outside in the gardens, stopping along the route to hear spooky stories associated with people or objects at Rufford Old Hall.

"Don’t forget that Rufford is a Tudor building and has witnessed hundreds of years of history – it’s even reputed that a young William Shakespeare performed in the Great Hall for Sir Thomas Hesketh”.

As well as Halloween activities, don’t forget Rufford’s tea-room which serves a selection of delicious local and seasonal dishes including soups, cakes and puddings. You can also stretch your legs with an autumn stroll through the gardens and surrounding woodlands of the Hall.

Rufford Old Hall, garden, shop and tea-room are open Sat – Weds until 4 November, 11am – 5pm.

Normal admission applies to the property with a small charge for Halloween activities.

All tickets for the Twilight tours are £8 (please note not suitable for children under 7). Booking for the tours is essential on 01704 821254.

Tours last approximately one hour and run at 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. Please wear warm clothing.

Look out for other Halloween and half-term events at Trust properties at Formby, Speke Hall, Dunham Massey, Quarry Bank Mill, Lyme Park and Little Moreton Hall. Go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events for details.