Half term Halloween fun at Mary Arden's Farm near Stratford

GATHER round the cauldron to discover the weird and wonderful traditions of All Hallows’ Eve at Mary Arden’s Farm this October half term.

For three spooktacular days, the Tudor working farm and childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother, will delve into the traditions once used to keep spirits at bay and compare them to today’s Halloween festivities.

With the cauldron bubbling in the farmhouse at Wilmcote, there will be plenty of hands-on activities – from carving the scariest of pumpkins to crafting charms designed to deter sprites or making salt dough soul cakes.

Families can also take part in an interactive retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most spooky tales, Macbeth - witches and all.

Rachael Boyd, director of visitor experience and business development for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “We’re really excited about our plans for Halloween when we’ll be getting everyone into the spirit as we conjure the Tudor superstition and spook that Shakespeare would have known and blend it with today’s pumpkin carving and other traditions.”

The Halloween event is on 25th, 27th and 29th October with two sessions each day, 9.30am-12pm and 1pm-3.30pm.

Pre-booking is essential. Tickets cost £15 for children and £7.50 for an accompanying adult and include all activities and a pumpkin to take home. Suitable for children aged 4+.

Visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/whatson.