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GHOSTS, and ghouls, and things that go bump in the night are just a small part of the spooktacular goings-on in a castle in Wensleydale this Hallowe’en.

The historic 14th-century Bolton Castle is (g)hosting its first Hallowe’en event from October 26 to 31, with plenty of frights and spooky tales for those brave enough to enter the gates.

Professional company Same Difference Arts will be staging an evening of thrills along with students from Teesside College, to chill and terrify guests who dare venture through the portcullis, which will be especially opened for this event.

You would expect a sense of hair-raising history at the residence that housed Mary Queen of Scots when she was in exile. Not for nothing was she called ‘Bloody Mary’, with so many Protestant executions to her name.

Focusing on her story as the evening unfolds, guests will be met by a sinister character when they arrive, and receive a welcome drink before enjoying a delicious two-course meal.

Fire pits in the courtyard will help keep out the cold, but expect lots more spine-chilling surprises as you are guided through the castle.

The exciting evening will culminate in a dramatic climax that will both horrify and delight.

Bolton Castle General Manager, Jacqueline Naylor, says: “We are hugely excited about this first Hallowe’en event at the castle, and we’re delighted to be working with a professional arts company to stage what promises to be a spectacular evening.”

The scary fun starts at 6.30pm and finishes at 9pm. Cost is £20 per person to include a welcome drink and two-course meal.

Bolton Castle has been owned by the same family since it was built in 1399, and is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover, including the old kitchens, dungeon, solar, nursery, armoury, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom. It is open to the public from April 1 to November 2, and offers tours, a tearoom, birds of prey displays, archery demonstrations and wild boar feeding. It is also a beautiful backdrop for weddings and private events.

To book for the Hallowe’en evening, telephone 01969 623981, or visit www.boltoncastle.co.uk