Ghost walks, scare attractions and haunted forests are returning to the North East this Halloween.
Whether you're after a terrifying night out or family-friendly Halloween fun, here are 15 events across County Durham, Teesside and beyond to add to your October plans.
1. Scream Factory, Redcar
One of the North East's biggest Halloween attractions returns to Kirkleatham on Friday, October 2, with new scare zones, immersive sets and more than 100 live actors.
The award-winning event takes visitors through several themed horror zones in one walk-through experience.
2. Frightwater Valley, Lightwater Valley, Ripon
Just a 45-minute drive from Darlington, Lightwater Valley's annual Halloween takeover returns in October with a new "Movie Mayhem" theme in Ripon.
Visitors can expect spooky characters, a trick-or-treat trail, live entertainment, a scare maze and Halloween activities across the park.
3. Durham Ghost Walk
Explore Durham City's most haunted corners on a guided walk led by Durham's Ghost Whisperer.
The charity walks explore local legends, paranormal encounters and chilling tales from Durham's past.
Local ghost lore includes reports of a grief-stricken woman near Neville's Cross and a Grey Lady associated with Durham Castle.
The Halloween walk runs from 9pm to 10pm on Saturday, October 31.
4. Halloween Banquet, Chester-le-Street
Enjoy a spooky dining experience at Lumley Castle on Friday, October 30, when a Halloween banquet evening will combine themed entertainment, historic surroundings and a supernatural atmosphere in one of the region's most famous castles.
5. Halloween After Dark, Raby Castle, Staindrop
Raby Castle's Plotters' Forest takes on a different character after sunset, with illuminated trails winding through the woodland.
Witches, wolves, cobwebs and mysterious creatures lurk among the trees as visitors make their way through the haunted forest.
Halloween After Dark runs on selected dates from Saturday, October 24, to Saturday, October 31.
6. Twilight Trains, Shildon
Head to Locomotion in Shildon for a Halloween weekend of spooky science and family fun.
On Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, visitors can join a Halloween object hunt, create colour wheels, learn railway signalling and enjoy shadow theatre, while Saturday's programme includes local astronomers.
7. Beamish Halloween Evening, Stanley
Beamish Museum's Halloween evenings offer autumn fun, ghostly goings-on, themed activities and family entertainment after dark.
The event runs from 5pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, October 31.
8. Raby Castle Ghost Walk, Staindrop
Not for the faint-hearted, Raby's torchlit ghost tours explore one of County Durham's most historic buildings after dark.
On selected dates from Saturday, October 31, to Sunday, November 1, visitors can hear tales of unexplained sightings and enter normally closed areas.
9. The Haunted Forest, Raby Castle, Staindrop
Families can enjoy Halloween trails and spooky adventures in The Plotters' Forest throughout October, with seasonal decorations and surprises along the way.
From Saturday (October 3), through to Sunday, November 1, families can dress up for a fun-filled day, with tickets including access to the famous Raby Castle Deer Park and Walled Gardens.
10. Halloween Maize Maze Trail, Thorpe Farm, Barnard Castle
Thorpe Farm transforms its maize maze for Halloween, with pumpkins, live actors, special effects and jump scares awaiting visitors.
After-dark versions of the maze offer a scarier experience for horror fans aged 14 and over.
The scary version of the maze will be open from Thursday, October 29, to Saturday, October 31.
11. Thorpe Park Halloween Fun Run, Barnard Castle
A Halloween fun run will also take place at Thorpe Farm on Sunday, October 18, with runners, walkers and joggers encouraged to dress up and raise money for Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services.
12. Halloween at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield
Hardwick Park's Halloween programme includes storytelling, trails, games and outdoor activities inspired by "Ten Little Monsters", making it ideal for younger children.
Events run on selected dates from Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, November 1.
13. Halloween Karting, Durham
Top Gear Karting's Halloween sessions offer racing, pizza and seasonal fun for visitors aged 8-15, with each ticket including three 15-minute karting sessions and a trick-or-treat goody bag.
Children can enjoy karting, Halloween treats and themed activities on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.
14. Spooky Stargazing, Shildon
Locomotion in Shildon will transform its educational stargazing session into a spooky night of learning about space.
The event combines astronomy, seasonal storytelling and family-friendly Halloween fun, with fancy dress encouraged on Saturday, October 31.
15. Eldon Scare Trail, Newcastle
Head into Newcastle city centre and tackle the Eldon Scare Trail on Saturday, October 31, before you head home for a spot of trick or treating.
From 9am to 3pm, shoppers and families can find hidden clues, spooky displays and Halloween surprises across Newcastle city centre during half-term.
What's your favourite way to celebrate Halloween in the North East?
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