Betteshanger’s Bewitched -walk the Terror Trail

A hair-raising half term is planned at Betteshanger Park, near Deal, with spectacularly spooky activities taking place throughout the week.

As night falls on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October, join Betteshanger’s boldest and walk the Terror Trail in the pitch dark to parts of the Park only few ever dare to travel. The challenge is to make it through without screaming. There’s no need to be afraid of the dark … is there?

The Terror Trail takes place at 4pm (under 12’s and scaredy cats); 5.30pm (under 12’s and scaredy cats) and 7pm (strictly over 12’s). £4 per person or £12 for a group of 4. Adequate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing required.

On Saturday 29 October, in partnership with The Open Air Cinema, Betteshanger Park will be screening the scariest horror film experience ever – The Blair Witch Project. Participants will meet at the Visitor Centre for a chilling hike through the woods, following in the footsteps of the student filmmakers on their ill-fated journey in search of the infamous legend. This is not for the faint-hearted – guests should be prepared to be terrified in this fully-immersive evening! Doors open at 7pm, film at 8pm. £10 per person in advance. £15 on the day. Tickets include a warming post-screening toddy. A bar plus hot food and drinks will be available before and after the film. Guests should dress for a hike through the woods, bring walking shoes, waterproofs, blankets, chairs, groundsheets and items to keep warm.  A torch and a strong nerve are essential!

For a less frightening experience, from Saturday 22 October to Sunday 30 October follow Tawny Owl, Guardian of the Woods, his loyal friend Spider and Betteshanger’s bravest children on a mysterious Halloween Trail around the Park (10am-4pm daily).

Halloween is not complete until you have a spooky pumpkin. Save your kitchen from getting messy and carve pumpkins in the Betteshanger Visitor Centre. There will be lots of ghoulish ideas to get children started at the carving station (12pm-3pm daily). Pumpkins £3 each. Carving kits £2.50 each. £5 for both.

Tracy Brunt, Betteshanger Park’s Event Manager, said: “There is a lot going on during half term and we’re looking forward to welcoming children and adults for some fearsome fun this Halloween!”

In addition to Halloween-themed activities, Betteshanger Basecamp, the Park’s action-packed school holiday club, takes place daily from Monday 24^th to Friday 28^th October.

Basecamp runs from 10am-4pm, with an optional breakfast club starting at 8am. Children are guaranteed an exhilarating, fun-filled day. They will try awesome activities, make new friends and have great fun in a safe outdoor environment. Participants will experience three activities before finishing the afternoon with team games. Activities include cycling, archery, climbing, obstacle course and geocaching. Activities will rotate depending on the group size and weather.

Basecamp is run by qualified instructors and is suitable for ages 8-14. Sessions cost £25 per day and bike hire, helmets and all activity equipment is included. Basecamp will happen whatever the weather – appropriate dress is vital. Pre-booking essential.

For more information and to book activities visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk or call 01304 619227.