5 Spooky Halloweens

Halloween is just around the corner, so if you're looking for ghoulish ways to get in to the spirit of the occasion, here are five spooky special events

BLACK CATS & BROOMSTICKS A ghostly tour around East London's oldest home led by costumed characters. Children can dress up as a spook or try out herb recipes designed to keep evil spirits at bay. Rhyme and mime for under-fives. Sutton House, 2 & 4 Homerton High Street, E9 (020-8986 2264). Sun 26 Oct, 11.30am-5pm, free.

HALLOWEEN HOCUS POCUS Creepy characters, costume competitions and prizes, plus the usual dizzying selection of rides and attractions. Chessington World Of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey (0870 444 7777). Until Sun 2 Nov, Mon-Sun 10am-7.30pm, £18-£24, concs £12-£16, under-12s £14.50-£18. www.chessington.com.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE PARANORMAL Adult ghost spotters will enjoy this Society For Psychical Research event, as Brian James discusses the weird and wonderful as captured by photographers, including his own experiences with ghostly mists, spheres and the like. Sols Arms, 65-68 Hampstead Road, NW1 (07949 178 835). Sat 25 Oct, 3pm-6.30pm, £6.50.

GOTHIC HALLOWEEN A Victorian hearse awaits visitors at the V&A and there are magicians, tarot readings and a prize for the best fancy dress. Goths are invited to be photographed, and macabre short films shown. Victoria & Albert Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 (020-7942 2000). Fri 31 Oct, 6.30pm-10pm, free (some limited places).

STALK THE SPOOKS AT DOVER CASTLE There are 12 recorded on-site ghosts at this Kent castle. Psychic investigator Eleanor Corbie will be leading spinechilling tours into dank and eerie corners not usually open to the public. Dover Castle, Dover, Kent (01304 211 067). Fri 7 Nov & Fri 5 Dec, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £15, concs £13. Not for children, pre-booking essential. www.english-heritage.org.uk.