Why leave themed vacations just for Christmas and Easter? Head off on a spooky break away with these top Halloween holidays…

It’s nearly that time of year again, where it’s socially acceptable for adults to dress up as monsters, ghosts and beasts, and for children to eat as many sweets as they could possibly wish for. That’s right, Halloween is upon us.

All across the world, people are already getting ready for their scary celebrations. So if you are looking for something different to do this Halloween why not go on a spooky getaway to the coast? Here are five places you should be visiting for your halloween holidays.

The Isle of Wight

This island off the south coast has plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy, and Halloween time is no exception. Check out Wizard Week and Halloween Fright Night at the Steam Railway for lots of spooky shenanigans.

Carisbrooke Castle also prepares itself for all things Halloween; you can create your own crafts and wander around the grounds with Victorian ghost hunters as they tell you tales of the castle. You’ll also be able to visit the graveyard and find out how the occupants died, but remember to dress in your best Halloween costume as there is a prize for the scariest attire.

Dorset

Dorset is jam-packed with fun and games all through the Halloween period. With its collection of festivities, it isn’t one for the faint-hearted. You can hunt for ghosts around the county, and explore the dark old port area on a Lyme Regis Ghost Walks. Or take a trip to Nothe Fort in Weymouth, voted as one of the spookiest locations in Britain as it is known for repeated sites of ghosts and spirits.

Also, what a better time of year to visit Tyneham? Situated in Dorset, it was evacuated in WW2 and has never been inhabited again – it has an eerie and somewhat creepy atmosphere.

Cornwall

Be prepared for the fright of your life as Halloween comes to Cornwall. Take a trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan and follow the trail through the wood. You can listen to tales by a fire or get crafty with the team here; it’s great fun for all the family.

Cornwall has something for everyone at Halloween and here’s one for the adults – The Halloween Masked Ball located at Los Flambardos in Helston. Running 6pm till 6am this is a Halloween show like no other, with a slideshow of fairground follies, a freak show and rock ‘n’ roll dancing, all of which has been inspired by Coney Island in New York. The party is complete with several rooms of dance floors, dens, bars, eccentric humour and raving. Come back late at night from the grisly party and roll into bed at a more tranquil locations, such as one of the homes offered by Classic Cottages.

Devon

The Big Sheep in Devon has something for everyone. Their annual Spectacular Halloween Festival takes place from October 24 to November 1. The theme is called ‘Fun by Day’ and ‘Seriously Sinister and Spooky by Night’, and if it’s a family trip you are looking for, this is the place to be. It’s packed with haunted hayrides, ghost trains, singing pumpkins and a Halloween Panto, and for the fearless Fright Fest attractions are on in the evenings.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens will come to life and set the night alight with the switch-on of the annual Enchanted Illuminations. The gardens are ablaze with multi-coloured lights whilst spending the evening strolling through the candlelit pathways, the perfect activity for a couple. Enter the Maze of Terror, the haunted house or the creepy crawlies tent.

Boscastle

Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle. It is open all day to visitors, and you will get the chance to make your own Halloween masks and watch performances by morris dancers. At dusk, the museum is lit by candlelight and you will be joined by some spooky and unusual visitors who will perform an ancient ceremony at the doors, and a finale outside the museum with torches and pumpkins. This museum showcases some of the world’s oldest and largest collections of items relating to witchcraft, magic and the occult.