Celebrate Halloween in Stratford upon Avon

Stratford Town Ghost Walk, in partnership with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is offering a special treat for ghost hunters this Halloween that includes a private tour of 'haunted' Hall's Croft and a warming glass of mulled wine or soft drink. The walk ends at the famous Dirty Duck pub and take place on Sunday, October 31.

The award winning Stratford Town Ghost Walk guides have been leading ghost walks in Stratford since 2002. The guides, Vincent, The Man in Black, Blake Barrington and Josiah Grubb are either members of Equity, professional magicians or entertainers. Each guide delivers the walk in their own unique way, but it is essentially a mixture of good storytelling with a little magical entertainment.

Hall's Croft is a magnificent example of a half-timbered building from the 1600's. It is owned and maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and not generally open to the public in the evening. Hall's Croft was the home of William Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna, and her husband Dr John Hall, an eminent physician. The house has featured on television's 'Most Haunted Live' with medium Derek Acorah and there have been spooky occurrences over the years. For example, hear the mysterious story of the lady with red hair, and a spoon that flew through the air!

Stratford Town Ghost Walk's Man in Black said: "The Halloween Ghost Walk will give people the chance to experience the essence of Halloween. The history of the day goes back to before the Roman calendar, when the Celts believed it to be New Year's Eve and used it to pay homage to the spirits. Obviously the meaning has changed since then, but it is still the traditional time for more spiritual activity and some fun. Sometimes people have vivid experiences and sometimes people just sense a presence. Best not go home alone on this very special night".

The Halloween ghost walk is £11 for adults and £8 for children. Walks start at 6pm, 6.45pm, 7.30pm and 8.15pm. Booking in advance is essential.

More info and other ghost walk dates during Halloween week, visit: stratfordtownwalk.co.uk

For more information about the Shakespeare Houses, visit: shakespeare.org.uk