It’s time for children to go back to school, ‘spell school’ that is, to learn a new set of magical skills this Halloween Half Term at the Leeds Castle Witches and Wizards Academy, sponsored by the Kent Messenger.

From 22nd October to 28th October, put yourself to the test and take part in a whole range of magical mayhem that will have children spookily entertained all day long as they hop from one ghoulish activity to another.

Learn how to mix the right creepy ingredients in a giant cauldron to make magical potions with the potions professor; graduate to spell class where you’ll learn to cast fiendish incantations.  Next up is broomstick flying lessons. Fly around our broomstick assault course, but be careful of the pumpkin speed bumps and remember to go slowly through the graveyard. Then join with other pupils to take part in choir practise singing along with the spooky song ‘the twelve days of Halloween’.

All aspiring witches and wizards need to keep in tip top sporting form and the PE masters will be taking them through a magical range of fun and games.  And of course Halloween just wouldn’t be Halloween without monstrous fancy dress. Come dressed to scare for our daily fancy dress competition near the maze at 2pm with prizes for the best costumes.

Our spooky trail sends children off to find seven ‘Mummies’ with letters stuck to them to spell a hidden word.  It’s ideal for younger visitors and includes a chocolate prize at the end. There is an additional charge of £1 for trail cards.

Entry to this event is included with your entrance ticket, a small additional charge will apply for the trail and face painting.

A valid admission ticket to Leeds Castle is required for this event. Annual tickets cost £24.50 for adults; £21.50 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £16.50 for children (under 4’s free). Annual tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round. Pre-book online the day before you visit and save 10%.

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 and only one hour’s drive from London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 3pm and gates close at 5pm (October to March).