A LEADING visitor attraction is gearing up for all things spooky this October half term.

Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, has a host of activities planned for children, and the young at heart.

Events include the chance to celebrate 125 years of Dracula with the Don’t Go into the Cellar! Theatre Company on Friday, October 21. At 7pm, Jonathan Goodwin plays Sir Henry Irving and a host of others in this classic tale of late Victorian vampires adapted from the great Bram Stoker gothic novel that is suitable for those aged 15 and over. Tickets are £15 per person.

Big Apple Super Saturday takes place the following day from 10.30am until 3.30pm. Visitors can join in the fun with the museum's education team, who will be celebrating Phileas Fogg arriving in New York on his Journey around the World in 80 days, with an apple themed workshop.

On Tuesday, October 25, the Family Brunch Club returns with Beetle Juice and Cruella in Cafe Bowes. Little ones can join in activities, make slime and party games with the characters from 10.30am until 12pm. Tickets are £15 per child, which includes one adult, additional adults are £5 each.

People can drop in and make their own clay pumpkin candleholder to take home on pumpkin days on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 25 and 26 from 10.30am until 3.30pm on both days.

On Thursday, October 27 there will be a Little Monsters (Treasures) Halloween Party from 10am to 12pm, suitable for ages five and under. Tickets are £3 per child, £1 per additional sibling.

The museum's ghosts and ghouls crafts days are on Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm, while a Halloween Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday, October 29.

Events will be rounded off after dark with a fun Halloween Adventure, on Saturday, October 29. From 6pm to 10pm, visitors can listen to spooky stories and dance to the Time Warp at a silent disco. Tickets are £15.50 for children, £5 adults or £40 for a family of four.