SPOOKTACULAR Hallowe’en-themed events and activities are taking place across the district.

At Butser Ancient Farm, in Chalton, this afternoon (Wednesday) from 1-4pm, will be the annual Festival of Samhain. Families can complete the ‘Spirit Hunt’ around the farm, and at 2pm there will be storytelling in the big roundhouse with Faye’s Fables, telling the tale of Brother Bigtoe and the Dream Snatchers.

Normal admission rates apply for the afternoon activities.

Then in the evening there is a Samhain night for adults, from 7-10pm in the roundhouse with storytelling, live music and a bar. Tickets are £15 and can be pre-booked. Call 023 9259 8838 or book online at www.butserancientfarm.co.uk

The adults-only Fright Night takes place this Friday – see www.butserancientfarm.co.uk to book your tour. This is for over-18s only.

There’s a spooky Hallowe’en fun day tomorrow (Thursday) from 3.30-5.30pm, at Hyden Farm in Clanfield, where children can don their wellies, try the tricks, and meet the animals. There will be competitions for best costume and best carved pumpkin. Refreshments will be available. The cost is £4 per child. Contact Beth on 07881 893663 for details, e-mail

[email protected] or just turn up on the day.

Hollycombe Steam Collection at Iron Hill in Liphook will be running its Fairground at Night event this Saturday, from 7-10pm.

Visitors can enjoy a spooky evening at the Edwardian steam fairground, including a ride on the Deadly Diesel to the disused quarry and a visit to the haunted house. Fancy dress is welcomed. A free bus link is being arranged between Sainsbury’s Liphook store and Liphook railway station and Hollycombe. See www.hollycombe.co.uk for details.

Uppark near South Harting offers a Hallowe’en quiz trail until November 1, from 10am-5pm. Tickets are £3. Visitors can follow the trail around the National Trust property, then collect a prize at the end. Contact Uppark property office on 01730 825415 or [email protected]

Hinton Ampner near Bramdean is offering a ghost tour, as this National Trust property is famed for having one of the most documented Victorian ghost stories. The evening will start with a tour of the grounds, learning about the strange goings on, followed by workshops using dousing rods, crystals and a spirit board, culminating at midnight. Admission charges apply, and refreshments are included. Call the booking office on 0844 249 1895, or e-mail: [email protected] This event is for over 16s only.

You can pick your own pumpkin to carve, and have fun too, at the Pumpkin Patch just off the A272 near Rogate all this week, with barrel rides for children, fish and chips, treats and more.

Petersfield’s Flora Twort Gallery next to the church is offering children’s art sessions with a creepy theme until Friday. Admission for adults is £2, children free. For more information call 01730 260756 or e-mail [email protected] There are still places on a spooky sleepover in Selborne on Saturday.

As part of the Museums at Night Festival, the Field Studies Centre at Gilbert White’s House Museum is opening its doors for a natural history themed sleepover for families. Families can enjoy a bat walk and campfire before going to sleep inside the spooky 16th century barn. The cost is £15 per child with an accompanying adult admitted free. The ticket price includes an evening snack, drinks and breakfast. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult per child). The event is suitable for children aged five and older. Call 01420 511517 or see www.gilbertwhiteshouse. org.uk for more information.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is running its Wizards, Witches and Magical Mayhem half term activities for children. Booking is essential for this two-hour activity. The cost is £7 per child. Call 023 9259 5040.

Meanwhile, at Birdworld near Bordon, until Sunday, from 11am-4pm, there is a Hallowe’en grotto to explore, and spooky activities. See www.birdworld.co.uk