NIGHT-OWLS will be 'scared silly' when Oxford Prison and Castle swings open its door for an exclusive array of Halloween events.

The Ghost Fest, now in its 10th year, promises 'stories that are too dark to be included in daytime tours' as well as potion making workshops and a murder mystery evening.

The spooky series will run from October 25 through to November 2.

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Kicking off the programme will be the night time tours, which organisers warn revellers should prepare themselves for 'gruesome retellings of the prison's history that you'll be wishing weren't true'.

The medieval castle, which is off New Road, has been dubbed one of the UK's most haunted buildings and has built up a reputation with professional ghost hunters and paranormal investigators, who try to tap into the city's spine-tingling past.

The tours are so scary they are not suitable for young children, and are only open to those over the age of 12. 

As well as tickets, which will cost £16, revellers will also need to bring a torch as the castle will be turning off the lights and carrying out part of the tour in the pitch black.

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Other events will run throughout the week like a Mystic Market, where vintage jewellery makers will be showcasing goods, as well as tarot card readers predicating people's future.

A murder mystery evening will be held on October 28 in the run up to the most creepy night of the year, which will fall on a Thursday.

For the 31st the castle and prison will put on a '10th anniversary midnight tour' which will include a glass of bubbly to see in the twelfth hour with.

Children can brew up some magic and get stuck into the week of activities as the castle will put on 'potion making' classes during lunch time.

For more information visit www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk