WITH the days drawing shorter and leaves falling from the trees, Halloween must be fast approaching.

Families will be taking to the streets during half-term in their scariest costumes to celebrate the evening.

But Halloween is more than just a night of trick or treating and spooky shenanigans. It is also the first event in a number of festivals scattered across the final weeks of the year.

To celebrate, the National Trust are hosting a number of events across the county throughout the half-term.

Make your own lantern

Hanbury Hall, WR9 7EA

Hanbury Hall is offering people the chance to make their own lanterns to celebrate Halloween and Diwali.

Lanterns are a big part of both celebrations, with folklore telling stories of how turnips and pumpkins were carved out to make lanterns, while Diwali is known as The Festival of Light.

Craft session held at the hall will celebrate these traditions as visitors can make their own designs.

Dates: Saturday, October 26 - Monday October 28 and Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 3.

Halloween Walk

Clent Hills, Near Romsley, B62 0NL

Expert guides will take hikers on a walk across the Clent Hills as they share tales and legends of landscape.

To celebrate the spooky season, surprises and treat might be hidden along the route.

Dates: Sunday, October 27

Spooky face painting

Hanbury Hall, WR9 7EA

Face painter Joy Edgington will be giving Halloween costumes a creative upgrade with face painting in the Long Gallery.

Visitors are encouraged to wear fancy dress when visiting.

Dates: Monday, October 28, Friday, November 1, and Sunday, November 3

Read more: Free medicinal walks at Hanbury Hall

Read more: Take a haunted road trip through the West Midlands

Mini book fair

Greyfriars House and Garden, WR1 2LZ

The waiting room at Greyfriars will be holding a mini book fair over half term with books on sale from 20p up to £1, giving access to reading material at a tiny price.

Proceeds made by the book fair will go towards the maintenance of the historic house and garden so it can continue to operate.

Dates: Tuesday, October 29, - Saturday, November 2

ZooLab animal show

Hanbury Hall, WR9 7EA

ZooLab, a company that excels in offering ethical animal experiences, is bring insects and other creepy critters to Hanbury for a personal experience.

Visitors can get up close with frogs, tarantulas, rats, snakes and more at the 45-minute shows being held at Hanbury Hall.

Dates: Tuesday, October 29 - Thursday, October 31

Nature's magic at Croome

Croome, WR8 9DW

Want to try your hand at some potion crafting? Throughout half-term, families can search the parkland for the magic of nature. 

Along the way, visitors can find some ingredients for their own magical potion, before mixing it all together in the lab.

The activity comes with a special booklet, potion sheet and wand for searching around Croome.

Dates: Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, November 3