AS the nights draw in staff at Oxford Castle Unlocked are preparing to give their visitors a fright.

Next month the tourist attraction off New Road will once again host its popular Halloween festival Ghost Fest.

From October 19 to October 31 the ancient castle site will embrace it’s bloody past with a series of spooky events.

Oxford Castle’s history is filled with murder, battle and execution and it is rumoured that a number of ghosts reside within its walls.

From October 21 to October 29 families will be invited to join guided tours to learn the horrible histories of the 1000-year old site and complete a spooky trail along the way.

Oxford Castle Unlocked spokesman Harry Scott said: “On Halloween night, brace yourself for an especially eerie tour of the castle encompassing the deepest, darkest corners of the 1,000 year old site.

“Dare to uncover the ancient well chamber and underground crypt, climb the 11th century St. George’s Tower and the 18th century Debtor’s Tower, as well as exploring the Punishment Cells, the site of unimaginable horrors from the Georgian era.

“At the stroke of midnight, the tour will conclude with a glass of bubbly to toast the end of Halloween.

Oxford Castle Unlocked is located on the former site of Oxford Prison and the visitor attraction castle since it was re-opened as a visitor attraction in 2006.