HALLOWEEN is fast approaching, and there have been spooky goings-on across Oxfordshire this week to get children in the mood.

All week, children on half-term break have been getting creative to celebrate Sunday night’s ghostly goings-on.

At Science Oxford in London Place, families were combining spooks and science by making decorations for the weekend.

Organiser Emma Whiteman said they were trying to combine education with fun.

She said: “We have had more than 100 children taking part.

“They’ve been making witches’ hats, spider webs and screaming balloons – but hopefully learning a bit of science along the way.”

At the Museum of Oxford in the town hall, St Aldate’s, children were also busy making trick-or-treating costumes.

They got stuck in making witches’ and wizards’ outfits, complete with hats and cloaks.

Visitors to Blenheim Palace weren’t missing out either.

Throughout the week, families have been guided by costumed actors on spooky tours.

Spokeman Hannah Payne said: “We’ve had a maze of bones, face painting and pumpkin carving.

“Plus on our tours, people can hear how the night guards were spooked by the shadows in the dead of night, or was it the candle light playing tricks?”

At Oxford Castle, children will be able to trick-or-treat in the old prison tomorrow evening and on Saturday.

Duty manager Martin Bardale said: “Basically the children will be able to go trick-or-treating in the old cells of the prison.

“They’ll get to meet a whole array of different characters in each cell, so it should be great fun for everyone.”

And it is not just the children who can get involved. The castle’s annual Ghost Fest is taking place tomorrow night and on Halloween. Visitors can stay overnight and try to uncover the dark secrets that lie within the castle grounds.

Mr Bardale said: “We’ve got the castle crypt, which is spooky throughout the year, but it takes on a different atmosphere at night. People will be able to explore in the dark and, trust me, the area takes on quite a creepy feel when you’re hunting for ghosts.”