Ghosts, ghouls, monsters and demons are creeping out all over Oxfordshire this weekend as Halloween is upon us.

Among the activities for brave souls this year is a trip to the cells and a chance to tiptoe up Faringdon’s Folly.

At Oxford Castle, children are being invited to come to the cells to do their trick or treating – although the people answering the doors will be a series of ghoulish inmates.

Other Halloween-themed activities include pumpkin trails, arts and crafts and terrifying tales from Oxford Castle’s wicked witch.

Castle witch Lois Sadler said: “It’s all good fun, done with a bit of humour. It’s a very safe way for kids to enjoy Halloween without the dangers of wandering around the neighbourhood trick or treating.”

The castle will be open for trick or treating today, tomorrow and Monday between 6pm and 8pm, while the other activities will be on offer from 10am to 5pm today and tomorrow.

Peter Wentworth, a Friend of the Faringdon Folly, will be donning a costume from the horror film Saw to give visitors a fright on Monday.

He said: “There is a great anticipation as the kids and their parents get closer to the top. They’re waiting to see what scary character awaits them and there are Halloween decorations all the way up.”

The folly, which is only open to the public about 20 times a year, will offer ghostly visits between 6pm and 8pm and about 200 people are expected to brave the climb to see what’s at the top.

Pumpkins will take centre stage at Wychwood Brewery, Witney, on Monday, as people are invited to bring along their carved pumpkins to light together.

The fun begins at 6pm and goes on to 9pm, including prizes for the best pumpkins and best fancy dress, along with performances from The Black Pig Morris dancers.

At Millets Farm, in Frilford, it is time for a Halloween Howl, with activities including a hunt for spooks in the woodland and fort maze, a scarecrow trick or treat trail, haunted house and a CSI-style crime scene in the maize field.

Activities take place between 10.30am and 5pm today and tomorrow.

Spooky tours of Blenheim Palace, plus pumpkin carving opportunities and spine-tingling story-telling will be on offer this weekend, between 10am and 5pm.

And Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, will also be getting into the spirit with a hidden pumpkin trail today and tomorrow between 10am to 5pm.