MUNCASTER Castle is hosting an array of events for Halloween this year. 

The tourist attraction has opened a scary maze for visitors to enjoy this year as part of their Family Halloween Festival. 

The new maze, which will be manned by “monsters”, has been constructed to replace the old MeadowVole Maze which disappeared in January this year to make way for the castle’s stunning new attraction – the Medieval Weapon’s Hall.

Ewan Frost-Pennington of Muncaster Castle said: "We know visitors loved the old maze especially when it took on its scary air during Halloween. 

"So, we’ve pulled out all the stops for its return this Halloween to ensure it’s an even bigger hit with our visitors. It’s also here to stay so will be available as an attraction after Halloween."

The maze gets gradually scarier throughout the day, making it suitable for the age groups visiting. 

First – from 10.30am to 2pm – it will operate as The Spooky Maze - just right for youngsters to enjoy some gentle, family-friendly surprises. 

It turns into the Scary Maze between 2.30 and 7.30 throughout the festival when it will be manned by “monsters” who’ll ensure no one leaves without a fright!

It will be at its most scary during the evenings of Scarecaster – the 'spine-tingling' event for those aged 16 and over (from 8.15 onwards).

The new maze is one of several developments for this year’s Halloween Festival which for the first time has seen a Muncaster Express Ghost Train transport visitors to the castle.

The Muncaster Express – to Ravenglass via Carlisle and the Cumbrian coast - gave passengers a 'spine-tingling' family-friendly journey with onboard characters 'to bring the spirit of Halloween alive.'

This attraction ran until Tuesday, October 29. 

Mr Frost-Pennington added: "Muncaster is already a huge part of many families' Halloween tradition and these new developments will add to that. 

"We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our Halloween Festival and give them a sensational and spine-tingling experience."

Scarecaster, with the super scary maze, Scary Gardens, and The Weapons Hall happens on Thursday, October 31, and Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2.