CREEPY creatures and whimsical wizards welcomed families into Blenheim Place for half-term Halloween fun.

This weekend the palace launched the first of a series of ‘spooktacular’ activities being staged in the grounds over the coming weeks.

Crowds of children got stuck in to the Halloween spirit to get up close with creepy creatures and marvel at the wondrous wizardry of Wizard Bumblemore.

Everything from spooky storytelling to ghost-hunting tours and fire performances promise to provide something ghoulish for the guests.

The weekend provided the initial chills and thrills for families who went along to the launch on Saturday.

Marketing executive Jonathan Prince said: “With the autumnal glow of colours in the park, it is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Blenheim Palace.

“The warm weather across the weekend drove lots of visitors, and with plenty of spooky Halloween half term activities people certainly seem to have been enjoying themselves.”

In the Great Court a wicked wizard stilt-walker Bumblemore was out welcoming visitors, plus a number of fire performances to warm up the weekend, before people went over to the stables courtyard for ghoulish tales.

A ghost train rode through the pleasure gardens while monsters lurked in Marlborough maze.

Amate animalia was also there with a host of ‘mini beasts’ which children could test their nerves and get up-close with.

The activities will run up to November 4 and also includes a spooky tour of the palace on Wednesday, October 31, from 5.30pm – a one-off ghost-hunter tour.

The events will culminate with a ‘frightful’ fireworks display on November 3 as part of the brand new Halloween celebrations.

There will be petrifying pyrotechnics, plus a levitating gargoyle human statue lurking in the crowds, a ‘flying’ witch trapeze artist and Halloween stilt walkers featuring skeletons, zombies and the Grim Reaper.

There will also be ‘gliding ghosts, weeping angels moving mysteriously around the courtyard and a scary skeleton performing tricks on a penny-farthing.

Visitors to the spooktacular event will also be able to get stuck into ghoulish grub including hot dogs, waffles and seasonal treats.

The fireworks will be performed to a ‘spine-chilling soundtrack’ and is hoped to bring chills to all its guests in the palace.

This year Blenheim Palace is supporting Oxfam during this event and will be donating £2 per ticket and all parking to the Oxford charity.

For half term events, park and garden tickets are required and adults cost £16 or it is free for annual pass holders.

Firework display tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children.

For details of activities and timings see blenheimpalace.com