FAMILIES enjoyed spooktacular days at a popular Essex attraction in the lead up to Halloween.

Markshall Estate in Coggeshall was open to visitors during half term and held a trio of spooky events for the community to enjoy.

The estate was adorned with various scary decorations, as visitors enjoyed everything the arboretum had to offer.

Gazette: Halloween decorations greet visitors to Markshall EstateHalloween decorations greet visitors to Markshall Estate (Image: N/A)

Gazette: Ghosts haunting the Orchard Kitchen Garden at Markshall EstateGhosts haunting the Orchard Kitchen Garden at Markshall Estate (Image: N/A)

Decorations included bats and witches’ hats which hung over the Orchard Kitchen Café, as well as inflatable pumpkins to greet guests outside.

Ghastly ghosts were also hanging from trees to haunt guests in the gardens.

Gazette: Halloween decorations in the Orchard Kitchen CafeHalloween decorations in the Orchard Kitchen Cafe (Image: N/A)

Gazette: Spooky bats watched over guests at Markshall Spooky bats watched over guests at Markshall (Image: N/A)

Events on offer included the estate’s seasonal Great Big Pumpkin Hunt which ran all of last week, and saw many families searching the grounds for wooden pumpkins hidden among the natural autumn colour.

A series of other events included not-so-scary spooky stories for kids, which took families on a tour past spooky sites before hearing tales around the Wild Wood’s firepit, as well as dark and twisted tales for adults to excited older guests.

Gazette: Elsie Garrett dressed for the occasionElsie Garrett dressed for the occasion (Image: N/A)

Gazette: Lola and Pippa on the pumpkin trailLola and Pippa on the pumpkin trail (Image: N/A)

Markshall general manager Dave Finkle said: “We had fantastic week at Markshall, little monsters were running everywhere.

“You could see the smiles and hear the shrieks all around you. It was great to see so many adults dressing up too.

“That’s what makes Markshall, it’s a place where you can escape to and make memories.”

Gazette: Pippa and Lola enjoying Halloween at MarkshallPippa and Lola enjoying Halloween at Markshall (Image: N/A)

The attraction also has a variety of events coming up to end out the year.

Mr Finkle added: “Coming up for the festive season we have something for everyone.

“From the indoor Aladdin Pantomime to Three Course Christmas Dinners and Afternoon Teas. But I’m delighted to announce on December 3 and 4 we have our Christmas Market which includes free entry to the arboretum and gardens.

“We thought it would be a nice little way to thank the community for all the support the charity has received this year.”

For more information on upcoming events, visit markshall.org.uk/whatson.