Moors Valley illuminated Halloween trail had me jumping out of my skin

This year’s illuminated trail at Moors Valley had some spooky new features and brand new characters.

There are few places better suited to hosting an immersive Halloween trail than the dense and atmospheric landscape of the New Forest.

Having experienced last year’s event with my two boys, in my opinion this year’s was even more spectacular.

The route began with dramatic lighting illuminating the natural beauty of the Forest, and became more and more creepy as I continued on the path.

After being greeted by a very convincing Dracula, who told my children to stay close to the “tall ones” and not wander off the track, we went on to have all manner of supernatural encounters, each more thrilling than the last.

There were skeletons coming out of coffins, a spider tunnel, and hooded spirits in the first part of the trail, and the bloodcurdling screams, haunting moans and terrifying howls of warewolves drastically enhanced the feeling of unease. I’m not ashamed to say that some of the sounds made me jump out of my skin.

Those feeling a little chilly from all the spine-chilling fun could take a break halfway round to enjoy hot chocolate - a boozy one may be for the adults - and toasted marshmallows in chocolate, which my boys loved topping at the sprinkles station.

Feeling refreshed and ready for some more action, we continued on our way, meeting this year’s addition, a plague doctor, complete with a long, beak-like black mask.

This creepy apothecary, standing by her cabinet straining with glowing medicines, was frenziedly asking passing children if they had the bubonic plague, and there was much hilarity when one tot replied “yes, I have”.

We then entered another new feature of the trail, which for me was by far the most impressive. The monsters’ lair and possessed pumpkin farm were full of huge, luminescent spider webs, dry ice filled bubbles that the kids loved popping, and sinister scarecrows.

There was one real life scarecrow whose frantic and unsettling dancing left everyone feeling a little disturbed, but the kids were somewhat reassured by the friendly high fives between the outbursts.

Moors Valley, in collaboration with RG Live, did an incredible job of creating a spooky, but above all really fun trail that could be enjoyed by the whole family, even the smallest members.

The effects were magical, and my kids were awestruck by the additional sinister scenes at the end of the trail - in fact they were desperate to go round again.

This was a trail of unsettling sights and mysterious sounds at every turn, complete with magical light displays, enchanting special effects and the astounding beauty of the national park.

A wide range of food and drink was on offer before, after and throughout the trail, including seasonal Heaven & Hell burgers and a hearty winter carvery. Sweet treats included churros with various dips and Oreo Monster hot chocolate.

There was also a fully stocked bar aboard a vintage London bus for those fancying a mulled wine or refreshing pint.

The trail ran until Sunday 2nd November between 4pm and 9pm.