From Monday 25th - Sunday 31st October, the infamous Witch of Wildwood will be flying in on her broomstick for a spellbinding week of howl-oween half term fun at Wildwood Escot.

The Saxon Village at the wildlife park, based just outside Ottery St Mary near Exeter, will once again fall under the spell of the Witch, who may share some of her tricks with brave young witches and wizards.

The Saxon villagers will also be close by, telling tales of England’s distant Anglo-Saxon past, when Halloween was celebrated as Samhain - a traditional Pagan festival marking the changing seasons from summer to winter, light to dark.

As well as enjoying the company of the villagers, visitors will be able to spend time getting to know the park’s collection of amazing British wildlife past and present. From fearsome otters and the resident wolf pack, to ghostly arctic fox, Miska, Wildwood Escot packs all the treats and no tricks for adventurous explorers.

For those looking for something a little more hands on, there’ll be plenty of spooktacular craft activities with rune-carving, wand-making and pumpkin carving all on offer. Visitors can even indulge in some marshmallow toasting over the fire, while the Saxon Villagers regale how the Saxons and their animals prepared for and survived the harsh winter.

In Anglo-Saxon times, October, known as Winterfylleth, marked the beginning of winter with “fylleth” referring to the full moon. In celebration of Winterfylleth, the brave villagers of Westencyn will also be demonstrating a range of medieval costumes, craft and culture (23rd and 24th October only).

Visitors can learn how the Saxons' ancestors survived and thrived, how they clothed themselves and how they lived off the land by foraging and gardening. There’ll even be a visit from a mostly friendly Viking war party who’ll be showing off their weapons and fighting skills in the village arena.

Wildwood Escot’s howl-oween half term spooktacular will run from Monday 25th October - Sunday 31st October and will raise funds for the British wildlife charity’s vital conservation work.

Fly to www.devon.wildwoodtrust.org to book a slot at Devon’s wildest day out.

Sidmouth Herald: Halloween SquirrelHalloween Squirrel (Image: Wildwood Escot)