Things that go bump in the forest

Facing up to the challenge of entertaining youngsters, teenagers and adults alike, the New Forest Activities Booking Centre (NFABC) is offering haunted Halloween activities with a difference this year

It's that time of year again when youngsters' thoughts turn to the annual trick or treating and parents look to find a fun alternative to a long evening of walking the streets.

Located on Beaulieu High Street, the NFABC has a selection of spooky happenings this half-term week, from twilight Halloween river tours along the Beaulieu River to ghost and ghoul themed laser combat games.
The NFABC's popular activity Battlefield LIVE, where teams are provided with laser guns as they compete against each other, has been given a Halloween makeover, with scary scenarios to spook even the bravest of Dads.
If you've ever wondered what lurks in the Beaulieu River at night, the NFABC's Halloween river tour is the way to find out.

The evening will start with a drink of blood, cleverly disguised as mulled wine and blackcurrant. You'll then be summoned by your ghoulish guide and led down to the river where you'll board your canoe and head out onto the dark and eerie Beaulieu River.

The journey will lead you passed abandoned sheds and up creepy creeks, with surprise encounters with ghost, ghouls and other spooky characters along the way.

The NFABC's director Sam Sutton said: "We're really excited to see people's reactions when they venture out on a Halloween river tour - it's actually like being part of your very own horror film.

"As well as the family favourites, this year we've added ‘adults only' activities so we could go all out with the spooks... we challenge you not to jump!"

Activity details and times:

Battlefield LIVE - Battle of the Dead! - Laser combat games with a spooky twist! Dress up in your scariest attire and battle it out with your family or friends. October half-term Monday-Sunday, 13.00-15.00. Suitable for 8 years +.

Battlefield LIVE - Night of the Living Dead *Adults Only* - Laser combat games with a spooky twist! Dress up in your scariest attire and battle it out with friends or work colleagues. *Adults Only Battlefield LIVE* 29th and 30th October 16.00 - 18.00.

Spooky Halloween River Tour - Come and join in if you dare! The river tour takes you on a canoe ride along the Beaulieu River with spooks along the way. The tour runs throughout half term week, Monday - Friday 18.00 - 20.00. Suitable for all those brave enough...

Spooky Halloween river tour *Adults Only* - The Spooky Halloween River Tour is a canoe ride where you'll venture deep into the darkness of the Beaulieu River, it's scarier than you could ever imagine! 29th and 30th October 18.00 - 20.00. Suitable for adults only.

The NFABC is open all year around and has a growing catalogue of activities which includes Canoeing, Kayaking, Archery, Walking, Cycling and Battlefield LIVE.

Located on Beaulieu High Street, the Centre is fast becoming the one-stop shop for activity days and attraction tickets in the New Forest.

To book an activity call 01590 612377 or for more information visit www.newforestactivities.co.uk/