With the days now darker and the winter drawing in, the spooky season is well and truly upon us.

From October 31, Hampton Court Palace opens its doors for evenings of spine-chilling stories and ghostly goings-on.

Ghost hunters and those who are willing to brave the darkness have the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of Henry VIII's palace and state apartments, along with the empty courtyards and eerie cloisters after dark.

The palace's very own state apartment warders will be on hand to tell some of the spookiest stories from half a millennium of history.

As part of the tour, participants will visit the spot where two bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the 1870s and hear the tale of the Tudor royal nurse whose spirit stalks her former apartments.

Wanderers will also be able to decide for themselves the origin of the mysterious figure caught on CCTV in the palace in the dead of night.

For those who are feeling extra daring, the Haunted Gallery, where ill-fated Catherine Howard was dragged away to her death, will also be open for people to explore.

Special family ghost tours will also take place on dates throughout November, giving daring youngsters the chance to experience some of the spooky going-on of the adult tours, but with the addition of ghostly animal stories about cats, hounds and spiders.

  • Ghost tours; Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Road, East Molesey; 7pm, dates throughout November to February, £27.50 adult, shorter family ghost tours also available on selected dates; call 0844 4827777.