A new Scary Maze has been unveiled for a family Halloween festival.

The maze at the Muncaster Castle Family Halloween Festival will be manned by 'monsters' and promises to offer some 'delightful frights' to visitors.

The maze replaces the MeadowVole Maze, which was removed in January this year to make way for the castle's new attraction, the Medieval Weapon’s Hall.

Ewan Frost-Pennington from the castle said: "We know visitors loved the old maze especially when it took on its scary air during Halloween.

"So, we’ve pulled out all the stops for its return this Halloween to make sure it’s an even bigger hit with our visitors.

"It’s also here to stay so will be available as an attraction after Halloween."

Muncaster Castle lit up for Halloween, creating a spooky atmosphereMuncaster Castle lit up for Halloween, creating a spooky atmosphere (Image: Supplied)

The maze will be a central part of the Halloween festival, which runs every day from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3, from 10.30am to 8pm.

It will also feature in the Scarecaster event, which occurs on October 31, November 1, and November 2.

The 'haunted' Cumbrian Castle will adjust the scare factor throughout the day during the Halloween festival to cater to all ages.

From 10.30am to 2pm, the maze will operate as The Spooky Maze, designed for youngsters to enjoy some gentle, family-friendly surprises.

It then transforms into the Scary Maze between 2.30pm and 7.30pm throughout the festival, with 'monsters' ensuring no one leaves without a fright.

The scare factor will reach its peak during the evenings of Scarecaster, an event for those aged 16 and over, from 8.15pm onwards.

The new maze is one of several new developments for this year’s Halloween festival, which will also see a Muncaster Express Ghost Train transport visitors to the haunted castle for the first time.

The Muncaster Express Ghost Train set to run for Halloween festivalThe Muncaster Express Ghost Train set to run for the Halloween festival (Image: Supplied)

The Muncaster Express, running to Ravenglass via Carlisle and the Cumbrian coast, promises a 'spine-tingling' family-friendly journey with onboard characters to bring the spirit of Halloween alive.

The first Muncaster Express will run on Tuesday, October 29.

Other new developments include Muncaster’s Pumpkin Patch, a Halloween scarecrow competition, a Vampire Parade, a family-friendly scare show called 'Dracula', and taster sessions in archery, axe-throwing, and crossbow skills with a Halloween twist.

Pumpkins ready for picking in the patchPumpkins ready for picking in the patch (Image: Supplied)

Mr Frost-Pennington said: "Muncaster is already a huge part of many families’ Halloween tradition and these new developments will add to that.

"We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our Halloween festival and give them a sensational and spine-tingling experience."

There is also the All Owls Eve nightly display at 7pm, featuring birds from the Hawk and Owl Centre, where visitors will be enchanted by the 'mystical world of owls', orchestral music, and a light show.

For more details on Muncaster Express tickets and full information on the Halloween Family Festival, visit westcoastrailways.co.uk/the-muncaster-express/details and muncaster.co.uk/halloween