Hitchin's spooky event - A Nightmare at The Priory - is now open to those wanting a fright as we approach Halloween, but what did we think of the scare attraction?

"As darkness falls, the terror rises" reads the website describing A Nightmare at The Priory's Twilight sessions.

From October 21 to October 31, visitors to Hitchin can enjoy a spooky experience at the historic Priory Hotel.

The spooky exterior of The Priory Hotel.The spooky exterior of The Priory Hotel. (Image: Huw Richards) The scare attraction features two slots an afternoon, kid-friendly session between 4pm  to 6pm and a 14+ (adults only) evening session running from 7pm  to 10pm. 

A scare experience, axe-throwing and pumpkin carving are just a few activities on offer and our reporter Huw Richards brought a spare pair of underwear.

Nervous laughter ensued.Nervous laughter ensued. (Image: Huw Richards)

Review:

A spooky ambiance awaited me as I entered the grandeur of Hitchin Priory Hotel. Skeletons and mummies hanging from trees and anti-social live actors all added to a feeling of unease as you queued for the scare experience.

Around 20 minutes went by and I was ready to be frightened. With visits to Alton Towers' Scarefest and Thorpe Park's Fright Night vivid in my memory, I made the smart decision to bring a friend with me (I did not hold their hand throughout).

All the rooms in the hotel had been transformed as we were lead by various actors around the site. 

An initial rules and regulations talk from a concierge was swiftly concluded as he was taken away by a rabid human. 

Unfortunately, the shocking jump scare was quelled by the now dead concierge bellowing a post-mortem screech when he was accidentally stepped on by a fellow visitor.

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A story, which was hard to follow at times, quickly developed, with a glamorous drag queen, sleepwalking mistress and gambling ghoul all making an appearance.

There was good interaction between attendees and actors including jewellery and items to pass from one actor to another. 

At one point a wedding occurred, where one unlucky visitor had to dance with the ghoulish groom.

The mayhem ended with a visit to the doctors - who was killed by his own patient in a dramatic conclusion.

The festival area in the grounds of the hotel.The festival area in the grounds of the hotel. (Image: Huw Richards) We were then led out to the "festival area" - a large open space in the grounds - which was home to live music, some funfair minigames and food trucks.

I opted for the pizza van that cooked up a good pepperoni pie and provided excellent customer service - I even got a behind the scenes look.

Once the food had settled, I tried my hand at axe-throwing. Although difficult at first, I eventually got the technique and hit the bullseye. The same cannot be said for my attempt at shooting targets however.

I hit the bullseye - or close enough.I hit the bullseye - or close enough. (Image: Huw Richards)

Conclusion:

A Nightmare at The Priory has boundless potential, with a historic hotel venue and outdoor space to utilise I could imagine it becoming very busy on a Friday or Saturday.

On this chilly Monday evening it was still enjoyable, apart from the interesting karaoke that was performed instead of the live music for 30 minutes.

With some fun mini games and a chaotic scare experience it is a good opportunity to take a date or mate if you are looking for a spook and some good grub.

I would argue however, it was lacking in "spine-tingling thrills" and "supernatural chills" as promised by the website.

Huw Richards met the chef's at The Pizza Truck.Huw Richards met the chef's at The Pizza Truck. (Image: Huw Richards)