Behind the Scenes: Halloween Tours

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is opening its archive strongrooms for a couple of Halloween tours on Friday 30 October, and it's a bit different from your usual day at the museum. Instead of the galleries, you're going behind the scenes into the strongrooms where the guides trade in tales of murder and witchcraft, and then you'll be led down into the medieval undercroft. If you've spent any time at the Herbert, you know the undercroft is one of the creepier spots in the building, so it fits the mood.

There are two sessions to choose from: 11.00am to 12.00pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm, both on the same day, so you can pick whichever fits your Friday better. It's an hour each time, and the strongrooms are usually off-limits, so it's one of those rare chances to see where the museum's collections are actually kept rather than just what's on display. The stories of murder and witchcraft are the main draw here, and they're told as you go through the archives.

One thing to keep in mind is that spaces are limited and they're allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's worth getting in early if you're keen. You'll need to book in advance through the archives team, and there are no refunds for cancellations, so make sure the date works for you before you commit. Children are welcome, though it's up to parents and guardians to decide if the spooky stories and the undercroft are right for them.

Tickets are £7.50 for general admission and £5 for concessions, which cover seniors, students and carers. The Herbert is at Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP, and the tours run on Friday 30 October from 11.00am to 12.00pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm.