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Forget the deranged cannibal chasing you down a dark alley clutching a satanic doll, the most genuinely shocking thing about Shocktober Fest is the high production values.

Most of us have tried something like this before – an experience where real life actors jump out and try and scare you. And we know they have varying degrees of success – from the sublime to the literally ridiculous.

My first experience was when I was a kid at the local fair. On the Ghost Train a fella's hand used to come out and pinch one of you – which was fine until Beanhead (not his real name) grabbed it and he fell over, taking a curtain with him.

READ MORE: Don't get spooked this Halloween as interactive map shows who's taking part in your area

The sight of a mildly embarrassed Carny shaking his good fist at us as we disappeared around a corner will live long in the memory. Anyway, I digress.

Shocktober Fest in Tulleys Farm is a national treasure and seems to get better with each one of its 26 years. These are well-thought out immersive experiences where you queue like a theme park ride ride and walk around brilliantly set out landscapes waiting for the scares.

And, by God, do they come.

There's the Chop Shop, where you're chased around a garage by deranged HillBillies Billy-Bob, Billy-Joe and Billy-Ray – complete with chainsaws – all the way to the Penitentiary where you try and survive a full-on prison riot.

In the Village of the Coven 13, witches stalk you as you make your way through a neon maze and old favourites like The Cellar (think Fritzl, but with more zombies) and the classic Creepy Cottage where you get the most impressive acrobatic trick of all the cast.

The crowd favourite seems to be the Haunted Hayride where you jump on the back of a tractor trailer and get led through a spooky Horrorwood Studios full of vampires, inbreds, lusty nuns and Victorian hypnotists.

And no, it doesn't sound like a night out in Chatham.

Doom Town takes the Stranger Things 1980s theme and runs with it – well, you run* through haunted video stores and scenes right out of Friday the 13th.

*No running please.

But for me the most scary/thrilling was Hell-Ements, where you're given a black hood to put on your head and you have to lead yourself through a maze trying to keep it all together. The best bit is at the end when you have to take the hood off.

In all there's 10 experiences to choose from, plus street theatre, live music and wandering bandits with a quip or two to put you down in front of your friends.

There's also a hog roast.

Europe's largest scream park has dazzling special effects and is a truly immersive experience where you simply don't know what's coming next.

But more than that, it's genuinely well done.

Even if you don't get scared easily you'll still admire the set design, the imagination and sheer enjoyment the actors have in their roles.

You'll certainly get something out of it and not even Beanhead (not his real name) could ruin it.

The facts you need…

Where: Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex
Nearest station: Three Bridges (30mins from London Bridge/London Victoria)

When: Selected dated from 20/09/22-05/11/21
Park opening times: 5-6pm (Night dependant) with attractions opening at 6.30pm

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Of course when there's a particularly spectacular spot, it instantly becomes a hit with the Insta crowd.

The Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Bali is one of those places; influencers stand between the two stone structures dubbed the 'Gate of Heaven', posing while looking out across the horizon, their reflection visible on the crystal lake waters behind them.

There's just one catch; the lake doesn't actually exist.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur with its beautiful vistas and intricately carved stones is real, but there isn't a lake to be found near the structure.

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Instead, photographers achieve the effect by holding mirrors under the camera lenses and phones as they take the shot, or use nifty editing tricks to make it seem like you are posing right by the lake.

It's become infamous amongst the Instagram crowd, but that doesn't stop people from still travelling there in the hope of getting that picture-perfect shot.

The result is that most tourists rock up expecting to be able to pose by the lake. Instead they find themselves having to queue up the large staircase, to then stand on cobbled ground, no lake in sight.

Oh, and speaking of the queues; some tourists have reported having to wait for a couple of hours just to go and see the Gates.

One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: "Beautiful temple, but the lines are long, BEWARE! We got there 30 min after it opened, and we were still #112 in line!! This temple is about a 2.5 hr drive from Ubud and is known for having the gates of heaven. You can't enter past the stairs above this pic as it's only for religious practices, but you can walk around the non-restricted areas and take pics. To visit, you must wear a sarong and cover your shoulders.'

Another said: "Best place for photos! Although do note that there is a long queue for the photos most of the time. We had waited around 45 mins for the photo shoot. However you are free to walk around the area."

Because the location has become such a hotspot, other measures are in place to deal with the crowds.

On the temple's Tripadvisor reviews, people have reported having to pay an entry fee of 50,000 IDR (approximately £2.80).

You can find out more in the Pura Lempuyang Luhur Tripadvisor reviews.

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The post Bali temple is a huge Instagram hit but it’s actually a fake photo opp appeared first on My Travel Leader.

It's brilliant, fantastic – but why spend three months doing that when Blackpool offers so, so much else to do? I discovered just how much else when our family enjoyed an all too brief but packed mini break there.

In under three days I, my wife and our kids Kallum, 12, and Charlotte, eight, went to the top of the famous Tower, explored dungeons, marvelled at waxworks, saw a circus, rode a tram, visited an aquarium, went swimming and dropped in at a zoo.

We also ate out a lot – oh, and we went on nearly 30 funfair rides. And here's the thing – we didn't even scratch the surface.

But even if you're as busy as we were, you still need a good place to stay.

You're spoilt for choice here (Blackpool famously has more hotel rooms than the whole of Portugal) but the best in town is the Big Blue Hotel, which is simply superb family accommodation.

Aside from all the comforts you'd want – luxurious beds, wonderfully deep bath – the kids have their little alcove where each bunk bed has its own telly and there's even a PlayStation. They do a grand breakfast, too.

Big Blue guests even have their own gate into the Pleasure Beach, which really does have something for everyone.

Kallum and I loved the Big One – not as much as Mr Rodriguez, but probably more than the large gentleman squeezed into the seat behind us who, during one breakneck descent, screamed: "My bosoms are slapping my face!"

There are other thrills, too – Infusion, the only inverted rollercoaster suspended over water; Valhalla, a Viking-inspired log flume in the dark; and Avalanche, which literally comes off the rails to become a bobsled run.

But if you or your kids don't do white-knuckle, there's a gentle but cracking Wallace and Gromit ride which Charlotte loved.

From the Pleasure Beach (which has stood for 121 years) you can ride a tram (operating for 130 years) to the Blackpool Tower (open 123 years). But traditional doesn't mean it's stuck in the past.

The Tower has a fabulous 4D show, after which lifts take just over a minute to carry you to the top where there is a glass floor on which you can look between your feet to the golden sands 485ft below.

A sign says the glass is super-safe, being able to take the weight of six elephants – although the sign neglects to say how they got the elephants in the lift.

Just at the Tower there is a host of things to do. We loved being spooked by the hilarious Blackpool Tower Dungeons, in which actors take you on a scary but funfilled journey back into the area's murky past.

We also loved the circus, which includes a spectacular finale in which the ring fills with water. And then there's the ballroom – a magical place for Strictly fans who can dance in the arena from the BBC show.

All the Tower attractions are available on one ticket – which you can extend into a Blackpool Resort Pass which also gets you into the Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, the spectacular Sandcastle Waterpark and Blackpool Zoo.

Then there are the arcades, the shops, the shows, the theatres, the three piers, the casino, and seven miles of beautiful, golden sand.

Want somewhere to eat? Try the glorious glass-fronted Beach House Bistro with its wonderful sea views, or Las Iguanas, a Mexicanthemed restaurant where not only is the food sizzlingly hot but, so the female Taylor-Whiffens tell me, the waiters are too.

If seaside for you means fish and chips, you must eat at Harry Ramsden's, or if your tastes are more Mediterranean, there's an excellent Nando's, too.

You'll never get bored in Blackpool, for there is always something new and different to do. Unless you're Richard Rodriguez. But honestly, he doesn't know what he's missing.

FACT FILE

WHERE TO STAY: The Big Blue Hotel, Blackpool, costs from £29pp. Book online at bigbluehotel.com The Blackpool Resort Pass is available from £55 per person, saving up to £35, and allows one visit to six attractions over seven days.

Attractions include Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land, The Blackpool Tower Eye & 4D Experience, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Blackpool, and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

The Blackpool Resort Pass Plus for £80 includes entry to nine attractions including all of the above plus Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Zoo and the Blackpool Model Village & Garens.

To book see visitblackpool.com

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A study of 2,000 adults identified the adventures they’d most like to go on in the future, with climbing Ben Nevis (23 percent), walking the West Highland Way (17 percent) and swimming in Lake Windermere (14 percent) among the most popular.

Going on an "aquatic nature-trail" – also known as "coasteering" – along Giant’s Causeway is another excursion many (15 percent) hope to enjoy someday.

Other activities include surfing in Cornwall (13 percent), and canyoning in Perthshire (10 percent) – navigating down mountain streams using various techniques including abseiling and jumping.

The research was commissioned by HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, which has teamed up with renowned explorer Levison Wood to launch the brand-new Nokia T20 tablet and inspire the nation to embrace their sense of adventure.

Available with built in GPS, the new tablet might be useful for the 31 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds who admit they rely on smart devices to avoid getting lost.

Nearly three in ten (29 percent) confess they use such technology for everyday journeys like going to work or popping to the shops, and one in four (25 percent) have cut their travels short if their smart device’s battery was low or had died.

As a result, almost as many believe a smart device (26 percent) is essential for outdoor adventures as they do a change of clothes (29 percent) or the tools to start a fire (27 percent).

Levison Wood, author and photographer, said: “There’s a whole world out there ready and waiting for us all to experience. It’s great to see so many people have a sense of adventure with the desire to explore the great outdoors in all its glory.

“I appreciate that some adventures on our list of goals can be daunting, but with the right equipment and a bit of know-how, it’s easier to overcome challenges than you might expect.”

The study found a fifth (20 percent) of adults are keen to be more adventurous following the pandemic.

Furthermore, 74 percent of those polled want to explore "everything" the UK has to offer once things are completely back to normal.

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Around four in ten (39 percent) are eager to be more adventurous because they want to see and do new things, while a third (32 percent) want to try new activities to improve their health and fitness.

As such, 57 percent plan to try hiking in the future, 44 percent want to give backpacking a shot, and 39 percent are interested in trying endurance sports like orienteering.

Others want to have a go at scuba diving (24 percent), kayaking (21 percent), and mountaineering (20 percent) for the first time.

However, if they’re to try such activities, they might need to improve their sense of direction – as the typical adult gets lost twice per month.

Almost a quarter have lost their bearings in a car park (23 percent), 19 percent have suffered the same misfortune in a shopping centre, and 10 percent have struggled to find their way out of their own office.

Nevertheless, the typical adult thinks they could survive alone in the wild for six days, according to the study via OnePoll.

This is despite only 36 percent having first aid skills, just 29 percent being able to build a shelter, and only 21 percent knowing how to catch a fish.

Juha Werkkala, senior product marketing manager at HMD Global, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Levison Wood to showcase the Nokia T20’s features, while exploring the great outdoors.

“What’s clear is that technology can play a vital role in giving people the confidence and comfort they need to fully embrace their adventurous side.”

ADVENTURES BRITS WANT TO TRY IN THE FUTURE:

1. Walk Hadrian's Wall
2. Explore the Isle of Wight
3. Explore Cheddar Gorge
4. Hike in Snowdonia National Park
5. Hike in the Yorkshire Dales
6. Walk the West Highland Way
7. Walk along Wye Valley
8. Walk the Great Glen Way
9. Coasteering Giant's Causway
10. Cycle around Isle of Skye
11. Climb Ben Nevis
12. Swimming in Lake Windermere
13. Backpacking in the Peak District
14. Surfing in Cornwall
15. Climb the Snowdon Horseshoe
16. Camp in Glen Coe
17. Rock climbing in the Lake District
18. Climb Pen y Fan
19. Coasteering in Anglesey
20. Canyoning in Perthshire

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A woman with bright red hair and a yellow bikini enthusiastically throws herself onto the wave machine in this hilarious clip.

Clad in skimpy swimwear she tries to tackle the powerful waves – but it doesn't end well.

Lying on her stomach, the young woman shoots down the fake wave before crashing into the safety matt at the bottom.

Undeterred by her setback she grabs hold of the board and attempts to push back into the gushing water.

But the powerful jets spin her around before pushing her – bottom up – into the side.

The fast-flowing water also causes her bikini to come loose and she has to adjust her swimwear several times.

However, the determined surfer gives it one more shot. Unfortunately her indoor surfing days come to an abrupt end as she is thrown over the top of the contraption and as a lifeguard comes to her rescue.

The funny fail has gone viral online since being uploaded to Youtube last week.

If adrenaline activities are your thing you might want to test out the world's highest waterslide.

Opened in July 2010, the Verruckt includes a near-vertical drop which is the equivalent of 17 storeys.

The knee-knocking attraction in Kansas City, USA, is the highest waterslide in the world, measuring a whopping 51.38 meters.

And in a death-defying video, two men throw themselves down it at a heart-thumping 70mph.

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Waterslides are fun, but this one might send you over the edge (literally).

The petrifying slide, onboard Norwegian Cruise Line's flagship vessel, Norwegian Escape, is called the Aqua Racer and it isn't for the faint-hearted.

The top of the spiralling slide features glowing sea creatures and the descend seems quite tame.

But just round the corner the slide becomes completely see-through – so it looks as if you're throwing yourself into the ocean from a great height.

Once the transparent section is over, adrenaline junkies are thrust down the sky-heigh slide at a rapid speed.

Inside the black tube the darkness is lit up by a triply LED light show.

White swirls turn into red circles and then purple checks as the rider plummets down the ride in this nail-biting clip.

He shoots through one last psychedelic section before plunging into the pool below.

On the site geekologie.com the riser said: "I did not like that clear section.

"That made me feel like I was going to die. You all know how I feel about the ocean (I don't like it). I also don't like falling.

"Or dying. And I DEFINITELY don't want to die with a pair of fake Adidas sandals in my hand like this poor bastard."

But if you're an adrenaline junkie this seems like the perfect attraction to get your daily rush.

And if this doesn't get your rilled up here are 10 of the scariest watersides in the world.

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The National Park Service and Defense Department’s Live Well Initiative are honoring these military families and their fallen loved ones with a lifelong gift: free admission to all national parks and many more of America’s federal recreation areas.

The Interagency Annual Military Pass was already available to active duty military members and their dependents. Last Veterans Day, the benefit was extended to veterans and Gold Star Families, indefinitely.

“With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting Veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter,” said then-Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

Know before you go: National park service rangers share insider tips, warnings

America’s most-visited national parks: Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon and more

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“We’re expecting this to be a busy summer season and busy 2021 as more Americans are out and about and ready to travel, ” said Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, chief spokesperson for the National Park Service. “A lot of the most famous destination national parks, the lodging, the campgrounds in and around those parks are already fully booked or nearly fully booked through Labor Day, so we want to make sure people are planning ahead before jumping in the car for a weekend road trip.”

America’s most-visited national parks: Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon and more

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‘Plan like a park ranger’ for national park trip

A new NPS campaign called “Plan Like a Park Ranger” aims to help visitors avoid unwelcome surprises and make the most of their trips with insider tips from park rangers themselves.

They include broad tips like “be patient with each other and with us.”

“Just like across the country, the hospitality industry and other businesses are still recovering; you may find some reduced or limited services in and around national parks,” Anzelmo-Sarles said. “It’s best to check park websites before visiting because, as we all know, COVID can be dynamic and so operations may evolve or change, depending on current COVID impacts in some communities.”

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“Based on guidance from local government and health officials, effective Saturday, May 15, face coverings for guests are no longer mandatory when outdoors at Universal Orlando,” Tom Schroder, a spokesperson for Universal told USA TODAY.

The Florida theme park’s announcement came one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new mask guidance for fully vaccinated people. Disney said just hours after the health agency’s new guidance was released that it would be considering changes to its mask requirement.

While face coverings will no longer be a requisite outdoors at Universal Orlando, visitors will still be expected to bring a face mask. 

“Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas,” Schroder continued. “Face coverings are also required at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience.”

Last week, Universal Orlando announced that its social-distancing requirement has been reduced from 6 feet to 3, which will remain intact, and that visitors will no longer have to undergo temperature checks before entering the park.

The loosening of mask requirements won’t be applied at Universal Studios Hollywood, according to Schroder, at least not yet.

“At Universal Studios Hollywood, we will continue to operate under existing, enhanced health and safety protocols based on local conditions and guidance from government and health officials,” Schroder said. “We will continue to review CDC guidelines and move forward in a way that is best for our guests, our team members and our business.”

Disney looking at mask requirement, theme park capacity: After CDC says no masks for fully vaccinated

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Universal Orlando visitors will no longer have to undergo temperature checks before entering the park and the social-distancing gap has been reduced from 6 feet to 3, Universal announced on its website.

“Still, most of our original safety protocols remain unchanged,” it said, “from wearing face coverings across our Resort to our ongoing dedication to cleanliness and sanitization.”

Disney World said it would begin phasing out temperature checks for visitors at all locations that currently require them starting May 16. Up until the announcement, visitors needed to have their temperature checked before entering the four theme parks, the Disney Springs retail and restaurants within the Walt Disney World Resort complex.

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