I’ll be honest from the start. I don’t like being scared.

I’ve always shied away from horror movies, and don’t really relish being in the house on my own at night.

But after a couple of hours spent screaming, whooping and laughing my way around this year’s Broadwitch Hauntfest, I’m beginning to see the appeal.

For much of the year, Broadditch Farm, in New Barn Road, Southfleet, grows wheat, oilseed rape, potatoes, vegetables, spring barley, beans and grass across its 500 acres.

Its farm shop sells much of its produce, as well from other local producers. There are family events at Easter and Christmas, and woodland trails in the summer, but for Halloween, a more sinister atmosphere takes over.

The award-winning, ever-improving attraction is now a regular in many a diary, for a fun night out with the scare factor.

There are five attractions. The corn maze is bigger than in previous years, and the Spooky Castle will still have you wandering around waiting to discover if the scary-looking character in the corner is a model, or about to jump out at you.

It’s hard to review these kinds of things without giving away the thrill of surprise, but a mixture of sights, sounds and even smells will have your heart racing, your palms sweating and your nostrils flinching.

A cast of superb – and painstakingly made-up – actors again add to the spectacle, pleading for help, jumping out from the most unexpected of places and occasionally shooting at your feet (albeit with fake guns).

And there is one illusion that will have your head spinning as you try to walk in a straight line but are convinced you are in a giant, psychedelic tumble dryer.

I almost fell over – twice – and had to resort to closing my eyes and holding on to the person in front of me so I could get out.

Your senses will be assaulted in all manner of ways, but knowing the actors can’t touch you, and you can’t touch them, might just give you the safety blanket to encourage you to take the plunge.

For those who want the thrill without the horror, then take the children to the daytime hauntings. The attractions are fun and quirky rather than pulse-raising, but you get a taste of Halloween.

New for this year is the Boo Bungalow, and you pay as you go on each of the attractions, making it affordable for families.

Daytime and evening haunts are open at varying times until October 31. For times and prices, visit broadwitchhauntfest.co.uk

If you have not been before, try it. If you have, go again. You won’t be disappointed.