The Isle of Wight's Yarmouth Castle is one of an 'unlucky' 13 historic sites opening to trick or treaters, between October 28 and 31.

English Heritage, which runs it, says those who dare can knock on the door outside of its normal opening times, in return for a treat.

Scroll down for times and dates...

While stocks last, they will be giving away a Soul Cake, the likes of which date to medieval times and were made to celebrate and commemorate the dead.

Read more: What's going on this Halloween on the Isle of Wight?

What is the tradition behind Halloween?

Believed to be a precursor to modern trick or treating, going 'souling' took place around what we now know as Halloween and All Souls' Day, in the medieval era.

Residents would go from door to door, singing and saying prayers for the souls of the treat givers and their friends, as well as deceased relatives.

In return, they would receive a Soul Cake, or soulmass-cake, which was a bit like a biscuit and was made with oats, as well as spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. Raisins or currants would also have been included.

Dr Michael Carter, senior properties historian at English Heritage, said: "We know the tradition of Soul Cakes in the British Isles is very old.

"Even in 1511 it is said, ‘we read in old time good people would on All Halloween Day bake bread and deal it for all Christian souls.’

"This tradition had great religious significance and All Souls’ Day was one of the great holy days of medieval Europe."

Some believe Halloween has its origin in a pre-Christian festival that marked the start of winter, when people believed the boundary between the worlds of living and dead became blurred and the souls of the dead were said to revisit their homes.

The tradition was absorbed with All Saints Day, on November 1, dedicated to honouring all saints and martyrs. It was also known as All-Hallows and then All-Hallows Eve. November 2 was All Souls’ Day, to honour the dead, involving bonfires, parades and dressing up in costume.

When can I got trick or treating at Yarmouth Castle on the Isle of Wight?

Fearless Islanders can knock on the door of Yarmouth Castle between 5pm and 6pm on October 28 and 29 and between 4pm and 5pm on October 30 and 31!