I

n 2,000 years so many people have endured bizarre deaths within York’s ancient walls it’s no wonder some have chosen to stick around.

The Original Ghost Walk of York is a guided tour giving visitors a mere slither of the spectral experience on offer in England’s most haunted of cities, and is a great way to start a haunting winter night. Tour guide Mark Graham starts at the King’s Arms pub and follows the River Ouse, home to many a skullduggerous drowning.

At the York Castle Museum - the city’s gallows, stocks and cells - ghostly children have been heard shrieking, some loud enough to freak out even the hardened film crew on Derek Acorah’s Ghost Towns TV show in 2006. Or perhaps the Canadian Airman who fell out of the Golden Fleece hotel and broke his neck will drag his shadow next to yours?

For non-believers, it’s a chance to see the city transformed by an enthusiastic, knowledgable guide, who gives the buildings a life and history one would otherwise miss. And for those who want to see a real ghost, try and catch a glimpse of the white-faced, mad-laughing lady of Barley Hall before she spots you...