Haunted places to stay
How would you feel about staying in a haunted house for the night? Feeling brave? In preparation for Halloween Enjoy England have pulled together some ideas for you. All the stories you are about to read have been validated by the hotel owners themselves. So if it's things that go bump in the night you're after this Halloween you've come to the right place!
East Midlands
Built in the 1600's The Hind in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire has been refurbished offering quality accommodation, restaurant and a bar. Apparently at around 11pm if the lights are off in the restaurant a small child can be heard crying.
England's Northwest
A gentle, friendly female ghost has been seen at the Mill Hotel in Leyland, Preston. Ask for more details about the rooms and other areas of the building where she has been spotted on arrival at the hotel.
Heart of England
3 different people have given the same description of a ghost at Willows Bucknell, a four star B&B in the peaceful village of Craven Arms in Shropshire. The ghost, an old man with a moustache in Victorian clothes, haunts the upstairs landing.
If it's something more sinister you are searching for then try The Prince Rupert Hotel in Shrewsbury, also in Shropshire. Apparently a woman has often been seen hanging in room six. There are also reports of objects being moved around the room within the suites of the mansion house.
North East England
A grey lady haunts one of the turrets in the library at Walworth Castle in Darlington, Northumbria. Many years ago a rich lady who owned the castle became pregnant with the stable boy and disgraced her family. She was locked up in the castle turrets and now haunts the library and room 16.
There are a couple of ghosts at the Warkworth House Hotel, also in Northumbria. Apparently a butcher has roamed the top floor from the time of WWII when the house was commandeered by the army as barracks and officers mess, and a ghostly lady has also been seen sitting at the bar.
South East England
If you're feeling really brave head for Langsmead House, a four star B&B in Thame, Oxfordshire where signs of a male spirit - heavy footsteps and clearing of throat - are often heard. Some visitors have also reported a figure dressed as an army officer standing right next to their bed!
South West
Legend has it that a curse was laid on the Popham family - male heirs would die out - at Hunstrete House, a country house hotel near Bristol. True or false, this happened and Hunstrete twice passed to nephews through the female line. In one of the bedrooms a presence has been felt and objects rearranged.
There have been occasional sightings of a strange woman on the landing at Cardynham Guest House in Stroud, Gloucestershire. She has also been spotted and photographed in one of the rooms.
Yorkshire
For a slice of mythical history try Whitby. Rent a quality apartment through Whitby Cottages, which sleeps up to 6 people and has stunning views over the river Esk, Endeavour Dock and upper harbour. This town has Dracula, Bram Stoker and gothic connections.
Haunting breaks around England
Take a trip to the dark side, fully equipped with EMF meters, infra-red thermometers, dowsing rods, crystals and other facilities to evoke the paranormal.
These are all offered on a one- or two-night Haunting Break at a range of venues in England, including the Bestwood Lodge, Nottingham, The Bear at Radborough in the Cotswolds and Down Hall, Hertfordshire.
Professional staff at the venues are on hand to give practical advice on dowsing, table-tipping and much more, and the two-night events also include guided tours and visits to places of historical interest in the locality.
Visit www.hauntingbreaks.co.uk for more information.
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