Come late autumn there’s a chill in the air across the country. But sometimes it’s not just the weather…prepare, if you dare, to discover the chilling reality of ghostly goings on with our guide to some of the UK’s best ghost walks.
The UK’s best ghost walks – are you brave enough?
Britain is home to some truly haunting places - from creaky old castles and spooky stately homes to ghoulish graveyards and eerie alleyways. Even if you’re a die-hard spirit sceptic, there’s no denying the fascination these atmospheric locations (and the horrid histories they’re home to) can hold.
With Halloween nearly upon us we thought it would be a good time to point a bony finger towards some of the UK’s best ghost walks. And remember too that if you want to stock up on Halloween goodies look no further than your nearest Co-operative Food store for spooky treats and devilish deals.
York
York claims to be Europe’s most haunted city. With a long and rich history featuring Romans, Vikings, Celts, bloody battles between Britain’s royal dynasties and the odd massacre, there’s plenty of potential for paranormal goings on. There are two regular walks well worth checking out.
The York Shambles Ghost Hunt
Setting off from the bottom of the Shambles – York’s world-famous quarter of winding medieval streets – this family friendly walking tour takes around an hour and a half. Led by a top-hatted Victorian guide ringing his bell, you’ll be treated to some fascinating tales at various haunted locations around York’s ‘darker side’ - some horrific, some hilarious. Suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
www.ghosthunt.co.uk
The Ghost Trail of York
Starting beside famous York Minster, this 70-minute long ‘spookathon’ has been making hairs stand up on people’s necks for over 18 years. Mixing historical horrors with tales of more modern day terror, the award-winning tour takes you to some of the most haunted spots in the city and really captures what life was like in the years gone by. Suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
www.ghosttrail.co.uk
Edinburgh
As you might expect from a city at the heart of Britain’s bloody history of wars, plagues and religious strife, Edinburgh is also a place full of eerie experiences and ghost-sightings. Here’s are a couple of highly recommended and well-established walks to help you get closer to Auld Reekie’s spookier side. You could also combine ghostly goings on with some light-hearted entertainment if you visit during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies a dark secret – Mary King’s Close. This warren of 17th century streets and dwelling places lies frozen in time after the City Chambers were built on top of it. Discover the history of the people who once lived, walked, worked and died in and around ‘the close’ – as told by characters from the time. The tour lasts an hour and takes you round original 17th century stepped surfaces, so please wear sturdy footwear. Please note: no wheelchair or buggy access. Not suitable for children under five years old.
www.realmarykingsclose.com
The Mercat Ghost Tours
Offering a range of ghost tours around Edinburgh’s most haunted hideaways, Mercat Tours is the only company with a 5-star scare rating from The Scottish Tourist Board! From graveyard visits to terrifying trips to Edinburgh’s truly unnerving underground vaults, Mercat’s experienced guides are experts in bringing together the best in history and horror. All available tours last at least an hour. They’re family-friendly but not suitable for children under five. www.mercattours.com
Chester
With its tight network of narrow alleyways and streets plus an abundance of cellars and crypts, historic Chester is home to countless ghost sightings.
Haunted Chester Tour
The Haunted Chester Tour is your chance to tour the ancient walled city after dark and explore its mysterious and murky past. The tour sets off from The Town Hall and takes you round various haunted hang-outs while you’re subjected to a mix of scary and fun tales of things that go bump in the night. Children welcome. Please note, the tour involves some steps and steep inclines.
www.hauntedchester.com
Oxford
Oxford Castle Unlocked
Oxford Castle, which served as a prison from 1071 right up to 1996, is full of tales of violence, executions, great escapes and betrayals. Discover more about its sometimes horrifying history including plague victims, a castle curse and a debtor’s jail, on one of the tours available daily. The castle also plays host to a month-long Ghostfest throughout October including an opportunity to take part in a real life nighttime ghost hunt…if you’re feeling particularly brave. Daily tours are family friendly.
www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk
London
One thing London is not short of is history – and much of it from years gone by was tragic, violent, and downright sinister.
London Ghost Walks
The team at London Ghost Walks are ready to bring it to life for you with a full calendar of weekly walks (Monday to Friday) throughout the year. From the old city to the east end, from the west end to city cemeteries, the experienced guides will chill you to the core with hair-raising tales of dastardly doings from beyond the grave. You can even book a private group walk for a special event or private party.
www.londonghostwalks.com
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Guide to essential walking equipment
Wildlife walks in the UK
Family walks with a difference
Take a walk for charity
Irish walking holidays
Top 5 English pub walks