Explore the UK’s spookiest attractions with easyJet this Halloween
As a country steeped in history, tradition, mysterious and often mystical tales of old, the UK is home to some of the greatest legends and spooky stories of ghostly apparitions.easyJet, Europe’s leading low-fares airline has discovered the most active ghostly dwellings in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and with the airline’s irresistibly low fares, only the fear of creaking corridors and ghastly groans can hold you back.
EDINBURGH / ABERDEEN
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle, with its many turrets, spires and secret chamber, with strong historical links with royalty and steeped in legend, is one of Scotland’s most impressive medieval castles. With its enchanting the mile-long driveway, flanked by rows of ancient trees (and in spring also by swathes of yellow and cream daffodils), the setting is truly magical.
Glamis House dates back to 1372 and is bursting with history and ghostly activities, once home to the HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and birthplace of her daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, Glamis is also home to the ghost of the 4th Earl of Crawford. The ghost of "Earl Beardie” haunts a room where he is believed to have lost his soul in a card game with the devil, and “Lady Grey” who was executed in 1557 for witchcraft, is said to come to the Chapel, kneels in prayer before the altar and then sits quietly in the back row.
Getting there
The Castle is open from March to December from 10am – 6pm, getting there is easiest by car from Aberdeen airport on the A90 for about 50 miles. From Edinburgh head for the M90 and then the A94, for 81 miles. Both airports are about an hour’s drive.
Guide books are available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Dutch.
LONDON
The London Ghost Walk
London is famous for its historic and in many cases dark past. Many of its buildings date back to the 1800s, and each has its own unique story to tell. One of the best ways to explore London’s darker side is to join one of the city’s guided walks. This unique tour uncovers the many horrors and reveals the stories behind the spirits that still walk the streets in search of answers to their unrest.
Every alleyway has a mystery to unfold, Richard Jones, author of the ‘Walking Haunted London’ book, is an expert in the capital’s dark past, he and his team of experts will take you through the streets of London uncovering the shocking events that have unfolded over the years. From Jack the Ripper to the 18th Century alley where Charles Dickens sited Scrooge's counting house in that most ghostly of ghostly tales A Christmas Carol.
A tour through the ages and graveyards known for their ghostly activity, such as St Michael’s Churchyard, just off Cornhill and a stop at the Bank of England, where it is said “The Veiled Lady” still searches for her long-dead brother. Whilst the building that has seen more paranormal activity in recent years than any other in the city of London, is the execution ground where Sir William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace, was executed.
Getting there
It is suggested that the walks are booked ahead of time by contacting www.london-ghost-tour.com. The tours are only in English at the moment and commence from the Bank Underground Station, Zone 1 of the Central Line. The tours start at 7pm and last for about an hour and a half, with a cost of £6.50 per person.
BRISTOL
Longleat House
Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain and is one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. Home to the 7th Marques of Bath (Alexander Thynn), and 79 different species of animals that live in the 900 acre safari park, Longleat House is renowned for its ghostly past, the most famous of which is Lady Louisa Carteret, wife of 2nd Viscount Weymouth and known as “The Grey Lady”, whose portrait hangs in the Lower Dining Room. Legend has it that she has been seen wandering the top floor of Longleat House supposedly searching for one of her footmen who worked in the house and had taken a fancy to her.
Getting there
Longleat is about 80 miles from Bristol International Airport and can be reached by car in an hour by train from Bristol. From the airport, you take the Flyer express coach service to Bristol Temple Meads (£7 return), then a train on to Warminster (£9.90 return). The Flyer departs from the airport every 15 minutes at peak times, and trains to Warminster run every half hour from Temple Meads during the day.
The house is open daily from 11am - 3pm and offers guided tours in French, German and Italian on request at www.longleat.co.uk.
The price is £6 per adult and £4 per child, with a family pass to the House, gardens and safari park for £20 adult and £16 per child.
BELFAST
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is an imposing fortress overlooking the town, that dates back to 1185. Once the centre of Anglo-Norman power in Ulster, this remarkably well-preserved early medieval castle has survived 750 years of continuous military occupation and is home to the ghost of maid “Helena Blunden”, who according to legend, one night tripped over a mop on the stairs, fell over the banister and to her death on the hard ground below. Her screams have been heard in the print shop that now occupies the mill. Her presence has also been felt in the elevator which was installed in 1912, the very year she died.
There is also a deep, dark well in the castle, around which the ghostly apparition of a soldier is said to appear. A tragic tale of love and betrayal, culminating in monumental miscarriage of justice is said to lie behind the haunting.
Located in the beautiful harbour of Carrickfergus, beside the Marina, this is a perfect stopping point when exploring this beautiful region of County Antrim.
Getting there
10 miles north of Belfast city centre on the M5 and well signposted to the sea front town of Carrickfergus. Admission is £3 per adult and £1.50 per child, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Castle is open, Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.
For more information please log onto haunted-britain.com.