7 Halloween hideaways
Halton Gill Cottage near Litton Yorkshire
It’s far from a haunted hamlet, nevertheless, filmmakers looking for a remote landscape settled on Halton Gill when adapting the classic ghost story Woman in Black for the cinema.
The scenic, timeless setting of Halton Gill was dressed and made up to appear as the spooky village of Crythin Gifford in the film. Thankfully, the chances of meeting a haunted Daniel Radcliffe are slim, so you can enjoy the comfort of your accommodation along with the lovely, scenic location in the Yorkshire Dales.
The Towers, Llanfairfechan, County Conwy
A grand Gothic chateau in the Welsh countryside may sound like the setting of a classic ghost story, but the warm welcome and complete comfort offered by The Tower will soon put all holiday horrors to bed.
Perfect for a large gathering of friends and family, this sleeps 20 property boasts a grand dining room, library and drawing room. There’s also a cinema screen in the living room – perfect for spooky films as the witching season approaches!
Bram’s View, Whitby, Yorkshire
This cosy apartment on Whitby’s West Cliff may seem unassuming, but step inside and you will find yourself in an iconic setting with an incredible connection to Halloween history. It was here in the late 19th century that Bram Stoker stayed when he dreamt up the classic chiller Count Dracula.
With amazing sea views and fantastic attractions in the surrounding area, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter any holiday horrors, but maybe you’ll feel suitably inspired to create your own literary classic? There’s a writing desk in the property, just in case.
Bramble Lodge, Fort Augustus, Scotland
Explore myths and monsters at this property close to Loch Ness. Though mentions of a creature in the loch can be traced to 565AD, it was only in the 1930s that ‘Nessie’ became an icon and spotting the monster became a popular pastime.
You can arrange to go out on the water to go monster hunting, or just take a tranquil jaunt over the waters to admire the beauty of Urquhart Castle. How much you invest in a Halloween hideaway at Bramble Lodge is entirely up to you. With so much comfort, you could just cosy up in your lodge and enjoy your stunning surrounds.
Keeper’s House, Leeds Castle Holiday Cottages, Kent
The ‘loveliest castle in the world’ doesn’t sound like a terrifying prospect, and in truth a stay at Leeds Castle’s cottages offers far more comfort than chills, but within its incredibly rich history is a tale of a haunted hound that wanders the castle’s grounds.
Keeper’s House is a wonderfully welcoming, large property that sleeps 10. Guests get free access to the castle and surrounds, so you can explore the history and legends for yourself. Though, since this wonderful property doesn’t accept dogs, perhaps we’ve answered why the legendary black hound is so unhappy!
Pendle View near Clitheroe, Lancashire
Home to the infamous Lancashire witch trials, and various strange occurrences over the years, the scenic setting of Pendle Hill provides the perfect backdrop for a brilliant break, at Halloween or any other time of year.
Relax in your beamed property and enjoy exploring your surroundings. The Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland AONB are true hidden holiday gems with amazing walks and great pubs. You can also reach the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North West coast in under an hour by car, so there really are no tricks, only treats!
Lendal Tower, York
One of the UK’s most historic cities, it’s perhaps not surprising that York is also renowned for being one of its most haunted. Take a ghost walk after dark and hear terrible tales of historic horrors that occurred within the city’s walls.
Thankfully, there’s nothing terrifying about a stay at Lendal Tower, one of the city’s most ancient and iconic buildings. A stunning 700-year-old Ancient Scheduled Monument, there’s as much comfort as there is colour within its sturdy walls. Sleep in four-poster beds and take a spiral staircase to the roof terrace, where grand views of the city’s skyline await.
