5 Unforgettable Halloween Destinations in UK and Ireland

16 Oct 2015 by Olga Brighton

Travel Information

In the Northern hemisphere, autumn can be a quiet period for the travel industry. However, events like Halloween add a touch of excitement as themed-tourism becomes more popular with adventure seekers each year. Halloween can be the perfect time not only for treating yourself with scary sweets and fancy dress parties, but also a great excuse for exploring some new mysterious Halloween destinations. As its already on its way, we have come up with some of the best ideas on where to go. So let in the Halloween spirit and see which of these places will take your fancy. 

Dublin, Ireland

BramStokerFestival

As Dublin is considered to be the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, the city is transformed a gothic-inspired setting around Halloween in honour of the writer and his most famous horror story. Horror film screenings, gothic market fairs, Goths vs. Zombie dance-off, spooky make-up tutorials are just a part of the inspired programme of events which take place.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

In case you have never heard about Alnwick Castle, here is a little tip: Harry Potter. The castle is a real life Hogwarts and much of it is opened to the public. One section is still inhabited by the current Duke of Northumberland and his family. This Halloween destination can become your perfect choice if you are looking for a family-friendly atmosphere. While your kids are having fun on Broomstick training, you can take a guided tour of the Lost Cellars to discover some of the dark mysteries which quietly reside under the castle walls.

NB! Visit the castle between March to November 1st. To find out more about tickets and prices by visiting its official website.

Ballygally Castle, Ireland

ballygally

Only 26 miles from Belfast, on the tip of well-known Causeway Coastal Route, the beautiful Ballygally Castle dates back to the 17th century. Regardless of it being a stunning 4 star hotel, it is a reputedly one of the most haunted places throughout Ulster. As legend says, the friendly ghost of Lady Isabella still inhabits the tower. Especially for Halloween, Ballygally Castle offers an afternoon tea and invites everyone who dares to visit Lady Isabella’s room.

NB!  Ballygally Castle is the perfect place to enjoy the view of the popular Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast where Game of Thrones has been filmed!

Read also: 7 Castles You Can Actually Rent on Airbnb

Pluckley, England

Pluckley is considered by many as the most haunted village in the United Kingdom. Apart from being an amazingly picturesque village where you can simply enjoy the history and natural beauty, this village is notorious for its numerous ghost stories, including an old woman near Pinnock Bridge who appears in the mist, a carriage which may suddenly appear on the local roads, the Highway man who was killed and pinned to a tree by a sword, the screaming woods and many, many more. 

NB!  You can easily get there by car or train from Pluckley station and there is no admission fee as it’s a thriving country village.

London, England

dungeon

If you are still debating where to go on Halloween, you can always opt for London. When it comes to a good horror story, just think Jack the Ripper, or Sweeny Todd. There are lots of thrilling things to see and do in London during Halloween. Starting with the London Dungeons, an interactive museum and popular attraction, where you can take a horrifying tour of London’s ghoulish past, including Bloody Mary, the Killer Queen and Jack the Ripper; and finishing with a tour of Highgate Cemetery for some fine funerary architecture and famous residents such as Karl Marx. Visit the Tower of London, where King Henry VIII executed two of his wives to get the most out of your Halloween celebration.

NB!  Bear in mind that the London Dungeons are extremely busy during this time of year, so book in advance. To find out more about prices and tickets visit its official website. 

Halloween is a fun holiday, so try out something different and treat yourself with some thrilling travel adventure to make this October unforgettable!

Read also: Where to Go for Autumn Sun: Top 7 Destinations

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