A Halloween Guide to Some of Britain’s Most Haunted Country Houses
As Halloween swiftly approaches, it feels like little time is left to prepare for the night itself; between choosing a costume, buying sweets for ‘trick or treaters’ and finding time for pumpkin carving, it is easy to forget what the period is really all about. Halloween's origins can be traced back to Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival. It was thought that on 1st November the souls of the dead returned to the land of the living. This is why, on Halloween night, people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits. In other words, it’s the season to celebrate being scared!
Of course, we can scour Netflix for the most terrifying films, visit a pumpkin patch, drink our Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, or even attend a scare experience. But is there really anything better than visiting a real haunted house? Here is a Halloween guide to a few of Britain’s most haunted Country Houses:
1. The Belvoir Witches
Starting off strong Belvoir Castle in Rutland, built by William the Conqueror’s standard bearer Robert de Todeni, serves as the perfect place to begin your HeritageXplore Halloween journey! In the 17th century, a local woman and her two daughters, having been suspected of witchcraft by many in the area, were fired from working in the castle. These women became known as the Belvoir Witches and the effects of a curse rumoured to have been placed on the castle were felt for years after their unfortunate dismissal.
2. Ghost Hunters at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has an equally haunting past. The house is so well known for its paranormal activity that on occasion ghost hunters have been invited to visit, promising for those of us who would like to catch sight of a real spectre! The Dean Jones Room in the house is perhaps the most renowned for this, the ghostly figure of the first Duke of Marlborough’s chaplain has been spotted on multiple occasions sitting in a chair and reading a Bible.
3. The Spectre of Newby Church
On a similar note, the Spectre of Newby Church can be found haunting the chapel in the grounds of Newby Hall, North Yorkshire. Perhaps the most terrifying ghost on the list, the spectre has been described as a 16th century monk cloaked in a white shroud. While some swear they have seen the monk others believe it to be a hoax, presenting the perfect opportunity for some serious ghost hunting!
4. Paul Whitehead's Heart
Lastly, the appropriately named Hellfire Caves, located in Buckinghamshire are the perfect place to round off your Halloween excursion. The caves are a man-made system of underground tunnels briefly used for chalk mining before being given over to Francis Dashwood, a cofounder of the Hellfire Club from which the caves get their name. The club were interested in all things scary and two ghosts in particular are associated with the caves, one being a barmaid from the Local George and the dragon pub and the other, a member of the club Paul Whitehead.
If you are feeling brave, you can visit the haunted Hellfire Caves this halloween for an exclusive VIP Tour and a 3 course meal!
Limited spaces, book your tickets now!
