GHOSTS, GHOULS AND ZOMBIES: HALLOWEEN HIGHLIGHTS IN WALES AND ENGLAND

Intrepid ghost hunters will find many opportunities to seek out ghouls and experience the dark side of many of Britain’s historic and reputedly haunted properties this Halloween.

Historic house Llancaiach Fawr Manor in South Wales starts its Ghost Tour Season in October (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until March) featuring candlelight tours of the haunted house with stories of ghostly experiences from former residents who take visitors back to life in the year 1645, during the English Civil War. (Adults only, £7.50, tel: 01443 412248).
Website: http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/visiting/museums/llancaiachfawrmanor.htm

Many of Britain’s National Trust historic houses are inviting visitors to search for their resident ghosts with events centred around Halloween including:

18th century Saltram House in Devon holds a Terrifying Tree Trail, Spooky Stories and Fancy Dress with Halloween supper (Oct. 31, adults £4, tel: 01752 333500)

Ham House in Surrey is reputedly haunted by the Duchess of Lauderdale – torch lit tours search for her unquiet spirit with canapés and wine in the 17th century Orangery (Adults only, £20, from 29th Oct. and Mon./Tues. through Nov, tel: 01494 755572)

For details on these and other National Trust Halloween events see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The labyrinth of caves beneath 18th century Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent provide the setting for Halloween Horrors, 30 minute tours which in past years have seen visitors meet zombies, aliens and assorted monsters. This event is not for the faint hearted: tickets available from September, adults £11, tel: 01634 847747. Website: www.fortamherst.com

Historic sites in the care of English Heritage are also offering many Halloween events including:
Twighlight Tours at Tynemouth Priory and Castle near Newcastle invities visitors to join medieval costumed interpreters on a tour including myths and legends of this iconic sight and burial place of saints and kings. (Oct.19-31, adults £6, tel: 0191 257 1090)

Carlisle Castle in Cumbria is holding guided tours including exclusive access to some parts of this 900 year old castle on the Scottish border – Ghosts and Ghastly Story Tours (Oct. 22-28, adults £5.80, tel: 01228 591922)

For more information on English Heritage events, call 0870 333 1180 or see: www.english-heritage.org.uk

July 27, 2005   Posted in: Wales