Northumberland is rich with history, meaning its also full of folklore and ghost stories, built up over hundreds of years.
From cursed pubs, to castles occupied by spooky spirits, and even our very own haunted museum, here are nine places to visit this Halloween if you’re looking for a fright.
1. Chillingham Castle
Dubbed Britain's most haunted historic castle, Chillingham Castle is famous for its dark history and legends, torture chamber, and ghost tours. Dating back to before 1246, several ghosts are known to wander the castle corridors, going by the names of Lady Mary Berkely and 'Blue Boy'. Many visitors report spooky experiences even today. Photo: Paul Larkin
2. The Dirty Bottles (Alnwick)
The legend of The Dirty Bottles, and the ghost of the cursed landlord, gives this popular Alnwick pub its reputation as the most haunted in Northumberland. Two centuries ago, in 1725, legend has it that the landlord of the pub instantly dropped dead after moving two bottles in the window. His widow swore that the bottles held a death-curse, and anybody else who touches them would face the same fate – so as a precaution, the bottles have been safely placed between a pane of glass and out of reach in the window ever since. Photo: Contributed
3. The Schooner Hotel (Alnmouth)
The Schooner Hotel is a 17th-century coaching inn and was named Britain's most haunted hotel by the Paranormal Society. Staff and guests have reported sightings of ghosts and eerie goings on, with room 28 said to be the centre of most hauntings. Guests have reported the sounds of children’s voices and crying and women’s screams. Photo: Google
4. Hexham Old Gaol
Hexham Old Gaol is a historic prison with a dark history, said to be haunted by its past prisoners. There are frequent reports of dark figures and strange noises and the Old Gaol offers ghost tours all year round. Photo: Google