As the temperature begins to drop, leaves fill pathways and autumn really settles in, guests might be looking for a spooky Halloween trip away.
There are plenty of characterful country houses across the country that promise relaxing stays.
But a few experience paranormal activity, which guests might witness first-hand for themselves.
James Callery, who works as a head chef at Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club, said: ‘Old country homes converted into hotels will generally have hundreds of years of history between their walls.’
He explained how guests hope to ‘see spectral inhabitants’ while also enjoying the ‘weekend break facilities’.
The hospitality expert revealed the most haunted hotels tucked away in the countryside.
The 12th-century Mermaid Inn, in Rye, placed at the top of James’s rankings.
Guests hoping for a thrilling stay might not be disappointed as many have reported waking up in the hotel and seeing ghosts.
The 12th-century Mermaid Inn, in Rye, placed at the top of James’s rankings
‘The Mermaid staff report cold spots in certain rooms as well as objects being thrown about by an unrecognisable force,’ he described.
‘Guests have checked out early after reporting ghost smugglers sitting in armchairs watching them while they slept.’
Another haunted accommodation option listed by James is Ettington Park Hotel, near Stratford-upon-Avon.
Many have claimed to see the spirit of a woman in white gliding through corridors, and the Victorian Gothic mansion has appeared in ghost hunting shows.
Dating back to 1350, The Langley Castle Hotel in Northumberland has a rich history.
But with centuries of memories, it is also apparently home to the spirit of an aggrieved woman who many have claimed to see.
Meanwhile, room 11 at the Jamaica Inn on the Bodmin Moor is where an assassinated smuggler is said to walk around at night.
‘These properties embrace their spectral residents rather than hiding them,’ James said.
Dating back to 1350, The Langley Castle Hotel in Northumberland has a rich history
‘Halloween weekend bookings at haunted country hotels have grown significantly in recent years as more people seek unusual experiences.’
Ruthin Castle Hotel in Wales is another haunted spot, according to James and has a notorious ‘Red Room’ where guests report seeing the ghost of Lady Grey.
The disgruntled spirit was executed after murdering her husband’s lover.
Craig-y-Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons, is equally as creepy.
The hotel used to be a Tuberculosis sanatorium and is now said to be haunted by the sounds of children crying and wheelchairs moving by themselves.
James explained how the venues tend to ’embrace’ their spooky occupants.
He adds: ‘They tend to provide first-rate food and lodging in picturesque surroundings plus the added thrill of potential encounters with the unknown.’
Research by the University of Edinburgh back in 2007 found that ghost tourism has become increasingly popular in Britain.
Ruthin Castle Hotel in Wales is another haunted spot, according to James and has a notorious ‘Red Room’ where guests report seeing the ghost of Lady Grey
It reported that the venues promoting their creepy history and spirits have more bookings in autumn.
‘You complete the guest experience with the ghost stories,’ James said.
‘Guests rent the properties for luxury and comfort but get excited for the possible existence of something supernatural.
‘No matter whether you do or don’t hold a belief in ghosts, the old properties offer an interesting way of engaging with British heritage.
‘Just don’t expect it to run smoothly all night.’
