Nearly half of the population communicate with spirits to get advice

We are a nation of Derek Acorah’s! 60 per cent of Brits believe in ghosts, despite only a quarter of us having actually seen one. A spooky survey of 1000 people, carried out by holiday company cottages4you, shows that ghosts intrigue rather than scare us with nearly two thirds actively seeking ghostly goings on.

The frightful findings show that 46 per cent of us even rely on supernatural sources to help with life decisions, with men twice as likely to be influenced by a Ouija board as women, who prefer the more interactive advice of tarot card readers and spiritualists.

Discover spooky goings on this Half Term Holiday

And with Halloween falling in half term this year, one in ten families are planning a weekend break to spot some spooks , with cottages4you reporting an increase in bookings especially in the UK’s most spookiest towns including York and Edinburgh.

Women are the biggest believers (66 per cent) and it seems British spooks favour setting up home in the South West, which has seen the most ghostly goings on (30 per cent). Of those who have had an eerie experience, 70 per cent have seen something, while 17 per cent felt a strange presence and a handful claim to have smelt a ghost!

Dr. Ciaran O’Keeffe, parapsychologist and star of Living TV’s Most Haunted, said: “As a nation we are fascinated with searching out the supernatural. 72 per cent of people believe night is the optimum time to see ghosts, but whether this points to a peak in genuine ghostly activity or a time when people are most prone to misinterpretation, for example as a result of tiredness or poor lighting, is not clear.

“There is much debate on creating the perfect conditions for paranormal activity, but hopefully some tips will help maximise opportunities for sightings for budding Brit spook spotters!”

It appears the best place for spending Halloween this year is the North of England, where 55 per cent of the population will be celebrating by decorating pumpkins, watching scary films or attending Halloween parties. For those wanting to get the best treats, avoid the South East, where 30 per cent of people don’t agree with it and won’t be offering ghoulish goodies to trick or treaters.

Nick Rudge, vice president of cottages4you, said: “With over 9,000 properties, ranging from mysterious mansion houses, smugglers cottages and converted chapels, cottages4you has the perfect place to spend a spine-chilling short break and do a spot of ghost hunting!”

For more information on ghostly goings on or to book a haunted holiday, please visit www.cottages4you.co.uk or call 0845 268 1560.

Ciaran O’Keeffe has compiled his top five tips for spooky sightings:
1) Don’t get a good rest the night before
2) Believe that you will see a ghost
3) Make sure it is dark (turn off lights!)
4) Make sure location is remote
5) Choose a spooky place! (and learn all about its creepy history!)

Discover spooky goings on this Half Term Holiday

Halloween falls in October half term this year, so why not trick or treat the kids to a spooky holiday in one of England’s haunted hotspots?

Chosen by ghost expert Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe, the list of places below claim to be the spookiest in the country. If you fancy a visit cottages4you has a number of properties in and around the area which would be perfect for spending a spine-chilling short break (ghosts not included!). What’s more, if you fancy some ghoulish goings on, see the events below for some supernatural suggestions!

Gloucester (click for accommodation search)
Visit Hogwarts! Gloucester Cathedral, used in the Harry Potter films opens its doors FREE

Gloucester Cathedral is one of Britain’s oldest and most beautiful religious buildings. The medieval architecture boasts the added attraction of having featured in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts School. Guided tours available.
www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Chester
Visit Grosvenor Museum, a living monument to Chester’s past FREE

View everyday objects from the Roman Fortress of Deva or visit the Roman cemetery, where every tombstone has a tale to tell. Hands-on exhibits include an aqueduct model. Explore the natural history of Cheshire, learn about locally-made silver and the history of a town house.
www.chester.gov.uk/tourism_and_leisure-1/culture_and_leisure/grosvenor_museum.aspx

Edinburgh
Visit Edinburgh Dungeon for the launch of its paranormal themed celebrations

A host of special spooky events for all ages are planned for the ‘Halloween Ghost Fest-Evil’ running from October 13th to 31st. The Ghost Fest-Evil will have a real festival feel, with kids being encouraged to come dressed in Halloween costume, with any child who does this allowed free entry when accompanied by a full paying adult.
www.thedungeons.com/EN/edinburgh-dungeon/index.html

Trick or Treat yourself to some great breaks and days out this October

St Albans
Investigate the ghostly goings-on in St.Albans with a guided city walk

An extremely popular and atmospheric walk that introduces some of the ghosts of St.Albans and relates their sad stories. We can’t guarantee whom you might see – only where you might find them, for they do exist! There are versions for children and adults. For further information & party bookings, contact the Tourist Information Centre.
www.stalbans.gov.uk/tourism/guides/index.htm

Exeter
Take a spooky tour around Powderham castle

From Sunday 26 October until Sunday 02 November, meet the fascinating residents from the past and enjoy a tour of the Castle in a different light. Kids will love to dress up in their spookiest outfits to see if they can scare the ghosts! Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Suitable for 5-12 year olds and brave mums and dads!
www.powderham.co.uk

York
Visit York Dungeon to delves into the city’s dark and haunting past

Explore the chilling truth about the suspicious characters who have lived, hidden or died in the city. Watch out for the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin (who was hanged here) and the Viking Ivar the Boneless, who invaded the city on 1 November 1866 AD and caused much bloodshed.
www.thedungeons.com/en/york-dungeon/index.html

Oxford
Get spooked at Oxford Castle’s Ghost Fest.

This year, the Castle – once home to a gory prison – hosts overnight ghost hunts, spirit-sensing lectures, mediumship demonstrations and pumpkin carving just in time for Halloween… Not for the faint-hearted! Ghost Fest hosts a range of events to enable visitors and enthusiasts to explore and uncover more about the dark tales and paranormal activity for which the castle is renowned. The nine day event has over fifteen events that explore the scientific, spiritual and frightening aspects of the paranormal.
www.frightnights.co.uk/oxfordghostfest

Derby
Take part in a spooky trail around Bolsover Castle with ghastly games and creepy crafts

From Sat 20 – Sun 28 Oct, 11am – 5pm, bring the kids along to enjoy following the spooky trail around the castle and grounds before making their own Halloween masks to take home. English Heritage Members go free. If you fancy something a little bit more frightening, why not take part in an historical spooky evening tours around the castle on Halloween night – not for the faint hearted (Suitable for over 16s only).
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conEvent.1402

Norwich
Halloween Spooky Trail in South Walsham

On 31st October dress up and enjoy the fun! Bring your torch and wellies and enjoy the fireworks at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, 131 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Call 01603 270449 to book your place.
www.fairhavengarden.co.uk