Ghost Haunting Breaks in York, England

By Jonathan J.

York is an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in all things spectral. York was named the most haunted city in Europe by the Ghost Research Foundation International (GRFI) and it seems that every room, building or street seems to be haunted in this beautiful city. York is haunted by no less than 140 different ghosts haunting York, with an amazing 500+ recorded hauntings (this figure is still growing you ghost lovers will be pleased to know). Taking advantage of York's large number of spooks, there is a significant ghost walk/haunt industry here. If you are looking for accommodation in York and intend to take on one of the ghost hunts then try the York Pavilion hotel. They have scheduled events that include 3 course dinner followed by a ghost hunt. Expert guides, psychics, and ghost hunting equipment provide an authentic setting for a spooky touch to your visit.

At the start of any ghost seeking visit you may want to visit the York Dungeon to get you in the mood, where live actors reenact scenes of torture, plague and execution in the most grisly detail - it may be best to do this after lunch, but maybe not straight after! Follow on with a visit to the Micklegate Bar Museum, which stands at the main gateway of the city, and is where the heads of executed traitors were once displayed.

There is an abundance of ghost walks to choose from, some being serious and historically informative, and some being down right silly but lots of fun with actors in grisly costume ambushing the group at particular points on the tour.

The Original Ghost Walk of York started in 1973 and takes place very night at 8pm starting at The Kings Arms, by Ouse Bridge. This is good ghost story telling at its best, and their guides are BTA Blue Badge or Equity award holders.

The Ghost Hunt of York - every night at 7.30pm from the Shambles. This is one of the theatrical walks, and is great for children as the guides are dressed up in period costume. This one is popular so expect large groups.

The Ghost Detective - every night from July to Halloween at 7.30pm from the Jorvik Viking Centre, Coppergate. Another good tour if you have kids with you but best to warn the kids that the guide may involve them when he's telling some of their stories. The guide is an Equity member with an award for stand-up comedy.

The Ghost Trail of York - begins every night at 7.30pm from the West Doors of York Minster, is led by Equity Qualified guides and is great for families. Expect large groups on this tour as it seems very popular.

One of the more famous ghosts to haunt York is the 'lost' Roman Legion that is said to haunt the old Treasurer's House. The first sighting was made in 1953 by an apprentice plumber name Harry Martindale. He was installing a heating system in the cellars of the old Treasurer's House and reported seeing the 2000-year old ghosts all carrying swords and spears walking through a corridor seemingly on the knees. This is interesting since the old Roman road is located roughly fifteen inches below the cellar and it is believed that Martindale wasn't aware of this fact when questioned. So the ghosts would have been walking on their own familiar road, on their way to the Minster. There have been several other sightings since Martindales' but sadly, the old cellars are now closed to visitors.

You can read more ghostly tales and get news on York Ghost Walks at the York England Hotels Guide where Jonathan writes

A Visitor's Guide To Whitby Located On The North Yorkshire Coast

By Paul D Teasdale

Whitby is an ancient fishing port, nestled within steep cliffs, and located on the North Yorkshire coast. Upon the East Cliff you can find Saint Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey, also referred to as Saint Hilda's Abbey, both of which look out high over the town and offer some spectacular views. You can visit these magnificent monuments by taking Whitby's famous 199 steps up the side of East Cliff. These steps are accessible from Church Street down in the town.

Whitby is a maze of narrow streets some of which are still cobbled. Smooth paving stones run parallel through the cobbles where cart wheels would have once run. The east and west sides of the town are joined by a swing bridge which is over 100 years old. Opened in 1909 the bridge still operates to this very day in order to let boats and ships pass through.

You don't need to walk for far through the town before you come across the term "Whitby Jet". Whitby Jet is a gemstone formed from the remains of fossilised trees dating back to the Jurassic period. It is only found within a seven and a half mile stretch of the Yorkshire coast that's centred around Whitby. When mined the Jet is carved in to jewellery and ornaments, and although it's totally black, when polished it produces an excellent shine.

Whitby has also been made famous by the Victorian author Bram Stoker who created the Gothic novel Dracula having based parts of his novel in Whitby. This has led to Whitby Gothic Weekend which is currently held twice yearly. It's claimed that Whitby Gothic Weekend is now one of the most popular Gothic festivals around the world and attracts people from far and wide.

Other notable visitor attractions in Whitby include a scale replica of Captain Cook's ship Endeavour. The ship makes regular sailings throughout the year providing trips around the beautiful Yorkshire coastline. If sailing is not your thing then why not catch a ride on the steam bus. Built in 1931 by Sentinel Waggon Works, and called Elizabeth, the bus has a huge chain running from the steam engine at the front to the wheels at the rear to provide drive. It was one of the very last buses to be propelled this way before drive shafts took over.

A trip to Whitby isn't complete without visiting the Magpie Cafe. This large black and white building, originally a Merchant's House built in 1750, is located in the historic harbour. The Magpie Cafe tends to stand out from other cafes in Whitby as, due to its popularity, large queues build up outside as people wait for a table to become available inside.

Paul Teasdale is a born and bred Yorkshire lad. Read this article and others at Paul's website which is dedicated to promoting all things Yorkshire. Please visit Discover Yorkshire to find out more.