A Hauntingly Luxurious Experience: Private Jet Boutique's Top 5 Destinations for Ghost Hunters in Europe
Halloween, a haunting tradition celebrated by people all over the world. Every year on the 31st October revellers participate in lots of fun activities and events including guising (also known as trick or treating), watching horror movies and carving pumpkins. The tradition is believed to have originated in Ireland, where the Celtics celebrated Samhain. Samhain was a Gaelic festival held after harvest and it honoured the souls of the dead. This was believed to ward off bad luck.
To celebrate a more authentic Hallows’ Eve, we’re taking you on a tour of some of the most haunted cities in Europe. Here are our Top 5. Are you brave enough?
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
A city known for its history and culture; Edinburgh is a favourite with tourists all over the world. However, Edinburgh also attracts a very large number of paranormal enthusiasts each year due to some of the most infamous hauntings in the United Kingdom and beyond. There are countless haunted sites to see on your visit including, West Bow, Brodies Close, Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh Castle and Niddry Street Vaults. The cities cobbled streets and winding closes make it the perfect backdrop for a Spooktacular Halloween evening.
Paris Catacombs
Paris
Most commonly known for its romantic side, Paris also has a supernatural side. The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries, which hold the remains of more than six million people making it one of the largest graves in history. Visitors report seeing apparitions and other strange, hard-to-explain sights and sounds, so a visit here is not for the faint hearted.
Houska Castle, Prague
Prague
Said to be one of the most haunted cities in Europe, Prague is an ideal choice for those looking to be spooked. Much like Edinburgh, the cobbled streets and gothic architecture make it a perfect setting for those looking for an authentic Halloween experience. Houska Castle on the outskirts of the city is believed to have been built over a gateway to hell and people have also reported sighting of ‘Headless Templar Knight’ who is often spotted galloping his horse down the streets of Prague, holding his head under his arm.
Trinity College, Dublin
Dublin
Halloween tradition is said to have originated in Ireland, so it makes sense to include Dublin in our Top 5 most haunted cities in Europe. Dublin’s famous university, Trinity College, is haunted by former lecturer Edward Ford who was murdered in 1734, while Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin is haunted by the spirits of sailors who drowned when the RMS Tayleur sank on its maiden voyage from Liverpool to Australia.
Tower of London
London
A city so ancient and steeped in history, it is no surprise that London has made it into our most haunted cities in Europe. When the fog descends, it’s like you’ve stepped onto the set of a horror film. Some places in London are notorious for strange occurrences and mysterious happenings that cannot be explained. These places are home to famous spirits, murders and troubled souls. One of the most terrifying places to visit is the Tower of London which is a hotbed of paranormal activity. The ghosts of Anne Boleyn, along with Lady Jane Grey are said to haunt the tower courtyard. There are thousands of other ghost stories which have hailed from the English capital, including the story of the crazed old woman who runs through the graves and tombs of Highgate Cemetery apparently looking for the children she murdered but are you brave enough to see it for yourself?