Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wollaton-hall-nottingham"><a href="https://wollatonhall.org.uk/">Wollaton Hall</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/HarvestsupermoonrisingoverWollatonHallNottingham-chris-denning-1024x683.jpg" alt="supermoon over wollaton hall" class="wp-image-10777" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/HarvestsupermoonrisingoverWollatonHallNottingham-chris-denning-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/HarvestsupermoonrisingoverWollatonHallNottingham-chris-denning-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/HarvestsupermoonrisingoverWollatonHallNottingham-chris-denning-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/10/HarvestsupermoonrisingoverWollatonHallNottingham-chris-denning.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by <a href="https://www.chrisdenningphotography.com/">Chris Denning Photography</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Noted as one of the most haunted buildings in Nottingham (and the <a href="https://www.visitengland.com/experience/visit-real-wayne-manor-nottingham">home of Batman</a>), Wollaton Hall is a stunning Elizabethan manor house set within 500 acres of parkland. Built by Sir Francis Willoughby, it was completed in 1588 and stayed in the bloodline until 1926 when it was bought by Nottingham City Council. With so much history, it&#8217;s no surprise that unexplained happenings have been witnessed by staff throughout the decades. The White Lady is said to haunt the ‘half-roof’ area of the building. And many avoid Room 19 where a strange orange glow has been spotted frequently at the window (this was the room which Lady Jane Middleton was confined to after being paralysed from a fall). To discover more about the creepy goings-on, book on to the Hall&#8217;s <a href="https://wollatonhall.org.uk/hidden-history-tours/">Hidden History Tour</a> and get a sneak peek at the stunning Prospect Room. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/">Newstead Abbey</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Newstead-Halloween.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2133" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Newstead-Halloween.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Newstead-Halloween-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Newstead-Halloween-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Newstead-Halloween-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Newstead-Halloween-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: Newstead Abbey</figcaption></figure>



<p>Originally founded by King&nbsp;Henry II&nbsp;in around 1170AD, Newstead is the ancestral home of the romantic poet Lord Byron – and supposedly some truly terrifying ghosts. Across the 300 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes and gardens, the &#8216;Black Friar&#8217; is said to wander. There have been stories of creepy encounters near the waterfall. The Goblin Friar haunted Lord Bryon himself (often clambering on to his bed in the dead of night). And the Rose Lady leaves her strong Victorian scent of roses and lavender in certain passageways in the house. Most intriguingly, folklore states that the Rooks that nest around the Abbey are the souls of the &#8216;Black Monks&#8217; who once inhabited the grounds. This was also noted by Washington Irving, author of the infamous &#8216;Legend of Sleepy Hollow&#8217; story, during his stay. <br>If you&#8217;re feeling brave, intrepid staff are hosting an over 18s <a href="https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/meet-the-ghosts-evening-house-tours">after-dark meet the ghosts tour</a> on <strong>Wed 23, Fri 25, Sun 27 October and Halloween itself.</strong> Scaredy-cat? Opt for a <a href="https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/family-friendly-ghost-tour">family-friendly ghost tour</a> instead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/">Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Trip-Halloween.jpg" alt="exterior of Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub nottingham" class="wp-image-2134" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Trip-Halloween.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Trip-Halloween-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Trip-Halloween-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Trip-Halloween-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Trip-Halloween-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nottingham is built on an epic network of 800 caves that lie under many of the cities most loved buildings. Two of these also happen to be some of Nottingham&#8217;s most haunted pubs (coincidence? I think not). <br><br>&#8216;The Trip&#8217; is nestled below Nottingham Castle and has a claim to be England&#8217;s oldest inn. Often a stop off for crusader knights, King Richard the Lionheart and his men are rumoured to have gathered at this dwelling&nbsp;before journeying to Jerusalem in 1189AD. In terms of spectral occurrences, The Rock Lounge in the heart of the inn houses a cursed galleon hanging from the ceiling which staff refuse to clean. Bottles and glasses have flown off the shelves and keys often go missing. Things only get creepier in the cellars where a rusting iron gate hangs from its hinges before a doorway cut into the rock wall. This is said to be the condemned cell of the castle prison. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/">Ye Olde Salutation Inn</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="The Original Nottingham Ghost Walkers" class="wp-image-2147" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-1-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/IN-ARTICLE-LANDSCAPE-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: The Original Nottingham Ghost Walkers</figcaption></figure>



<p>&#8216;The Sal&#8217; is a beloved, 15th century ale house that, like its neighbour &#8216;The Trip&#8217;, is built on Nottingham&#8217;s ancient cave network. Along with metal gigs, bikers and real ale, The Sal is widely regarded as Nottingham&#8217;s (if not the country&#8217;s) most haunted pub. In fact, a total of 89 apparitions have been reported over the years. The pub&#8217;s most famous ghostly residents include Rosie &#8211; a young girl accidentally run over while selling flowers in the pub&#8217;s courtyard &#8211; who has been known to scratch drinkers, and several former landlords (all called John). <br><br>To learn more about the city&#8217;s eerie past, the <a href="https://www.thenottinghamghostwalk.co.uk/halloween">Original Nottingham Ghost Walk</a> is hosting a fascinating spooky tour on Halloween (plus Sat 26 Oct and Sat 2 Nov) that ends at the caves beneath The Sal. Book now, if you dare. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thegrandpavilion.co.uk/">The Grand Pavilion</a>, Matlock Bath </h2>



<p>Matlock Bath has been a tourist trap since the 17th century, when Victorian lords and ladies travelled to the countryside to take the natural thermal waters. The Pav was built in 1910 as a multi-purpose public space for entertainment and dances. Although it&#8217;s had many uses over the years, including as a glove factory and a nightclub, the building fell into disrepair before being bought and lovingly restored by the community in 2010. As <a href="https://thegrandpavilion.co.uk/gigs-events/">the Pav enters a new era</a> with music, comedy, theatre shows and ice skating, remnants from the past linger on and <a href="https://www.haunted-houses.co.uk/ghost-hunt/the-grand-pavilion/">ghost hunters</a> regularly set up overnight in the building&#8217;s Grand Hall. The Pav&#8217;s dome is said to be haunted by a man who fell to his death, and things are claimed to be reported missing from the dressing rooms behind the stage. </p>



<p>Too scary? Stick to a more light-hearted <a href="https://thegrandpavilion.co.uk/events/halloween-skate-night/">Halloween Night Skate </a>around the Grand Hall on 31 Oct. Tickets £9-£10.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bolsover-castle-bolsover"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bolsover-castle/">Bolsover Castle</a>, Bolsover</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Bolsover-Castle-–-Halloween.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2137" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Bolsover-Castle-–-Halloween.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Bolsover-Castle-–-Halloween-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Bolsover-Castle-–-Halloween-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Bolsover-Castle-–-Halloween-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Bolsover-Castle-–-Halloween-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo credit: Bolsover Castle </figcaption></figure>



<p>A true little kid&#8217;s fantasy, Bolsover Castle is described by English Heritage as the &#8216;hilltop pleasure palace of a horse-mad Cavalier playboy&#8217;. But the history of this 17th century aristocratic retreat is absolutely fascinating. Founded in the 11th century by William Peveril, one of William the Conqueror&#8217;s knights, it stood proud on the hilltop until falling into disrepair in the mid-14th century.&nbsp;Eventually, it came into the position of the eccentric Sir Charles Cavendish, who worked with the designer&nbsp;Robert Smythson to create an elegant manor for the rich and famous. Now under the care of the English Heritage, the Castle is regularly voted the &#8216;spookiest site&#8217; by staff. From cold feelings of dread to a ghostly little boy holding the hands of visitors, there are hundreds of reports unexplained goings-on from the site. To experience some spooky vibes yourself, <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-ghost-tours-28-31-october-2022/">ghost tales tours for 16+</a><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/Bolsover-ghost-tales-26-31-oct-24/">&#8216;s</a> led by performers are taking place<strong> from Sat 26 Oct through to Halloween</strong>. Bring a torch!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-dark-peak/features/winnats-pass">Winnats Pass</a>, Peak District</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Winnats-Pass.jpg" alt="winnats pass peak district in the mist" class="wp-image-2139" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Winnats-Pass.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Winnats-Pass-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Winnats-Pass-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Winnats-Pass-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/Winnats-Pass-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by Rob Bates, Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<p>A breath-taking spot in the middle of the Peak District, Winnats Pass is the site of many a ghostly legend. As the gateway to Castleton and the Hope Valley, traffic has made its way through the limestone gorge for centuries. But as the mist descends in the dead of night, drivers and walkers are often met with creepy figures. Folklore tells of a young couple who haunt the pass. Alan and Clara eloped in 1758 but were robbed and murdered by miners as they made their journey through Winnats to the Peak Forest Chapel. Their bodies were reportedly hidden in the mines, only to be discovered by accident 10 years later.   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The plague village of <a href="https://www.eyamvillage.org.uk/">Eyam</a></h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re heading into Derbyshire this Halloween, be sure to make a pilgrimage to the plague village of Eyam. A somewhat tragic tale, the ancient site became famous after locals isolated themselves after the bubonic plague reached the village in 1665. The&nbsp;Reverend William Mompesson led a number of precautionary measures to slow the spread of the disease to other nearby towns and dwellings including that merchants leave supplies on marked rocks, which had vinegar-filled holes to disinfect the money left as payment. Records are hazy but 273 locals were reported to have died of the disease. Consquently, reports of hauntings are common in Eyam but the<a href="https://www.theminersarmseyam.co.uk/"> Miner&#8217;s Arms</a> is known as a bit of a hotspot for spirits, according to its owners.</p>



<p>Ready for a pant-scaringly spooky night? Book onto a spine-chilling <a href="https://hauntingnightsghostwalks.co.uk/event/the-village-of-the-damned-interactive-ghost-walk-eyam-derbyshire/">Village of the Damned</a> ghost walk. Yikes!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://bellhotelderby.co.uk/">The Old Bell Hotel</a>, Derby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Old-Bell-Halloween.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2141" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Old-Bell-Halloween.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Old-Bell-Halloween-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Old-Bell-Halloween-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Old-Bell-Halloween-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/The-Old-Bell-Halloween-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re heading into the city of Derby, be sure to stop off in the last surviving coaching inn. The Old Bell dates back to the 17th century and has hosted many of history&#8217;s famous figures including the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. From the stables to the Grand Regency Ballroom and the gorgeous Tudor Bar, guests can eat and drink in beautiful surroundings, but as night falls, things can get a bit more spine-tingling. Ghost sightings are common throughout the passageways and attic rooms of the hotel, but room 29 is definitely a hotspot for spirits. Legend has it that Mabel, a linen maid, hung herself after learning of her lover&#8217;s demise. Want more scary stuff? Book onto a <a href="https://bellhotelderby.co.uk/event/ghost-tour-bell-hotel-derby-2024/">Ghost Tour</a> of the coaching inn.</p>


Spookfest! Creepy places to visit locally this Halloween

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