7 haunted destinations on your doorstep

EVER get the urge to ditch the comfort of your sofa and TV for the night and discover the things that go bump in the night? It isn’t for everyone, but if you fancy getting into the spirit of Halloween, you ought to check out some of the very best haunted destinations in your area…

Stanley Palace
The Grade II listed house in Chester, which was built for Sir Peter Warburton in 1591 has since everything from apartments, a boys’ school, and a museum. It may now be used as an office and meeting rooms, but the venue is still very much home to a wide range of spirits causing spooky mischief. Ghosts reported in the house include that of Elizabeth Warburton and a man in Tudor clothing. There has been reports of children crying, footsteps and bangs taking place in the house.

Britannia Adelphi Hotel
Everyone from Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland stayed at The Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool back in the day, but the hotel now has more than just tourists staying the night. The hotel is a favourite spot for ghost hunters and many guests have reported seeing George the ghost standing next to their bed during the night. Other reports from guests have been suddenly falling ill during their stay and feeling watched. There are even reports of a demon on the third floor, would you take the risk?

Ordsall Hall
A house has been on the site for more than 750 years at Ordsall House in Salford, with the oldest parts of the hall dating back to the 15th century. The original hall was owned by David de Hulton and came into the ownership of the Radclyffe family in 1335. Now a heritage site with numerous exhibitions, the hall has reports of a range of spirits. The hall’s most famous ghost is the ‘white lady’ who has been spotted roaming the halls holding a candle. Many think the lady was Queen Elizabeth I’s maid of honour, whereas others believe it could be Viviana Radclyffe, who was the woman Guy Fawkes fell in love with whilst plotting the gunpowder plot.

Royal Exchange Theatre
The Grade II-listed building in Manchester we see today is the third Royal Exchange Theatre after various demolishing’s took place at the previous venues in the 18th century. The theatre nearly got demolished again in the 190s after falling into a state of disrepair, but thankfully it was saved by a theatre group. The building is rich in history; it has been bombed by both the German army and the IRA. The history could explain the scary events which often take place at the theatre. Actor James Maxwell often appears around staff and visitors and the greenroom is supposedly haunted by a man and a glamorous woman who were believed to have been involved in a production staged at the theatre years ago.

Smithills Hall
The venue in Bolton was once home to a series of major families including the Radcliffes, Ainsworths, and the Bartons. The building itself has been around since the early 13th century, so it is no surprise that the hall is full to the brim of spooky tales about a range of spirits. There is thought to be a cheeky ghost who often pinches staff and visitor’s bottoms, a lady in period dress has been seen numerous times and people have also reported smelling burning wood at the hall. This is just the start too, as other ghosts including a small boy, a grey lady, soldiers and horses have also been reported at the venue.

Liverpool Empire Theatre
The theatre, which is based on the corner of Lime Street and London Road in the city, was opened in 1925 after the previous theatre there, which opened in 1866, was demolished. The theatre doesn’t just welcome visitors in to see a whole range of shows though. The theatre is thought to be a real hotspot for paranormal activity. The venue is reportedly haunted by a former painter named Len and a young girl in Victorian dress. Before the theatre was refurbished in 1998, there were also occasional sightings of a dark shape which reflected in the mirrors of dressing rooms which became known as the ‘black phantom’.

Speke Hall
The mansion, which as originally built over 400 years ago by the Catholic Norris family, has seen several hundred years of history take place around it. In fact, during Tudor times, a secret priest hole was used and there is even an observation hole in a chimney which was used to spot any potential threats. It is no surprise as to why there have been many reports of paranormal activity then, with shadows often see in the Great Hall, a figure which whispers the words “get out” in the Blue Room, as well as the frequent sound of children crying and footsteps in the dead of night.