With Halloween just around the corner, it is the perfect time to plan a spooky road trip. From haunted castles to ghostly legends, we explore six spine-chilling destinations.
1. Get spooked in Scotland
From haunted castles and horrible histories to Celtic legends across ancient moors and mountains, Scotland has plenty to offer the Halloween holidaymaker.
Start in Edinburgh, where the castle has long been associated with ghost stories, including tales of mysterious apparitions, unexplained sounds and sudden drops in temperature.
Outside the city, nearby Rosslyn Chapel is famous for its appearance in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code. Its intricate carvings and mysterious atmosphere make it a fitting stop on a Halloween road trip. For more ghostly inspiration, Scotland’s folklore offers enough chilling tales to keep even the bravest visitors entertained.
2. Terror in Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is the legendary home of Dracula, the world’s most famous vampire. Even for travellers who are not keen to meet their very own blood-sucking count, this historic region of Romania offers stunning scenery and gothic castles galore.
Hop into your car and explore the mountain roads, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the views. Then head to Bran Castle, popularly known as “Dracula’s Castle”. Its association with Bram Stoker’s vampire is part of its appeal, although it should not be mistaken for the former home of Vlad the Impaler.
Would-be vampire hunters can also explore the region’s historic towns and local folklore. Don’t forget the garlic!
3. Venture over hair-raising Hardknott Pass, England
Hardknott Pass is known as one of the UK’s most challenging roads and it certainly lives up to its reputation.
Deep in the heart of the Lake District, a journey from Little Langdale towards Eskdale can take you over Wrynose Pass and the equally dramatic Hardknott Pass. These steep mountain roads offer extraordinary scenery, with tight bends and gradients that demand your full attention.
The remains of Hardknott Roman Fort add another layer of atmosphere to the landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Behind the wheel, be prepared: the road is narrow, steep and twisting, and meeting another vehicle may require careful reversing to a passing place. Choose daylight and good weather, and take an alternative route if the conditions or your vehicle make the drive unsuitable.
4. Go ghost hunting in Hertfordshire, England
England has its fair share of ghouls and apparitions for budding ghostbusters.
Minsden Chapel, near Preston in Hertfordshire, is associated with the legend of a ghostly monk climbing a phantom staircase. The ruined chapel and surrounding countryside provide a suitably eerie setting for the tale.
Check current access arrangements before visiting, keep to permitted paths and enjoy the story as local folklore — a ghostly encounter is certainly not guaranteed.
5. Discover dread spirits in Devon and Dorset, England
Devon and Dorset offer plenty of ghostly goings-on, with local folklore featuring phantom riders, mysterious figures and haunted historic buildings.
Head to Dartmouth in Devon, where old ghost stories sit comfortably alongside the charms of this pretty maritime town. Its historic streets and buildings provide an atmospheric backdrop, while the Royal Castle Hotel features in local tales of supernatural visitors.
Once you are all spooked out, there is plenty more exploring to do in the surrounding South Devon National Landscape. Or perhaps a cream tea to settle the nerves.
6. Get creepy in Kerry, Ireland
For a Halloween road trip closer to home, a visit to the southwest is a must.
Kerry’s famous Conor Pass, with its dramatic mountain scenery and steep drops, will quicken the pulse of even a confident driver. Choose a clear day and use designated stopping places to appreciate the views.
If that is not enough autumn atmosphere, a daytime drive towards Moll’s Gap offers another memorable outing. Around Killarney, woodland, lakes and old stone buildings provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of Irish ghost stories.
Save the tales of mysterious lights and ghostly passengers for when you have safely parked up. Kerry’s scenery provides more than enough drama without looking into the back seat while driving!
Planning your Halloween road trip
The best Halloween adventures leave the scares to the storytellers. Check weather forecasts, attraction opening times, access arrangements and any age restrictions before travelling.
Book organised activities in advance where required, and ask about their suitability for children. On rural and mountain routes, plan to complete the driving in daylight and choose another route if conditions deteriorate.
Then settle in somewhere cosy. A ghost story is much more enjoyable when the only journey left is upstairs to bed.
