Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
I love Halloween, especially since I have had children. Over the years it seems more of an event. I remember being younger and wanting to do more for Halloween but it wasn’t hugely celebrated in the UK as much in the 90s. However, now the decorations and costumes are in the shops as soon as the kids go back to school. It’s feeling colder, it is darker and heading to an even more spooky location would be a fun idea this October. You can easily head to any of these destinations from Liverpool Airport.
Here are some spooky location ideas for a perfect trip for you and your family if you choose!
Paris Catacombs in France – The Empire of the Dead
In Paris, the catacombs hold over 6 million human remains, due to major public health issues in the 1700s and church cemeteries could not cope.
The final resting place of these remains is open to public viewing, through a pre-booked guided tour. This includes walking 1.5k through skull decorated tunnels, with a high risk of getting lost in the labyrinth of confusing tunnels, off limits to the public!
There has been some stories of people hearing whispering and apparitions whilst visiting the catacombs, so if all this is up you street, a guided tour would be a perfect Halloween treat.
Derry Halloween Festival
Derry is under 2 hours from Belfast and has a long history of celebrating Halloween, rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain – a time where the gap between the living and the dead is the smallest. The festival offers 4 days of Halloween, family fun between the 27th-31st October.
Activities include spooky stories, light projections, live music and fire performances. There is also a trick or treat disco and the chance to make a stop-motion Halloween film.
So much more is offered so makes a perfect Halloween break.
Transylvania in Romania – Dracula’s Castle
Bran Castle, found at the top of a hill in Transylvania is also known as Dracula’s Castle. However, the author of Dracula Bram Stoker was never have thought to have visited Romania. But it is believed he based Dracula’s castle on Bram Castle, as they look so similar.
Bran Castle is open all year around, hosting many exhibits. The time tunnel is well worth a visit, as is a sensory, visual and auditory experience, where you can hear stories and myths about the castle. The fourth floor is home to the “History of Dreads” exhibition. You need to be brave as this is a live -action experience to meet the seven characters rooted in Romania folklore!
Perfect for any Dracula fans.
Salem in Boston – The Witch Trials
The history of Salem began in 1692 when children of the Salem Village Minister began to fall ill with strange symptoms. This spread to multiple residents and it was all blamed on witchcraft.
Accusations soon spread and 200 people were put on trial – 20 of which were put to death.
The Salem Witch Museum allows you to immerse yourself in these past events, with a 4D experience showcasing the timeline of the trials. There is also “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” which looks at the perception of witches throughout time.
Generally in Salem in October The “Salem Haunted Happenings” festival takes over, amazing for a Halloween fan. Live music, parades and fancy dress events galore!
Hellfire Club – Dublin
The Hellfire Club is found on Montpelier Hill in Dublin, Ireland and started as a Neolithic passage tomb. These tombs consist of underground chambers accessed through a small passageway, to bury people of importance.
The Hellfire Club was founded in 1735 and an abandoned lodge (which was on top of the tombs) was used as the meeting place. There was a lot of secrecy sounding the club and suggestions the members were Satanists and devil worshipers. Tales from the club include cats and servants being sacrificed in Satanic rituals.
Strange happenings continue to this day. Visitors feel a malicious presence, hearing screams and seeing figure and shadows.
Are you brave enough to fancy a trip this Halloween?
Liverpool Airport offers convenient direct flights to Cluj-Napoca (Transylvania), Bucharest, Paris, Belfast, Derry and Dublin with Dublin and Reykjavik offering connecting flights to Boston.
What are you waiting for?
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
This post is wonderfully insightful! I appreciate how you delve into the topic and share your unique perspective. Thank you for inspiring your readers!