Photo by Mike Schmid

On top of all this, some locations seem to deliver reports of strange happenings at an alarming rate.

Chilling drafts, footsteps, blurred figures and misplaced objects – can all of these things really be explained away?

If you do fancy a bit of ghost-busting, feeling terrified, or you simply want to confirm your belief that ghosts don’t exist, why not visit one of the most haunted hotels in the UK?

Go on, I dare you…

The Georgian House, London

This 1851 hotel is renowned for strange happenings.

One member of staff awoke to find an old man sitting at the bottom of their bed, children have been heard laughing and running when there are no children in the hotel, and builders have reported a ‘strange presence’ and icy chills. BRR.

The Busby Stoop Inn, Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire

The gallows outside this hotel might give you some indication of the haunting within. Thomas Busby, the Eighteenth Century owner of the hotel, was hanged for murder and his remains were then displayed across the road.

There have been several reported sightings of a man with a noose round his neck, and a chair that he cursed was removed from the hotel after several people who sat in it died soon after.

The Talbot Hotel, Northamptonshire

There has been a building on this site since 638 AD – plenty of opportunity for ghosts to creep in!

The attested haunting here is of a royal nature…

Mary, Queen of Scots was executed at the nearby Fotheringhay Castle, and when it was demolished, the staircase stones were taken and used in the Talbot. Mary’s ghost was therefore said to have been seen descending this staircase, which led her to her death.

A variety of other paranormal events have been recorded since then..

The Prince Rupert Hotel, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

The most daring amongst us will want to book room six or seven at this hotel.

A jilted bride hanged herself in six and is apparently still in residence.

A young man committed suicide in seven. Those in other rooms, though, aren’t completely spared from otherworld encounters: Even making your way down to the bar for a drink in the evening, there’s a possibility you’ll run into the ghost of Martha the maid!

haunted looking hotel by creepyhalloweenimages

Tulloch Castle Hotel, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Beware of the Green Lady!

She has been spotted throughout the hotel and caught on film, too.

Paranormal activity recorded by professional teams includes thuds and balls of light. No surprise that the building dates back to the twelfth century…

Dobbins Inn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Lamenting lovers seem to make the best ghosts and ‘Elizabeth’ is no exception.

Her affair with a castle soldier led them both to be murdered by her outraged husband, Mr Dobbin.

Ever since then, she has been known to caress the faces of sleeping guests…

The Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth

Stay up until 2am at this hotel and you may hear the racket of a ghostly horse and carriage pull up outside.

Two spectral rogues have also been seen fighting outside, intervene at your peril!

The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Abergavenny, Wales

And so we come to our final and most spooky stay in the UK.

As seen on Most Haunted, the Skirrid is the oldest pub in Wales and is claimed by experts to be the most haunted.

At one time it was a court house where over a hundred souls met their death after being hanged. The original wooden beam from where the ropes swung is still in the hotel..

Have you stayed at any of these hotels? Have you encountered any otherworldly things in any other hotels in the uk?

Would you have believed if you had?

Sophie McGovern writes for Hotelopia, an online hotel booking system. She enjoys travelling the world looking for the best places to stay, and has a healthy interest in all things spooky!

The post The Most Haunted Hotels in the UK appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jon Mountjoy

What to Visit

Edinburgh is a history lover’s dream. It’s best to start at the famous 12th century castle, where you can enjoy great views over the city spread before you. Next, take a stroll down the Royal Mile and admire the period buildings until you reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Once the home of Mary Queen of Scots – the country’s most iconic monarch – you can visit her chambers today as part of the museum.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by SteveR-

Near the palace lies St Arthur’s Seat, the impressive mountain that hovers over the city. The original abbey connected to the palace sits at the top and energetic visitors can enjoy a hike to explore the ruins and more excellent panoramas over Edinburgh.

The Old Town – home to the Scottish Parliament building – is also well worth a visit, whilst the Royal Botanic Gardens make a charming setting for sunny strolls.

If shopping is more your thing, a walk along the shopping Mecca of Princes Street should be top of your itinerary. This is the place to visit the big name stores, but you can find more independent and craft shops in quirky Grassmarket – just the place for Scottish souvenirs and unique gifts.

Where to Eat

Like all good capital cities, Edinburgh has an excellent range of restaurants, from the Michelin starred gourmet establishments to budget student haunts. To treat yourself to a taste of Scotland, head to Kyloe Restaurant & Grill, where all the steaks come from local Aberdeen Angus beef. For fish fans, Ondine is the best place to indulge a love of seafood in the heart of Edinburgh. Take a seat at the amazing Crustacean Bar and fill up on clams and local oysters washed down with champagne.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by dozydotes

Where to Drink

There are a great number of old fashioned pubs in Edinburgh around the Grassmarket and Cowgate areas, and you won’t be disappointed if you head here on a night out. Great music is on the menu at Jazz Bar on Chambers Street, where live bands and a laid back atmosphere make for a fun evening.

A weekend in Scotland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile. Although the last tour is at 5pm so it’s more an afternoon than evening treat, the fun of sampling different malts and trundling through the factory in a carriage that looks like a barrel can’t be overstated!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ayustety

Where to Sleep

On a weekend getaway, a central bed and breakfast in Edinburgh is just what you need. Tania Guest House in Edinburgh is a short stroll from the Royal Mile, so you won’t have to worry about catching the last bus or shelling out for a taxi. The modern rooms start at £30 a night, making this B&B in Edinburgh a bargain so close to the city centre. For a special or romantic city break, try boutique Ritz Hotel, which boasts four poster beds and a cocktail bar.

Alice Woolliams is the Editor for Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a travel website for accommodation with personality in the UK. The website offers a growing selection of quaint B&Bs, charming inns, small boutique hotels and guest houses. You can find her on twitter @enjoybnb when she’s not travelling the world!

View Edinburgh – A Historic and Vibrant City Scotland, United Kingdom in a larger map

The post Edinburgh – A Historic and Vibrant City | Scotland, United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.