Halloween is finally almost here, looming around the corner waiting to pounce and frighten us all.
As All Hallows' Eve draws ever nearer, it signals the return of ghoulish tales and stories, petrifying pumpkins, eerie dark misty nights, and painfully shoddy "horror costumes". So time for some scares instead.
It is the holiday that bridges summer and Christmas and is loved in the UK for various different reasons - for kids? trick or treating and dress up, for adults?....well kind of the same really, just different trick or treats.
Want to get your fright on? Well then, it’s time to explore Wiltshire’s mysterious and spooky side.
The mist rolling off Salisbury Plain down the white horse looked pretty awesome on my dog walk this afternoon. Also very much enjoyed the novelty of finishing at one so I could walk in daylight. pic.twitter.com/E8GDUuB0sZ
— Lisa (@Angel_Dust81) December 22, 2017
From haunted hotels to atmospheric ancient standing stones, Wiltshire has an abundance of ghost stories and otherworldly myths.
What’s more, all the eerie places featured below are open to visitors – so you can plan a Halloween trip to Wiltshire and see the spooky sights for yourself.
Top 6 spooky spots in and near Wiltshire:
The Rifles Museum, Salisbury
Known as one of the most haunted museums in Britain.
According to VisitWiltshire, visitors and staff at the museum have claimed to have seen the spirits of a figure of a Cavalier and a ‘grey lady’ as well as experiencing significant temperature drops and strange bright light.
Old Wardour Castle Near Tisbury
Legend says many restless spirits haunt the castle grounds and the surrounding woodland ever since an explosion in 1643 left many dead.
It was also the inspiration for the castle featured in the Kevin Costner film 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'.
Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with Stonehenge, but at Avebury, it is possible to walk into the stone circle and get up close to the stones. This Neolithic stone circle is very spooky at the crack of dawn, especially if it’s misty.
Obligatory visit to the Haunch of Venison, Salisbury. (earlier)
— Tim Thomas 🍻 🇪🇺🔶 ♒️ 🇩🇰🇺🇦🚆- I 💙 NHS 💉x5 (@timofnewbury) April 12, 2023
The music was jazzy.
The log burner fire was cosy.
Beers included Wye Valley HPA. pic.twitter.com/KRwJM1Ar0y
The Haunch of Venison, Salisbury
Named as one of the UK’s most haunted pubs, the Haunch of Venison is located at the centre of Salisbury. The historic pub is rumoured to be the resting place of many spirits, including ‘the Demented Whist Player’ who is said to have had his hand chopped off and thrown into the fire.
A mummified human hand was later discovered during renovation work and displayed at the pub until 2010.
It was also named in the Great Pubs of England book and recognised for its antique and historical character.
The Sign of the Angel, Lacock
Located in the village of Lacock, this 15th-century inn The Sign of the Angel is now a traditional English pub. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a previous, friendly landlady who has been rumoured to be seen by staff and diners sitting patiently at one of the tables in the lounge bar.
The Black Swan Hotel, Devizes
The Black Swan Hotel is located in the market town of Devizes in front of what is rumoured to be the location of the town gallows.
The pub was once owned by renowned highwayman, Ambrose Salisbury, who is said to still roam the rooms at night as well as the presence of a pregnant woman was rumoured to be murdered on the site.
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