Europe’s prettiest castles to visit this autumn – top 5 most haunted

As the cold creeps in and daylight begins to quickly slip away, Halloween is nigh. This autumn many people will be preparing for trick-or-treaters or typically indulging in a horror movie marathon, but real spooky fans will seek a daring adventure that will give them a new thrill.

Have you ever wanted to step in between the lines of Bram Stoker’s famous book Dracula, and walk in the ruins that inspired the Vampire’s lair? Roam castle halls filled with ghosts and ghouls and revel in gruesome history. 

The European travel booking platform Omio has curated a list of the top five most haunted destinations accessible from London by train or bus for spooky fans to enjoy.

Slains Castle, Aberdeenshire (London – Aberdeen by train)

Just up to eight hours on the train from London to Aberdeenshire, step into the mind of Bram Stoker, as you explore the haunted ruins of Slains Castle – the inspiration behind the setting of Count Dracula.

On the coast of Cruden Bay lies Slains Castle also known as New Slains Castle, which was formerly owned by the Earl of Erroll in the 16th century. The castle has been reconstructed multiple times throughout the centuries, but in 1919 the castle and its contents were sold to Sir John Ellerman who eventually abandoned the castle in 1925. The roof was removed to avoid paying taxes which further caused the castle’s demise. 

READ MORE Most haunted UK roads to visit this autumn – full list of spooky road trips

The castle is known as a hotspot for celebrities back in the 19th century, including Bram Stoker who stayed there. The castle’s eerie atmosphere is perfect for horror seekers who want to be daring enough to step into Dracula’s fortress.

Poveglia, Italy (London – Venice by train)

Off the coast of Venice, lies an abandoned island called Proveglia which most Italians refuse to visit.  From 1793 until 1814 the island was used as a quarantine station for the plague with thousands buried in pits on the island. In the 20th century, it was converted into an infamous mental hospital.

The hospital was said to be haunted with terrifying ghosts roaming the halls. Accounts from patients claimed to see the ghosts of plague victims. The decaying psychiatric hospital is still there for horror hunters to visit.

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Zvíkov Castle, Czech Republic (London – via Brussels, Prague by train)

Daring horror fans would revel in Zvíkov Castle where strange or ‘supernatural’ events still occur. Built in the 13th century, the castle is known to be indestructible and is inhabited by a supernatural creature from Slavic folklore called a Zvíkovský Rarášek. 

Travellers report cameras randomly breaking and fires extinguishing by itself. Legend says that anyone who sleeps in the main tower will die within a year. Perhaps spooky visitors should not plan a sleepover at the castle but those who are brave enough to visit should prepare for an unnerving time.

Bran Castle, Romania (London – Bucharest by bus)

Calling all wannabe vampire-hunters, Bran Castle is the place to go for a Halloween getaway. Akin to Slains Castle, this Romanian castle fortress spawned inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

Château de Brissac, France (London – via Paris, Angers by train)

The ghost of a green lady haunts the halls of Château de Brissac in France. Built-in the 11th century this castle is said to have a long history but nothing compares to the events that occurred in the 15th century. 

“La Dame Verte” or Green Lady, who is said to be the ghost of an unfaithful wife of Jacques de Brézé, in 1477. Jacques is said to have caught his wife and her lover in the act, and in complete anger, murdered the couple.

With horror, gore and a bit of romance, this haunted castle remains the perfect setting for this passionate crime for spooky lovers to investigate.

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