Haunted Britain terrifies the tourists!

Go on, get spooked!

It’s the spookiest time of the year.

Come the end of the month, the streets will be full of kids dressed up in the weirdest of outfits, heading hopefully round neighbours’ doors.

But while Hallowe’en is an annual spookfest, it doesn’t mean that it’s the only time of year for some ghostly goings-on.

All across the UK there’s the prospect of spectral wonders at all times, especially now the nights are getting drastically longer.

Haunted Britain has become a visitor attraction in its own right with walks, tours and hotels appealing to those who like a bit of a chill.

Scotland’s capital is not only the country’s main tourist draw, it’s also a spook-hunters delight because of the ancient buildings with their rich and often bloody history.

Mary King’s Close, under the Royal Mile, is one of the most popular and most chilling. In the 1600s it was open to the skies and full of vibrant Edinburgh businesses, but it’s now buried deep underground.

Tales of plague victims walled in and left to die abounded for years with numerous ghostly sightings.

It has been open to the public for the past decade and, while you learn the true story, there’s no doubting the dark past can still have an unsettling effect.

Among many Mercat Tours offerings are the Blair Street Vaults, which have been the subject of countless paranormal investigations including TV’s Most Haunted.

Renowned for stories of death and tragedy there’s plenty of atmosphere, added to, like all the tours, by the enthusiastic guides.

Special Hallowe’en tours abound in the city and with Burke and Hare as infamous former residents, it’s no surprise that graveyards often feature.

City of the Dead tours, who run a very popular Underground tour, also have a Haunted Graveyard tour, which includes the Covenanter’s Prison and Black Mausoleum, said to host the Mackenzie Poltergeist.

However, Edinburgh certainly doesn’t have it all its own way when it comes to ghouls and graveyards.

Glasgow’s Necropolis, which sits in the shadow of the Cathedral and the Royal Infirmary, has long had a reputation as somewhere you wouldn’t want to find yourself alone after dark.

So, it’s best to make sure you have company on one of the city’s spooky tours.

The Glasgow Ghost Walk kicks off from the Cathedral Precinct before heading into the Necropolis, still one of Europe’s most striking cemeteries, to learn about some of its 50,000 souls.

Inveraray Jail oversaw the incarceration and punishment of countless miscreants and while it’s hugely popular as a general tourist destination, it also plays host to Fright Night ghost tours.

As well as paying a flying visit to attractions, there’s no shortage of places to spend more time.

Medieval Dalhousie Castle is a luxury hotel with a haunted past, including reported sightings of Lady Catherine, said to have been starved to death upstairs after all ill-fated affair with the 16th Century owner.

For those not looking to check in for the night just in case there’s a Myths and Legends evening on October 31 with 700 years of spooky tales shared over a three-course banquet.

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland sounds as if it was created just for a bit of spine-tingling.

Set in some beautiful countryside, there’s much to commend the castle, recently saved from ruin, including their famous wild cattle.

But visitors who’ve seen the bloody instruments of torture in the dungeon won’t be surprised that some inhabitants didn’t meet a pretty end.

As a result ghost tours are popular, and you can find out about all sorts of things that go bump in the night including wandering Lady Mary and a tortured child.

Not far away, in pretty Alnmouth is the Schooner Hotel, which lays claim to being one of the most haunted hotels in Britain.

Guests have frequently reported strange noises, doors opening and closing of their own accord and unexpected issues with electrical equipment.

It was investigated during a recent Most Haunted episode and you can book a night’s accommodation complete with your own ghost tour.

If you do need to get out, the lovely beach in this little north east gem is just a minute away.

The Lake District has plenty of haunted places to visit, including Muncaster Castle.

Like Chillingham it has much to commend it in its own right, but its history has plenty of spooky moments.

It’s said to be haunted by the ghost of the mysterious White Lady as well as Tom Fool, a jester who worked at the Castle four centuries ago.

There have been numerous investigations by respected academics using the most sophisticated paranormal gear.

Those who feel they’re brave enough to follow in their footsteps can arrange to have an all-nighter ghost sit in the Tapestry Room, said to be the most haunted spot within the castle.

Like many of the attractions and hotels there are a number of special events being laid on during Hallowe’en week.