A TOUR WITH A TWIST

SPOOK-TACULAR WALK

Head to the historic city of Liverpool for the spine-tingling and immersive experience of Shiverpool. Popular for families, The Hope Street Shivers Tour encompasses the city’s two cathedrals and the historic splendour of the Georgian Old Town. You’ll be regaled with sinister stories unearthing the legends of Liverpool’s mysterious past and entertained with award-winning after-dark street theatre. The tour concludes beneath the gothic Anglican Cathedral in the former necropolis of St James’ cemetery, where century-old secrets will be revealed. There are several guided tours on offer including private and tailored tours, and those suitable for school audiences. shiverpool.co.uk

ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WATSON…

The Free Sherlock Holmes Tour in London takes fans of the supersleuth to locations linked to the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle, whose imagination influenced the world of forensic science. Each guide has a unique itinerary, but most tours will take in The Sherlock Holmes Pub and of course, Great Scotland Yard, where Holmes’ intellect was often sought to help with cases. Participants can express their thanks by tipping their guides. There are lots of free tours available, including a Harry Potter tour. strawberrytours.com

JAILHOUSE SHOCK

Among the many decommissioned prisons in the UK that welcome visitors, Inveraray Jail in Argyle, Scotland, is a 19th-century prison where men, women and children were locked up for the most trivial of crimes. Peruse the eerie cells of the old prison and the gruesome Torture, Death and Damnation exhibition showing the punishments used. Staff members, jailors and waxworks are dressed in period costume to give visitors a true insight into the reality of life in the jail 200 years ago. The audio tour brings to life dramatic stories and immersive sounds from the past. Visitors can also experience The Debtors of 1850 Escape Room, where they must make enough money to pay off their debt before the prison gates are closed for the night (ages 8+). inverarayjail.co.uk

GOING UNDERGROUND

For adventurous types ready to delve into the depths for frights and frolics, a visit to The Hellfire Caves, an old 17th century chalk mine in West Wycombe, will not disappoint. As you descend into the network of chalk and flint caverns, the atmosphere becomes cold, damp and slightly claustrophobic! Fright Nights are a big hit for Halloween where every corner houses an actor poised to scare or entertain you. The caves are also a splendid film location and a great setting for spooky kids’ parties – you can even get married here. These tours are ideal for those interested in architecture, folklore and the unknown… hellfirecaves.co.uk

UP WE GO!

Set on a stunning hilltop estate in Matlock Bath, Heights of Abraham offers two guided cavern tours and a spectacular cable car ride with incredible views overlooking a dramatic limestone gorge in the Peak District. Formed over 350 million years ago, the history of The Great Rutland and The Great Masson Caverns is retold by costumed guides with a new audio-visual experience. There’s lots to see and do, including heritage walks and climbing the spiral staircase of the Victoria Prospect Tower. Little ones can explore the adventure playgrounds, woodland trails and the fun-filled activities lined up for Halloween, including friendly scarecrows, marshmallow toasting and storytelling. heightsofabraham.com

TAKE TO THE WATER

Head to Canterbury to embark on a Chilling Tales River Tour, where visitors will hear all about the historic and definitely darker side of the city’s gruesome past. From horrific murders to terrifying beheadings, Chilling Tales will keep you on the edge of your seat as you explore the River Stour by boat. Halloween river tours are available on selected dates in October and may not be suitable for under tens. canterburyrivertours.co.uk

ENCHANTED FOREST

Head to the Forest of Dean in Hereford and explore Puzzlewood, the place said to have inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Visitors can explore pathways, bridges and steps hidden among the stunning rock formations, secret caves and twisted, ancient trees. There’s also a Willow Maze and a menagerie of animals. We recommend sensible footwear. puzzlewood.net

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, an impressive Napoleonic Fort steeped in history with incredible views and a maze of defensive tunnels beneath. Night-time tours in the tunnel complex are available for brave souls keen to hear spooky stories of strange goings on in the 300-year-old fort, tales handed down through the many generations (ages 12+). Entry to the grounds is free for visitors and is dog friendly. Daily Tunnel Tours, Ghost Hunts, Historical Re-enactments and special events may incur additional charges. fortamherst.com