York is famous for its creepy past and mysterious stories. As an ancient city, there are lots of hidden tales to discover, often with hair-raising details.
We suggest five of the best spooky things to do in York this Halloween season, that will both intrigue and terrify you.
(Image credit: Chab01, Wiki Commons)
The Snickleway Inn
There’s been lots of mysterious sightings at The Snickleway Inn, one of York’s medieval pub buildings. It is thought that at least five active spirits have a presence within the building, and like to make themselves known. There’ve been a number of encounters of people seeing a young girl on the stairs watching customers at the bar, with some people theorising that she is the spirit of a young girl killed outside the pub. The ghost of an Elizabethan man has also been sighted by staff behind the bar, thinking he may have been an ancient member of staff himself. Explore the spine-chilling stories yourself and pay the Snickleway Inn a visit for a pint in the ghostly environment.
Original Ghost Walk of York
Learn all about York’s ghoulish past with the original York Ghost Walk. The expert guides will allow you to discover the hidden backstreet alleyways and haunted buildings that hold a spooky history. York has many haunting tales to discover, including an old Victorian house on Stonegate where staff have reported eerie sightings of ghosts, and pubs that are said to be haunted by spirits of the past. The tour combines history and legend, as well as appealing to ghost hunters out there! Head down to The Kings Arms pub on the Ouse Bridge every night at 8pm to set off on the adventure yourself.
(Image credit: Malcolmxl5, Wiki Commons)
York Dungeon
Uncover the dark history of York with a trip to York Dungeon. With specially designed sets, special effects and ten live actor shows performed by their professional storytelling cast, you can explore over 2000 years of York’s haunting past. If you’re looking for something that gives you your spooky fix, as well as being entertaining and witty, this is a must-do activity for your Autumn trip to York.
Hallowscream at York Maze
This one isn’t for the faint-hearted! The terrifying Hallowscream event at York Maze is back for another year of fearful entertainment. With five live-action haunted houses and around 100 actors, you’re in for a chilling evening like no other. There’s also live entertainment acts, a resident DJ and bar to calm your racing heart after the night’s encounters. The event is held on a farm where a tragic event occured in 1873, it is said that the souls who died that night come back each Halloween to haunt those that visit. Feeling brave? Book your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss this sell-out event.
(Image credit: Chabe01, Wiki Commons)
Ye Olde Starre Inne
The Ye Olde Starre Inne is said to be the oldest pub in York, it’s been licensed since 1644! With its age comes reports of an eerie past and claims to be the most haunted pub in York. As it was once a makeshift wartime hospital, there are reports of spirits screaming out in pain within the cellar of the pub, one of the most active places for paranormal experiences in the building. Many speculate that these cries are from the souls of injured soldiers that were treated in the building during the war. If you love a building seeping with spooky history, a visit to Ye Olde Starre Inne is right up your street. Plus you can enjoy a range of classic pub food and a selection of drinks while you soak up the ghoulish surroundings.
We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for ways to spend the spooky season. You certainly won’t be short of ghoulish activities in York.
Book now for a wonderfully mysterious York city break this Halloween.
