Trick Or Truth? 7 Halloween Myths And Legends Revealed

Think you know your ghoulish legends from your urban myths? See if you can figure out which Halloween tales in these spooky destinations are a trick or truth…

1. The Catacombs in Paris is filled with the bones of 6 million Parisians

Via dailymail.co.uk

TRUTH! This underground labyrinth of tunnels was once a solution to the city’s speculation that graveyards were a health hazard in the 18th century. Wandering down the 130 steps into the chilling corridors, you’ll never feel alone with the 6 million buried Parisians that lie there.

Where to stay: Hotel Le Littre, Montparnasse

With this hotel being just a short walk from The Catacombs, we’ll let you decide if it’s a good thing or a bad thing to be so close to all those bones!

2. Mary Shelley’s famous novel, Frankenstein was named after Castle Frankenstein

Via exploring-castles.com

FALSE! Albeit there’s a lot of speculation that the German castle in Darmstadt was the inspiration for Shelley’s novel, but the world-famous author maintained that the name came from a ‘dream-vision’. Despite this, the castle remains a popular haunt for visitors looking to get their spooky fix at Halloween.

Where to stay: Hamburger Hof Hotel, Frankfurt

Complete your European break to this historic German city with a day trip to Darmstadt and its mysterious Frankenstein Castle situated just 40 minutes away.

3. The Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire is Britain’s most haunted house

Via dailymail.co.uk

TRUTH! Built on a pagan burial ground, the Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge has seen murders, devil worship and even child sacrifice in its frightening 900 years. Riddled with 20 ghosts, it’s definitely top of the leader board when it comes to Britain’s most haunted homes.

Where to stay: Bear of Rodborough Hotel

If you don’t fancy staying in the haunted cottage itself (and we don’t blame you), this popular 3* hotel is just 20 minutes away from the ghoulish haunt.

4. Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween

Via hilloftara.org

BOTH! History tells us the Celts first celebrated Halloween as the festival of Samhain, which marked both the end of summer and a time when the dead revisited the mortal world. They weren’t alone in their celebrations though. The ancient Roman festival of Pomona, also celebrated at the end of October, is where many Halloween games such as apple bobbing first began!

Where to stay: Ardmore Hotel, Dublin

The Hill of Tara, just 30 minutes outside of Dublin is closely associated to Samhain and is said to be the place where Celts held the festival each year. You’ll also find a number of ancient monuments there too.

5. Puckley Village is in the Guinness Book of Records as the most haunted village in Britain

Via telegraph.co.uk

TRUTH! If you’re a fan of ghost hunting, Puckley is the place to be. Titled the ‘Most Haunted Village in Britain’ in 1989 by the Guinness Book of Records, the Kent village is still famed for its spooky goings-on. With an impressive (and spine-chilling) 12 spirits to meet in the village, Puckley is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Where to stay: Eastwell Manor Hotel, Ashford

Located down the road from the eerie village, you can easily partake in a midnight ghost hunt in Puckley Woods before retreating back to the safety of your Ashford hotel.

6. Bram Stoker was inspired by the seaside town of Whitby, North Yorkshire

Via superbreakblog.com

TRUTH! It was a visit to Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast in 1890 that inspired Irish novelist Bram Stoker to write his great novel, Dracula. Today the seaside town still relishes its gothic connections with Dracula Nights, Goth Weekends and eerie festivals at the super-old (and super-chilling) Whitby Abbey.

Where to stay: Raithwaite Estate, Whitby

This 5* gorgeous hotel is not only reasonably priced but perfectly placed to make the most of Whitby’s gothic history.

7. A famous Pendle witch is buried in Newchurch-in-Pendle

Via dailymail.co.uk

FALSE! The Pendle Hill witch trials in Lancashire are among the most famous in English history. Of the 11 accused, 10 were found guilty and executed by hanging with legend stating that Alice Nutter was buried next to the local church. However, as condemned witches were not buried in holy ground this is likely to be untrue.

Where to stay: Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Accrington

Not only will you be staying in a stunning 700 year old building, you’ll also be so close to all the witchy action at Newchurch-in-Pendle.