OUR Spotlight On column suggests what to do and see in the top holiday spots as well as lesser known regions in the UK and farther afield.
This week, in honour of Halloween, we’re taking a look at Nottingham – one of the spookiest destinations in the UK, regardless of the time of year you visit.
MUST SEE/DO
If you’re into your spooks, the National Justice Museum should be top of your list.
The former court and prison dates back to 1375 and it has seen some terrifying things in those years.
Criminals were brought to justice here and held in the dungeons ahead of public hangings and executions.
Paranormal sightings are frequently reported, with some ghost hunters recording cold spots in the basements and hearing distant screams.
If that’s not thrilling enough, book onto the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, one of the oldest of its kind in the UK.
The two-hour experience ticks off some creepy locations within the city’s historic Castle Quarter – it will have your hairs standing on end.
HIDDEN GEM
Did you know that Nottingham is home to an underground labyrinth of caves?
Locals first began constructing the City of caves over a thousand years ago, during the Anglo-Saxon Era.
Nottingham’s unique geology and soft rock meant that workers were able to easily carve out spaces and homes that were protected from harsh weather and the natural elements.
Generations continued to carve out more spaces to use as cellars and then as bomb shelters during WWII.
Having seen so much history, it’s no wonder people have reported hearing mysterious noises down there.
Family tickets cost from £62 for two adults and two children.
BEST VIEW
You’ll have to venture a little out of the city centre for the best views, but you certainly won’t regret a visit to Wollaton Hall & Deer Park.
Spread across 500 acres, this glorious green space looks particularly magnificent at this time of year, when the autumn leaves are shedding.
For some chills and thrills, pop into the main manor house, once the home of Lady Middleton.
She suffered a stroke after falling from her horse back in the 18th century, but rumour has it that her ghost still wanders the halls today, dressed in a white gown.
RATED RESTAURANT
The tacos at city-centre restaurant Taquero are scarily good.
Favourites include the pork brisket which comes topped with pickled red cabbage and apple salsa and the baja with fried fish, chipotle aioli and coriander.
The Mexican restaurant has just updated its menus for autumn, too.
BEST BAR
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be Britain’s oldest inn, having been pouring brews since 1189.
According to legend, the Knights Templar and crusaders ventured here to down ale before setting off for the holy land.
It’s much cosier today and with a much better drinks selection, too!
Think local ales, modern beers, wines and classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned. Its rooms are small and pokey, which adds to its charm.
HOTEL PICK
If the aim of the game is to be spooked then you may want to check into the Bestwood Lodge Hotel, a 25-minute drive from the city centre.
Once a Victorian hunting lodge surrounded by 700 acres of parkland, the now-hotel is supposedly haunted by the spirit of Nell Gwynn (the mistress of King Charles II).
You may notice strange happenings like lights flickering on and off and the noise of footsteps.
In general, the hotel is atmospheric with roaring fireplaces and dark wooden features. Rooms cost from £75 per night.