Spooky Weekends by Rail: Ghost Walks, Castles, and Folklore
October makes me think of Halloween, pumpkin season, pumpkin-spiced everything and all things spooky.
And Britain definitely isn’t short of creepy places to visit. Haunted streets, medieval castles, underground vaults, old graveyards… take your pick. If you’re a horror fan, this is definitely your month!
Even better, plenty of them are easy to get to by train. So grab a mate, the family, or whoever is least likely to scream, and let’s find somewhere spooky to visit this October.
York: Britain's Most Haunted City
The city of York is 1,955 years old, so there’s bound to be a ghost or two knocking about.
It’s seen the Romans, Vikings and the medieval era, so there’s a lot of history packed into those old streets.
York is often called one of the most haunted cities in Europe, and there are plenty of ghost walks if you fancy finding out why. You’ve also got The Shambles, Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and the JORVIK Viking Centre to explore.
York Station is only a short walk from the centre too, so you can get off the train and pretty much start exploring straight away.
And if you do a ghost walk after dark, maybe don’t be the one at the back…
Image Credit: Stephen Kidd | Unsplash
Whitby: Dracula, 199 Steps and Fish & Chips
When people say Whitby, it just reminds me of Dracula. But there’s obviously more to it than just a seaside town with a connection to a famous vampire.
You’ve got Whitby Abbey overlooking the town, the old harbour, little streets full of independent and gothic shops and, of course, the famous 199 Steps.
And because you’re at the seaside, getting fish and chips is pretty much compulsory.
Whitby station is right near the harbour and town centre too, so most of it is easy to explore on foot.
Image Credit: Anna Cicicic | Unsplash
Edinburgh: Things Get Interesting Underground
Known as one of the most haunted cities in the world… I wonder why.
Reading some of the stories online, apparently Edinburgh even has its own famous poltergeist. Yikes.
Then you’ve got the underground vaults, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle and centuries of pretty dark history. There are plenty of ghost tours too if you fancy finding out more.
Personally, the word poltergeist is enough to keep me above ground.
Edinburgh Waverley is right in the centre, so you can walk to plenty of places from the station.
Image Credit: Jörg Angeli | Unsplash
Conwy: Castles, Walls and Welsh Legends
Looking at Conwy, you probably wouldn’t immediately think spooky. It looks like a lovely historic town, a bit like York in some ways, with old walls you can walk along and plenty of history.
But then you’ve got Conwy Castle, medieval town walls and centuries of Welsh myths and folklore. So there’s definitely a darker side to dig into if that’s what you’re there for.
You can explore the castle, walk the walls, visit Britain’s Smallest House or just have a wander around the town.
Conwy station is only a few minutes from the castle and historic centre too, so it’s an easy one to explore by train.
Image Credit: Peter Hall | Unsplash
More Places to Give You Goosebumps
Still looking?
Lincoln
Steep medieval streets, an impressive castle and one of England's finest cathedrals make Lincoln a fascinating destination after dark.
Lancaster
Home to Lancaster Castle and centuries of history, including connections to the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials.
Durham
The dramatic cathedral, castle and winding riverside walks create a wonderfully atmospheric setting during autumn.
Glastonbury
Steeped in myths and legends surrounding King Arthur, Avalon and the Glastonbury Tor.
Image Credit: Jeffrey Zhang | Unsplash
Save on Your Autumn Adventures
Planning more than one trip this Autumn?
A Railcard could help you save money on eligible journeys throughout the season.
Even better, many Railcards are available digitally, meaning you can keep them alongside your train tickets on your phone for quick and easy access and travel.
Save Even More with Split Tickets
Don’t forget to check whether split ticketing could reduce the cost of your journey.
Split ticketing works by combining tickets for different parts of the same journey, while you stay on the same train. If you're travelling with a Railcard, your discount can often be applied too.
Split ticketing might sound complicated, but with TrainSplit, it’s simple, fast, and easy. Our advanced technology breaks your journey into smaller, cheaper tickets without changing your travel plans.
It only takes a few moments to check and could help you save on your Halloween getaway.
Swap motorway traffic for haunted streets, ancient castles and unforgettable autumn adventures.
Tips for Planning a Spooky Weekend
Book ghost tours in advance - October is one of the busiest months for ghost walks and Halloween events.
Dress for the weather - Many attractions and tours take place outdoors after dark, so warm layers and waterproofs are recommended.
Travel off-peak where possible - If your plans allow, travelling at quieter times can often mean a more relaxed journey as well as potential savings on your tickets.
Stay overnight - Many ghost tours finish late in the evening, making a weekend break a perfect option.
Keep your Railcard handy - If you’re making several trips this autumn, don’t forget to use your Railcard on eligible journeys.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
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Our Take
The UK is full of places to visit for an autumn adventure, from haunted cities and medieval castles or legendary landmarks and dramatic coastlines.
Travel by train means less time worrying about the journey and more time uncovering the stories, folklore and history that make these places so special.
Whatever you have planned for this October, look out for split ticket savings before you travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best spooky places to visit by train in the UK?
Popular destinations include York, Whitby, Edinburgh and Conwy, all offering ghost walks, historic castles, folklore and Halloween events while being easy to reach by train.
Can I save money on Halloween train travel?
Yes. Booking in advance, using a Railcard where eligible, and checking for split ticket savings can all help reduce the cost of your journey.
Are ghost walks suitable for families?
Many ghost walks offer family-friendly tours, although some evening events are designed for older children and adults. It's always worth checking with the organiser before booking.
Can I use a Railcard with split tickets?
In many cases, yes. Railcard discounts can often be applied to eligible split tickets, helping you save even more on your journey.
Should I book Halloween train tickets early?
October can be a busy time for leisure travel, so booking ahead may give you access to more ticket options and lower fares.
Are these destinations easy to explore without a car?
Yes. York, Whitby, Edinburgh and Conwy all have railway stations within easy reach of their main attractions, making them ideal for exploring on foot.
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