When the television series Most Haunted first aired in May 2002, it sparked a love of all things supernatural in the British public. However, despite appearing on the show itself, Capesthorne Hall remains one of the most perplexing paranormal cases in the UK today, with mysterious sightings and a ghoulish past leaving even the most vigilant ghost hunter running for cover.
Built between 1719 and 1732, Capesthorne Hall is currently used as a museum by day and houses a historic collection of fine art, tapestries and antiques. Yet it is at night that the real attractions of the haunted hall come out to play.
The “Grey Lady” is by far the most popular (and longest serving) resident of Capesthorne Hall and has been spotted by countless visitors roaming the West Wing of the property. She, it seems, is a very benign figure – unlike the group of ghostly figures who make their way to the chapel vault in the dead of the night.
Although no explanation has ever surfaced for these sightings, the hall itself has a long and varied history which could drum up some answers. During World War II, Capesthorne Hall was given over to the Red Cross for use as a military hospital, with its extensive cellars becoming the ideal bomb shelter in case of an air raid. Perhaps the ghostly grouping is, in fact, the wandering spirits of wounded soldiers eternally seeking shelter?
Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, there is no denying that Capesthorne Hall is one museum which truly brings history to life.
Another property which was embraced by Most Haunted was Alton Towers, one of the UK’s most popular theme parks. Yet, before it became known for The Smiler and Rita, it was renowned as one of Staffordshire’s spookiest properties.
Unlike many of the UK’s haunted sites, Alton Towers is famed for the mischievousness and daring of its ghost – apparently, the sounds of screams reverberating around the park stimulate the senses of the undead! Commonly noticed characters include a stately gentleman with a black dog, a perfumed lady who leaves a scented trail wherever she goes and, most chillingly, a large man who is often heard before he is seen thanks to his heavy tread.
Yet Alton Towers’ most popular paranormal characters are the poltergeists who haunt, ironically, the ride known as Hex – The Legend of the Towers. This real-life ‘Haunted House’ often gives guests more than they bargained for, with the spiteful spirits often violently throwing objects and moving the tools of bemused staff members when their backs are turned. The scaring starts even before guests make it onto the ride itself, as the ghosts of Victorian children are frequently spotted by those in the queue outside.
This year, Alton Towers is opening its doors for an “overnight special” to celebrate its annual Scarefest which, for the first time ever, will allow guests to stay overnight within the estate and gain access to the rollercoasters well into the night. Guests are guaranteed a screamingly good time – even, it seems, if they don’t make it on to a single ride.
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