It can’t have escaped your attention that Halloween is almost upon us. Here at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch, there’s few things our team enjoy more than going all ghoulish on October 31st.
Don’t worry, we won’t be springing any spooky surprises on you when you enjoy your Scottish getaway this October, but if you are looking for the perfect way to celebrate this most fiendish of occasions, we’ve got a few ideas in mind.
Here then, are our top five favourite things to see and do to make your haunted Highland Halloween one that’s truly spooktacular.
Spirits of Scone: Twilight Illuminations
Scone Palace, Perthshire
Thursday, October 26th – Tuesday, October 31st (6PM – 8PM)
Come face-to-face with some of Scotland’s scariest characters from history at this one-of-a-kind event.
Returning after a hugely successful debut event in 2016, the Spirits of Scone sees the fascinating and colourful history of Scone Palace come to life in an illuminated tour which promises to be as gruesome and gory as it is terrifying and tremendous.
After making your way through ancient woodlands and haunted graveyards, you can join the Spirits of Scone for spine-tingling stories in the chapel, where there’s a high chance of meeting ghosts and ghouls galore.
For tickets and information, see: https://scone-palace.co.uk/whats-on/spirits-scone
Ghoulish Ghost Tours
Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
Thursday, October 26th – Tuesday, October 31st (7PM & 9PM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5jvCZX20aw
Renowned for its truly enchanting gardens and gorgeous, 16th-century architecture, Crathes Castle is worth the drive from your hotel in the Scottish Highlands at any time of year, but come All Hallow’s Eve, a decidedly macabre mood falls quietly over this magnificent tower house.
This year, the annual Crathes ghost tour takes you through the castle itself, encountering all kinds of horrifying sights en route.
Be warned, this truly scary tour is not recommended for children.
The Enchanted Forest
Thursday, September 28th – Sunday, October 29th (various times throughout Autumn)
Faskally Wood, Perthshire
Returning a little closer to our hotel near Pitlochry, The Enchanted Forest may not be spooky in the traditional sense, but there’s something about the ethereal magic of this annual event-cum-attraction that makes it absolutely perfect for your Scottish getaway this October.
Bringing its yearly run to an end just before Halloween, The Enchanted Forest turns Faskally Wood in Highland Perthshire into a magical realm of lights, sights, and sounds which dazzle and delight in equal measure.
For information, see: www.enchantedforest.org.uk
Castle Menzies
Aberfeldy, Perthshire
Open daily, 10.30AM – 5PM (Mon – Sat), 2PM – 5PM Sundays.
Castle Menzies used to run regular ghost tours that would take you through this historic castle in search of some of the many famous ghosts and ghouls that are said to roam its halls.
Sadly, the tours are no longer available that we’re aware of, but many guests at our hotel near Pitlochry who have visited the site say they still felt an other-worldly presence when visiting the building.
Besides, even if you don’t get spooked, visiting Castle Menzies is still worth it for a look at one of the most historically fascinating and beautifully preserved castles anywhere in the Highlands.
Meggernie Castle
Perth & Kinross, Perthshire
This stunning, 17th century castle may not be open to the public, but it is still worth a visit to take in the breathtaking scenery and, of course, see the sites of one of Scotland’s most fascinating ghost stories.
Referred to by The Scotsman as the most haunted castle anywhere in Scotland, Meggernie Castle is said to be haunted by a cheeky female ghost with a tragic past.
Understood to have once been married to a Menzies Clan chief, the lady met her untimely demise when her husband found himself unable to stand the attention she was receiving from male admirers. Since then, she roams the haunted halls, spooking male guests at any opportunity.
Now, aren’t you grateful that you’ll be staying with us at a Scottish Highland hotel, where we promise a relaxing, ghost-free stay this October?
Make it a magical Halloween with the Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Book your stay online today, call our team on +44 (0)1882 580444, or check out our latest special offers.