Feeling brave enough for a spooky staycation this Halloween? Well you can now rent Ayrshire Castle in Scotland for the last weekend in October — but it certainly isn't for the faint-hearted.
The eerie 600-year-old castle, which has had reports of paranormal activity from local ghost hunters, has many spine-chilling features throughout including a 'murder hole' (which was used to pour hot oil over unwelcome visitors) and a pit prison. It's not for the squeamish, that's for sure.
Originally constructed in the 15th century as a wedding present for Princess Mary, eldest daughter of James II of Scotland, the castle has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a Great Hall, kitchen, shuttered windows, original stone walls, and a secret staircase from the utility room.
It might be decorated with all the rustic features you're likely to find in a castle, but it also has plenty of spooky thrills that will give you shivers at night.
Ghost hunter, Sharon McKee, who previously stayed at the castle told the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald about her experience: 'We were doing a seance in one of the bedrooms when something psychically attacked me and transfigured its energy onto me.'
There are plenty of things to do during your stay. Guests who are feeling brave can take part in the gathering of the witches amongst the ghosts and spirits of the Auld Kirk, while others can head to the Ayrshire coast for a seaside wander.
With Google searches for 'haunted house' up 49 per cent from 2018 to 2019, the team at Snaptrip have predicted a rise in haunted staycations this year. Tempted? You can book your stay via Snaptrip. Prices cost £2,193 for two nights.
Take a peek around the castle...
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15 Halloween decorations to fright and delight this year
Keep draughts and chills out of your home with this seasonal draught excluder from Next. Perfect for autumn, it features five large boucle pumpkins in burnt orange.
Twig trees are versatile accessories, perfect for use all year round from Easter through to Christmas. This design is especially suited for Halloween, thanks to its black branches. With 28 LEDs, this tree will shine bright once night falls, and there's an optional six-hour timer too.
This pared-back autumn wreath enables you to celebrate Halloween without having to add anything spooky in your home. Impress guests by hanging it on your front door.
Made of felt, this bat garland will instantly bring a plain wall or bare corner to life, and can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Three Black Dripping Wax Tru Glow LED Pillar Candles
It doesn't get much more dramatic than this. These black LED candles are the perfect way to introduce the spooky season and are ideal for a Halloween party. The dripping black wax effect adds plenty of drama, creating an eerie atmosphere once night falls.
Decorating your windows is a fuss-free, impactful way to bring Halloween season into your home. Easy to apply and reusable, one sheet features four white ghost stickers. Buy two or three sets to replicate the look across several window frames.
Create a dazzling table display with Very's pre-arranged floral pumpkin decoration. Available in orange or white, it features artificial hip berries, pinecones, and orange leaves all beautifully arranged into a speckled pumpkin.
These felt pumpkins can be used in a myriad of ways. Scatter along your dining room table, pop in a glass jar, or tie string along the top and hang from branches.
Give your friends a gentle scare with this felt Halloween garland, featuring the word 'Boo', plus plenty of pumpkins and spiders.
Welcome trick-or-treaters to your home with this hanging door sign from John Lewis.
This spider web light is a fuss-free way to bring some Halloween spookiness into your home. Complete with three colourful mini spiders, this is the ultimate creepy crawly display to feature as part of your decor this season.
Hang this miniature felt witch from your twig tree for a spook-tacular feel.
Sometimes it's the little finishing touches that count, and this trio of glass pumpkins would look perfect on a mantel or bookshelf. Complete with a mottled brass finish, they are a stylish take on Halloween.
Serve up this spooky-shaped ghost plate at your next Halloween party.
Decorating your door for Halloween has never looked so good. We love this door frame decoration that offers a simple way to dress up the entrance to each room.
