As Halloween approaches, many are hunting for spooky activities to get them in the spirit. And what better way to bring in scary season than a trip to a haunted beach?
Just a few hours from Manchester lies the seaside town of Scarborough. In sunnier months, the area is known for its sandy beaches, stunning views, and family attractions. But during Halloween season, the beaches in this coastal town shift from sunny to spooky - so much so, that they've been featured in a horror film.
Scarborough's South Bay beach has been said to be haunted, with ghosts roaming the sandy shores. Located next to Scarborough Castle, the beach was thought to be eerie even before its appearance in 2019 British psychological horror film Saint Maud, reports YorkshireLive.
Most of the castle now lies in ruins, as a haunting silhouette on the skyline. The castle is over 3,500 years old and with that time comes a bloody history. Following the English Civil War, the castle became a prison. Many of these prisoners died and, as the legend goes, 'moved on into the spirit world' - left to haunt South Bay beach and the castle forever.
The most famous 'ghost' said to haunt the castle is Piers Gaveston, the Earl of Cornwall and close friend of Edward II. His headless spectre reportedly walks the grounds around the castle, but there are a number of other souls said to roam South Bay Beach at night.
The bay has also provided influence for horror stories, including the globally renowned Woman in Black, written by Susan Hill. Susan grew up in Scarborough and has spoken of how growing up in the Yorkshire coastal town brought out her macabre side. The smells, the sights, and the massive storms have all weaved to form her writing.
Most recently, the beach has been chosen as part of a horror movie road trip. As mentioned above, the site was used in a British horror movie in 2019 and has now joined the ranks of other spots on the trip.
Here are all the locations featured on the tour.
Location and film:
- Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland - The Wicker Man
- Tantallon Castle, Lothian, Scotland - Under The Skin
- South Bay Beach, Scarborough, England - St Maud
- Westminster Bridge, London, England - 28 Days Later
- All Saints Church, Fulham, England - The Omen
- Crickadarn Village, Wales - American Werewolf in London
The total length of the trip is 743 miles and is estimated to take around 14 hours and 52 minutes (that's pretty scary). There are six spooky locations on the map, all featured in iconic horror movies such as The Wicker Man, 28 Days Later and The Omen.
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