Hostels at Halloween

Let us guide you through our top cities to make your spine tingle and skin shiver if you know where to look. With Halloween just around the corner get out and about to explore these haunted locations. It's not all gloom and doom, when you're done scaring yourself your friendly HI hostel will ensure you get a warm welcome and you can leave your ghostly experience well behind you!

Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada

Ok, when we said you could leave the ghosts behind we mislead you a little. Stay at the HI Ottawa Jail Hostel and you'll be sharing a room with the things that go bump in the night (we're not just talking about sleepwalking hostellers!). Not only can you stay in a converted cell, but you can access the top floor which served as the jail's death row.

The hauntings of this building are said to be of Patrick J Whelan who, among many other unhappy souls who roam the prison, was hanged for the assassination of a politician. The hostel's staff often report Whelan's spirit appearing at the end of guests' beds or in his death row cell. Do you feel brave enough to take on a night in jail?

I'm feeling brave, book me a cell.

Tower of London, UK

This imposing tower standing on the banks of the River Thames is cited as one of the most haunted buildings in Britain. Home to many an imprisoned royal its eerie stone corridors are visited by great figures of history and other unfortunate souls who have been executed in this place. These include Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Margaret Pole, the Two Princes and a Waving White Lady. There have also been reports from people who have experienced sensations of a heavy or crushing nature in the room housing Henry VIII's suit of armour exhibition which leaves them upon exiting.

Aside from chasing down ghoulish encounters there is plenty to do at the Tower of London so you should take the time to have a good look around. We have seven HI hostels in the central London area to choose from, each one promising a friendly night in after a scary day out. Don't forget to also check out the spooky Highgate Cemetery while you're here!

I love London.

Dominican Hill, Philippines

Visit the empty ruins of this upmarket hotel which is said to be haunted by headless priests and nuns wandering the corridors. Originally the site of a seminary massacre in this present day people in the surrounding neighborhood report sounds of wailing, screaming and dishes clattering.

If that proves too much the city of Baguio itself, where Dominican Hill is located, is a popular destination with travellers as there is plenty to see and many festivals occurring throughout the year. The spacious Baguio Vacation Apartments are blessed with scenic views, from here you can enjoy a daily view of the majestic sunset and Baguio's mystical fogs.

I can handle it - take me to Baguio City.

The Haunted Catacombs of Paris

Caverns with walls made of skulls won't be everyone's idea of a good day out but they are definitely one of those intriguing spectacles that make for a great experience. This maze of underground tunnels, known as The Catacombs, is open for guided tours. There have been claims made by people that they have been touched or strangled by unseen hands, unexplained sensations of feeling frozen and a few cases of visitors going from a calm state to complete hysteria in specific spots.

Luckily at the end of all this there is the city of Paris to explore. After a glance at the romantic Eiffel Tower and a warm choc au pain you'll forget any uneasy feelings. In this city we have five HI hostels to choose from.

Take me there.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh is an awesome place to visit but its castle has a dark side. Sitting on top of an extinct volcano and protected by sheer cliffs to three sides it has been a fortification for over 2000 years. Hidden from sight a series of secret tunnels connect the castle to the Royal Mile, and some say to Holyrood. A lost piper is said to haunt these underground paths and his music is said to be heard within the castle and the streets above. The restless spirit of Lady of Glamis who was imprisoned in the dungeons and burned at the stake for witchcraft in the 16th century is also said roam parts of the castle.

Luckily Scotland is famed for its whiskey so if you need a strong drink to get over any shocks this is the place to be. We also have the fantastic Edinburgh hostel just minutes from Princes Street. Its bright and contemporary interior will help you forget any scary encounters and the central location make it the perfect base to explore the capital further.

Head to the Highlands.