Hannah’s fully immersing herself in the spirit of the month, as she revels in the county’s impressive links with the paranormal and hears some of its most haunting ghost stories. Read on if you dare – and prepare to feel your spine tingling…
Bewitched by Manningtree
The pretty market town of Manningtree was the home to the self-titled ‘Witchfinder General’ Matthew Hopkins. Hopkins and his assistant John Stearne are believed to have sentenced nearly 300 people to death in their time as witch hunters. Many of the witches were tried by the banks of the river Stour and legend has it that Hopkins’ ghost is thought to wander around the pond in the nearby village of Mistley!
Visitors can retrace Hopkins’ steps with a walking tour of the area ‘Walking with Witches’, which begins on Manningtree High Street and winds itself through the town. The walk passes ‘Old Knobbley’, an ancient and gnarled oak tree, thought to be over 800 years old, and the site where Hopkins was buried. The historical walking tour is available free to download from the Visit Essex website (visitessex.com)
It’s a well-known fact that Romans ruled these parts two thousand years ago. However, the presence of one of them is believed to still haunt the Strood, the causeway which links Mersea Island to the mainland. Many people have said they’ve seen a Roman Centurion marching over the Strood in the dead of night.
A more shy ghost inhabits the impressive keep at wedding and events venue, Hedingham Castle. Although no-one is believed to have seen a ghost, a snapshot from a wedding photo shone a light on a figure that once used to live in the historic attraction.
Trick or treat?
Essex promises less tricks and more treats this October, with many eerie activities taking place across the county.
Down Hall, a large country mansion on the Essex/Herts border, has plenty of spine-tingling events happening this Halloween. Join them for their free event, A-Live on the Lawn, on Friday 25 October for music, provided by their resident DJ, plus delicious food and cocktails. Or, if you want to dive into the horror theme, they’ll be putting on a Halloween Cinema on the Lawn; a thrilling weekend filled with family-friendly Halloween movies and spooktacular thrillers. The whole family can sink their fangs into a Halloween-themed afternoon tea from 25 October to 1 November, with a ghoulishly delicious spread of terrifying treats and wicked delights (From £40pp, children charged at 50 per cent.)
For a unique Halloween experience, head to Little Easton Manor, Great Dunmow, for a murder mystery dinner. This high-quality, interactive dinner, direct from London’s West End, is sure to get everyone’s pulses racing! Can you figure out who the murderer is before it’s too late? (Tickets £50pp)
In Colchester, the Town Hall is hosting a ‘Beware the Scare’ event from 25 October to 2 November. Suitable for ages 16+, take a trip through maze-like corridors and atmospheric rooms to experience an immersive scare event not for the faint hearted. (From £20pp, under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.)
For a family friendly Halloween trail experience, head to Romford Shopping Hall for a half term Halloween Trick or Treat Hunt. On 29 October, children can take part in a super “scary” trick or treat hunt, visiting shops to collect goodies including toys and sweets. There will be “not so scary” animatronics and children can also make a pit stop at Jungle Hair for a temporary tattoo and face painting (additional charge). Pre-book a place for free or pay £5 on the day.
Castles are some of the spookiest places to visit at Halloween, with their ancient history and rumours of ghosts wandering the halls. This year, Brightworth’s School of Magic returns to Hedingham Castle in Halstead. Young witches and wizards can learn about magic wands, brew potions, practise mystical spells and see enchanted animals. (From 27 October to 2 November, from £13.95pp. Under 3s go free.)
Another event you won’t want to miss this Halloween season is the Halloween Pumpkin Trail and Catapult Event at Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted. From Saturday 26 October to 3 November, children can search for hidden pumpkins around the castle and House on the Hill Museum and will win a prize for completing the trail. There will also be a unique medieval catapult firing, where pumpkins will be launched at witches and skeletons daily at 2pm. Those who are brave enough can also enter the Haunted Manor! (From £13.50pp.)
Nighttime always brings a spooky feel to it, and Halloween night is the spookiest of them all! Why not spend Halloween night exploring Saffron Walden Museum by torchlight. Complete the twilight riddle trail and try your hand at moonlight activities. (£2.40 per child and normal Museum admission applies.)
