Cork is a city steeped in history, folklore, and—according to many—a few lingering spirits. I spotted Cork Ghost Tour advertised online during a 10-day caravan tour of the Republic of Ireland. As we were staying at Blarney Caravan & Camping Park and had already set an eerie theme by visiting Cork City Gaol, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

Given a time and a destination to meet within the centre of Cork, our guide – a striking figure in top hat and cloak – was impossible to miss. A warm welcome gradually changes to dark tales, with parts of the tour including:

• Fin Barre’s Cathedral. The cathedral is known for its majestic Gothic Revival architecture and mysterious ambience. Legend has it that a spectral figure guards the cathedral, often appearing as a ghostly watchman in times of great upheaval. Visitors are warned to stay close to the group while passing by, as the spirit is said to be especially watchful of newcomers.

• The English Market. The English Market, dating back to 1788, is one of Cork’s most famous landmarks. While it’s lively during the day, it’s rumoured to have a different energy after dark. Some tour guides say the spirits of past shopkeepers linger in the halls, keeping an eye on their former stalls. Paranormal sightings have been reported, with visitors claiming to hear footsteps and whispers echoing through the empty market late at night.

• Shandon Steeple. Shandon’s tower is one of Cork’s most recognisable sites, and its eerie bell tower has led to many supernatural tales. Some locals believe the spirit of a former bellringer, who tragically fell to his death, still resides there. Legend says his ghost rings the bells in the dead of night, causing them to chime without explanation.

• Elizabeth Fort. Elizabeth Fort is an old stronghold with a long history of military activity, built in 1601 to protect the city. Over centuries, the fort has witnessed many executions and battles, and some believe these tragic events left an imprint on the grounds. Guests often report feeling a chill as they walk through; some have even seen apparitions dressed in military uniforms from different eras.

• The River Lee. The river flows through Cork and has a history that is as dark as it is beautiful. There are stories of ghostly women weeping at the water’s edge, believed to be banshees or the spirits of those lost to the river.

The tour is led by costumed guides, often in character, who regale participants with tales of Cork’s haunted history. Yes, guides plural, as unknown to anyone on the tour, other folk lie in wait, ready to run screaming through the assembled group, dressed in period garb dotted with blood for maximum effect. The tour gave historical insight into the city and recounted ghostly tales of past residents who had yet to leave. It is a hugely entertaining tour and one I cannot recommend highly enough.

If you picture the Cornish seaside town of St Ives, you likely think of sunshine, ice cream, and gently bobbing boats in the harbour. However, the atmosphere changes after dark.

Shanty Baba’s Walk typically begins as shadows lengthen, and the streets, busy in the daytime, become deserted. We were led through winding alleyways, with each stop revealing a paranormal story, crime, or mystery. Some ghostly apparitions are said to stem from the Black Death, which decimated the population.

Some of the tales included:

• The Shadow of the Fisherman. Shanty recounted the tale of a spectral fisherman seen near the harbour, forever searching for his lost ship and crew. Locals have spotted a shadowy figure standing at the water’s edge in the dead of night, gazing out to sea, a mystery that has been whispered about for generations.

• The Haunted Pub. One of St Ives’ oldest pubs is rumoured to be haunted by a former landlord, whose spirit is said to rearrange items and leave eerie signs for staff and patrons.

• The Lady in White: On certain misty evenings, some have claimed to see a woman in flowing white garments moving slowly through the narrow lanes, her face hidden in shadow.

• The Plague Pit. On a hill above St Ives, we came to Barnoon Cemetery, which lies in eerie silence apart from the muffled sound of waves crashing below. Part of the cemetery is rumoured to have been a plague pit, with the Black Death arriving via the harbour.

The ghost walk lasted approximately an hour, but in 60 minutes, the guide revealed a darker side to the picture-perfect seaside town. A modern veneer of candy floss and fish and chips hides a troubled past that includes smugglers and the Bubonic Plague.

As the nights draw in and the witching hour seems ever present, take your caravan, motorhome, or campervan to a campsite close to a spot with a hidden past. The UK has a long and fascinating history that has endured many a bump in the road. Should you wish to turn this into a bump in the night, there are plenty of campsites to choose from, but don’t have nightmares…

1. Cork Ghost Tour. Recommended campsite: Blarney Caravan and Camping Park.
2. Shanty Baba’s Lantern Ghost Storywalk. Recommended campsite: Godrevy Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite.
3. Pendle Hill, Lancashire. Recommended campsite: Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite.
4. The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh. Recommended campsite: Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite.
5. The York Dungeon. Recommended campsite: York Rowntree Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite.
6. The Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucester. Recommended campsite: Slimbridge – Tudor Caravan Park.
7. RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire. Recommended campsite: Mablethorpe Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite.
8. Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon. Recommended campsite: Pine Ridge Woodland CL.
9. The Tower of London. Recommended campsite: Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite.
10. Tenby Ghost Walk. Recommended campsite: Saundersfoot – Crane Cross Caravan and Camping Park.