The mysterious monks of Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral was once the heart of a Benedictine monastery, which adjoined its south wall. While no physical structure from the priory remains today, some believe that a ghostly monk haunts the Cathedral Close where the building once stood. Sightings claim the monk can be seen with a limp, wandering near the South Transept and walking up steps that no longer exist. Visitors looking to explore the site of the former monastery can visit The Dean Garnier Garden, which lies upon what was once the monk’s dormitory.

Looking to dive deeper into the mysteries of Winchester Cathedral this autumn? Join the forensic murder mystery experience, Death in the Cathedral, on Saturday 18 October. It is 1725 and a body has met a violent end in the Fisherman’s Chapel at Winchester Cathedral. Using crime scene reconstruction, available evidence from the time of the murder and our contemporary understanding of homicide, visitors will be asked to help put this 300-year-old murder to rest. Explore more spine-tingling experiences at Winchester Cathedral here.

Spooky sightings fit for the stage

Over its 170-year history, the Theatre Royal Winchester has been home to a few ghostly sightings. The most famous phantom is that of John Simpkins. Brothers John and James purchased The Market Hotel in 1912 and converted it into the Edwardian theatre we see today. During construction, James Simpkins had the initials JS put above the proscenium arch over the stage. John would have preferred it to say J&JS, for both brothers. James made a promise to John to correct it, but John died without ever seeing his initial added. The ghost of John Simpkins has been spotted many times over the years wearing Edwardian clothing, a stern expression and searching the stage’s arch.

This Halloween, visit the Theatre Royal Winchester for a spooky showing perfect for any thrill-seeker. On 6 October, experience an unforgettable cinema screening of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. The silent masterpiece is brought to life with a live score by Chris Green. On 20 and 22 October, prepare for a hair-raising whodunnit based on the world-famous Jack the Ripper case. The Ripper Files sees a reprise of the ghoulish events of Victorian Whitechapel that have fascinated true-crime fans for decades. See the full programme here.

Myth, mistletoe and Marwell Hall

Marwell Hall, a 14th century manor house on the site that is now Marwell Zoo, is said to have once hosted an extremely ill-fated game of hide-and-seek. The story goes: on the day of a winter wedding, a bride suggested a game of hide and seek for her guests. She chose to conceal herself in an old oak chest, which locked itself after she crawled inside. The guests frantically searched the property for her, but she was never found. That is, until her bones were discovered years later, alongside her wedding gown and a bough of mistletoe.

While many country houses lay claim to the legend of the Mistletoe Bride, Marwell Hall’s imposing medieval façade and trailing ivy makes it the perfect backdrop for this spooky story!

Visit Marwell Zoo to see the ‘haunted’ Hall for yourself. Plus, enjoy a whole host family-friendly games and activities during October half term. Navigate the haybale maze, test your aim with the pumpkin ring toss, get creative with pumpkin carving, and settle down for story time with their friendly witch. Just beware of hide-and-seek!

The original ‘Hampshire ghost story’

National Trust’s Hinton Ampner is the site of a haunting that inspired one of Britain’s most famous ghost stories. In 1765 to 1772, Hinton Ampner was rented by William Henry Ricketts and his wife Mary Jervis. While living there, Mary experienced a series of events or hauntings in the house, including the slamming of doors, vanishing figures, and chilling cries.

A version of these events, based on Mary’s letters and written accounts, was published as ‘A Hampshire ghost story’ by The Gentleman's Magazine in 1872. It proved a popular story, and Hinton Ampner became known as one of most haunted houses in England. So famous was the story that The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is thought to have been inspired by the house.

While the old Tudor house at Hinton Ampner, the site of the original 'haunting', was demolished in 1793, visitors can visit the 20th century house to learn the history of its previous owners and haunted goings-on. This October, families can also take part in the Halloween Half Term Trail, where young adventurers can join Wilma the Witch on her quest to find missing feathers from the Dutton family crest!