3 Spooky Getaways in the UK for Halloween (and What to Pack)
Some of the best spooky getaways come with centuries of real history and a decent amount of fog. This Halloween, you do not need a theme park to feel a chill. If you are hunting for haunted places to visit, the breaks below are a good place to start. Each comes with the Lugg bag that suits it best.
Here are three destinations to think about: Edinburgh for its underground streets, Whitby for its Dracula connections and Pendle Hill for its witches. All three involve a lot of walking, so the luggage needs to be easy to carry.
1. Edinburgh and The Sky Rover Suitcase
Edinburgh's Old Town has a second city hiding underneath it. Medieval closes and vaults run beneath the streets, and the Grassmarket was once a site of public executions. If you want the full spooky set in one weekend, head for the South Bridge Vaults, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Real Mary King's Close, a preserved 17th-century street that sits underground.
Halloween programmes run from about 27 to 31 October. Pack flat shoes and a waterproof layer too, because the cobbles are charming for about ten minutes and hard work after that. The 28 inch Sky Rover in Oxblood has 360 degree spinner wheels and a vampiric colour to match. This hard shell suitcase measures 76 x 49 x 29 cm. It suits a longer stay and a bit of shopping.
Pair the suitcase with the ghostly white Stone packing cubes which are perfect for taking a costume. Fold it into its own cube and it will not get crushed under your boots and souvenirs. Use the other cubes to keep your layers in order.
2. Whitby and The Duffle and Toiletry Set
Whitby is where Bram Stoker found part of his inspiration for Dracula. Whitby Abbey sits on the cliff above the town, and 199 steps lead up to St Mary's Church and its leaning gravestones. Go at dusk if you can. The sea fog does half the work for you. The autumn Whitby Goth Weekend runs from 30 October to 1 November, and the whole town fills with people in elaborate costume.
Whitby is an easy destination for a quick getaway, so the duffle and toiletry bag set in Sage Green is the right size for it. It has webbing handles and a detachable adjustable shoulder strap. The PU-coated fabric helps keep your things dry when the sea fret rolls in. The toiletry bag fits inside, and a trolley sleeve slides over a suitcase handle if you are bringing a larger case too. It measures 45 x 32 x 20 cm. That is enough for a cape, a pair of boots and a couple of nights away. Nothing says haunted like a gasping tourist halfway up the steps.
3. Pendle Hill and The Vacay Cabin Bag
Pendle Hill is the real thing. In 1612, a group of local people from the Pendle area were accused of witchcraft. They became known as the Pendle witches. Magistrate Roger Nowell led the investigation, and the case was heard at Lancaster Assizes in August. Ten people were hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster on 20 August 1612. The story still looms over the hill. These days it is a walk, and a rather good one.
This is an outdoor trip, so check the weather and download your maps before you set off, because signal can drop out. Boots will get muddy and the weather will do what it likes. In terms of suitcases, a hard shell with a water-resistant coating is a sensible choice for the weekend. The 15 inch Vacay in Terra Cotta (which coincidentally, is a lovely pumpkin orange shade) is a cabin suitcase with 360 degree double spinner wheels and a push-button telescopic handle. It is also easyJet friendly hand luggage in case you have to fly to Manchester for this. At 45 x 33 x 20 cm it fits easyJet's free underseat allowance of 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Ryanair's free bag is smaller at 40 x 30 x 20 cm, so the Vacay only works for Ryanair if you add Priority. Airlines change their rules, so check the rules in the cabin luggage size guide before you fly.
What To Pack for a Spooky Weekend
First tip: Whatever you choose for a weekend trip, make sure you can carry it up a hill.
- Layers and a waterproof: Edinburgh wind, Whitby sea fret and Pendle drizzle all arrive without warning. A few thin layers beat one big coat.
- Flat, grippy shoes: Cobbles, 199 steps and a muddy hillside do not forgive heels or fashion trainers.
- A hanging toiletry bag: Hotel bathrooms are rarely generous with shelf space. The leak-resistant pockets keep wet and dry items apart.
- Your costume and any props: Fold it into its own packing cube so it arrives uncrushed. Masks and small props pack flat enough to slip in beside it.
- Halloween makeup: Face paint, eyeliner or whatever finishes the look.
Flying on a budget airline? Underseat cabin bags are sized for the free bag allowance, which is handy if you are only away for a night or two.
Which Spooky Getaway Should You Pick?
The best spooky getaways need a good story, a bit of weather and a bag you can carry up a hill. All three places here have the first two covered. Edinburgh has centuries of history under the Old Town. Whitby has an abbey, a Dracula connection and 199 steps. Pendle Hill has a witch story that people still tell.
So choose by the kind of trip you fancy. Want a city break with ghost tours after dark? Go to Edinburgh and take a suitcase with room for layers and a costume. Prefer gothic atmosphere and a town in fancy dress? Whitby suits a bag you can sling over your shoulder. Fancy a proper walk with a witchy backstory? Pendle Hill suits a compact cabin suitcase and a waterproof.
Whichever you pick, book early. Edinburgh's ghost tours are said to sell out in October and Whitby's rooms fill up around the Goth Weekend. Pendle just needs a decent forecast. Then check your airline's limits, weigh your case before you leave and pack for the weather. The rest is up to the ghosts.
Ready to pack? Browse the Sky Rover collection for city breaks and the duffle bag collection for quick coastal weekends.
