Seven of the best haunted event spaces to hire
Forget spray-can spiders’ webs and latex witch masks: for a ghoulish Halloween event that will have guests screaming your PR clients’ praises, pick a venue where the actual undead liven up proceedings. (Or hire them at any of the time of the year for a less spooky experience!)
Wilton’s Music Hall, east London
This abandoned Victorian music hall’s eerie aura will get guests’ tongues wagging as soon as dusk hits. This Grade II listed building, built in 1859 to bring some West End glamour to the East End, was left derelict in the mid-20th century restored between 2012 to 2015. Its venue spaces include the Grand Music Hall, which has original wooden flooring and artfully distressed walls, and a seating capacity upwards of 300. The Cocktail Bar compromises three rooms and a breakout space (where the capacity is 60 people standing). For a lighter, airier space, the studio has capacity for up to 60 people. All provide the perfect chilling atmosphere for any event.
Find out more about Wilton’s Music Hall
The Langham Hotel, Marylebone
Built in 1865, this five-star gem has a deep history of ghostly encounters: from a silver-haired Victorian gent cloaked in black to Emperor Napoleon III. Back in 2014 the England cricket team, staying there during their test matches, reported strange noises and paranormal activity. There are 23 event spaces to choose from with a maximum capacity of 375 in the Grand Ballroom, which boasts a terrace overlooking the rose garden. For a more down-to-earth, quintessentially British feel, consider the hotel’s internal pub The Wigmore, set within a former banking hall. The adjoining Green Room, meanwhile, offers cosy respite from the venue’s haunting history.
Find out more about The Langham London
Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh
Set within the dramatic Scottish countryside, this enchanting 13th century castle – its towers and turrets forming a ghostly silhouette with the night sky – has five function rooms with historical furnishings and crystal chandeliers. The stand-out space is the Sir Alexander Room which has its own private bar and even a castle turret (capacity 100 standing), creating the perfect atmosphere for any autumnal event. Warn your clients and guests against work-party dalliances: among the spirits lurking here are Lady Catherine, or the “Grey Lady”, who died while locked in the Midlothian castle tower in 1695 for being caught embracing a stable hand.
Find out more about Dalhousie Castle
The Caves, Edinburgh
Lost for over a century, the hidden Edinburgh vaults have been restored into a venue recognised as a Unesco world heritage site. Once known as “Whisky Row” (there were once 20 illegal distilleries hidden in its vaults), The Caves lies beneath the 18th century South Bridge in the heart of the city. The main area hosts up to 450 guests and is licensed until 3am. For a more intimate venue, The Rowantree offers the same cave-like experience on a smaller scale (up to 110 people). Alternatively, Marlin’s Wynd is reception area with a vaulted cellar below was once an interrogation centre for Edinburgh’s legendary witch-hunts.
Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast
Located minutes from Belfast City Centre, this historical gaol saw 17 executions by hanging between 1854 and 1961. The Lanyon Suite is the largest space, offering capacity of upwards of 200 people, a lighting and sound system and removable staging. Bars on the windows and steel walkways, where guards once kept watch over prisoners, hint at the building’s dark past. Matron’s Gallery, in the basement of the gaol, is perfect for more intimate events for between 60 and 80.
Find out more about Crumlin Road Gaol
Belvedere House, Westmeath, Ireland
Overlooking Lough Ennell, this beautiful lakeside estate – which recently became part of the National Grassland Trail – was designed by prominent Palladian architect Richard Cassels. The Georgian Villa was originally constructed as a hunting lodge for Robert Rochfort, 1st Earl of Belvedere, in 1740. He was known as “The Wicked Earl”, and with good reason: he imprisoned his wife here for 31 years after falsely accusing her of having an affair with his brother. Its rooms are allegedly haunted by the ghost of Rochfort’s mother, Mary Molesworth, who died there… but, it is said, still resides there. Elsewhere on the premises, the Lakeside Room boasts beautiful views of the grounds, The Courtyard can accommodate up to 200 people in its atmospheric, exposed stone walls, while the follies (pictured) typically reflect Georgian grandiosity.
Find out more about Belvedere House
Llanrumney Hall, Cardiff
A hotspot for paranormal activity, this 15th century hall in East Cardiff was the birthplace of the famous Captain Henry Morgan and is believed to be home the headless corpse of Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd – the last prince of Wales before its conquest by the English (in other words, a ghost with a grudge to bear). Other ghostly sightings abound, at a premises – which sits on the former site of a monastery – boasting various spaces to host events, notably The Kemey’s Room which boasts floor to ceiling wooden bookshelves and beautiful sash windows overlooking the property. For a uniquely spooky area, consider hiring The Cellar!
Find out more about Llanrumney Hall
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