Egypt Beach Resort – WHTV

It was also reported that an Egyptian military intelligence official said the tourists had been freed just hours after their kidnapping. The official added that the British couple is safe and in a security building in Ras Sidr in southern Sinai.  

He explained that the couple was freed after police promised the Bedouin they would release a detained relative who had been arrested and accused of smuggling weapons from Libya to Egypt.The independent newspaper added that the official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to release the information.

Though it may be an attractive holiday activity, not all of us want to sit on the beach or by the hotel pool. In fact, some enjoy an altogether different experience during their break.

So, it's with the free spirited in mind that I have come up with something a little unusual, and for those who could enjoy a spine chilling experience of a real haunted house rather than one at the fun fair, make sure you keep reading.

Now that the Ghostbusters, teen vampires and paranormal activity films have prepared us to face any supernatural creature that comes our way, do you think you have the guts to visit some of the most haunted and scariest places in Britain? Of course this won’t be suited to everyone and may not be child friendly, but if you’re like me and relish in finding out some of the darkest secrets of the most haunted locations in Britain, and would like to discover why some historic figures make these places so eerie, then the Spookiest Places In Britain may be for you.

Pendle Hill – Lancashire

Pendle Hill is located near the town of Burnsley.  It is an isolated hill, which is a detached part of the Forest of Bowland Area.

Otherwise known as ‘witching country’, Pendle Hill is strongly associated with witchcraft due to the famous story of the Pendle Witches. This witch trial made up for over two percent of the witch trials of the early 15th and 18th centuries and is of the most famous trials in English history. The twelve alleged lived around Pendle Hill and were charged with the murders of ten people by the use of witchcraft. The hill continues to be associated with sorcery and large numbers of visitors climb it every Halloween to honour the twelve witches.

Discover Pendle Hill Centre, Boundary Mill Stores, Vivary Way, Colne, BB8 9NW – 01282 8566186
Visit the Pendle Hill website

The Red Lion – Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire

The Red Lion pub is situated within Avebury’s mysterious stone circle and has long been connected with witchcraft, paganism and superstition. A woman that goes by the name of Florie, is said to haunt this pub. Dating back to the time of the English Civil War her soldier husband threw her down an 86ft well (located on the pub premises) after finding her in bed with another man.

A number of reports have been received of sightings of Florie, dressed in black ,walking around the pub looking for a man with a beard, so make sure to shave if you choose to stay there for the night. Other reports have included that of eerie looking horse drawn carriages pulling up outside the pub in the dead of night. 

The Red Lion, Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF. Tel: 01672 539266. 

Visit the Red Lion website

Highgate Cemetery – London 

​The fantastic and unearthly gothic architecture in this Victorian cemetery is scary enough, but from the 60’s till the late 80’s rumours of a “grey figure with hypnotic red eyes” had started to cause distress in the area. Among stories of frightened school girls and impaired animals, it didn’t take long for the brute to be declared “Vampire”. Almost as extraordinary as the vampire itself was the feud between two local men, an exorcist called Sean Manchester and occultist David Farrant. Both of these men swore they would hunt down the vampire and finish it. 

The Friends of Highgate Cemetery runs tours for the east and west sections of the cemetery, though the eastern side can be explored without a guide. Admission to the west side offers a different ambience and can only be explored by a guided tour.

Visit the Highgate Cemetery website 

Borley Rectory – Essex

Previously labelled as the “Most Haunted House in Britain”, Borley Rectory has its fair share of ghouls. The house was built in 1863 on the site of an ancient monastery and the ghost of an afflicted nun who trekked along “Nun’s Walk” was already a resident ghost to the villagers at the time. Claims say that she had fallen in love with a monk and the two had tried to elope but were quickly caught. The monk was executed and the nun was bricked up in the cellars of the monastery.  

After having five resident families, Harry Price (local psychic researcher) received a ghostly message that the rectory would catch fire and burn down. Exactly eleven months after that message had been delivered Borely Rectory burnt to the ground. Witnesses were said to have seen ghosts wandering through the flames and the face of a nun looking down from an upper window. Though the house was completely destroyed years later, supernatural events are still reported from the site of the rectory and the nearby church. Though this is the most famous, Borely is filled with many other ghost stories and if you dare visit it would probably be best not to make this trip alone. 

Borley village lies on the River Stour, two miles north-west of Sudbury in Suffolk and 24 miles north-east of Chelmsford in Essex.  

Visit the Borely Rectory website 

Glamis Castle – Angus, Scotland

Currently home to the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, Glamis Castle has been named one of the most haunted castles in Britain. Though the Earl’s and Countess’ names may be on the address, they are not the only ones that inhabit the castle. The Grey Lady, who is claimed to be the spirit of Lady Janet Douglas who was burned at the stake as a witch on charges for plotting against the King, is known to haunt the family chapel and has also been seen appearing above the Clock Tower. A woman who has no tongue also haunts the grounds; she runs around the park pointing at her disfigured face and looks out from a barred window somewhere within the castle.

Another is a young servant who was cruelly treated around 200 years ago; he appears by a stone chair next to the door of the Queens’s bedroom. The last ghoul is known as Earl Beardie, who was Alexander, Earl Crawford. Supposedly he was a horrible and unforgiving man, his spirit wanders the castle and there have been accounts of children waking up to find his figure leaning over their beds. Earl Beardie is also known to be gambling for eternity in a concealed room with the Devil, there have often been reports of loud swearing and the sound of dice clacking together.  

Visit the Glamis Castle website Castle admission prices from £7.50 – £28.00

The Tower of London – London

The Tower of London is one of the most famous, historical buildings in the world. It may also be one of the most haunted, maybe it’s because of the countless executions, tortures and murders that have taken place inside its walls? Numerous ghost sightings have been reported in the tower and on its grounds, the most known one being that of a security guard in 1957. At 3am, the guard was suddenly alarmed by something hitting the top of the guardhouse. When he stepped out to inspect, he saw a shapeless white figure on top of the tower, it was then realised that it was the very same date that Lady Jane Grey was beheaded in 1554, February 12th.  

The most famous ghostly inhabit is that of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, who was best known for her unfair execution. She has been spotted many times on Tower Green and in the Tower Chapel Royal, sometime carrying her head. The giveaway of her presence is the over powering smell of cheap perfume. Other spirits of the tower include Henry VI and Thomas Becket. But one of the most gruesome stories of ​The Tower of London is the death of the Countess of Sailsbury, according to one report she was sentenced to death in 1541, accused of alleged involvement in criminal activity. She was sent to the scaffold, but when there she ran and was chased until she was brutally killed by the axe man. Her death ceremony has seen to be re-enacted by ghosts on Tower Green. 

Visit the Tower of London website Admission for adults is £21.45 and for children £10.75, the tower is open all year round for visitors. 

The Ancient Ram Inn – Wotten-under-Edge, Gloucestershire

Believed to have built in 1145 The Ancient Ram Inn is a lovely place to stop by for a drink, that’s if you don’t mind having an evil ghost as your drinking buddy. Activities including murder, Satanism and human sacrifice are believed to have been taken place at this centuries old building.  They are reported to date back to the 12th century when the inn was believed to have been built on pagan burial ground. With its devilish atmosphere and cold temperatures it’s had ghost hunters and mediums afraid to stay the night in the threshold. To avoid attracting any more dark beings, the owners have kindly asked mediums to refrain from summoning any more spirits (this message can be seen on the website). 

The Ancient Ram Inn, Potters Pond, Wotton under Edge, GL12 7HF. Visits must be booked with owner John Humphries on 01453 842598.
Visit the Ancient Ram Inn website

Berry Pomeroy Castle – near Totness, Devon

Like any good ghost story, this one is set in a castle.  Two female ghosts haunt the 12th century Berry Pomeroy Castle, with both a Blue Lady and a White Lady making people feel rather unsettled when they visit the historic castle. The White Lady is known to be Margaret Pomeroy, she was an indescribable beauty until she was imprisoned in the castle dungeons by her ferociously jealous sister Eleanor, otherwise known as the Blue Lady, for falling in love with the same man. From the dungeon cells it is there that her spirit is said to rise up to the castle walls. The Blue Lady, her sister, is reportedly seen to be encouraging visitors in the ruins to follow her, though it has been told that this is not a good idea. 

English Heritage cares for the castle, which is closed between November 1 and March 20. Admission is £3.80 adults and £1.90 children.
Visit the Berry Pomeroy Castle website

Hampton Court Palace – West London

Set in West London, Henry VIII’s previous place of residence is said to be one of the most haunted places in the UK. This palace is full spooky ghoulish stories. Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of the former King, who was beheaded on the grounds of adultery, has been seen by a number of palace visitors who heard chilling cries and have seen a strange figure. However, the most eerie of ghost sightings was caught on CCTV. It captured a figure standing at a heavy door which was opened then loudly slammed closed. The figure was dressed in clothing worn around the time of Henry VIII, some think that this is a fraud, however many people think that it is in fact the apparition of a ghost. 

Admission to the castle is £16.50 for adults and £8.80 for children. The Palace is open to visitors all year round. 
Visit the Hampton Court website

Thomas Cook – WHTV

Thomas Cook currently has 15,500 employees and these cuts would mean a 16% reduction in their workforce.

Stonehenge – WHTV

Maybe it's because people think it is or was a place of religious or spiritual significance that draws so many of them as visitors, that said I believe the fact that we know so little about such a great site is part of its allure.  Whatever draws you to this amazing stone circle, make the effort to see it. 

The Sarsen Circle – WHTV

We've always rented a car to get to there, as it is only 90 miles (145 km) from London; 2 miles west of Amesbury on the junction of two highways, A303 and A344/A360.  The circle stands on its own in the middle of open countryside…. you honestly can't miss it.

New Tourist Centre – WHTV

You are not allowed within the circle unless you apply for a Stonehenge Stone Circle Access or attend a special event.  Check with English Heritage for more details.  

Take something warm with you as the stones stand on an open plain, and it can get windy and cold. Stonehenge is not an isolated piece of prehistory, there are many Neolithic burial mounds in the area, the most famous is the West Kennet Long Barrow.   Avebury is a larger, some say older, stone circle about 20 miles (32 km) north of Stonehenge.  Silbury Hill, another Neolithic site nearby, is the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. The ruins of Old Sarum are worth a visit and moving forward in history, so is the town of Salisbury.  

Look out for further 'Wonders of the World' features as well reviews on English Heritage sites

Click here if you want to find out more on Stonehenge.

So WhichHoliday,tv has visited this festival, to research, so that our viewers have a greater understanding of what all the fuss is about.  It was the best research we have ever undertaken, thank you for the opportunity. So here are a few pointers;

Firstly, are you planning a trip for October?  Well if so you're going to miss it, or most of it.  It starts the third Saturday in September and is over by early October. In addition the festival only lasts for 16-18 days, so there is not much time.

Oktoberfest Entrance – WHTV

There are currently fourteen big beer tents set up by the breweries.  You can choose your tent by beer preference if you like; we've always just chosen a tent where we were lucky enough to get a seat!

It's free to get into the Wies'n grounds; you pay for food and rides as you go… and of course the beer.

Oktoberfest Fairground – WHYV

In order to be served a beer at Oktoberfest, you must be seated. Don't worry if you can't get into a beer tent.  Each of them has tables outside, and it can be easier to get a seat there.  You can probably hear the bands from outside.

Oktoberfest Steins – WHTV

Walk around and see the rides and the rest of the fair.  There are plenty of food stalls outside of the tents, and lots of carnival type rides, both new and old style. The Weis'n is a big fairground.  The ground is uneven, and if you wander to see all the rides, you'll be walking a long way.  

The S-Bahn WHTV

All the caveats about watching out for pickpockets apply, but when you're going to something like this, you should know that!

They close Oktoberfest at 11:00 pm or midnight, but they stop serving beer earlier than that….  It takes a while to drink that whole litre!  If you stay until closing time, it is a mass exodus to the subway (U-Bahn or S-Bahn)…. but the crowd is mostly friendly drunks. Reserve your room well in advance.  

Rooms will be more expensive during the festival and hard to get.  If you know what to expect and you do a little advance planning, and that September holiday to Oktoberfest should be lots of fun.

We loved it. 

Check out our feature on Beer Halls if you are travelling to Munich and do not plan to visit Oktoberfest.

If you try to sit at a table with a sign in the middle that says "Stammish", you will be moved as they have been reserved for ‘regulars’.  The rest of the tables are often "family style", and you're expected to share the table.  If you see a free space, ask if the seats are taken and squeeze in.  (Ask if they're "Frei" – just like in zimmer frei for rooms available). 

However do not do this at a table with that "Stammish" sign, as locals are very protective of their table.  They come to the halls so often they  keep their beer mugs locked up in little cages, waiting to be filled with their favourite beer. 

Munich Beer Hall – WHTV

A Munich beer hall is about the best place you can choose to try a brat and a beer.  If you just want a snack to soak up some of that beer, try one of the pretzels you can find everywhere… they're called "Brezen" and taste great. 

In most Munich beer halls, you will probably be served at the table, but if you don't have someone come after a few minutes… head for the bar and order.  These beer halls are associated with a single brewery… the big ones are named after their brew, so unless you want a wheat beer or a dark beer… if you order just a beer, you'll get their regular lager.   

You DO need to be aware of the size as in  Germany beer is served in half litres or whole litres… 1/2 litre = 17 ounces… a good size beer.  Many Munich beer halls only serve 1 litre beers!!!  That's 34 oz (1.8 UK pints).   Almost as much as three of those 12 oz bottle you get in U.S. six packs!   

Just so you know when you're ordering, a litre mug is called "ein Mass"… a half litre mug is "ein Halb".  And that beer mug or glass is not called a "beer stein" it's a "Krug" or a "Seidel". 

Hofbrauhaus – WHTV

Some of the other beer halls are Augustiner Keller (or Gaststatte), Lowenbraukeller, and Donisl.  Unless you are a devoted fan of one particular brew, just walk down the street, find a beer hall that looks inviting and try it…. you can't go wrong. 

In the summer there are also beer gardens.  You can bring your own food as long as you buy a beer.  They're good cheap places to picnic for the price of a beer.  Just remember year round, you'll find good beer, food and fun in the Munich beer halls. 

There were a variety of nationalities including 3 brits on board the hot air balloon that this week plummeted 1,000ft close to the ancient city of Luxor.They had booked the flight across some of the most ancient parts of Egypt with tour operators Thomas Cook who have chosen Sky Cruises as their preferred carrier for several years.

The area is famed for its pharaonic-era ruins which include the Kamak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

Tuesday’s crash has of course raised concerns about the safety of the ballooning industry in the area, and all flights have been suspended until a full investigation has been undertaken. 

German Beer – WhichHoliday.TV

Making beer in Germany is highly regulated.  The brewers must adhere to something called "Reinheitsgebot".  This is a "purity order" that dates from 1516.  They must use only water, hops and barley malt when they are making their beer.  The law has been updated and Yeast now can be used… it hadn't been discovered in 1516!  Sometimes sugar can be used too.  But for German brewers, no preservatives or chemicals of any kind are allowed.  No wonder it's so good. 

According to the Discover Munich website, beer is so special to Bavarians, that it isn't even classified as alcohol, it's a "health drink".  Well, we don't know about that, but we've read surveys that say it is Germans' favourite drink.  And we will pretty much agree that if you're travelling somewhere in the world where the water isn't safe…. it is safe to drink beer…. so maybe it IS a health drink. 

There are many different German beers to try… light beers and dark beers, wheat beers and bock beers, pilsners and ales.  Most beers have between 5-6 percent alcohol, but beware of some of the bock beers… they can have up to 16 percent alcohol!   

German Beer – WhichHoliday.tv

But let's just say that if you're travelling in Bavaria, you're in for a treat.  Of Germany's 1,300 or so breweries, the highest concentration is in Bavaria, and they have the greatest variety of beer styles.  You can spend several lunches and dinners exploring the beer halls of Munich.  Surely you've heard of the Hofbrauhaus and other biggies such as Lowenbrau, Augustinerbrau, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Spaten., and of course, there is always the Oktoberfest! 

By the way, for American readers, "light" beer or "helles beer" means only that it's light in colour…. it doesn't refer to the calories or the alcohol in it.  There are beers that are lower in calories and alcohol… they are "leicht" beers, not "helles" beers. 

Lastly, if you do go, the hold you glass high and  “Prost” (cheers) to German Beer!

Tower Bridge

Sir Horace Jones designed Tower Bridge which was completed in 1894.  Right away, it was determined this bridge would be a source of attraction for those visiting the city.  For the time it was built, the architecture and engineering was pushing construction boundaries to its limit and this has resulted in this magnificent icon.  Above the bridge, are two elevated walkways, which at the time this was unique, in that visitors where able to cross the river even when the bridge bascules were opened.

As previously stated, the Bridge is most well-known for its amazing views of the city icons such as the    O2 Arena, The Globe Theatre and Millennium Bridge.  However there is a great history behind this landmark, and to discover the secrets of the bridge all you need to do is step inside.  

Construction of Tower Bridge

Speaking of interesting facts, the official website for the Tower Bridge Exhibition claims that in 1910, the high walkways were closed due to unpopularity.  To their surprised, many preferred to watch the bascules rise from the bottom.  Also you can now hire the walkways for  private celebrations.  With its view, this is a great location for a London wedding.

You can enjoy an independent tour of Tower Bridge, there are no tour guides, however, staff members are always on hand to answer questions that may have.  With detailed displays, hand-on exhibits, and films, you will learn all you need to know about the construction, history, and importance of the Tower Bridge.

Behind the scenes

As for the view, you will be amazed what you can see from the top of the towers and elevated walkway.  The view includes St.Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, the London Eye, and the distance you will also catch a glimpse of Big Ben, The Monument and the Tate Modern.  What is unique is the special windows, which enable you to take great photographs without glass hindering the quality.

Even today, the bascules rise to allow river traffic to pass.  This is a sight worth waiting for and if you check out the website it will tell you when this is going to happen.  Tower Bridge Exhibition is open daily, with opening hours varying depending on the season.  For updated information on hours and admission price, verify ahead of your visit.

Find out more at www.towerbridge.org.uk

London Ice Sculpture Festival

Find out more at www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk

Chinese New Year

Find out more at www.london.gov.uk

Russian Festival

Find out more at www.maslenitsa.co.uk

London Marathon

Chelsea Flower Show

Find out more at www.rhs.org.uk

Horse Guards Parade

Find out more at www.royal.gov.uk

Great British Beer Festival

Find out more at www.gbbf.org

Street Fair

Thames Festival

Find out more at www.thamesfestival.org

Trafalgar Square Festival

Find out more at www.london.gov.uk

Christmas Lights

Trafalgar Square

The above mentioned annual festivals and scheduled events are only a small sample of what you will find available.  Events are scheduled throughout the year,  However please make sure you check dates before you plan your trip as we would not want you to miss any of these festivals.