Spooktacular offers – Late deal flights from only £16.99
As Halloween descends upon us, we tiptoe around Europe’s creepiest castles and look at some Halloween traditions. If you dare visit them, we’ve discounted last minute flights for travel from 19 November 08 to 31 January 09. Spooky!
What’s more, we’re so convinced our fares are scarily low that if you find a cheaper seat on the same route elsewhere and we’ll refund you DOUBLE the difference!1 Find a cheap flight now and let the adventures begin! Just look out for the yellow promotional fares to get the discount.
Book by midnight Tuesday and visit them if you dare…
Dragsholm Slot
Horve, Denmark
Not one, not two, but three spirits dwell in this 12th-century château. The Earl of Bothwell was a prisoner who died there in the 1500s. Another captive, The White Lady, lay in a cavity in the castle wall for centuries before being discovered. The third spook, The Grey Lady, has a much less tragic story. Having once suffered from a terrible toothache, she just floats round the building, checking that everyone’s ok. Tours of the castle cost €10 (adults), €5 (children). www.dragsholm-slot.dk Number of Ghosts: Three
Flights to Copenhagen from London Stansted (1hr drive to Horve)
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, Scotland
The cold, misty battlements are home to an unlikely ensemble of spirits, among them a lost piper and a headless drummer. Plus, a phantom pooch, who has presumably strayed from the nearby dog cemetery. The dungeons beneath the castle are a must-see for ghost-hunters too—they’re apparently haunted by prisoners tortured there in years gone by. Tours of the castle cost €15 (adults), €8 (children). Kids under five go free. www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk Number of Ghosts: Three
Flights to Edinburgh from London, Bristol and Belfast
The Tower of London
London, England
It’s home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeaters, but the Tower of London has some supernatural denizens too. Arbella Stuart has haunted the Queen’s House ever since she was strangled there in 1615. Tours cost from €20 (adults), €11 (children). www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon Number of Ghosts: Two
Flights to London Gatwick, London Stansted or London Luton from Belfast, Scotland and Newcastle
Death-defying traditions
Spain
Families leave out food and drink on Halloween for the spirits to enjoy. On 2nd November, El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), children are given skull-shaped cakes, known as the Bones of the Holy. There are special parades in the daytime, then people head to the cemeteries to be closer to the departed.
Flights to Madrid from Edinburgh, London Luton, London Gatwick, Bristol, Liverpool and Edinburgh
Flights to Malaga from Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Bristol, Belfast, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and East Midlands
Germany
They say the dead return to Earth on Halloween. Many Germans hide away sharp objects like knives, so the spirits don’t hurt themselves. Known as All Saints’ Day, this is a public holiday in Germany and children receive gifts of special bread from their godparents. The bread, known as Strietzel, is made from interwoven strands of dough stretching up to three metres.
Flights to Munich from Edinburgh and London Stansted
Portugal
The Portuguese phrase for “trick or treat” is “doce ou travessura”. But, unlike in the UK, you won’t find people muttering it from behind masks or fancy dress here. Instead, children roam the streets on November 1st, collecting homemade cakes from neighbours. At night, candles and lanterns light up the cemeteries, and families drink wine and eat chestnuts by the gravesides.
Flights to Faro from London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands, Newcastle, Belfast and Liverpool
Poland
Doors and windows are left open on Halloween to welcome ghosts back into the home. On 1st November, Poles adorn graveyards with wreaths and lanterns.
Flights to Warsaw from London Luton
Flights to Krakow from London Luton, London Gatwick, Bristol, Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool and Edinburgh
1Same route means between the same airports on a competitor flight. Competitor flight must depart within 2 hours of the easyJet flight. Must claim within 24 hours of booking easyJet flight. For full details see easyJet.com. Further terms and conditions apply.
Price quoted is single including tax.