Haunted Inns

I was browsing the news this afternoon when I came across an article in the Evening Leader of the UK. The article in question discusses a pub located in Chester, UK which experiences its fair share of supernatural visitors as well as the more natural kind. The article itself was pretty brief, mentioning a few sightings and interesting occurrences (you can read the article itself here Chester Pub in most haunted guide) but what caught my eye was the reason for the article.

The most haunted guide referenced is a website that has been created in the United Kingdom for the paranormal tourist: http://www.hauntedhotelguide.com/. I have to say I do enjoy seeing websites like this. In fact I found it pleasantly informative. Even though its not fully comprehensive it would most likely be an asset if I were to ever visit the UK in the future. I definitely suggest that any reader of this blog should take a look at it. Once selecting an area of the UK you are then presented with a list of haunted inns and hotels. You can select the location you wish to view and are hereby presented with a small paragraph regarding the haunting itself and some more down to earth information regarding the establishments. Looking to the right under ghost and hauntings you are able see a more expanded view of the hauntings themselves.

What I don't like seeing is one of the reasons for the popular attention its getting, straight from the about us portion of the site:

The public's interest in all things paranormal is constantly growing; this is emphasised by the increasing popularity of television programmes such as Most Haunted, Derek Acorah's Ghost Towns, Dead Famous and Jane Goldman Investigates.

This is unfortunate in my eyes as the shows mentioned above are not exactly a wonderful representation of the more serious paranormal enthusiast. Don't get me wrong Derek can put on quite the performance in the sense of it being entertainment not meant to be viewed in a serious light of any kind. Not having watched all the shows mentioned I can't comment on every one of them but anyone who has ever put the slightest amount of research into these topics (not that I would consider myself an expert) can see what a joke some of these new and popular shows are.

Unfortunately running around screaming in the dark has become the common entertainment venue for mainstream media and this is a very poor time media wise for anyone who has been interested in paranormal studies. I don't know if the fault lies with the producers attempting to create a more exciting view of the "ghost hunter" (a term I personally despise), the individuals doing the "investigating", or even of the public themselves who seem to give these shows great attention. I could go on and on discussing my dislike of this popular media form but I will give it a rest for the moment and continue to hope that this style of show will quickly fade into the void.

In the same breath I am thankful to see more of a public interest in paranormal tourism itself. Visiting such historical and interesting inns would certainly be an experience of its own. I for one would have a wonderful time on vacation sleeping the night away in one these featured haunted hotels wondering what I might wake up too in the night.

I can't say I'm so certain about the Weekend Haunts program that works in tandem with the site, but it may be interesting to check out. Personally I would love to visit Arreton Manor on the Isle of Wight, more so for the history and beauty of the manor itself.