York has been named Europe’s most haunted city and its shadowy snickleways, narrow winding alleyways and historic buildings are thought to be awash with things that go bump in the night.

The spooky reputation is unsurprising when you consider York’s turbulent past. Invaded by Vikings and ravaged by the Great Plague, York’s history dates back to 71 AD when it was founded by the Romans.

These days, the city is still said to be rife with apparitions from murdered orphans and beheaded nobleman to a dog called Seamus.

If you feel like a bit of haunting with your holiday then York’s your city. TNT‘s Janine Kelso went on the Ghost Trail (01904 633276; ghosttrail.co.uk), which starts every night at 7.30pm from the Minster’s West Door. She was scared. Come and have a go if you think you’re brave enough!

York’s ghostly attractions

York Dungeon
Guy Fawkes, who was born in York, and legendary highwayman Dick Turpin, who was executed in York for theft, play a starring role in this actor-led gorefest.
The damage: £14.30.
thedungeons.com

The Treasurer’s House
Join a cellar tour of what is thought to be the most haunted building in Britain and hear the spooky tale of how an apprentice plumber saw a ghostly crew of Roman soldiers in 1953.
The damage: Cellar tour is £2.20.
nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-treasurershouseyork

Haunted House
Visitors reportedly heard eerie screeching from the attic during an audio tour of this 700-year-old creeky house. When it featured on Most Haunted, the crew ran out screaming.
The damage: £9.
hauntedhouseyork.co.uk

Essential information on visiting York

WHEN TO GO: Any time.
GETTING THERE: Travel to York by rail with East Coast Trains (eastcoast.co.uk). Fares cost from £20 return and the journey takes about two hours.
GETTING AROUND: York is easily explored on foot.
GOING OUT: A pint of beer costs about £2.30.
ACCOMMODATION: A private room in the Dean Court Hotel (01904 625082; deancourt-york.co.uk) costs from £105.
GET MORE INFO AT: visityork.org or call 01904 550099 for your free guide on where to stay and what to do in York. New for 2010 is the Yorkshire Pass which offers you entry to more than 70 visitor attractions. A one-day pass is £28. See yorkshirepass.com

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