Haunted Destinations You Can't Miss

EDINBURGH

Ghosts seem to love places steeped in history, and no nation may be more steeped than Scotland — even without the whisky. You'll find spectral shenanigans from John o' Groats to Gretna Green, but if you really want to get your goose bumps on, Edinburgh is the place to go. At the castle, which towers over the city, you might hear the wailings of the Lone Piper, who disappeared — body but apparently not soul — during an exploration of tunnels beneath the castle. Nearby, check out Mary King's Close (Scots for "alley"), an underground world of dwellings where a little girl named Annie was supposedly locked away by her family to die of the plague. In 1992, a Japanese psychic felt her presence, and ever since visitors have been leaving toys, dolls and stuffed animals for Annie. Some visitors leave money as well, which is donated to a worthy charity — confirmation for many that Annie's spirit is indeed afoot, doing good.

See Also: Frommer's Guide: Dublin

In the Highlands north of Edinburgh, you'll find the stunningly beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle. The castle is ghost-free, but you'll still get a chill watching from its ramparts for a glimpse of Scotland's famous Loch Ness Monster. The first recorded sighting was in the sixth century, when one of Saint Columba's monks tried to swim across the treacherous loch to fetch a boat. The monster reared up angrily, but calling on God's authority, Columba ordered the beast to return to its lair. Legend has it that years later Nessie returned and sought vengeance by destroying the castle. (Less romantic historians claim the walls were actually dynamited in 1692 by the English to prevent the castle from serving as a stronghold for rebellious Scots.)

See Also: European Barge Cruising