Ghostly goings on at Wentworth Woodhouse

For the first time ever, brave visitors are being given the chance to test for paranormal activity and spend the night inside the state rooms at Wentworth Woodhouse.

The Grade I listed country house in Rotherham is also hosting more Ghost Tours by Candlelight.

The Paranormal sleepover is taking place this weekend, January 23 - 24.

The over 18s event begins with a spine-tingling ghost hunt through grand rooms and hidden corners before ghost hunters settle down to sleep in the historic State Dining Room.

The operators of the house have selected parts of the house not normally seen by others, such as the cellars, stables and attic rooms occupied by servants back in the day.

The unique event costs £160 with any money made from the events going straight into the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and contributes to the restoration of this magnificent House and Gardens.

Previous Trust paranormal events finished at 1am.

After January dates sold out, more dates have been added for the Ghost Tours by the Trust: "Step into the shadows of Wentworth Woodhouse for a candlelit tour through some of its most intriguing rooms. Hear eerie tales of unexplained happenings as you explore the House after dark – perfect for those curious about the paranormal without braving an overnight investigation."

Priced at £22.50, the tours are taking place on Friday and Saturday February 6 and 7.

According to ghost hunters, the ghosts and spirits that have been encountered at Wentworth Woodhouse are numerous. They include the figure of a ghostly monk and the ghost of a man who has been described as a creepy statue as he appears to stand absolutely still when people walk past. People have encountered ghostly footsteps, children laughing and people being grabbed by unseen hands. Doors open and close by themselves and very recently in the George IV quarters a member of staff heard a door handle rattling and then the door closed by itself. Deep gutteral voices are often heard and loud bangs coming from nowhere. The haunted library and the George IV drawing room are definitely places where you are likely to experience paranormal activity with shadows being seen and figures standing in doorways.

Wentworth Woodhouse has an ill-fated history being home to Thomas Wentworth, who met his untimely demise as Administrator to King Charles 1st. With family feuds, rivalry and many skeletons in the family closet this house is a house of mystery and intrigue in its own right.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT