There is no better time for a ghost story than at Halloween - and Nottingham has a fair few sinister stories of its own. Several of the eerie locations are easy, and free, to visit if you are feeling particularly brave, just don't say we didn't warn you.
While there are plenty of haunted houses, spooky spaces and terrifying tales, we've listed a few of our favourites to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Read more: Nottingham shop with a crocodile's skull and a full-sized coffin
Colwick Hall, church and Woods
Colwick Woods can definitely feel a little bit creepy especially when it starts to get dark at night. There are several ghost stories attached to the hall which is now Colwick Hall Hotel and the woodland area that surrounds it. Not forgetting about the ruins of St. John's Church, which is attached to the hall and comes complete with a graveyard.
Mrs Chaworth Musters is said to hiding behind trees from an angry group that stormed the hall in 1832. There have also been reports of Mary Ann Chaworth haunting the corridors of the building along with the sounds of footsteps, and children's laughter throughout the hall.
It is unknown if this is the same woman who has been viewed wandering around the gates of the church wearing all white as if looking for something....or someone. The laughter and ghostly figure in white could potentially be attributed to William Saville who murdered his wife and two children before being hanged for the crime in 1844.
The church is also thought to have the presence of a tall man who has been seen standing where the altar would have been when the building was functional. The sound of horses' hooves has also reportedly been heard nearby.
Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem
It's Halloween all year round in the Old Trip thanks to the permanent display of a haunted chair and a cursed galleon. The pub, which is one of the oldest in England is thought to date back as far as 1068 AD.
The cellars in the pub were originally part of the castle cell system where overflow prisoners were kept. There could be as many as 30 to 40 prisoners in the cellars and rumour has it you can still see the nail marks on the walls. Visitors to the Trip have reported all sorts of ghostly noises including voices and groans coming from the cellar in particular.
The cursed galleon which sits in a glass box is another spooky feature of the pub as it was said to have been given to the owner when a visitor couldn't pay his bill. As legend has it, anyone who attempted to clean the ship became ill and soon passed away. The landlord placed the wooden model into the glass case to keep people safe.
Another legend associated with the pub is the haunted antique chair which is said to increase the chances of any woman who sits in it becoming pregnant. Certain rooms in the pub are said to have an energy draw which can leave visitors feeling a bit spooked. If you are feeling particularly brave, why not book one of the tours of the cellars or caves?
George's Hill / Calverton Road
George's Hill is an area which, according to folklore, there have been mysterious reports of a figure wearing all black. According to historic reports, the figure was seen wearing a large hat, covering all features except a large, hooked nose, and a silver chain.
The figure is said to attempt to hitch a ride with those who drive by the area late at night, causing drivers to almost crash as they spot him appear in the rearview mirror. Those walking in the area have reported feeling chased by the same figure.
Legend has it taxi drivers still avoid driving here and will go another direction into Calverton if they can. The earliest recording of a sighting dates back to the 1930s as a local man reported encountering a terrifying figure as he made his way home from Goose Fair.
As the story goes, Mr Bardhill reported the figure emerged from a hedge and began to follow him as he walked down the road. He kept an eye on the presence it changed into a figure wearing a hat and a silver chain. When Mr Bardhill began to run, the figure kept pace before disappearing.
Mapperley Hospital on Porchester road
The mental health hospital has been closed since 1994 but there are many ghost stories that still surround the building. This may be due to the overcrowding and often ineffective treatments that were on offer since it opened in 1989. Despite the closure, some of the building is still in use as private apartments and the headquarters of the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Visitors to the building have reportedly witnessed a ghostly woman in old-fashioned clothing walking around the corridors who likes to call out the names of employees who once worked there. There have also been reports of voices and screeches that cannot be explained along with a man who calls out 'hello' but cannot be found.
There have also been reports of footsteps up and down the corridors. The building itself cannot be entered as it is currently in use.
The National Justice Museum
The National Justice Museum has a gruesome history of hangings and executions which makes it no wonder it's been voted one of the most haunted buildings in the UK.
The museum was built in 1375 and served as a court, prison and police station over the years. Visitors have reportedly heard screaming, doors slamming and unexplained knocks. There are reports of a solider, an old lady and a Victorian man hanging around the entrance hall.
If you are feeling brave then the museum offers a series of walks or tours where you can learn about the history of the building and the public executions that once took place here.
