After-dark activities: Ways to make your holiday days last longer

Ghost tours 

Ghost tours are a great way to dive into the darker side of British towns and cities. And they come in all shapes and sizes. Expect imaginative storytelling, comedy re-enactments and roleplay-style ghosts and ghouls themselves.  

One of our favourites is The Original Ghost Walk of York believed to be the oldest ghost walk in the world. The city is packed full of paranormal mystery and spooky stories, lurking in hidden alleyways and haunted buildings. We can’t promise you won’t have nightmares but a dreamy bed is just a 6-minute drive away at Best Western Kilima Hotel. 

A canal cruise with food 

There’s something about the way lights reflect in water after the sun sets. And there’s no better way to take the sight in then on a boat ride through the city. All that’s missing is a decent meal for a night that delivers the complete after-dark adventure. 

City Centre Cruises in Manchester is one of the best out there. Boats set sail at 7:30 from Castlefield and pass through the historic Bridgewater Canal to Pomona Lock via Salford’s gleaming Media City. Take your seat at the table while tucking into a three-course meal and let the city’s industrial past and modern glass-officed future float by.  

When you’re back on dry land, a warm and inviting bed at Forty Seven Hotel, WorldHotels Crafted is just a 15-minute stroll away. 

Nocturnal nature spotting 

One way to squeeze more fun into your after-dark itinerary is to head out on a nocturnal nature walk. For the best possible experience, try booking a walk with a professional guide. Nature by Night at Wild Ken Hill in Norfolk gives you the chance to spot deer in fields and moths the size of the palm of your hand.  

Bat detectors and thermal imaging cameras are on hand too, to give you the best chance of spotting creatures that you might miss under moonlight. When you need to hibernate for the night the Best Western George Hotel is just under 40 minutes away. 

Stargazing 

Stargazing is an ancient practice used for navigation, telling the time, and even creating stories and myths. Today, it’s a great way to relax, find peace and feel removed from the pace of modern life. Funny what the Milky Way and galaxies 2.5 million light years away can do for the mind and soul. 

If it’s the best stargazing skies you’re after, head to Northumberland and the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. The National Park is home to not only the most ‘pristine dark skies in England’ but the largest protected dark skies in all of Europe. 

Bring a blanket and picnic for an extra special evening… and don’t forget to book a room at Carlisle Station Hotel.