There are plenty of spooks and scares to be had over in France and Belgium, where ghosts stalk the cemeteries, dragons prowl along the beach, and evil lurks under even the deceptively pretty streets. If you’re brave enough to explore the supernatural horrors that lurk across the Channel then why not prove it? DFDS has some spine-tingling suggestions that will put your resolve to the test…

Walibi Belgium

Normally the only screams you’ll hear at Walibi are coming from the rollercoasters, but this Halloween they’ll be ringing in your ears when you enter Ibilaw, a terrifying world of twisted horror and nightmarish creatures. Escape the claustrophobic darkness of an abandoned mine before you join the ranks of its mad inhabitants, learn a lesson in survival at the creepy abandoned school, and make your way out of the abandoned ruins to break the deadly ancient curse, pursued by the minions of a long-dead evil.

As Shaggy and Scooby will tell you, getting scared half to death sure does build up an appetite, so take a break from the scares at the freaky pizza festival, which serves up some devilishly delicious Halloween-themed pizzas, before taking in a show at the spooky circus – it’ll be a scream!

Be warned, Ibilaw is not for the easily scared, so only enter its twisted world if you’re capable of surviving. Not everyone will lose their heads – just most of them…

Torture Museum, Bruges

Descend beneath the ancient streets of Bruges and into the depths of an 11th century building that formerly housed Bruges’ oldest prison. You won’t find ghosts and ghouls here, but you will find monsters, for down below you will find the Torture Museum.

While the Torture Museum may not offer the same level of interactivity as other museums, it does provide a morbidly fascinating look at the history of torture, presented chronologically from antiquity until surprisingly recently. The museum also has an impressive collection of authentic and replica torture devices, as well as frighteningly lifelike wax models in various stages of torment.

This is not a museum for the faint-hearted or weak-stomached, but it is an undoubtedly important one that shows in vivid detail the horrifically true story of what humans are capable of doing to each other in the name of justice.

Cimetière de la Madeleine, Amiens

Take a trip to Amiens’ Cimetière de la Madeleine and get lost in one of France’s most beautiful cemeteries. Set amidst woodland just outside the city, this hauntingly atmospheric burial ground is reminiscent of London’s Highgate Cemetery, with countless unique tombs, mausoleums and graves to discover among the overgrown wilderness where nature has been allowed to run wild.

The cemetery is a must see for those of a more gothic inclination who prefer spending their time with a less lively crowd, but you’ll find many Amiens locals there too, taking a break from the noise of the city. That said, the cemetery has been known for its spooky occurrences and reports of ghosts wandering between the graves at night – you have been warned…

One of the most popular tombs in the cemetery is that of celebrated author Jules Verne, who lived in Amiens and is its most famous former resident. His tomb in the Cimetière de la Madeleine depicts a man breaking free from his tomb and reaching towards the sky - a very fitting memorial to one of the world’s greatest science fiction novelists.

Centrale Begraafplaats Cemetery, Bruges

With the first burial in 1787 (before the French Revolution), the oldest cemetery in Belgium is a must-see for fans of the macabre and has quite the reputation for supernatural goings-on. As with many graveyards, it has a serene and peaceful ambience and is a great place to escape the crowds and the noise of the city. During the day, that is…

The cemetery is the resting place of several prominent figures from Bruges and the rest of Belgium and there are some magnificent tombs and graves to look out for, created by some of the finest sculptors in Belgium. The cemetery is maintained and cared for by a dedicated team, who strike a perfect balance of keeping the cemetery well kept, yet atmospherically wild.

Make sure to visit the small exhibition near the beautiful gatehouse entrance to learn about the meanings of the different grave symbols like hourglasses, doves and snakes, and don’t miss the much-admired grave of Antoine Michel Wemaer, which features a skull and crossbones resting on a cushion, the natural moss adding a pleasing touch of creepiness.

Calais Dragon

As you sail into Calais you might spot a most unusual sight over by the beach – a dragon! Standing nearly 40ft high and over 80ft long, this mechanical marvel prowls along the promenade, its expressive eyes blinking and its wings beating while it breathes fire, emits steam, and spits water over the unwary!

Fortunately, this monstrous dragon has been tamed, and brave dragon-riders can join it on its quest by climbing up onto its back to the observation deck, which promises a truly unique full 360° view as it travels along the beach. But if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, you can follow the dragon as it makes its journey – just stay out of the way of its fire breath and snapping jaws!

It is a truly amazing sight and the last thing you’d expect to see in Calais, so be prepared to be blown away by this incredible creature. Unsurprisingly it is incredibly popular so booking in advance is a must.

Getting there

DFDS offers up to 54 crossings per day on its Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk services, with day trip fares starting at £39 return for a car and four people and short break fares starting at £99 return for a car and up to four people. Browse a selection of fragrances, cosmetics and electronics in DFDS’ Duty Free shops and save up to 50 per cent off UK high-street prices.

Upgrade your ticket to include access to the exclusive Premium Lounge with complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks from £18 per person. Add Priority Boarding to be one of the first to board and disembark the ferry from £10 per car each way.

 

For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com