Schools are out for summer, and as parents and visitors look for new and interesting places to take the family, Cornwall's more ghostly spots might not be the first thing on their minds.
For locals, school holidays often mean heading out to find fun things to do, while millions of Brits from across the Tamar are choosing staycations this year. Polling by YouGov shows an increasing trend of short-haul trips and getaways within the UK instead of foreign holidays. Research has also found that a quarter of those planning to go away have swapped a holiday abroad for a UK break because of rising fuel prices.
And within the UK, Cornwall is regularly named as the number one destination.
So here are some of the county's most haunted spots, where the sun, sea and thrills come with a supernatural twist.
Where: Jamaica Inn, Bolventor
Located in a lonely spot on Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn was once a notorious 18th century smugglers' den. Their exploits were fictionalised in Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name.
One of the main ghosts sighted is a spectre in a tricorn hat and cloak that walks through doors. Strange sounds, from whispered conversations in foreign languages to mysterious crying babies, have also been heard, along with the clatter of hooves outside from phantom horses.
Another ghost seen by visitors and staff is a man wearing a World War Two US air force uniform who comes into the bar before suddenly vanishing.
Where: Pengersick Castle, Praa Sands
This fortified manor house, dating back to the 16th century, appears to be teeming with ghouls, with up to 20 different ones reported. These include a wandering ghostly monk, believed to have been a victim of its early, violent owner Henry Pengersick. A woman who appears in a bedroom looking out of a window and then lies down on the bed moaning has also been witnessed. It is thought she is the restless spirit of Henry's wife.
Other phantoms include a ghostly cat, nicknamed Alexander, which still chases rats around the grounds. Strange orbs have been filmed floating there too.
Where: The Bucket of Blood, Phillack, Hayle
Britain's most terrifyingly named pub gets its name from a gruesome story. Legend has it that back in the 18th century, the landlord went to draw up a bucket of water from the well but pulled up one full of blood instead. On further investigation, the body of a mutilated excise man, thought to have been killed by smugglers, was found at the bottom.
It is said his spirit still lingers at the pub. Punters report phantom hands pushing them, while staff find furniture mysteriously rearranged.
The apparition of a child killer is believed to haunt the gloomy ruined prison, which dates to 1779. Visitors have spotted the vision of a sobbing lady in a long dress who tries to reach out to kids.
Child Killer and Monk Spirits Haunt Cornwall’s Most Haunted Sites