Let’s go to … York

Tell me about it …
York is supposedly one of the UK’s most haunted cities – every day is Halloween here. Get spooked on one of the new ghost bus tours, or take one of several daily ghost walks. And, this weekend only, sample the trick-or-treat chocolates at York’s Chocolate Story – brussels sprout truffle, anyone? On Saturday 1 November Kaboom! at Castle Howard, 15 miles from the city, sees the biggest fireworks party in the vicinity. The show is followed by an outdoor screening of Ghostbusters (£12.50/£10).

Where’s best for a bite to eat?
There’s only one way to make your mind up about the Star Inn the City, a restaurant that divided opinion among the critics when it opened last year. Try it for yourself, preferably on 11 November, when there is a special game dinner featuring deer, pheasant and partridge (£45 for four courses).

And a pint?
Head to the Golden Ball in Bishopshill, just inside the walls. It’s the city’s first community-owned pub, and has everything you could want in a boozer, plus a few things you didn’t even know you wanted, such as bar billiards, folk nights, art exhibitions, fresh bread and free-range eggs.

Anywhere to stay for under £100?
Marmadukes is a 19-room townhouse hotel a short walk from York Minster. The heavy antique furniture gives the look of a gentleman’s club, and there is a pretty walled garden. Doubles are from £79.

Do I need a car?
It would make it easy to get to Castle Howard, but otherwise no – the walled centre is compact. By train, York is less than two hours from London and two-and-a-half from Edinburgh, and there are also direct services from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and the south-west.