ONE OF the most haunted houses in Britain will be opening its doors for would-be ghost hunters to visit next week.

Hoghton Tower, a 16th century home found near Preston, has become renowned as the third most haunted house in the country thanks to centuries of stories about ghostly goings at the historic landmark.

Now, visitors will be able to experience the tower's spooky thrills at first hand, following famous guests of centuries gone by, ranging from William the Conqueror and Lady Godiva to William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

The Bolton News:

Would be ghost hunters are being invited to tour the tower

A spokesperson for the venue said: "Following on from the success of the Halloween tour, we are encouraging curious visitors to enjoy the eerie experience over three wicked weekends in January and February.

"Ghost-hunters will ascend the one-mile driveway with a sense of foreboding, before torchbearers take them on a tour through the darkened halls of the Tower.

"Expect to encounter spectres from the past as you are told about haunting happenings which have occurred across the centuries.

"Venture through underground passages where footsteps from another time may echo alongside your own and look out for the black dog who haunts the Well House.

"Greet Angry Peter and stare into the painting where mysterious faces may reveal themselves, before finally grasping the opportunity to reflect on what you have seen and heard."

The Bolton News:

The tower has been inspiring ghost stories for generations

Hoghton Hill staff have cautioned that the tour is aimed at adults and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 16, while at least one member of the party should be over the age of 21.

Ghost Tours cost £25 with all of the money going towards the Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust.

They will be running on three Friday and Saturdays on January 28 and 29 as well as February 11, 12, 25 and 26.

On each day the tours will start at 6.30pm and finish at 8pm.

To find out more, go to Hoghton Hill's website, email mail@hoghtontower.co.uk or call 01254 852986.