Ever watched a horror film and thought, “I wonder where that creepy place really is?” Well, buckle up, brave souls, because we’re about to take you on a spine-chilling journey! Many of the most terrifying locations in cinema aren’t just Hollywood magic – they’re real places you can visit. From eerie forests to abandoned buildings, these spots have sent shivers down our spines on screen and continue to do so in real life. So, if you’re feeling particularly brave (or foolish), why not add a dash of horror to your next holiday? Just remember to pack your courage alongside your camera!
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA
This grand hotel in Estes Park inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining”. After a stay in room 217, King dreamt up the Overlook Hotel and its terrifying tales. Today, you can book a stay in the infamous room or take a ghost tour of the property. The hotel even hosts its own horror film festival each October for the truly devoted fright fans. For a unique experience, join one of their “Night Spirit Tours” where you’ll use paranormal investigation equipment to search for ghostly activity.
Seneca Creek State Park, Maryland, USA
Remember those heart-stopping scenes in “The Blair Witch Project”? They were filmed in this sprawling Maryland park. While you (probably) won’t encounter any witches, the dense forests and winding trails can still feel pretty spooky, especially as dusk falls. The park offers camping, if you’re brave enough for a night in Blair Witch territory. For a less terrifying experience, visit during the day to enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating on the 90-acre Clopper Lake.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon, USA
While “The Shining” was inspired by The Stanley Hotel, the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were actually filmed at Timberline Lodge. This stunning ski resort sits on the slopes of Mount Hood and is open year-round. Don’t worry – there’s no maze-like hedge garden here, but the grand lobby might give you déjà vu. The lodge offers guided historical tours where you can learn about its role in the film and its rich history as a National Historic Landmark.
Burkittsville, Maryland, USA
This tiny town became famous overnight after “The Blair Witch Project” hit screens. While the film’s events were fictional, Burkittsville is very real. The town has embraced its spooky fame, with some residents offering Blair Witch tours. Just remember – it’s a small community, so be respectful if you visit. The Burkittsville Museum showcases the town’s history, including its unexpected rise to horror movie fame.
Hill House, Ettington Park Hotel, Warwickshire, UK
The exterior of Hill House in “The Haunting” (1963) is actually Ettington Park Hotel near Stratford-upon-Avon. This Neo-Gothic mansion is now a luxury hotel, known for its ghostly reputation even before the film. Book a stay if you dare – some guests report strange occurrences in the night! The hotel offers a “Ghost Tour Package” which includes a guided tour of the property’s most haunted spots.
Exorcist Steps, Washington D.C., USA
The infamous stairs from the climax of “The Exorcist” are a real place in Georgetown. These steep stone steps have become a popular tourist spot, especially around Halloween. Fitness enthusiasts often use them for workouts – though we can’t guarantee you won’t hear demonic whispers as you climb! In 2015, the steps were officially recognized as a tourist attraction and received a commemorative plaque.
Evans City Cemetery, Pennsylvania, USA
This unassuming cemetery was the filming location for the opening scene of “Night of the Living Dead”. While you’re unlikely to encounter zombies, the cemetery has embraced its place in horror history. It hosts occasional film screenings and even has a memorial to the movie’s director, George A. Romero. The nearby Living Dead Museum in Evans City offers a deep dive into the film’s production and impact on zombie culture.
Bodega Bay, California, USA
The sleepy coastal town that was terrorised by birds in Hitchcock’s “The Birds” is a real place you can visit. While the schoolhouse and some other buildings were sets, you can still see many locations from the film. The town now embraces its cinematic history, with bird-themed souvenirs available in local shops. The Bodega Country Store offers a mini-museum of “The Birds” memorabilia and filming location maps for self-guided tours.
Bates Motel, Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada
Fancy a visit to the infamous Bates Motel from “Psycho”? While the original set no longer exists, a replica was built for the TV series “Bates Motel” and still stands in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. You can’t book a room, but you can drive by for a photo op. Just keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking motel owners! The nearby town of Fort Langley offers “Psycho”-themed walking tours that include a stop at the Bates Motel set.
Overlook Hotel (Ahwahnee Hotel), Yosemite National Park, California, USA
While the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining” was inspired by the Stanley Hotel, its grand interior was modeled after the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. The hotel’s Native American décor and grand fireplace bear an uncanny resemblance to the film’s sinister setting. You can stay overnight or simply visit for a meal in the stunning dining room. The hotel also offers guided tours where you can learn about its history and connection to the iconic horror film.
16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Food preferences can vary wildly across cultures, and what’s considered a delicacy in one country might be seen as downright bizarre in another. This cultural divide is particularly evident when comparing American and British cuisines. While the two nations share a common language, their tastes in food can be worlds apart. From overly sweet concoctions to processed cheese products, there are certain American foods that many Brits find hard to stomach.
Read More: 16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
