The Tourist Board Guide To Horror Movies
You might not think of the North Wales’ valleys as a horror hotspot, but as you’ll see in Neil Marshall’s (’Game of Thrones’) chiller ‘Dark Signal’, there’s plenty there to be terrified of.
Sure, it may be one of the more picturesque places you’re likely to be hacked to death, but there are also plenty of other horror locations that are just as deadly as they are lovely to look at.
So pack your bags, get out your map, and don’t forget your trusty crucifix/knife/silver bullets. You’ll have a time to die for in our top five horror hotspots.
East Proctor - An American Werewolf In London (1980)
Location: Haunting moors, which are peaceful, but you’d be well advised to stay off. And while we’re dishing out advice, beware a full moon as well.
Resident Horror: A bloodthirsty werewolf. Plus some bloke in the boozer who tells really awful jokes about Mexicans.
Attractions: Stop by the Slaughtered Lamb pub for a beer or cup of tea. Just don’t ask questions about the pentangle star-themed décor or even look at the dartboard. It can turn nasty in there quite quickly.
Tourist Information: Backpackers beware – you’re better off going straight to London or somewhere a bit more happening. East Proctor’s scenic certainly, but there’s nowhere to stay and you’ll end up being eaten.
Summerisle - The Wicker Man (1973)
Location: Remote Scottish island where the locals are big on paganism and burning Christians alive. A nice rural getaway, but you know, a bit mad.
Resident Horror: Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) who’s pretty much the ringleader of the pagan and burning business. Plus he wears quite a bonkers dress from time to time.
Attractions: A massive 40ft wicker man (the clue’s in the title). It’s impressive to look at, but if anyone asks you to get inside, politely decline.
Tourist Information: There’s a charming harvest festival every year, complete with morris dancing and animal fancy dress. Probably best you don’t attend though, unless you are open to the idea of being this year’s human sacrifice.
Eden Lake - Eden Lake (2008)
Location: Beautiful lakeside beach surrounded by woodland. Lovely location for day-trippers but you wouldn’t wish to get lost there.
Resident Horror: Nothing spooky or supernatural, just a gang of out-of-control hoodies led by sinister yob Brett (Jack O’Connell). You know the type – bad attitudes, dangerous dog in tow, and music blaring. Walking ASBO, basically.
Attractions: The beach itself is the main local hotspot, though you will likely share it with the local gang. Which is all fine until they steal your car and cut your tongue out with a Stanley knife.
Tourist Information: A perfect place for honeymooners. If you do run into trouble with the kids, don’t go running to their parents for help. They’re just as likely to murder you as the little ‘uns are.
Snowdonia - Dark Signal (2016)
Location: Beautiful Welsh valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see. Providing it hasn’t been carved out by the local psychopath.
Resident Horror: The “Wedlock Killer”, who stalks the local villages and cuts the wedding ring fingers off the women he kills.
Attractions: If you like looking at hills and mountains, you’ll have a blast. If not, it will be quite dull. You could always listen to the local radio station to pass the time, though the airwaves are haunted by one of the Wedlock Killer’s victims.
Tourist Information: Whatever you do, don’t go wander into the valleys in the middle of the night. Especially if you’ve grown attached to your wedding ring digit.
Crythin Gifford - The Woman In Black (2012)
Location: Idyllic coastal town in North East England. It has a terribly high infant mortality rate – kids are chucking themselves out of windows and under trains left, right and centre.
Resident Horror: The titular Woman in Black; the spirit of a grieving mother whose very appearance means another of the town’s children will soon perish.
Attractions: When the tide is out, take a ride across the Nine Lives Causeway and visit Eel Marsh House. Though it is the most haunted bit of the lot, so don’t take the kids just in case ol’ misery guts herself turns up.
Tourist Information: It’s a lovely spot to visit, but even Harry Potter didn’t survive this one. And he knows magic.
Dark Signal is available on DVD and download now.
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Picture credits: British Lion Film, Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Yona Films, Rollercoaster Films, Hammer Films
