A beautiful city has been named the most welcoming in the UK, as well as being one of the country’s spookiest spots.

Online travel giant Booking.com says Chester has “a strong sense of community” and a “mysterious past”. 

Clinching the top spot in the ‘welcoming’ league at the website’s yearly Traveller Review Awards, it’s the feedback from customers who’ve booked stays, cars or cabs that has seen it voted as the hospitality capital.

Meanwhile, the city was voted the UK’s most haunted by 15% of respondents in a survey of 2,000 people who believe in ghosts. 

The survey revealed a growing interest in haunted travel experiences. More than 40% of those polled expressed a willingness to stay in haunted accommodations, with nearly 20% actively seeking out such experiences.

Meanwhile, 38% of respondents said they would find the presence of a friendly spirit in their hotel room reassuring.

Other cities with a significant proportion of votes include York, Edinburgh, Bath, and Glasgow. In 79AD, the Romans established Chester as a fort called Deva Vitrix.

More than two-fifths (41%) confessed they’d be up for a stay in haunted lodgings, while nearly one in five (19%) are on the hunt for spectral adventures during their jaunts. Some 38% said they would feel reassured by a friendly spirit in their hotel room.

For thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, Chester boasts haunted inns and tours dripping with tales of witchcraft, plague, and poltergeist activities. These include establishments like The Pied Bull and the chilling Dark Chester Tour. 

Ryan Pearson, Booking.com’s regional head honcho, said: “Chester is a city that perfectly blends warmth and history, making it one of the most welcoming destinations in the UK.

“With its charming, cobbled streets, historic architecture and a strong sense of community, it’s no surprise that visitors feel at home. But beyond its friendly atmosphere, Chester also has a rich and mysterious past, earning it a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the country.”