Stay in an Oxford or Cambridge college – the home of the Christmas ghost story – this December.

 

The medieval scholar M.R. James first told his haunting stories to a group of undergraduates and dons at King’s College, Cambridge, at the turn of the last century. He started a Christmas tradition for spooky stories that’s continued ever since. Now we can all experience the atmosphere of staying in an ancient Oxford or Cambridge college this December.

CAMBRIDGE, UK, 2024-Nov-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Why is it that Christmas time and creepy ghost stories go hand in hand? M.R. James’ ghost stories, many of which were first told at Christmas gatherings at King’s College, Cambridge, have now become a staple of an English Christmas.

From Mark Gatiss’ eerie modern adaptations to Robert Powell’s classic BBC readings, James’ haunting tales have become as much a part of Christmas as stockings and mince pies. Now it’s possible to soak up the ancient and occasionally eerie atmosphere with a stay at an Oxford or Cambridge college this December, says a leading travel expert.

Lily Smith, from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: ‘Think Christmas and candlelit ancient buildings spring to mind. That’s partly because of the wonderful sound and spectacle of Carols from King’s. It’s must-see Christmas Eve viewing and not to be missed if you are staying in Cambridge.

‘However, there is also a more chilling reason an ancient university town may leap to mind. Christmas has become synonymous with cosy ghost stories. Thanks to M.R. James, the famous former Provost of King’s College, Cambridge, some of the spookiest have been set in an atmospheric old college.

‘At the turn of the last century, James would light a single candle and tell his haunting ghost stories to groups of undergraduates and dons every Christmas. Many of these were published in James’ first collection, “Ghost Stories of an Antiquary,” in 1904 and they have been an essential part of Christmas ever since.

‘Several of his most famous and scary stories, such as “Oh Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad,” and “The Mezzotint”, are about eerie events befalling hapless professors. Many people will have seen Mark Gatiss’ spooktacular Christmas Eve 2021 BBC adaptation of “The Mezzotint”. The curator of a university art museum (probably based on Oxford University) is scared witless when an old engraving of a country house changes every night to show a vengeful figure returning from the grave.

‘If you have been hooked by the atmosphere of these unsettling stories, it’s now possible to stay at a number of Cambridge and Oxford colleges this December. The good news is you don’t have to be a student to stay in them and many are considerably cheaper than staying in a hotel in these ancient cities.

‘In Cambridge, the 15th-century Christ’s College is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Visitors just have to cross the road from the busy shopping centre to pass through the 500-year-old Great Gate into quiet and tranquil gardens. Amazingly, rooms can still be booked in December for as little as £50 a night.

‘Downing College dates back to early 1800. It has a unique setting amid 20 acres of lawns and trees, yet the centre of Cambridge is only a few minutes’ walk away. It has dates available in December and January with double ensuites available from £150 a night.

‘Built around a Regency manor house, the heart of Fitzwilliam College is also suitably atmospheric. However, in contrast, the majority of its buildings and accommodation are of modern design. Contemporary ensuite rooms are available from just £95 a night in December for those who don’t want a full-on historical experience.

‘The ancient city of Oxford is an equally memorable Christmas location. Brasenose College was established in 1509. Its college quarters are packed with the glory and beauty of over 500 years of history. Rooms are available this December from just £90 a night.

‘New College is another fantastic location. Despite its name, it actually dates back to 1379 and its cloisters and quad are full of character. In fact, they will be familiar to Harry Potter fans as they feature in the movie “The Goblet of Fire”. Inexpensive ensuite rooms in Bodicote House are available from just £70 a night.

‘For lovers of Victorian Gothic, Oxford’s Mansfield College is perfect. The main building was designed by architect Basil Champneys and built between 1887 and 1889. The accommodation is on the main college site and ensuite rooms are available from £105 a night this December, with breakfast included.

‘It doesn’t take an educated guess to realise that university accommodation is likely to get very booked up for the Christmas period. Using the innovative service UniversityRooms.com, visitors can choose from singles and doubles with ensuite facilities, on a B&B or self-catering basis. For more information and to book your stay in Cambridge this December, see: https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/cambridge/home/ For information on staying in Oxford, see https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/oxford/home/

 

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