They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and sometimes it seems like it is. If you're setting out to investigate the truth behind historical lore and legends that you've been wondering about for years, you might want to start making a list. Separating fact from fiction isn't always easy.
Exploring ghosts and coasts
The wild and scary cliffs of Tintagel on the windswept coast of Cornwall are thought to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. You'll still find heaps of people here who truly believe the wizard Merlin lived in a cave close by, and it's possible to feel the magic in the ruins of what was once a majestic Tintagel Castle.
Switching coast for ghosts, you’ll find plenty of paranormal activity in Glastonbury, Somerset, where King Arthur is said to have died. Does he rest here? Legend says so. It also says that Glastonbury lies at a very spiritual junction, and the Holy Grail is rumored to be stashed out of sight in the town's Chalice Well.
Tintagel. Flickr: IDS.photos
Mysterious monsters
When Jack the Ripper murdered five prostitutes in London in 1888, his identity was never uncovered. The murder location of East London and Brick Lane today is a bustling hive of bars, cafes and clubs, but when darkness falls, curious visitors can take a tour to put them in the cunning killer's shoes.
Speaking of monsters, another one that has never been uncovered is the Loch Ness Monster, thought to reside in a loch in Scotland's highlands. As Britain's longest body of fresh water, the loch is also so deep that no one really knows what's at the bottom. In spite of countless Nessie sightings, it's not clear if we'll ever have absolute proof of this monster's existence.
Loch Ness. Flickr : sedoglia
From forests to books
Robin Hood, the legendary man in tights who stole from the rich to give to the poor reportedly resided in Nottingham's Sherwood Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for thieving wannabes and impersonators when you follow in the footsteps of Robin and his ban of merry men. Don't miss a tree-hugging photo of yourself with Major Oak, the ancient tree that’s believed to have been Robin Hood's hideout.
The medieval church outside Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel, is strongly associated with the Knights Templar and Freemasonry and is even believed to be the source of the Holy Grail. If you've been meaning to read The Da Vinci Code, read it now and you'll find the mesmerising structure of the chapel even more symbolic.
Rosslyn Chapel. Flickr: nds808v
These are just a few of the amazing places that people visit in the name of exploring myths and legends. If you’ve been to any yourself, let us know!
