WITH everyone looking to make the pound in their pocket go that little bit further during the recession it might be sensible to suggest a short break closer to home.

We’ve had enough shocks in recent months - job losses, bank collapses and MPs expenses, so the decision by Fright Nights, the UK’s leading ghost hunting specialist, is to host the first ever ghost festival in the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon couldn’t be better timed.

The ‘Stratford-upon-Avon Ghost Festival’ will take place from June 18-21 at a number of haunted locations including the notoriously haunted ‘The Falstaff’s Experience’, The White Swan Hotel and the Town Hall.

The four day spectacular event, which is a must for anyone interested in the paranormal, will feature ghost walks, overnight ghost investigations, paranormal workshops, séances and psychic fairs.

With more than 40 spirits said to reside within the building, it is not surprising that The Falstaff’s Experience is known as one of the UK’s most haunted buildings. Dominant spirits include an archer from the time of Henry VIII; a serial murderer from the 18th century and a little girl who was a pickpocket in the tavern.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, June 18, from 7pm – 2am with a ghost tour around the town followed by a ghost hunt at The Falstaff’s Experience. Tickets cost £55 per person.

It all culminates with a psychic fair and open day at The Falstaff’s Experience on Sunday, June 21 Tickets and further details can be obtained by contacting Fright Nights on 0114 276 4644 or on-line at www.frightnights.co.uk Festival visitors will need a place to stay and the Bard’s home town boasts plenty of good accommodation but should you be looking for somewhere that little bit special the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, set within a private estate of 157 acres, is acknowledged as one of the leading luxury country house hotels in the heart of England.

Dating back to 1866, the Jacobean-style house combines the traditional charm of the oak panelled lounge and magnificent four-poster suites with the contemporary décor of the garden rooms and luxury spa.

It was recently awarded a highly coveted gold award in ‘The Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2008’. The award-winning a la carte restaurant has two AA rosettes and offers a seasonal changing menu of English and European dishes. A 3 course lunch starts from just £20 per person with a 3 course dinner priced at just £30.

Alongside its first class rooms the hotel also boasts some exceptional leisure facilities. The outstanding 18 hole championship golf course is both challenging for the expert and exhilarating for the novice. The Spa gives you access to a level deck swimming pool incorporating an external vitality pool, heated loungers and foot spas, plus a range of thermal experience rooms, a selection of Clarins, Elemis and Gerard's treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, aerobics studio and all weather floodlit tennis courts.