In the spirit of Halloween, I recently joined a Chester Ghost Tour, exploring some of the city's historic sites after dark.

Led by David, the 90-minute tour combined historical facts, local folklore and tales of reported paranormal activity. He was an engaging guide, knowledgeable and confident in his delivery, and adapted well to a group spanning a wide range of ages.

Among many stops throughout the evening, one that stood out was at Chester's Roman Amphitheatre, where we heard about the history of the neighbouring Dee House.

The Grade II-listed building dates back to around 1730 and sits partly over the unexcavated remains of the ancient arena.

Standing outside the building at night, complete with bats flying overhead, I found myself wondering what lies behind its neglected exterior as we delved into its long history.

Its position above the Roman remains, combined with its long history and uncertain future, made it one of the tour's most atmospheric stops - raising the question of what might eventually happen to a building that appears largely forgotten.

An equally engaging stop was the former Thornton's shop, where we heard about Sarah, a mischievous spirit said to move objects and cause disturbances.

Ye Olde King's Head was another stop associated with reports of unexplained noises and sightings. The 400-year-old inn has developed a reputation that extends well beyond Chester.

It is now the setting for My Haunted Project, an Amazon Prime series exploring reported paranormal activity in the building, following thousands of eyewitness accounts collected over the years.

This was where I found myself wanting a little more. The historical background was interesting, but more detailed accounts of reported sightings would have brought the paranormal side of the tour to life.

The highlight for me was St John's Ruins, just outside the city walls, with the medieval remains of the church eerily illuminated by David's torch.

The mystery and unsettling sight of a coffin set high into the surviving stonework was particularly memorable.

Importantly, the tour did not resort to forced scares or theatrical tricks to manufacture a spooky experience - David let the history speak for itself.

That said, I would have welcomed more of the stories that sit between the historical record and local legend. The tour offers a solid grounding in Chester's past, and a number of chilling tales, but a greater emphasis on individual experiences and the details behind its ghost stories would have made it more compelling.

Overall, Chester Ghost Tours offers an engaging, history-led evening walk through some of the city's most intriguing locations.

Walking through the city after dark encouraged me to look more closely at buildings I might otherwise pass without a second thought, while the historical context gave familiar streets and landmarks a new perspective.

You can find tickets and more information here.