As the nights get longer and the darkness creeps in, it's easy for our minds to conjure up any number of spooks and abominations that seem to jump out in our imaginations as soon as we close our eyes to go to sleep. Perhaps you dream of bring chased through the dark woods by a large animal. Or maybe your worst fear is a hag that leaps out at you from the darkness. Or possibly your nightmare involves a dark evil spirit that calls your name, luring you down to hell...

Eek! Sorry, I scared myself!!

Whatever spooked-up ordeals your paranoid brain summons into your night terrors this autumn, read on to learn about 7 monsters found in myths and folklore from across the UK that will send your imagination reeling. Good luck sleeping after perusing through this scary lot:

7 Nightmare-Worthy Monsters From British Myths and Folklore

Banshee

Nightmare Rating: 3/5

Location: Ireland and Scotland

Habitat: Anywhere where humans are

Size: Adult human sized

Rarity: Common

Appearance: A spirit woman who howls, shrieks and sings.

Dangers: Her wailing song is seen as a bad omen, warning the listener of the impending death of someone in their family. She is known to hammer on the windows and doors of her chosen victim, screeching her mournful melody. On the plus side she doesn't actually hurt or kill anybody, though her presence alone may be enough to scare you to an early grave. Wait, what was that rattling at the window? Was that just the wind?

Kelpie

Nightmare Rating: 4/5

Location: Scotland

Habitat: Rivers, lakes and any other bodies of water

Size: Horse-sized - sometimes...

Rarity: Common

Appearance: The Kelpie is a shape-shifting spirit that often takes on the form of a black horse.

Dangers: At first, the Kelpie seems like a peaceful animal lounging by the side of a large expanse of water. Fooled by the creature, people often mount this friendly looking horse for a ride, or to cross the water safely. But once mounted, the person finds it impossible to dismount from the Kelpie's sticky back. The vicious spirit then drags its victim to the bottom of the deepest part of the water to drown them. The moral? Forget "never take candy from strangers" - try "never take rides from strange horses".

Beast of Bodmin Moor

Nightmare Rating: 2/5

Location: Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

Habitat: The isolated, fog-drenched areas of the moors

Size: Leopard-sized

Rarity: Very Rare

Appearance: A large, black puma-like cat, with sharp teeth and white-yellow eyes that stalks the moors.

Dangers: The Beast has been spotted by many an unsuspecting hiker going about their business on Bodmin Moors. Some even claim to have been chased by the creature. Fortunately, no human has ever been physically attacked by the Beast. Although it has been known to butcher people's farm animals so perhaps it's just a matter of time before it catches a human in it's claws. I knew I was more of a dog person...

Black Shuck

Nightmare Rating: 3/5

Location: East Anglia

Habitat: Coastal or countryside paths and sometimes alleyways

Size: Horse-sized

Rarity: Rare

Appearance: An enormous, black, demon dog with enormous flaming red eyes.

Dangers: Did I say I was more of a dog person? Well, I spoke too soon. Merely looking into this dog's fearsome eyes will bring about your untimely death. And what's worse? His footsteps make no sound! So you could easily turn around and find yourself face to face with the Black Shuck. Our advice? Should you hear any haunting dog-howling that makes your blood run cold, shut your eyes tight!

Black Annis

Nightmare Rating: 5/5

Location: The Dane Hills, Leicester

Habitat: Her lair (a cave with a great oak tree at the entrance), or outside your bedroom window

Size: Adult human sized

Rarity: Very Rare

Appearance: An old hag with a blue-face and iron claws

Dangers: Black Annis loves to feed on children and lambs and often hides in the branches of her great oak tree to leap down upon her unsuspecting prey. People in the local area used to build small windows in their houses so Black Annis couldn't reach in and grab children from their beds. Best to keep your bedroom window locked at night and sleep as far away from the window as you can!

Hob

Nightmare Rating: 1/5

Location: Northern England and the Midlands

Habitat: Your mum's cleaning cupboard

Size: Human child sized

Rarity: Very Common

Appearance: A small goblin or fairy-like creature with a very grumpy nature

Dangers: Probably the least threatening on this list, at worst the Hob can be a bit of a nuisance. For the most part, it can be a very helpful creature - often visit human households at night to complete their chores. If you become aware of a Hob visiting your house, be careful not to offend it. When insulted, they have a habit of playing pranks on people, making a mess and being a downright pest! The worst bit? Your mum will probably blame all the Hob's antics on you!

Dullahan

Nightmare Rating: 5/5

Location: Ireland

Habitat: The underworld

Size: Adult human sized alone - but often seen on horseback

Rarity: Extremely Rare

Appearance: A terrifying headless man who rides a black horse with fiery hooves, holding his decaying decapitated head in the air for all to see.

Dangers: The Dullahan searches for souls to take back to the underworld with him. His horse can plough through any locked door or gate and casting your eyes upon him instantly renders you blind. The horseman stops only once on his journey and utters only one phrase - the name of his next victim. Once your name has been uttered, your soul is pulled to the underworld with the Dullahan accompanying you for the journey. Eek... no thanks!