s4story -- 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: 'Thanks to M.R. James, the famous former Provost of King's College, Cambridge, Christmas has become synonymous with cosy ghost stories.

'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. They have been an essential part of Christmas ever since.

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'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.

'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.

'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.

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'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.

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/