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If you're looking for a spine-tingling adventure this Halloween, you're in for a treat (or maybe a trick) with our countdown of the 20 most haunted places in the UK. We'll reveal the reasons behind their haunted reputations and highlight special Halloween events you won't want to miss. Plus, we'll introduce you to our flight vouchers, the perfect gift to unlock dark tourism destinations worldwide.
Let's begin our countdown from the slightly eerie to the downright bone-chilling but first we'll answer the most commonly asked questions about the most haunted places in the UK to fully prep you for your spine-chilling adventure.
Everything you should know about the UK's Most Haunted Places
What is the most famous haunting in the UK?
The Tower of London holds the title of the most famous haunting in the UK. This historic fortress is steeped in dark history, with tales of executed queens, tortured prisoners, and numerous ghostly legends. The most well-known ghosts include the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded here.
What is the most haunted village in the UK?
Pluckley Village in Kent is said to be the most haunted village in the UK, even earning a spot in the Guinness World Records. This mysterious English village is filled with ghostly tales and legends, including wandering monks and decapitated highwaymen.
What is the most haunted hotel in the UK?
The Mermaid Inn in East Sussex is said to be the UK's most haunted hotel. Are you brave enough to book a night there?
What is the scariest park in the UK?
Highgate Cemetery in London is considered one of the scariest parks in the UK. This gothic masterpiece is both a historic cemetery and a haunting attraction, filled with ornate tombs and eerie legends. During Halloween, guided tours bring its haunting history to life.
What is the most haunted pub in England?
The Ancient Ram Inn near Gloucestershire is said to be England's most haunted pub. Read on to find out all about the spooky English pub.
The 20 Most Haunted Places in the UK
20. The Ancient Ram Inn - Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire
At number 20 on our list of the most haunted places in the UK is The Ancient Ram Inn, a building dating back to 1145 and shrouded in a chilling history. This haunted inn in England has a notorious reputation for being home to an array of ghostly inhabitants. From a sinister succubus to malevolent witches and even a devil worshipper, this place is not for the faint of heart. Book a ghost hunt via the website so that you can take part in guided tours and paranormal investigations.
19. Pendle Hill - Lancashire
Coming in at number 19, we venture to Pendle Hill, a place steeped in infamy due to the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. This desolate hill in Lancashire is believed to be where the restless spirits of those accused witches still linger. Their stories of persecution and injustice continue to haunt the landscape. Although you can visit this haunted place in the UK all year round, on Halloween you can take part in themed events like witchcraft trials and spooky storytelling which transport you back to a time when superstition and fear reigned supreme.
18. The Skirrid Mountain Inn - Abergavenny, Wales
For the 18th most haunted place in the UK, we head to the Skirrid Mountain Inn, a haunted Welsh inn that was once a courtroom where many were sentenced to hang. Ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences have become part of the inn's identity, making it a magnet for those seeking dark tourism experiences in the UK. On Halloween at the Skirrid Mountain Inn, you can join in on ghost hunts, offering brave souls the chance to encounter the supernatural in a truly eerie setting.
17. Berry Pomeroy Castle - Totnes, Devon
The next haunted place in the UK is the ruin of Berry Pomeroy Castle in Totnes, Devon. This once-grand castle now lies in a state of eerie disrepair and is believed to be haunted by the "White Lady" and the "Blue Lady." These spectral figures have become an integral part of the castle's haunting lore.
Visitors to Berry Pomeroy Castle during Halloween are in for a spine-tingling experience. Guided tours and special events bring the history and legends of this place to life. As the sun sets and darkness falls over the castle's crumbling walls, the atmosphere becomes palpably ghostly, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a haunted adventure.
16. Chillingham Castle - Northumberland
At number 16, we arrive at Chillingham Castle, often heralded as the most haunted castle in Britain. This imposing fortress boasts a rich history and a plethora of ghostly inhabitants, including the infamous "Blue Boy." During Halloween, Chillingham Castle becomes a hub of paranormal activity. The castle's dark corridors and hidden chambers take on an eerie atmosphere as guests attend the Halloween extravaganza. Here, you can immerse yourself in the chilling stories and legends that have made Chillingham Castle a magnet for ghost hunters and enthusiasts from around the world.
15. Borley Rectory - Essex
Reaching the 15th spot on our countdown is the infamous Borley Rectory, often referred to as the "Most Haunted House in England." This eerie mansion has long been a hotbed of paranormal activity, with tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained phenomena, and unsettling occurrences.
For those seeking an unforgettable Halloween experience, Borley Rectory is a must-visit destination. Guided tours and ghost hunts are organized during this spooky season, allowing brave souls to explore the mysterious and haunted history of the house. The stories of its haunted past and the lingering spirits that inhabit it continue to captivate those with a fascination for the supernatural.
14. Pluckley Village - Kent
In the 14th position, we find Pluckley Village, a place that has earned the title of the "Most Haunted Village in England" in the Guinness World Records. This quaint village is steeped in ghostly tales and legends that have been passed down through generations.
Halloween in Pluckley is a unique experience. The village comes alive with ghost tours and spooky walks, guided by local experts who share chilling stories of the supernatural occurrences that have taken place here. It's a perfect destination for those who enjoy a good scare and want to explore a village with a truly haunting atmosphere.
13. Edinburgh Castle - Edinburgh, Scotland
Moving on to number 13, our next most haunted place in the UK takes us across the border into Scotland to Edinburgh Castle. Perched atop an ancient volcanic hill, this iconic fortress is said to be home to numerous spirits, including a headless drummer and a phantom dog. Edinburgh castle hosts frequent guided tours that bring visitors closer to its haunted history. With the dimly lit corridors and centuries-old tales, it's an ideal destination for those who seek a blend of history and the supernatural.
12. Mary King's Close - Edinburgh, Scotland
At number 12, we descend beneath the streets of Edinburgh to explore Mary King's Close. This underground close is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of plague victims. The eerie underground passages and preserved rooms offer a unique window into the city's dark past. Mary King's Close offers guided tours year-round that provide a deeper understanding of the tragic events that transpired here. As you navigate through this labyrinthine underworld, the ghostly tales come to life, making it a hauntingly immersive experience for those who dare to explore its depths.
11. Stirling Castle - Stirling, Scotland
Climbing to the 11th spot, we reach Stirling Castle, a place with centuries of history and a host of ghostly legends. The "Green Lady" is perhaps the most famous spectral resident of the castle, and her presence is said to be felt by many who visit. Stirling Castle embraces its haunted reputation during October with spooky tours and events. The dimly lit chambers and ancient stone walls set the stage for ghost stories and encounters.
10. Glamis Castle - Angus, Scotland
Breaking into the top 10, we arrive at Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland. This haunted Scottish castle, once the childhood home of the Queen Mother, is believed to be haunted by a host of spirits. From the "Grey Lady" to other spectral entities, Glamis Castle is a true paranormal hotspot.
Glamis Castle's Halloween celebrations are a highlight for ghost enthusiasts. Special events and tours allow visitors to explore the castle's haunted halls and gardens after dark. The stories of the restless spirits that dwell here are brought to life, making it an unforgettable experience for those who seek the supernatural.
9. Inveraray Jail - Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Claiming the 9th spot is Inveraray Jail, a former 19th-century prison located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The jail is rumored to house the spirits of former inmates who suffered within its cold, stone walls.
For a spine-tingling Halloween adventure, Inveraray Jail offers guided tours that delve into its dark history. As you explore the cells and corridors, you'll learn about the harsh conditions and tragic tales associated with the jail. It's an immersive experience that transports you back in time to a chilling period of Scottish history.
8. Fyvie Castle - Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Arriving at number 8, we find Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This haunted castle in Scotland has a rich history and a reputation for being haunted by the "Green Lady". Fyvie Castle embraces its ghostly legends during Halloween with a series of special events. Visitors can explore the castle's haunted halls, gardens, and grounds while immersing themselves in the stories of its ghostly inhabitants.
7. The Ancient City of York - York, England
Taking the 7th spot, we arrive at the ancient city of York, England famous for its ghostly tales, with spirits like the Grey Lady and the Headless Earl said to roam its streets. Make sure you book the York Ghost Tour which takes you through the city's historic streets as costumed guides share chilling stories of the supernatural encounters that have taken place here.
6. The Tower of London - London
At number 6, we stand before the iconic Tower of London, a haunted place in the UK with a dark and tumultuous history. Stories of executed queens, tortured prisoners, and centuries of intrigue have given rise to a host of ghostly legends.
During Halloween, the Tower of London transforms into a haven for those seeking spine-tingling tales. The "Dark Tower" event allows visitors to explore its haunted side after hours, complete with eerie storytelling and immersive experiences. It's an unforgettable journey into the chilling past of this historic landmark.
5. Highgate Cemetery - London
Breaking into the top 5, we enter the gothic masterpiece that is Highgate Cemetery in London. This haunted graveyard in London combines intricate architecture and eerie legends and is open daily except on Christmas or boxing day. Book online to take part in a 75 minute guided tour which takes you around the haunted highlights of the graveyard.
4. Hampton Court Palace - Surrey
Claiming the 4th spot of our list of the most haunted places in the UK is Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, a former royal residence with a haunting history. The palace is said to be haunted by two of King Henry VIII's wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
As Halloween approaches, Hampton Court Palace opens its doors to those seeking a glimpse into its haunted past. The "Haunted Palace" events allow visitors to explore the grand halls and chambers where these historical figures met their fates. It's a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the eerie side of Tudor history.
3. The Ancient City of Bath - Bath, England
Arriving at number 3, we find the ancient city of Bath, England, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Bath is also home to tales of ghostly apparitions, including the infamous "Grey Lady" of the Roman Baths. When visiting Bath, take part in a Bath ghost tour that takes you through its historic streets and reveals the city's haunting secrets. As you explore the cobbled alleys and historic landmarks, you'll uncover chilling stories and legends that have endured for centuries. Bath's blend of Roman history and ghostly encounters creates a captivating destination for those seeking a spectral adventure.
2. Glencoe - Scottish Highlands
Our countdown reaches its penultimate haunted UK destination at number 2 with the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands. While it's famous for its breathtaking landscapes, Glencoe also has a darker side, with a history marked by a tragic massacre where members of the MacDonald clan were brutally murdered. Some believe that the spirits of those who lost their lives still linger in the glen while the mist-covered mountains and eerie quiet of Glencoe make it an eerie place to visit all-year round.
1. The Most Haunted Place in the UK: Boleskine House - Foyers, Scottish Highlands
Topping our list as the number 1 most haunted place in the UK is Boleskine House in Foyers, Scottish Highlands. This eerie mansion on the shores of Loch Ness is notorious for its dark history and supernatural phenomena. Boleskine House was once the residence of occultist Aleister Crowley, who devil-worshipping rituals here. It's believed that these rituals left behind a lingering energy and attracted otherworldly entities to the house. The hauntings at Boleskine House include apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained phenomena that continue to baffle investigators.
Are you brave enough to visit one of these haunted UK destinations?
So, which haunted destination will you dare to visit this Halloween? Whether you're drawn to the history, the mystery, or the spine-tingling thrill of the supernatural, the UK offers a wealth of haunted places to visit to satisfy your curiosity and send shivers down your spine.
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