Brave Britain's scariest horror film hotspots

Illuminated by dazzling neon billboards, Piccadilly Circus is one of central London’s most buzzing hubs, a busy thoroughfare within walking distance of Covent Garden, Leicester Square and the theatres of the West End. It’s almost unrecognisable in zombie horror 28 Days Later, which shows it eerily empty after London has been wiped out by a mysterious virus.  

Delve into the weird and wonderful aesthetic of legendary director Tim Burton at the Design Museum. The collection features sculptures, drawings and installations from his personal archives, embodying the distinctively eerie themes of his cinematic creations.    

For a spine-tingling journey around London’s top attractions, look no further. From St. Paul’s to the Tower of London, this bus tour tells the spooky history of London’s must-visit spots. You’ll hear tales of executions, murders and hauntings, learning the sinister secrets you won’t hear elsewhere. Delivered by excellent actors with some surprises on board, you’d better keep your wits about you...  

True crime obsessives will want to find out more about one of the most notorious unsolved cases of all time – the murders of ‘Jack the Ripper’. Known for terrorising East London in 1888, the identity of the mysterious killer has never been uncovered. This museum focuses on the stories of the victims and examines the potential suspects. With real-life artefacts and crime scene recreations, it’s only for the brave.  

A bookshop with a spooky twist, Treadwell’s is your go-to for literature on witchcraft, occultism and magic. Their selection of rare and quirky books changes regularly, so you never know what you might find in this treasure trove. They also offer tarot readings and a range of workshops and events, on topics from divination to astrology.  

This island getaway has to be seen to be believed. It sits just off the coast of Marazion in Cornwall, with a magnificent castle and garden at its peak, plus a quaint harbour, village and stone-built church – all yours to explore. Whether you love history or hiking, wild swimming or paddleboarding, there is so much to do here, and the sea is never more than a few steps away. 

If something strikes you as eerie, it may be because you’ve seen it before – the atmospheric exterior of the castle starred as the vampire’s lair in the 1979 vintage horror, Dracula. 

Featuring murder, scandal and the theft of a diamond necklace, this is no ordinary train journey! The plot, which is hosted by live actors in full 1940s costume, takes place on board the historic Bodmin & Wenford Railway – and the passengers are tasked with solving it. A real-life Agatha Christie-style experience, this is a treat for curious minds and mystery lovers, in an utterly charming setting. 

Once one of Britain’s most notorious jails, Bodmin housed murderers, thieves, swindlers and smugglers – many of which were hanged for their crimes. It is a spine-tingling setting for ghost walks, Halloween nights and after-dark experiences, while also offering family-friendly heritage tours that bring history to life. Tours take place every day of the week, and the on-site hotel is a unique blend of spooky and sumptuous. Thrilling!

Dare to spend the night in one of Britain’s most haunted hotels? Built in 1750, this smugglers inn in Cornwall was a rest-stop for travellers crossing the treacherous Bodmin Moor and was later made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s bestselling novel, Jamaica Inn. Originally a coaching inn, linking Launceston to Bodmin, it’s halfway between so became the place where tired passengers rested themselves and their horses some 270 years ago. Over the years there have been dozens of reports of paranormal activity, leading to the Inn becoming a hotspot for avid ghosthunters – but are you brave enough to check it out for yourself?  

Calling all sports lovers: Head to the ‘home of Welsh rugby’ to watch sporting spectacles, live music and more. It hosts everything from WWE and the World Supercross British Grand Prix, to concerts, major events and – of course – international Rugby Union fixtures. In the zombie sequel 28 Weeks Later, the scene in which the survivors gather at ‘Wembley Stadium’ was actually filmed here.

Discover the darker side of Tenby’s history on this chilling supernatural walk, filled with stories of ghosts, omens, murder and more. In the company of a tour guide, you’ll explore the town’s spookiest corners and sights: there are no special effects or frightening hoaxes, but the tales will certainly send a shiver down your spine. Choose from small-group tours and private experiences.

This 19th-century gothic castle lived a previous life as a sanatorium – did somebody say “horror film waiting to happen”? It proudly calls itself Wales’ most haunted castle and offers lots of paranormal events for those feeling brave. Take a three-hour ghost tour of the castle’s creepiest corners, including the old children’s ward and embalming room. Those with the strongest nerves can even try a seance or midnight visit.  

With over 900 years of history, this Abergavenny pub is renowned for its spooky ghost stories… Tuck into pub classics like lasagne or fish and chips and stay the night – if you dare.

Learn all about the dark history of Stratford-upon-Avon, with one of its popular Stratford Town Ghost Walks. The ‘Man in Black’ will take you around all the historic and most haunted sites, bringing history to life with their tales of fire, flood, plague and of course, Shakespeare.  

This immersive escape room gives you and your team 60 minutes to answer clues and overcome challenges in one of eight themed rooms. Horror aficionados will love the scary selection of games that includes a Jack the Ripper mystery, an asylum escape, or a terrifying encounter with a murderous doll.  

Keep your wits about you for a night of murderous entertainment – or you might just end up getting killed! In the surrounds of a regal stately home in the secluded English countryside, travel back to 1855 and figure out who among you is guilty of murder.  

Britain’s biggest theme park is a worthwhile stop on your journey further up north, and horror lovers won’t want to miss its most hair-raising rides. Like the film of the same name, the Wicker Man rollercoaster is terrifying, with an explosion of flame as the train passes through a six-storey burning effigy. TH13TEEN is the world’s first vertical free fall rollercoaster that’s chilling in more ways than one. Follow its story into the ancient crypt, but beware of what you might find inside... 

With 'Mad Alice' as your tour guide, you'll learn all about York's fascinating and ghoulish history.

A real treat, this incredibly well-preserved and impressively imposing Cistercian monastery, founded around 1132, went on to become one of the richest monasteries of its time. The surrounding Studley Royal Park features a water garden designed in the 18th century and a deer park. But beware, it was recently overrun by zombies! The long-awaited horror sequel 28 Years Later was filmed here, so you’ll be able to spot it on the big screen in June 2025.  

Misty moorlands and rugged peaks make up the atmospheric landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, the spectacularly wild national park in North Yorkshire. If you visit the pretty Aysgarth Falls or Redmire village, don’t forget to watch your back... there could still be some lost zombies from the 28 Years Later filming that took place here!  

The looming ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic novel Dracula – and they’re just as atmospheric today. In Whitby itself, you’ll find seaside fun galore: think long golden sands, rock pooling, arcades, donkey rides and traditional fish and chips.

This spine-tingling theatrical tour brings Dracula’s chilling story to life, featuring special effects, animations and actors.

Or, join paranormal investigators for a night of ghost hunting in Whitby – complete with mediums, ​​séances and high-tech detection equipment. Spooky!