Photo by: VisitBritain

Pedestrians walking down steps near a castle

Britain’s most haunted places – and how to explore them

Dare you visit our darkest, most haunted corners? From playful poltergeists to headless queens, legend has it that Britain is brimming with ghosts. With Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein hitting the silver screen in November 2025, get behind the history of the classic novel at a multi-sensory museum. Whether you’re an avid ghoul-hunter or an ardent sceptic, these spooky tours, creepy pubs, infamous hotels and chilling experiences will certainly send a shiver down your spine…  

Britain’s most haunted spots

Photo by: Charlotte Graham

A view of Whitby Abbey from across nearby fields

Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire

Looming over its namesake town, the ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write the tale of Dracula, and you don’t need much imagination to see why. Maybe you’ll witness the spectre of St Hilda peering from a window, or the wails of Constance de Beverley, an imprisoned nun? Popular ghost walks depart from a nearby graveyard…

 

Photo by: VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace built by Cardinal Wolsely and handed to his monarch King Henry VIII in the year 1528. King William III created a baroque classical wing of the palace overlooking gardens in the late 17th century.

Hampton Court Palace, Richmond

For more Tudor terrors, head to Hampton Court Palace. King Henry VIII has been spotted here. You may hear Catherine Howard’s chilling screams or even see Jane Seymour in the shadows. In 2003, they were joined by a new ghoul, the ‘Skeletor’: he was caught on CCTV opening a door but then disappeared without a trace.

Photo by: invernesstours

Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire

Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire

Have you seen Muriel Calder? You can’t miss her: she has long brown hair, a blue dress – and no hands. So we’re told, this Cawdor Castle heiress was murdered by her father in the 1700s, after she was caught cavorting with a rival clan member. Perhaps you’ll see her in an upstairs window, looking out for her lover…

Photo by: Copyright National Trust Images/Nick Meers

Early morning on the Blickling Hall estate with the house reflected in the water of the lake, and a bluish mist all around

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Always dreamed of meeting royalty? Hopefully you’ll bump into Anne Boleyn at Blickling House, as she wanders the corridors with her severed head. On 19 May, the anniversary of her death, ghost hunters gather at the estate’s gates: legend has it, she can be seen arriving at her birthplace in a carriage pulled by headless horses.

Photo by: marykingsclose

Mary King's Close

Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh

Edinburgh certainly has a few grisly secrets around its aging cobbled streets but Mary King’s Close is its darkest. This underground city is supposedly overrun with ghouls: plague victims, phantom pipers, prisoners of war and even a headless drummer. If you’re brave enough for a guided tour, don’t forget to bring a doll for Annie, its resident ghost-child…

Photo by: rob_booth_btl_images

A row of trees in the moorland of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

Is it a giant fox, an escaped zoo animal, or something more sinister? While you’re hiking on Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor, try not to dwell on The Beast. This huge panther-like cat has been spotted some 60 times over the years, with yellow eyes and insatiable hunger for livestock. In 2016, a set of big paw prints were spotted in nearby St Austell.
 

Photo by: paulwigintonphotography

A church lit up at dusk in Pluckley, Kent

Pluckley, Kent

Maybe you should think twice before visiting Pluckley. It looks lovely, but it’s actually Britain’s most haunted village, plagued by a shrieking man, a woman who set fire to herself, and a highwayman who appears at ‘Fright Corner’ – to name but a few. 

Dare you stay in these ghostly hotels?

Photo by: lynnewilliams_photography

Young child sat on a green armchair in front of a fireplace with a teddy bear next to them at Criag y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons

Craig y Nos Castle

Want to party with poltergeists? Join a seance to chat with the spirits? Craig y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons is full of opportunities to spook yourself silly. It was once a sanitorium, and has been running ghost tours for over a decade.

Photo by: @laura0utdoors / The Drovers Inn

Atmospheric view inside old Drovers Inn Hotel dining area

Drovers Inn

If its taxidermy animals don’t give you the creeps, the Drovers Inn’s ghoulish stories certainly will. From dead children and ghostly lights, to a frozen family at the foot of your bed, this Loch Lomond hotel isn’t quite as serene as it looks.

Photo by: Jane Coltman

Chillingham Castle_Making an entrance by Jane Coltman

Chillingham Castle

Feeling fearless? Join a ghost-hunting tour of Northumberland’s Chillingham Castle, before bedding down in this medieval fortress for the night. With a little luck - or maybe not - you’ll meet its woman-in-white in the pantry, and witness the spooky voices in the chapel.

Photo by: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism

Exterior of a red-brick castle and fortified wall in winter.

St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire

At 800 years old, St Briavels Castle – now a YHA hostel – has seen it all. But its gatehouse still holds horrible secrets: visitors often report a chilling atmosphere, and its walls bear the scars of graffiti carved by long-deceased prisoners.

Ghostly experiences in Britain

The Real Mary King’s Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this secret warren of houses and shops dates back over 400 years.

Visit The Real Mary King’s Close

Photo by: marykingsclose

Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King’s Close

The York Dungeon

With 10 live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets, this is like travelling through time.

Book a visit to The York Dungeon

Photo by: markjunday

York Dungeon
The York Dungeon

Oxford Ghost Tours

From headless bishops to haunted pubs, these tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity.

Explore Oxford on a ghost tour

Photo by: Oxford Ghost Tours

People sat in a historic hall on a ghost tour of Oxford
Oxford Ghost Tours

Durham Ghost Walk

Prepare to get spooky as you embark on a tour around Durham city’s dark past.

Go ghost hunting in Durham

Photo by: Durham Ghost Walk

A group being taken on a nighttime ghost walk in Durham
Durham Ghost Walk

Dracula Experience

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

Enjoy the Dracula Experience

Photo by: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Location: Yorkshire, Nordengland

Woman walking along path between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay.
Dracula Experience

Ghost Walk of Tenby

Discover the darker side of Tenby’s history on this supernatural tour, filled with ghosts, murder and more.

Get spooky on a Ghost Walk of Tenby

Photo by: Ghost Walk of Tenby

A group of people on a guided ghost walk around the town of Tenby in Wales
Ghost Walk of Tenby

Stratford Town Walk and Ghost Walk

Learn about the history of Stratford-upon-Avon on one of its popular walking tours.

Take a Stratford Town ghost walk

Photo by: Stratford Town and Ghost Walks

A group of tour guides on a ghost walk in Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford Town Walk and Ghost Walk

Chester Ghost Tours

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey through Chester’s streets as you embark on a ghoulish tour, through the ‘wicked old rows’ and ancient cobbled streets.

Get spooky on a Chester Ghost Tour

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

People listening to a tour guide at night as part of a ghost walk in Chester
Chester Ghost Tours

Norwich Ghost Walks

Take a tour after hours with Norwich Ghost Walks and journey through some of the city's most haunted areas.

Wrap up warm for Norwich Ghost Walks

Photo by: Norwich Ghost Walks

Location: Norwich, England

A group on a ghost walk tour of Norwich
Norwich Ghost Walks

The Ghost Bus Tours York

A horror-themed bus trip with plenty of laughs — this is one ghoulish city tour!

Take the Ghost Bus Tour of York

Photo by: Paul Ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Traffic passing micklegate bar at twilight in york
The Ghost Bus Tours York

Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival

31st October - 1st November 2025

Don your heavy eyeliner and black leather for Whitby’s proud celebration of all things gothic.

More about Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival

Location: Whitby, England

Goths in Whitby harbour
Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival

Deathly Dark Tours

Join Dr Dorian Deathly on an after-dark tour of one of England’s most haunted cities to discover its spine-chilling history.

Brave a Deathly Dark Tour

Photo by: Laura McKeller/The Deathly Dark Tours

A costumed tour guide on a raised platform in front of an audience next to a historic building.
Deathly Dark Tours

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath

Step into this multi-sensory museum detailing the history of Frankenstein, complete with an 8-foot animatronic monster, then try your hand in the spooky escape room.

Discover Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Photo by: Joe Short

Location: Bath, England

Five friends trying to work their way out of a small escape room
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath

Bodmin Jail

This former prison is a spine-tingling setting for ghost walks, Halloween nights and after-dark tours…

Plan your trip to Bodmin Jail

Photo by: Bodmin Jail

Location: Cornwall

A warden with a lanturn stood in front of Bodmin Jail for a promotional shot
Bodmin Jail

Craig y Nos Castle

Is this Wales’ most haunted castle? Join a ghost tour and find out.

Explore spooky Craig Y Nos Castle

Photo by: lynnewilliams_photography

Young child sat on a green armchair in front of a fireplace with a teddy bear next to them at Criag y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons
Craig y Nos Castle

Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Step inside a 19th-century prison, to discover what life was like in the cells – and perhaps even spot a ghost…

Explore Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Photo by: Phil Wilkinson

Location: Lowlands

Jedburgh Castle Jail Museum
Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

The Drovers Inn

Dare you stay at one of Scotland’s most haunted pubs?

Discover the ghosts at The Drovers Inn

Photo by: @laura0utdoors / The Drovers Inn

Atmospheric view inside old Drovers Inn Hotel dining area
The Drovers Inn

St Briavels Castle

Witness 800 years of history at St Briavels Castle, famous for its enormous Edwardian gatehouse.

Step back in time at St Briavels Castle

Photo by: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism

Exterior of a red-brick castle and fortified wall in winter.
St Briavels Castle

Chillingham Castle

From the dungeon to the torture chamber and the castle’s resident ghosts, you’re guaranteed a terrifying day out.

Get spooky at Chillingham Castle

Photo by: Jane Coltman

Chillingham Castle_Making an entrance by Jane Coltman
Chillingham Castle

Oxford Castle

Walk through 1,000 years of history climbing the Tower and descending into the crypt, at one of Oxford’s oldest and most haunted buildings.

Visit Oxford Castle and Prison

Photo by: Photo: Philip J.A Benton

Sunset at Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle

The Real Mary King’s Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this secret warren of houses and shops dates back over 400 years.

Visit The Real Mary King’s Close

Photo by: marykingsclose

Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King’s Close

The York Dungeon

With 10 live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets, this is like travelling through time.

Book a visit to The York Dungeon

Photo by: markjunday

York Dungeon
The York Dungeon

Oxford Ghost Tours

From headless bishops to haunted pubs, these tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity.

Explore Oxford on a ghost tour

Photo by: Oxford Ghost Tours

People sat in a historic hall on a ghost tour of Oxford
Oxford Ghost Tours

Durham Ghost Walk

Prepare to get spooky as you embark on a tour around Durham city’s dark past.

Go ghost hunting in Durham

Photo by: Durham Ghost Walk

A group being taken on a nighttime ghost walk in Durham
Durham Ghost Walk

Dracula Experience

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

Enjoy the Dracula Experience

Photo by: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Location: Yorkshire, Nordengland

Woman walking along path between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay.
Dracula Experience

Ghost Walk of Tenby

Discover the darker side of Tenby’s history on this supernatural tour, filled with ghosts, murder and more.

Get spooky on a Ghost Walk of Tenby

Photo by: Ghost Walk of Tenby

A group of people on a guided ghost walk around the town of Tenby in Wales
Ghost Walk of Tenby

Stratford Town Walk and Ghost Walk

Learn about the history of Stratford-upon-Avon on one of its popular walking tours.

Take a Stratford Town ghost walk

Photo by: Stratford Town and Ghost Walks

A group of tour guides on a ghost walk in Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford Town Walk and Ghost Walk

Chester Ghost Tours

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey through Chester’s streets as you embark on a ghoulish tour, through the ‘wicked old rows’ and ancient cobbled streets.

Get spooky on a Chester Ghost Tour

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

People listening to a tour guide at night as part of a ghost walk in Chester
Chester Ghost Tours

Norwich Ghost Walks

Take a tour after hours with Norwich Ghost Walks and journey through some of the city's most haunted areas.

Wrap up warm for Norwich Ghost Walks

Photo by: Norwich Ghost Walks

Location: Norwich, England

A group on a ghost walk tour of Norwich
Norwich Ghost Walks

The Ghost Bus Tours York

A horror-themed bus trip with plenty of laughs — this is one ghoulish city tour!

Take the Ghost Bus Tour of York

Photo by: Paul Ridsdale / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: York

Traffic passing micklegate bar at twilight in york
The Ghost Bus Tours York

Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival

31st October - 1st November 2025

Don your heavy eyeliner and black leather for Whitby’s proud celebration of all things gothic.

More about Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival

Location: Whitby, England

Goths in Whitby harbour
Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival

Deathly Dark Tours

Join Dr Dorian Deathly on an after-dark tour of one of England’s most haunted cities to discover its spine-chilling history.

Brave a Deathly Dark Tour

Photo by: Laura McKeller/The Deathly Dark Tours

A costumed tour guide on a raised platform in front of an audience next to a historic building.
Deathly Dark Tours

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath

Step into this multi-sensory museum detailing the history of Frankenstein, complete with an 8-foot animatronic monster, then try your hand in the spooky escape room.

Discover Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Photo by: Joe Short

Location: Bath, England

Five friends trying to work their way out of a small escape room
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath

Bodmin Jail

This former prison is a spine-tingling setting for ghost walks, Halloween nights and after-dark tours…

Plan your trip to Bodmin Jail

Photo by: Bodmin Jail

Location: Cornwall

A warden with a lanturn stood in front of Bodmin Jail for a promotional shot
Bodmin Jail

Craig y Nos Castle

Is this Wales’ most haunted castle? Join a ghost tour and find out.

Explore spooky Craig Y Nos Castle

Photo by: lynnewilliams_photography

Young child sat on a green armchair in front of a fireplace with a teddy bear next to them at Criag y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons
Craig y Nos Castle

Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Step inside a 19th-century prison, to discover what life was like in the cells – and perhaps even spot a ghost…

Explore Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

Photo by: Phil Wilkinson

Location: Lowlands

Jedburgh Castle Jail Museum
Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum

The Drovers Inn

Dare you stay at one of Scotland’s most haunted pubs?

Discover the ghosts at The Drovers Inn

Photo by: @laura0utdoors / The Drovers Inn

Atmospheric view inside old Drovers Inn Hotel dining area
The Drovers Inn

St Briavels Castle

Witness 800 years of history at St Briavels Castle, famous for its enormous Edwardian gatehouse.

Step back in time at St Briavels Castle

Photo by: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism

Exterior of a red-brick castle and fortified wall in winter.
St Briavels Castle

Chillingham Castle

From the dungeon to the torture chamber and the castle’s resident ghosts, you’re guaranteed a terrifying day out.

Get spooky at Chillingham Castle

Photo by: Jane Coltman

Chillingham Castle_Making an entrance by Jane Coltman
Chillingham Castle

Oxford Castle

Walk through 1,000 years of history climbing the Tower and descending into the crypt, at one of Oxford’s oldest and most haunted buildings.

Visit Oxford Castle and Prison

Photo by: Photo: Philip J.A Benton

Sunset at Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle

Ghost Hunter Tours  

Taking you to some of the most haunted locations in the UK, Ghost Hunter Tours life the veil on our most haunted locations, including castles, pubs, forests and schools. With spooky Halloween events and private ghost hunting tours, there’s a paranormal experience for sceptics and believers alike.  

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Uncover Edinburgh’s dark history at the Edinburgh Dungeon. This immersive experience will have you on the edge of your seat with live actors setting the scene. Through theatrical sets and special effects find out if you’re guilty in The Courtroom and escape Burke & Hare in a spooky graveyard. Look out for special events throughout the year, too.

Ghostly Getaways Ghost Tours and Ghost Hunting Weekends​

When a hunted night experience just isn’t long enough, fuel your curiosity with a full weekend across the UK. From haunted manor houses to witch hunting, poltergeists to asylums, check into your hotel and let the ghost-busting Haunted Happenings team take it from there.

Paranormal pints: Britain’s spookiest pubs

Pilchard Inn, Devon

It won’t just be the timbers which are shivering here. In the 1300s, the Pilchard Inn was the hideout of pirate Tom Crocker, who was eventually hanged for smuggling. Legend has it, he appears on the August anniversary of his death.

Stag Inn, Hastings

With its mummified cats, a murdered sea captain in the cellar, and ghoulish girl dressed all in white, The Stag Inn isn’t for the faint-hearted. Ask the bar staff about the secret underground tunnel, if you dare.

Adam and Eve, Norwich

The spirit of Lord Sheffield lives on at the Adam and Eve, where he likes to run his fingers through customers’ hair! He was murdered here in 1549, and the pub is a favourite of ghost hunters.

The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Abergavenny

Welcome to the most haunted pub in Wales. While it serves a great pint, Abergavenny’s Skirrid Mountain Inn is best known for its creepy footsteps, slamming doors and whispering voices.

Ye Olde Starre Inne, York

Ye Olde Starre Inne, a historic York pub, is popular with both the living and dead. Its cellar was a Civil War mortuary, which explains the blood-curdling screams – while two ghost cats are often seen around the bar.

Discover more of Britain’s strange spots

Halloween and Bonfire Night in Britain

From monster hunting to firework displays, Halloween and Bonfire Night are unmissable autumn celebrations.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Leeds Castle fireworks

Find Britain’s quirkiest traditions and events

Bonkers yet brilliant: that sums up our style.

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Vikings in a torchlight procession, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

Halloween and Bonfire Night in Britain

From monster hunting to firework displays, Halloween and Bonfire Night are unmissable autumn celebrations.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Leeds Castle fireworks

Find Britain’s quirkiest traditions and events

Bonkers yet brilliant: that sums up our style.

Photo by: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Vikings in a torchlight procession, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations