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

With our long and varied history, there are many locations that could be voted the most haunted place in Britain. Here are some spots that are said to be Britain’s most haunted: 

Whitby Abbey: Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the ghost of the abbey’s founder St. Hilda, a nun called Constance De Beverly, and even a phantom horse-drawn carriage. Guests can book a ghost tour of the nearby graveyard to learn more about each of the spirits said to roam the abbey. 

Hampton Court Palace: Hampton Court Palace in Richmond is another purportedly ghoulish location where visitors have claimed to see the spectre of King Henry VIII. However, he does not haunt the grounds alone, guests have also reported hearing the ghastly screams of Catherine Howard and seeing apparitions of Jane Seymour. A new spirit was reported to have been spotted on CCTV in 2003.  

Britain’s many castles: Given their age, it’s only natural that Britain’s centuries old castles should have some ghostly inhabitants. One reportedly haunted British Castle is Cawdor Castle in Nairnshire, roamed by the handless ghost of heiress Muriel Calder.  

Blickling Estate Norfolk: Blickling Estate in Norfolk is also said to be haunted by the spirit of Anne Boleyn, who’s occasionally said to have been spotted riding in a ghostly carriage pulled by headless horses.  

There are several contenders for which hotel is Britain’s most haunted. However, these hotels from across England, Scotland and Wales are in the running, with each said to have spectres of their own:

Craig y Nos Castle: Ever wanted to stay overnight in a reportedly haunted castle? Craig y Nos in Swansea could be the perfect hotel for you. Built in 1840 the castle is close to two hundred years old and even hosts its own seances.  

Drovers Inn: Drovers Inn in Loch Lomond, Scotland, is another hotel that offers a haunting stay. Even if you don’t spot a ghoul, the Inn’s taxidermy animals are sure to give you the chills. 

Chillingham Castle: Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is another spine-chilling stay. The medieval fortress offers its own ghost tour, the perfect activity to indulge in and relax your mind before heading to bed in this centuries old castle and hotel, said to be roamed by a lady in white.  

St Briavels Castle: St Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire is a hostel that’s full of atmosphere with reports of otherworldly activity occurring in almost every room.

With spirits galore, there are several establishments in competition for which pub in Britain is the most haunted. However, the following pubs in England and Wales are rumoured to be: 

Pilchard Inn in Devon, England: Said to be haunted by the ghost of a pirate who returns to mark the anniversary of his death. 

Stag Inn, Hastings, England: This unique haunt is said to be home to a murdered sea captain and ghostly girl. The cellar once contained a hidden tunnel. 

Adam & Eve, Norwich, England: This pub’s reportedly haunted by Lord Sheffield, a spectre who’s known for touching visitor’s hair.  

The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Abergavenny, Wales: Said to be the most haunted pub in Wales, the spirits thought to be haunting the Inn’s bar are said to slam doors, whisper and more. 

Ye Olde Starre Inne, York, England: The cellar of this pub was once a Civil War mortuary. Alongside the more human ghouls, it’s said to also be haunted by two ghost cats.  

Buckingham Palace is rumoured to be haunted by several ghosts. The main apparitions being a monk and Major John Gwynne – a secretary of King Edward VII.