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The top 11 most haunted places in the UK
The UK is steeped in rich history, mystery, and folklore, which is perfect to explore on your next UK break. More specifically, why not seek some spine-tingling encounters and experience the most haunted places in the UK?
From ancient castles to eerie forests, the UK’s most haunted places provide some of the best days out with your loved ones – especially for a memorable Halloween break. You might already be familiar with ghost hunting at different locations or simply curious about the paranormal, but exploring these haunted locations can provide an unforgettable experience. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the top 12 most haunted places in the UK, each with its own chilling tales and unexplained phenomena – from the likes of Whitby Abbey to Bodmin Moor and Stirling Castle. We'll also provide tips on how to create your very own haunted house experience if you prefer to keep the scares closer to home. So, let’s delve into the realm of the spooky, as we explore the most haunted places in the UK.
The UK's most haunted places to explore
For you brave souls seeking the most haunted places in the UK, there are plenty of spine-chilling locations to visit. From ancient abbeys to mysterious moors, these destinations promise some spectacular experiences – and maybe… some encounters with the supernatural.
1. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
The first spooky stop on our list of the UK’s most haunted places is Whitby Abbey. And it’s for good reason. Perched atop the cliffs in North Yorkshire, the Abbey is such an eerily stunning example of Gothic architecture that it actually inspired Bram Stoker to write his famously terrifying tale, “Dracula”.
The ruins of this 7th-century monastery are said to be haunted by many different ghosts, one in particular being St. Hilda, the abbey's founder. Visitors over the years have reported seeing her apparition gliding through the ruins and peering through windows. Who knows? Maybe you might see her too!
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One of the best places to stay nearby is The Bay Filey – Only around 1hr away.
2. Mary King's Close, Edinburgh
Hidden beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile lies Mary King's Close, one of the best haunted house attractions in the UK.
This network of underground streets has over 400 years of history to explore. But there’s one part of history that’s sure to raise the hair on your arms when you visit, and that’s the story of Annie’s Doll.
In the 90s, a professional psychic, Aiko Gibo, was extremely troubled when exploring the site and communicated with the spirit of a young girl named Annie. After learning that the girl had lost her favourite doll, Gibo purchased a new one to bring comfort to the spirit. If the doll remained unmoved there would be no disturbance from the spirit.
And on the 17th of April 2019, the doll disappeared…
Come and explore this chilling tale for yourself, at one of the most haunted places in the UK.
3. Chester City Walls, Cheshire
The ancient Chester City Walls, dating back to Roman times, are the oldest, longest, and most complete city walls in Britain. But, not only are they a historical marvel, they are also a hotspot for paranormal activity.
One of the most haunted sections is the Northgate, where you may come across the restless spirit of a murdered Roman soldier. After leaving his post to meet his lover, the soldier returned to find his men killed and the place looted. He was then murdered by the mob.
This is a prime destination for those seeking the most haunted places in the UK, and a chance to learn more about history.
- One of the best places to stay nearby is Golden Sands – Only around 50 minutes away.
4. Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
The windswept expanse of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall is home to numerous legends and ghostly tales, earning its place among the most haunted places in the UK.
For one, the moor is said to be haunted by the Beast of Bodmin, a phantom big cat that has been sighted by locals and visitors alike since 1978. So, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for this creature when you visit.
Also, Bodmin Jail is one of the best haunted house attractions in the UK, where you may find yourself coming face to face with a few of the jail’s past residents!
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One of the best places to stay nearby is Retallack Resort – Only around 40 minutes away.
5. Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
If you’re visiting Bodmin Moor, another one of the most haunted places in the UK can be found right nearby. Perched on the edge of Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn has been a haven for smugglers, pirates, and now ghosts, for centuries.
If you’re brave enough to tackle a ghost hunt at this 18th-century coaching inn, you may meet the ghost of a murdered smuggler walking through closed doors, or hear the sound of horse hooves clacking outside at night.
If you want an authentic haunted house experience, visiting Jamaica Inn is sure to provide thrills and chills.
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One of the best places to stay nearby is Retallack Resort – Only around 35 minutes away.
6. Manningtree, Essex
The small town of Manningtree in Essex is a great place to visit, but it does hold a dark history. This town was at the centre of mass witch trials in the 17th century, held by the infamous Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins.
His reign of terror led to the execution of over 300 women, leading Manningtree to be considered today as one of the most haunted places in the UK. You can also try a walking route with your loved ones that explores all the significant places that were part of this history.
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One of the best places to stay nearby is Mersea Island – Only around 45 minutes away.
7. Beaulieu Abbey, New Forest
The next stop on our list of the most haunted places in the UK is found in the New Forest, Beaulieu Abbey. This 13th-century Abbey is steeped in a history of monastic life and royal connections. Today, however, it's also riddled with tales of ghostly monks reported to wander the grounds.
As you walk around this location, you may hear – like so many others have – Gregorian chants echoing through the empty halls, and see hooded figures disappearing around corners. What else could you want for a spooky getaway?
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One of the best places to stay nearby is Sandy Balls – Only around 40 minutes away.
8. Corfe Castle, Dorset
Head down to Dorset to experience the imposing ruins of Corfe Castle, one of the most UK’s most haunted places. This spot stands as a testament to over a thousand years of turbulent history, and welcomes you to wander around the spooky ruins – if you dare.
This medieval fortress is supposedly home to the headless White Lady, believed to be Lady Bankes, who defended the castle during the English Civil War but was betrayed. If you see her drifting by, it might just send shivers down your spine.
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One of the best places to stay nearby is East Fleet Farm – Only around 50 minutes away.
9. Buckland Abbey, Devon
Once home to the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey now serves as a museum and one of the most haunted places in the UK.
It’s said that Sir Drake made a deal with the devil to secure his victory over the Spanish Armada. Now, the ghost of Drake himself can be spotted riding across the estate in a black coach, doomed to roam the grounds for all eternity.
The abbey's rich history and stunning architecture make it an ideal choice for those interested in both history and the paranormal.
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One of the best places to stay nearby is Bude Holiday Resort – Only around one hour and 15 minutes away.
10. Ruthin Gaol, Denbighshire
Ruthin Gaol is a former prison full of suffering inmates, now turned museum. So naturally, you can see why it’s considered among the most haunted places in the UK. Visitors can get a chilling glimpse into Victorian prison life, along with the opportunity to experience paranormal activity firsthand.
The tormented ghosts of the prison’s past have been seen wandering the corridors, and it’s not uncommon to hear the sound of cell doors slamming shut echo through the empty halls. Care to visit on your next break?
- One of the best places to stay nearby is Golden Sands – Only around 40 minutes away.
11. Stirling Castle, Stirling
The last option on our list of the UK’s most haunted places is Stirling Castle, perched atop a volcanic crag. Stirling Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, but it’s also now renowned as one of the most haunted places in the UK, mainly due to the lady ghosts of many colours.
Visitors have described a foreboding lady in black who haunts the back walk, as well as the “Green Lady”, believed to be the spirit of a servant who saved Mary, Queen of Scots, from a fire. Walking around this scenic location and witnessing the ghostly sights of these ladies, is an experience you must have on your itinerary.
Create your very own haunted house experience
Spending the day exploring these most haunted places in the UK isn’t the only way to bring the spooky atmosphere to your holiday. You can easily create your very own haunted house experience with a range of fantastic activities for the whole family. This is particularly great when planning a Halloween getaway at one of the UK’s best holiday parks.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
The best Halloween entertainment
Set the mood for your haunted house experience with some of the best Halloween-themed entertainment.
At Away Resorts, our carefully chosen entertainment is specifically designed to give you and the family endless fun during the spooky season. Why not come down to one of our holiday parks and meet the BOO Crew for yourself, who we guarantee your little ones will love. A haunted house party might be just the thing you’re looking for this spooky season.
Ghostly arts and crafts
You can also create your own haunted house experience by enjoying some arts and crafts with your kids. Let the little ones go wild with their imaginative decorations, whether it’s making ghost masks or painting some creepy scarecrows.
These activities not only add to your holiday home décor, but also immerse the whole family in the ghostly theme.
Spooky movie night
Get ready to transform your living room into a haunted cinema by screening some of your favourite classic ghost films, or even documentaries about the most haunted places in the UK.
Gather the family onto the couch and create a cosy, yet eerie, atmosphere with dim lighting, comfortable seating, and plenty of blankets to hide behind during the scariest scenes. If you’re staying for a weekend break, for example, you can pick a spooky movie for each night, so everyone gets to see their top choice.
Classic pumpkin carving
Of course, no haunted house experience is complete without some classic pumpkin carving. At Away Resorts, we love hosting our seasonal pumpkin carving activity, where the kids get to choose their own pumpkin, and then let their spooky creativity run free.
Once these are done, it can be great to bring them back to your holiday home to set the mood for the Halloween season.
Tricks and treats
You can also combine creativity and reward in your haunted house experience, by making some deliciously spooky treats.
These are also great to pair up with your movie night. Take the time to follow a recipe for your chosen treat, and let the kids get involved in the baking process to teach them a thing or two about cooking. Then, you have the privilege of enjoying your own ghost-shaped cookies, or fruit punch in witch cauldron cups, for example.
The most haunted places in the UK – FAQs
Are you curious about the most haunted places in the UK? Here are some frequently asked questionss, to help provide some insight into the eerie locations that continue to captivate UK holiday goers.
Which is the most haunted place in the UK?
The most haunted place in the UK is often down to preference and experience. You might go to one location and not see much, and then visit another and really feel the chills in your spine. Some of the top UK locations include Whitby Abbey, Bodmin Moor, Corfe Castle, and Chester City Walls.
What is the most spooky town in the UK?
The most spooky town in the UK will also come down to personal preference, but some of the popular choices include Edinburgh, Scotland – with its dark history, underground vaults, and Mary King's Close – and Manningtree, Essex, which was at the centre of famous witch trials.
What is the most haunted castle in the UK?
The most haunted castle in the UK will be determined by your individual experience. That being said, there are plenty of popular options that people consider to be the most haunted, such as Corfe Castle, Chillingham Castle, and Stirling Castle.
Are you brave enough to explore the most haunted places in the UK?
As we've journeyed through the top 12 most haunted places in the UK, you now find yourself with so many options to consider for your next UK getaway.
Whether it’s exploring the ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey, travelling to the mysterious depths of Mary King's Close, or venturing into Bradley Woods, each location offers its own unique experience for those brave enough to visit.
Are you ready to take on some of the most haunted places in the UK? Whether you choose to embark on a ghostly adventure across the country or create your own spooky Halloween haven at home, the world of the paranormal awaits.
Just remember – always keep your wits about you in the dark. Who knows what spookiness awaits you!