Along the way, we’ve forgotten the true meaning of Halloween as we get distracted by sweets and outrageous costumes. We need to return to the true mission of Halloween: getting scared senseless!
So why not make this Halloween different to all the rest and embark on a spooky road trip? We’ve rounded up the 20 most haunted places in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so you can visit the haunted houses closest to you. This ultimate Halloween road trip is the perfect chance to step out of your comfort zone and get your adrenaline pumping.
England
1. Hampton Court Palace, Richmond
Let’s start this list with one of the most famous British monarchs, although he isn’t remembered for the right reasons. Henry VIII is often remembered for having six wives, of which two were divorced, two were beheaded, one died of natural causes, and the final one outlived him. You can learn more about these wives in the popular musical ‘Six’.
Or you can come to Hampton Court Palace to ask him directly, as Henry has been spotted roaming about his favourite home. But don’t just take his word for it, make sure to chat with his third wife, Jane Seymour, who is often spotted lurking in the shadows. You could also try to chase down Catherine Howard, his fifth wife, who is often heard screaming in the distance.
In 2003, these ghosts welcomed a new neighbour, as the ‘Skeletor’ was spotted on CCTV opening a door and then disappearing without a trace. But he has not been seen since.
2. Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
William Windham III lived in Felbrigg Hall over 200 years ago. A fire broke out and he risked his life trying to save his beloved books from his library — priorities! Unfortunately, William succumbed to his burn injuries a few weeks later and passed away.
Since then, visitors have claimed to have spotted him in this library, reading books in various places throughout it. Supposedly he is reading the books he did not have time to save. Some have taken it a step further, and claim that when an exact combination of books is placed on a chair in the library, his ghost will be summoned.
This might be one of the most haunted places in England for bookworms!
3. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
While Dracula is often linked to Transylvania in Romania, it’s actually the majestic Whitby Abbey that inspired Bram Stoker to write the harrowing tale. You’ll understand why as soon as you see this crumbling building.
Expect to hear the wails of Constance de Beverley, an imprisoned nun, or catch sight of St Hilda peering from a window, looking to be saved. There are ghost walks regularly organised in the area, and they depart from the nearby graveyard.
Photo by Tony Williams on Unsplash
4. Treasurer’s House, York
Ready to witness a Guinness Book of World Records location? This mansion was awarded the record for the ‘Ghosts of the Greatest Longevity’. It is said to be home to dozens of the ghosts of soldiers, who appear all around the estate, especially in the cellars. The mansion is very well-kept and delightful to explore during the day, although very spooky at night.
In general, York is considered to be the most haunted city in the world, with over 504 recorded hauntings, according to the Ghost Research Foundation International.
5. Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-under-Edge
This B&B has been owned by the same family for the last few generations and has become infamous for its spooky guests. Some believe it was built on sacrificial grounds and is home to all the ghosts of the individuals who died there.
The owners claim that they’ve learned to live with these unexpected guests — who unfortunately aren’t paying for their accommodation — and you can now test if you’re brave enough to sleep there as well.
Photo by Tengyart on Unsplash
6. Chartwell, Kent
Does this name sound familiar? Well, if it does, that’s because Chartwell was the home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death. This famous prime minister actually spotted a ghost here himself, claiming he saw his father seated in one of the armchairs long after his death.
Now Churchill supposedly haunts his beloved home himself, as many visitors report having seen or heard his ghost. People claim they can smell cigarette smoke, despite no one in the vicinity smoking.
This is the ideal Halloween road trip stop for history buffs!
Photo by Charlie Seaman on Unsplash
7. Pluckley, Kent
This traditional little village may seem cosy at first glance, set amongst acres of orchards and fields filled with sheep grazing, but it’s actually one of Britain’s most haunted villages. Amongst its dozens of ghosts, Pluckley is plagued by a shrieking man, a highwayman who always appears at the ‘Fright Corner’ and a woman who set fire to herself.
But during the day, you’ll surely have a charming time here and be able to prepare yourself for the scary events about to unfold…
8. Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Rather than regular old human ghosts, Bodmin Moor has something more special up their sleeve for you. When you’re hiking through the stunning region of Bodmin Moor, you might notice two things. Firstly, how empty this beautiful route is. Secondly, that big pair of yellow eyes, watching you from the darkness.
No one knows what this creature is, with some guessing that it’s a giant fox, an escaped zoo animal or something that we’ve never seen before. The Beast, as it is known, is described to look like a panther, three to five feet long, and has been spotted over 60 times by now. The only remains it leaves behind are desecrated livestock and a huge set of paw prints once found near St Austell. You can even take the annual guided tour of the area, which teaches you all about this beastly creature.
You could explore this area as part of a London to Cornwall road trip.
Photo by Ed Smit on Unsplash
9. Blicking Estate, Norfolk
Remember that rhyme about Henry VIII? Well, how would you like to meet the first beheaded wife, Queen Anne Boleyn?
Anne is said to wander the corridors of Blicking House, which is her birthplace, holding her severed head as she goes. We hope it isn’t too heavy to carry, although maybe you can offer to temporarily lift this burden from her.
Every year on the 19th of May, which is the anniversary of her death, ghost hunters gather at the gates for a glimpse of this tragic queen. Legend claims that she arrives here in a carriage pulled by headless horses. We’re not sure how they manage to see where they’re going, but you’ll have to let us know once you see it for yourself!
Wales
10. Margam Castle, Port Talbot
Let’s move over to the most haunted places in Wales, and our journey starts in the unsetting town of Port Talbot.
While the sound of children’s laughter is usually a comforting one — unless it’s far too early in the morning and you know they’re up to something wicked — you should hope never to hear it at Margam Castle. Ghostly children are said to lurk in doorways and levitate objects, chuckling as they do, and aiming to kill. Aside from these scampish children, you might also hear the murdered gamekeeper frequently screaming with rage, or catch sight of the old blacksmith that roams the grounds.
If you come in time for its Paranormal Nights, you’ll get to spot floating orbs around the castle, which only add to the spooky atmosphere.
11. Ruthin Gaol, Denbighshire
Ruthin Gaol was a prison that held some of the worst criminals in the country. There were countless reports of guards mistreating the prisoners, so it’s unsurprising that they’re unwilling to go quietly. There are reports of doors suddenly slamming, feeling a presence beside you, voices muttering in the dark and terrifying cackles being heard across the prison.
There are annual ghost-hunting nights organised by the private owners of the building, so be sure to sign up for one… if you dare!
12. Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire
If you’re growing tired of ghost men, women and children, how about seeing a ghostly ape? On dark and stormy nights, Carew Castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a deathly barbary ape. Perhaps bring some bananas as a decoy.
Aside from the ape, there are more ghostly presences in the castle, including a kitchen boy who clatters pots and pans, a white lady named Princess Nest and a Celtic warrior. This could be combined with road trips nearby.
Photo by Steve Douglas on Unsplash
Scotland
13. Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire
Let’s move over to the most haunted places in Scotland. Cawdor Castle is home to a very famous guest: Muriel Calder. This heiress was murdered by her father in the 1700s after being caught fraternising with a rival clan member — very Romeo and Juliet! She is said to be seen gazing out of an upstairs window, looking for her lover to come and save her… While here, you can remind your partner that they really don’t have it that bad with their in-laws.
14. Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland is surely hiding some ghastly secrets up its sleeve. You can learn a lot about its grisly past at Mary King’s Close, an underground city that takes you through the darkest times in Edinburgh, including the plague, various myths and legends and historical events that changed the city.
But this underground city might have a few unwanted guests of its own, including a headless drummer, phantom pipers and prisoners of war. Visitors are recommended to bring a doll for Annie, its resident ghost child…
Photo by sankavi on Unsplash
15. Crathes Castle, Banchory
There are some places that just look like they should be haunted, and Crathes Castle is one of them. Gazing at the turrets, towers, arched windows and the looming height of the castle, it’ll come as no surprise to hear it is plagued by a ghost. This is one of the most haunted places in Scotland, yet also one of the most beautiful.
Crathes Castle is said to be haunted by the Green Lady, a ghostly apparition dressed in a green robe. She restlessly wanders around and is mainly spotted in a specific room of the castle. Many believed she was a servant girl or a ward of the Laird who disappeared soon after having a child. Then in the 1800s, skeletal remains were found behind the fireplace in the room she most often visits.
16. Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh
It’s almost reassuring that most of these spooky destinations are castles, as it means that as long as we never live in one we don’t have to worry about ghouls turning up in our own homes.
Eilean Donan Castle is a stunning building, surrounded almost entirely by the sea. But it holds a dark secret, as it is apparently haunted by a Spanish soldier who was killed in 1719 during a siege in the first Jacobite rebellion. He’s not alone though, as the ghost of ‘Lady Mary’ also frequently makes an appearance in the castle’s bedrooms.
Once you’re terrified enough, you can leave this castle and explore the stunning area of Kyle of Lochalsh as you continue your Halloween road trip.
Photo by QZheng W on Unsplash
17. St. Andrew’s Cathedral, St. Andrews
Situated in a popular university town, St. Andrew’s is home to two resident ghosts, neither of whom seem to be studying for their bachelor’s at the moment!
Firstly, there is the monk who is spotted on the stairs at St Rule’s Tower. Apparently, he is a friendly ghost, which we’re sure will come as a huge relief when you encounter him.
Secondly, there is the beautiful White Lady. For over 200 years, people have reported seeing this gloves-wearing lady gliding through the grounds until she disappears at the cathedral’s haunted tower.
Legend claims that when stonemasons were repairing the haunted tower, they broke through a sealed chamber and found numerous coffins. Only one coffin was open, and it contained the well-preserved body of a young woman, wearing white gloves.
Northern Ireland
18. Crumlin Rd Gaol, Belfast
This is one of the most well-known haunted places in Northern Ireland, with a history dating back to 1845. In its 150-year history, at least 17 men were executed within the wall of Crumlin Rd Gaol. Since then, people have reported hearing odd noises and seeing strange sights through the prison. Join the paranormal tour to see the execution chamber, condemned man’s cell, tunnel and flogging room, and along the way, you might see one of these vengeful men.
19. Grace Neill’s, Donaghadee
This is said to be one of the oldest pubs in all of Ireland, as Grace Neill’s has been running since 1611, although it was initially named The Kings Arms. Grace Neill ran the pub for most of the 19th and 20th centuries, and apparently, her shift isn’t over yet. Grace keeps a watchful eye on the pub, and there are reports of glasses and books moving around as if by themselves. Lights also have a tendency to suddenly turn on or off.
If you’re going to be scared, you may as well do it with a pint in your hand. Grab a lovely pub lunch here during your Halloween road trip, and don’t fret, the staff assure visitors that Grace is a very friendly host. She wouldn’t want to scare off paying customers now, would she?
20. The Giant’s Ring, Belfast
This might just be the oldest entry on this list of spooky destinations to visit this Halloween. The Giant’s Ring is said to date back to as far as 2700 BC. This pre-Christian religious site is located in the Shaws Bridge area and has been associated with a number of unusual events.
When people try to visit these Neolithic graveyards, they often end up surrounded by a thick, impenetrable mist. When trying to leave, they’ll find themselves back at the Menhir, the small druidic alter that sits in the centre of the Giant’s Ring. So go if you dare, but be prepared for your visit to take a while.
You can also make this part of a larger road trip through Northern Ireland.
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
How many of these spooky destinations will you visit this Halloween? A scare can be good for the soul and keep you on your toes. So instead of eating far too many sweets and chocolate this Halloween, head on a ghostly road trip to explore the most haunted places in the UK.
You can hire a motorhome at Goboony for your trip, to ensure that your nights are just as spooky at a nearby campsite.
