The UK’s most haunted places
Berry Pomeroy, Devon
This small village just outside of Totnes in Devon is eerily isolated, and the main focal point for ghost hunters is Berry Pomeroy Castle.
Built during the late 12th century, the King of England later gave the land the castle stands on to Ralph de Pomeroy. But it seemed like the house had a bad omen over it, as it was ravaged during the civil war and badly damaged by a fire in the early 18th century.
The castle is said to host a number of ghosts, including ‘the White Lady’ who haunts the dungeons and rises up to the castle ramparts. Some have identified her as the ghost of Lady Margaret Pomeroy, imprisoned in the dungeons by her sister, Lady Eleanor!
Pluckley, Kent
Pluckley in Kent is often described as the most haunted village in Britain.
At least a dozen ghosts are said to be residents, including a screaming man and a highwayman, who haunts an area named ‘Fright Corner’ (where, it is alleged, he was pinned to a tree with a sword!). The least distressing ghost must be that of an old woman who sits on a bench drinking gin and smoking a pipe. But, still…
So renowned is Pluckley that locals have basically cancelled Halloween as so many ghost hunters descend on this small, sleepy village that they effectively brought it to a standstill.
Prestbury, Gloucestershire
A quaint, unique village with a distinctive look, Prestbury offers amazing honey-coloured buildings built from timber frames. It’s a stunning place to visit with Cleve Hill offering fantastic views of Cheltenham.
But that’s not why you’re here!
The most famous ghost to reside here is the Black Abbot Ghost. Folklore suggests that he visits the area three times a year, on Christmas, Easter and Halloween. You can find him with his head bowed in the churchyard at Saint Mary’s, so make sure to pass through here on your travels…if you dare.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is said to be one of the most haunted destinations in Scotland, whilst Edinburgh itself is said to be the most haunted city in Europe.
The 900-year-old castle, which sits in a stunning location sandwiched between hills and the sea, is said to offer a variety of ghosts, including the phantom piper, a headless drummer and a ghostly dog!
A 2001 survey found that nearly half of 240 visitors experienced ghostly sightings and spooky phenomena within the castle, including a mysterious spirit tugging at their clothes.
Dorchester, Dorset
Dorchester offers one of the most haunted residences in England in Athelhampton Hall.
If visiting Dorset, stop by and you may hear stories about Cooper the ghost who lives in the wine cellar and enjoys tapping on the adjoining wall of the Great Hall.
There is also a monk who roams the corridors. But the most famous and unusual spectre is the ape, formerly a pet who was accidentally entombed in a secret passage behind the Great Chamber. No one has ever seen this ghostly ape, but his scratching is said to be heard often as he tries to escape!
Angus, Scotland
Glamis Castle is reputedly one of the most haunted castles in Britain, and the stories of ghosts and ghouls here are embedded in Scottish folklore.
The family chapel is said to be haunted by an old woman who was accused of witchcraft and burned on a stake on Castle Hill in 1537. Nicknamed the Grey Lady, this ghost is very active and has been spotted many times in recent years: normally above the clock tower!
If you’d prefer a more historic/less frightening tour then it’s worth noting that the Queen Mother was born at this castle and gave birth to the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret here too.
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
Blickling Hall is an amazing Jacobean building that covers more than 4,000 acres in the rolling Norfolk countryside.
This National Trust building is absolutely amazing, but not without its ghostly tales. One of the most popular stories at Blickling Hall is that of Headless Anne, said to visit the building each year on 19th May in a ghostly carriage.
If you’re planning to visit this Halloween and will miss Anne, worry not: the ghosts of former residents Henry Hobert and Sir John Fastolfe are said to roam the corridors as well!
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
The Pendle Witch trials of 1612 saw twelve people from the local area accused of witchcraft, so it’s not surprising that visits to the area peak around Halloween. But there are plenty more reasons to recommend than just its spooky legacy.
Nearby Skipton is highly recommended for its historic architecture, boutique shops, pubs and eateries. If you fancy getting away from it all, the Trough of Bowland is one of the UK’s best kept secrets for amazing scenery and relaxing days out. Just the ticket after all that terror!
