Welcome to a spine-chilling tour of England’s most haunted places. Whether you’re a brave ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, these eerie spots will surely send shivers down your spine. These are the 18 places in England you’re most likely to see a spirit or two.
Tower of London
According to UNESCO, the Tower of London is “an imposing fortress with many layers of history,” infamous for its dark history and eerie tales. Over the centuries, it has seen executions, imprisonments, and countless tragic events. Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s wives, is said to haunt the Tower, her headless ghost wandering the grounds.
Borley Rectory
Known as the most haunted house in England, Borley Rectory in Essex has a reputation for ghostly sightings and paranormal activities. Built in 1862, the rectory gained notoriety when paranormal investigator Harry Price documented strange happenings there in the 1920s. Ghostly figures, unexplained noises, and eerie lights have all been reported.
Hampton Court Palace
Once home to King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is another hotbed of paranormal activity. The ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, is said to haunt the Haunted Gallery, where she was dragged screaming to her execution. Many visitors have reported feeling an intense cold and seeing her ghostly figure. The palace also has other ghostly residents, including Sybil Penn and the Grey Lady.
The Ancient Ram Inn
The Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire is considered one of the most haunted inns in the country. Dating back to 1145, the inn sits on land that was once a pagan burial ground. Visitors have reported encounters with spirits, including a young girl named Rosie and a high priestess.
Pendle Hill
Famous for its association with the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, Pendle Hill in Lancashire and its surrounding area is said to be haunted by the spirits of the executed witches. Visitors often feel an eerie presence and have reported seeing ghostly figures. The hill’s dark history and the lingering spirits of the accused witches create an unsettling atmosphere, making it a popular spot for ghost hunters.
The Red Lion Hotel
In Avebury, Wiltshire, is the Red Lion Hotel, which is reputedly one of the most haunted inns in England. Built in the 16th century, it is said to be haunted by the ghost of Florrie, who was murdered by her husband. Guests have reported seeing her ghostly figure, as well as experiencing strange occurrences, such as objects moving on their own.
Chillingham Castle
Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is renowned for its ghostly activity, as the castle, with its dark dungeons and torture chambers, has a history of violence and death. The most famous ghost is the Blue Boy, who is often seen or heard in the Pink Room, with guests saying they have heard his cries and seen blue flashes of light.
Blickling Hall
Said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, who was born there, Blickling Hall is also home to other spirits, including Sir John Fastolf, who is said to roam the grounds. On the anniversary of Anne’s execution, her headless ghost is seen arriving at the hall in a coach drawn by a headless horseman.
The Skirrid Inn
The Skirrid Inn in Wales is one of the oldest inns in Britain and has a reputation for being extremely haunted, thanks to the fact the inn was used as a courthouse with many convicts hanged there. The ghost of a former innkeeper, Fanny Price, is said to haunt the building, along with the spirits of those executed.
Pluckley Village
Often called the most haunted village in England, Pluckley Village in Kent has had numerous ghost sightings, including the spectres of a highwayman, a miller, and a schoolmaster, giving the village an eerie reputation. The Screaming Woods, located nearby, are particularly notorious for their chilling atmosphere and the sounds of phantom screams.
The Hellfire Caves
In West Wycombe, the Hellfire Caves were once the meeting place of the notorious Hellfire Club, a group known for their debauchery and secret rituals. The caves are said to be haunted by the ghost of Paul Whitehead, the club’s steward, who guards his heart, buried in the caves. Visitors have reported seeing his ghostly figure and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle in Scotland is steeped in ghostly legends and supernatural occurrences. The castle, the ancestral home of the Bowes-Lyon family, is said to be haunted by several spirits, including the Grey Lady and the ghost of a young servant boy. The most famous legend is that of the Monster of Glamis, a deformed child hidden away in a secret room.
Windsor Castle
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world also has its share of ghostly residents. The most famous ghost at Windsor Castle is that of King Henry VIII, who is often heard pacing and groaning in the cloisters. The ghost of Queen Elizabeth I has also been seen, along with other royal spectres. The castle’s long history and royal connections add to its haunted reputation.
The Mermaid Inn
The Mermaid Inn in Rye, East Sussex, is a historic inn with a reputation for ghostly encounters. The inn dates back to the 12th century and has a history of smuggling and intrigue. Guests have reported seeing the ghost of a former landlord and the spirits of smugglers who used the inn.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Said to be one of the most haunted castles in England, Berry Pomeroy Castle in Devon is home to ghostly residents, including the White Lady. She is believed to be the spirit of Margaret Pomeroy, who was imprisoned and starved to death by her jealous sister. The Blue Lady, another ghostly figure, is said to haunt the dungeons.
The Black Swan Hotel
The Black Swan Hotel in Devizes, Wiltshire, is a historic inn with a reputation for ghostly activity. The ghost of a young woman who fell to her death is said to haunt the building, along with the spirit of a former landlord. Guests have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and seeing shadowy figures. The inn’s old-world charm and ghostly legends make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the paranormal.
Fyvie Castle
Fyvie Castle in Scotland is renowned for its ghostly legends and supernatural occurrences. The castle’s most famous ghost is the Green Lady, believed to be the spirit of Lilias Drummond, who starved to death in one of the rooms. Her name is said to be etched into the stone outside the room’s window.
The Golden Fleece
Our final haunted place is The Golden Fleece in York, a historic inn with a reputation for ghostly encounters. The inn, which dates back to 1503, is said to be haunted by several spirits, including Lady Alice Peckett, the wife of a former owner. People have reported seeing her ghostly figure and experiencing strange occurrences, such as objects moving on their own.
