From ghost sightings to strange noises, check out the 10 most haunted places in the UK for real frights this Halloween.
1. The Tower of London
photo by Duncan Harris
Why it’s haunted: With a few deaths and murders, this place has to be haunted! Reports going back to the early 1800s, with sights and smells caused by the unexplained ! Notably, many believe that one of the ghosts is that of Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded in 1536 for treason against Henry VIII.
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2. Village of Pluckley, Kent
photo by Felix O
Why it’s haunted: Plukley is a fairly small village with what is believed to be very strong geological magnetism, making it a supernatural hotspot. With many tragic deaths, people sighting weird, ghostly creates is very common. It is also not surprising that the village holds the Guinness World Record as the most haunted village in England, with 12 spooks and 10 documented investigations, perfect place to stay on Halloween, no?
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3. Berry Pomeroy Castle, near South Devon
photo by Miranda Would
Why it’s haunted: It is a Tudor mansion, built within the walls of an earlier castle. It became a popular tourist attraction in the 1800’s because of it’s picturesque appearance and of course because of ghost stories, prior to this it was abandoned from the 17th century. Mainly two women ghosts roam the grounds, one who’s trying to lure you to your death (how convenient) and the other just spooks you. The actual stories of the women as hazy, with no one story stating the facts, either way, it looks like a eerie place to visit.
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4. The Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-Under Edge
photo by Andy Connolly
Why it’s haunted: This former inn was believed to have been built in the 11oos, on what is believed to have been a pagan burial ground. Not only was it said that sacrifices were carried out on the land, but a few deaths in the inn occurred as well. Many supernatural sightings have been spotted, and the owner of the place since 1968, John Humphries has many spooky accounts from visitors and from his own family, to make the hair on the back of your neck stand!
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5. Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland
photo by macieklew
Why it’s haunted: This place has a few legends and stories that will scare anyone! With a monster of its own, Monster of Glamis, which is only one of the supposed monsters which resided in the castle, and other dwelling souls such as a tongueless woman, a guy named Earl Beardie playing cards with the Devil, etc. Either way, the castle is stunning and worth a visit.
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6. Highgate Cemetery, London
photo by David Holt
Why it’s haunted: It’s a cemetery filled with souls! Sightings of some of the people who were laid to rest there has been reported, as well as other bizarre incidents.
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7. Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Lancashire
photo by C & N
Why it’s haunted: Several ghosts are believed to be haunting the hall. Notably one of Lady Dorothy Southworth. She went mad with grief after her lover was killed and secretly buried by her disapproving family. If this isn’t enough, in 1612, the area had its famous Samlesbury witch trials, another reason to visit!
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8. Borley Rectory, Essex
photo from Huffpost
Why it’s haunted: This Victorian mansion was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1939 and demolished a few years later, but this didn’t stop the haunted events. Reports of ghosts and unexplained sounds were reported as far back as 1860s. The grounds are said to be haunted with two headless horsemen, ghost nun, and bell sounds, and many others.
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9. Red Lion, Avebury
photo by Andrew Clarke
Why it’s haunted: The pub lies within one of the ancient stone circles, erected 2,000 years before Stone Henge, and is the area for Europe’s largest stone circles, so there’s no surprise that land with so much past would be haunted by something or someone. One of the most famous ghosts is that of a woman, who lived during the civil war era, who’s soldier husband killed her lover and her, then threw her down a well (dramatic, no?). This well in now used as a table to serve beers, but it doesn’t stop her from spooking up the place!
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10. Edinburgh Castle
photo by Neil Roger
Why it’s haunted: The castle is atop an extinct volcano, luckily! The area has been inhabited since the 2nd Century AD, but the castle’s church, St. Margaret’s Chapel, is the oldest structure, which goes back to the 12th century. The castle has 3 main paranormal inhabitants, a spectral dog, phantom piper, and a headless drummer. Either way, the castle gets over a million visitors a year!