Haunted Britain: the spookiest places you can visit

#1, London: With its long and sometimes gruesome history, it's no surprise that London ranks number one as England's spookiest destination. From Jack The Ripper to hidden plague pits beneath tube stations, the city is brimming with tales of the supernatural and unexplained. Every alleyway, historic building, and fog-filled square seems to whisper stories of the past, offering thrill-seekers and ghost hunters alike a chilling glimpse into London’s darker side.

Spooky activities to check out in London:

• Tower of London
• Old Operating Theatre
• The Jack The Ripper Tour

#2, Kent: Kent holds the unusual distinction of boasting a village named in the Guinness Book of Records. Pluckley is listed as the most haunted village in Britain. Said to be home to between twelve and fourteen ghosts, including a phantom coach and horses, Pluckley is a must-visit destination for those wishing to get a glimpse of the beyond.

Spooky activities to check out in Kent:

• Chislehurst Caves
• Hever Castle
• St Margaret’s Bay

#3, Hertfordshire: The ruins known colloquially as Cold Christmas Church in Thundridge are enough to give anyone a fright with all the sounds visitors have heard in the tower. And between Markygate Cell, Hatfield House, and Knebworth House, Hertfordshire has the market cornered on haunted estates, making this the right location for any superfans of Nicole Kidman's The Others.

Spooky activities to check out in Hertfordshire:

• Minsden Chapel
• The Brocket Arms
• Hatfield House

#4, Essex: Epping Forest is famously haunted, home to some notable spectres, including Dick Turpin and Queen Boudica. As you wander the twisting paths beneath ancient oaks, it’s easy to imagine the echo of horse hooves or the faint whispers of history carried on the wind. Locals have reported mysterious mists that appear without warning, sudden drops in temperature, and fleeting shadows that vanish the moment you turn to look.

Spooky activities to check out in Essex:

• Epping Forest
• Prittlewell Priory
• The Cage

#5, West Yorkshire: From the aggressive poltergeist in Pontefract to the tragic stories of both the Grey Lady and the Blue Lady, West Yorkshire is truly not for the faint of heart. The Grey Lady is said to haunt the corridors of historic manor houses, appearing silently at dusk with a mournful gaze that chills even the bravest visitors. Meanwhile, the Blue Lady’s ghostly figure has been spotted wandering old churchyards and abandoned estates, her eerie presence leaving a trail of cold air and whispered sorrow.

Spooky activities to check out in West Yorkshire:

• Kirkstall Abbey
• Bolling Hall
• Thackray Museum of Medicine

#6, Devon: Beyond its haunted inns and centuries-old manor houses, Devon also served as the principal filming location for the upcoming action-horror movie Dracula: Rise of the Vampire. With brooding coastlines, misty moors, and historic buildings, it’s no wonder that the county continues to inspire ghost stories and gothic tales.

Just a 25-minute drive from Golden Coast Holiday Park in Woolacombe, these atmospheric locations make Devon an ideal base for thrill-seekers. Visitors can explore real-life spooky spots during the day, then return to the comfort of the park in the evening, blending adventure, history, and a touch of the supernatural.

Spooky activities to check out in Devon:

• Seafield House
• Mortehoe and Morte Point
• Dartmoor National Park

#7, North Yorkshire: North Yorkshire has a long-standing reputation for eerie happenings and unsettling tales. The 2011 psychological horror film Kill List was filmed in Sheffield, capturing the county’s naturally moody and atmospheric landscapes. Beyond cinema, locals have reported a variety of paranormal phenomena that would make even the bravest shiver: a vanishing car that suddenly disappears without a trace, a floating coffin drifting silently through graveyards, and even sightings of trolls lurking near old woodland paths.

Spooky activities to check out in North Yorkshire:

• Bram Stoker’s Dracula Experience
• Whitby Abbey
• Terror Tower

#8, Greater Manchester: Greater Manchester has a long history of ghost stories, earning it a spot at number eight on our list. One of its best-known eerie sites is Ordsall Hall in Salford, where visitors and staff have reported sightings of the mysterious “White Lady” gliding through its rooms. Elsewhere in the city, tales of unexplained noises in old theatres and pubs add to Manchester’s haunted reputation.

Beyond the city centre, legends continue to linger in the surrounding towns and villages. From Wardley Hall’s ghostly residents to strange lights and whispers in disused railway tunnels, the area has no shortage of places said to be touched by the supernatural. Whether you’re a believer or not, Greater Manchester’s ghostly tales offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and folklore.

Spooky activities to check out in Greater Manchester:

• Ryecroft Hall Ghost Hunts
• Haigh Woodland Park
• Winter Hill

#9, Surrey: Known for its rolling hills and peaceful countryside, Surrey also has a surprisingly haunted side. Locals have spoken for generations about being woken in the night by the sound of galloping hooves, said to belong to phantom coaches that pass straight through houses before vanishing into the darkness. Around Ash Green, there are stories of ghostly figures appearing suddenly on quiet lanes, only to disappear when someone tries to reach out and touch them.

It’s not just the villages that hold secrets, either. Ancient inns, crumbling abbeys and old manor houses across the county are linked to eerie happenings that locals still can’t explain. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s something about Surrey’s misty fields and winding roads that makes its tales of the supernatural feel just that little bit closer to reality.

Spooky activities to check out in Surrey:

• Hamptom Court Palace
• Betchworth Castle
• Reigate Caves

#10, South Yorkshire: Amongst a number of renowned spooky spots in South Yorkshire is the Stocksbridge Bypass, considered one of the most haunted roads in the UK. Sightings here have included a solitary monk who appears mysteriously on a bridge, as well as a group of dancing ghostly children, their laughter said to echo eerily across the night air. Locals also speak of phantom carriages and sudden cold spots that catch even seasoned drivers off guard.

Beyond the bypass, South Yorkshire is dotted with haunted inns, abandoned mills, and centuries-old houses where restless spirits are said to linger, offering brave visitors a chilling glimpse into the region’s haunted past.

Spooky activities to check out in South Yorkshire:

• Sheffield General Cemetery
• Hodroyd Hall
• The Haunted Objects Museum – Poltergeists House

Haunted Scotland

#1, Lothian: Mary, Queen of Scots fled Borthwick Castle in Midlothian under siege in 1567, making a daring escape disguised as a boy. Legend has it that her spirit still lingers within the castle walls, forever dressed as a young page. Visitors and staff alike have reported fleeting glimpses of a shadowy figure moving silently through the corridors, cold drafts in otherwise still rooms, and an unsettling sense of being watched.

Thurston Manor Leisure Park in Dunbar is the perfect place to retreat to after a day's ghost hunting. Thurston Manor offers a range of family-friendly entertainment as well as access to other castles in the area.

Spooky activities to check out in Lothian:

• Mary King’s Close
• Yester Castle and the Goblin Ha’
• Edinburgh Castle

#2, Glasgow: While the restless spirit of Mary, Queen of Scots herself may be said to linger at Borthwick Castle, legend has it that numerous soldiers who fought for her continue to roam Langside Queen’s Park, where they fell during the infamous Battle of Langside. Witnesses report eerie apparitions, the distant echo of marching boots, and sudden chills that seem to sweep across the battlefield. Sightings are most frequently reported around the anniversary of the battle in May, when history and hauntings appear to overlap, giving visitors a spine-tingling glimpse into the past.

Spooky activities to check out in Glasgow:

• The Glasgow Necropolis
• Provan Hall
• Glasgow’s Ghouls, Ghosts and Gruesome Tales

#3, Fife: Fife’s spooky credentials are anchored by a number of famously haunted venues. Carnegie Hall is said to be home to as many as four different spirits, whose footsteps, whispers, and shadowy figures have been witnessed by performers and visitors. Meanwhile, the Alhambra Theatre harbours its own enigmatic presence: a mysterious woman in black who appears unbidden in the wings, her silent gaze sending shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned theatregoers.

Spooky activities to check out in Fife:

• Galaween Ghostal Path
• The Haunted Tower of St Andrews Cathedral
• Culross Palace

#4, Aberdeenshire: Alongside its many historic castles, including the dramatic Dunnottar Castle, said to be haunted by a mysterious Woman in Green, Aberdeenshire is also home to some delightfully eerie pubs. At Ma Cameron’s, for instance, both locals and visitors have reported beer taps turning on spontaneously, glasses moving of their own accord, and the occasional unexplained chill sweeping through the bar.

Spooky activities to check out in Aberdeenshire:

• Haddo House
• Peterhead Prison Museum
• Dunnottar Castle

#5, The Highlands: The Highlands are a fabled setting for all manner of folklore and ghost stories, from tragic castle dramas to the chilling reality of historic witchcraft trials. Misty glens, windswept moors, and ancient stone ruins make it easy to imagine the whispers of the past still lingering in the air. For fans of cinematic scares, Glen Affric also played host to the 2002 werewolf film Dog Soldiers, adding a layer of fictional terror to an already eerie landscape.

Spooky activities to check out in The Highlands:

• The Cursed Grave of Seath Mor Sgorfhiaclach
• Culloden Battlefield
• Blackness Castle

#6, Perth and Kinross: Like Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross are home to numerous castles steeped in history and suspected paranormal activity. But the region also seems to have a particular fondness for creaturely hauntings, from mischievous brownies and elusive urisks to phantom dogs that appear and vanish without a trace. Visitors have reported fleeting glimpses of these spectral beings in castle corridors, forested glens, and along misty lochs, lending an air of mystery to the region that goes far beyond its grand architecture.

Spooky activities to check out in Perth and Kinross:

• History and Horror tour
• Folk Horror and Spooky Stories
• Castle Menzies

#7, Scottish Borders: The Scottish Borders are steeped in history and folklore, where misty valleys, rolling hills, and ancient ruins seem to whisper stories of the past. From haunted castles to remote battlefields, the region is said to be frequented by restless spirits, including the likes of William of Soulis, Sir Alexander Ramsay, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors have reported shadowy figures glimpsed in the mist, unexplained sounds echoing through deserted corridors, and sudden chills along quiet country paths.

Spooky activities to check out in The Scottish Borders:

• Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
• Traquair House
• Neidpath Castle

#8, South Lanarkshire: Birkwood Castle in Lesmahagow has a winding history. Built in the 18th Century as a country house, it was turned into a children's psychiatric hospital in the early 20th Century, and there was even an unsuccessful attempt to turn it into a hotel in 2009. It's said to be haunted by spirits including a cigar-smoking man. Birkwood was featured on Haunted Planet in 2013.

Spooky activities to check out in South Lanarkshire:

• East Kilbride Pumpkin Trail
• Castlebank - Tunnel of Terror
• Ghost Hunt at New Lanark

#9, Dumfries and Galloway: Located in the western part of the Southern Uplands, Dumfries and Galloway holds the honour of having served as the filming location for the 1973 cult classic The Wicker Man starring Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward. The film is such a cultural touchpoint in the area that it even spawned a music festival that ran from 2001-2015.

Spooky activities to check out in Dumfries and Galloway:

• Castle Douglas Halloween Circus Carnival
• Drumlanrig Castle
• Mostly Ghostly tour

#10, North Lanarkshire: North Lanarkshire is rich in history and haunted charm, from the imposing presence of castles like Craignethan, where another incarnation of Mary, Queen of Scots is said to wander the halls, to more unusual and derelict sites that captivate the imagination. Cambusnethan House, in particular, stands out with its crumbling walls, shadowed corridors, and an air of quiet mystery that has drawn ghost hunters and curious visitors alike.

Spooky activities to check out in North Lanarkshire:

• Scotland’s SCREAM Park: Zombie Checkpoint
• Craigend Nursery & Coffee Shop's Pumpkin Picking
• Dalzell Estate

Haunted Wales

#1, Cardiff: Although 1943's Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man was set just outside Cardiff in the fictionalised "Llanwelly", it was filmed in Hollywood. But with more than 1,000 listed buildings, Cardiff has plenty of its own haunted history to offer. The key theme seems to be hospitals, with both Llandough Hospital and Cardiff Royal Infirmary being known hotspots for the paranormal.

Spooky activities to check out in Cardiff:

• Cardiff Castle Ghost Tour
• Cardiff Halloween Festival
• Mansion House Ghost Hunt

#2, Carmarthenshire: Carmarthenshire features a whole host of haunted pubs, churches, and castles. Perhaps most notable is Newton House, which has been featured twice on TV's Most Haunted and is named as one of the National Trust's most haunted properties.

Spooky activities to check out in Carmarthenshire:

• Rowtons Museum of Paranormal and Spirituality
• Creepy Carmarthen Tours
• Pembrey Woods

#3, Newport: Newport has no shortage of spooky sites, but perhaps most interesting is Newport Castle where its most prominent apparition is the castle's founder Robert Fitzhamon, a bearded figure who has been spotted at the top of the castle's largest tower.

Spooky activities to check out in Newport:

• Spooky Lantern Trail
• Tredegar House
• Newport Castle

#4, Swansea: Swansea's castles offer plenty for horror fans, but it's the Swansea Grand Theatre that tells the most haunting tale. For over 100 years, the theatre's had a paranormal performer in residence. Known only as Jenny, she's thought to be the ghost of an actress who performed there shortly before boarding the ill-fated Titanic.

Spooky activities to check out in Swansea:

• Oystermouth Castle
• Swansea Grand Theatre
• Swansea Castle

#5, Monmouthshire: With castles and misty walks aplenty, Monmouthshire is a rich destination this autumn. Its most striking destination is the monumental Raglan Castle with its network of tunnels and cellars, and rumours of lost treasures from the castle's library. Visitors have also spoken of eerie sounds echoing through the ruins at dusk, and strange lights flickering in long-abandoned chambers

Spooky activities to check out in Monmouthshire:

• Caldicot Castle
• Skirrid Inn Ghost Hunts
• Chepstow Castle

Haunted Northern Ireland

#1, Belfast: In addition to castles and hospitals, Belfast is also home to the legendary Crumlin Road Gaol - which has its very own ghost tour. Belfast is also a wonderful location for outdoor paranormal exploration with both Cavehill and the pre-Christian religious site, Giant's Ring, which dates back to roughly 2700 BC.

Spooky activities to check out in Belfast:

• Crumlin Road Gaol – Jail of Horror
• Clifton Street Cemetery Tour
• Spirits of Belfast - Historical Ghost Walking Tour

#2, Causeway Coast and Glens: This part of Northern Ireland is a captivating destination in autumn, with spectacular natural scenery and no shortage of haunted hotspots. In County Antrim, sightings of a mysterious 'grey lady' have been reported, adding a ghostly intrigue to the region’s rugged landscapes. The area also doubles as a striking backdrop for film, famously serving as a location for Game of Thrones, where history, legend, and the supernatural seem to intertwine. Dare you visit and see the army of the undead?

Spooky activities to check out in Causeway Coast and Glens:

• Dunluce Castle
• Limavady Workhouse
• The Dark Hedges

#3, Derry City and Strabane: Derry is all in on All Hallows’ Eve, hosting the annual Derry Halloween Festival, a four-night bonanza of folklore and fireworks that is the biggest of its kind in the UK or even Europe. The city streets are transformed with eerie decorations, lantern-lit parades, and performances that bring legends and ghost stories to life. Visitors can enjoy everything from spooky theatre and music to family-friendly events and daring ghost tours, all set against the backdrop of Derry’s historic walls and cobbled streets.

Spooky activities to check out in Derry City and Strabane:

• Derry Halloween Festival
• The Black Hall
• Awakening the Walled City Trail

#4, Mid and East Antrim: There are haunted inns and castles throughout this part of Northern Ireland, but its most unique draw for the spookily inclined is surely Dundermot Mound. Said to be one of two gateways to the underworld, this Glarryford feature threatens to open and swallow people and horses alike - with a legend dating back to the 18th Century.

Spooky activities to check out in Mid and East Antrim:

• Ballygally Castle
• Ballyboley Forest
• Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House

#5, Ards and North Down:Ards and North Down is steeped in history and folklore, with abbeys, military forts, ruined castles and haunted wells. Bangor Abbey's story dates back to 55 AD, and the city itself was also home to one John Edward Simpson, assistant surgeon on the Titanic. Did he cross paths with Swansea's Jenny?

Spooky activities to check out in Ards and Noth Down:

• Spirits of the East Coast Walking Tour
• Castle Ward
• Ark Farm Halloween Experience

It’s perhaps no surprise that major cities feature on this list, but there’s also a wealth of intriguing destinations off the beaten track. From haunted jails and historic inns to shadowy theatres, crumbling castles, and misty parks, there’s a spine-tingling spot waiting for every type of thrill-seeker. Whether you’re chasing ghostly apparitions, exploring centuries of history, or simply soaking up the eerie atmosphere, the UK is full of spooky corners ready to be discovered.

"Autumn's a wonderful time to get away," says Verdant Leisure CEO Mike Wilmot. "Quieter than summer, and you get to enjoy the coziness of the weather starting to change. And if you're into the spooky side of things, our long and rich history of folklore in the UK offers up some amazing locations up and down the country to choose from."