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The top 11 most haunted places in the UK
The UK is steeped in history, mystery and folklore — which makes it the perfect backdrop for a spine-tingling break. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or just Halloween-curious, exploring some of the UK's most haunted places is one of the most memorable ways to spend a UK getaway.
From ancient abbeys to windswept moors, we've rounded up the 11 most haunted places in the UK, each with its own chilling tale — from Whitby Abbey to Bodmin Moor and Stirling Castle. We've also included ideas for creating your own haunted house experience at home, perfect for a Halloween break at one of the UK's best holiday parks.
From ancient castles to eerie forests, the UK’s most haunted places provide some of the best days out with your loved ones – especially for a memorable Halloween break. You might already be familiar with ghost hunting at different locations or simply curious about the paranormal, but exploring these haunted locations can provide an unforgettable experience.
The UK's most haunted places to explore
For brave souls seeking out the most haunted places in the UK, there's no shortage of spine-chilling locations to visit. From ancient ruins to mysterious moors, each promises an unforgettable day out — and maybe even a brush with the supernatural.
1. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Perched atop the cliffs of North Yorkshire, the ruins of Whitby Abbey are so eerily striking they inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. This 7th-century monastery is said to be haunted by several ghosts, most notably St Hilda, the abbey's founder, whose apparition has reportedly been seen gliding through the ruins and peering through windows.
- Stay nearby: The Bay Filey – Only around 1hr away.
2. Mary King's Close, Edinburgh
Hidden beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Mary King's Close is one of the UK's most atmospheric haunted attractions, with over 400 years of history beneath the city streets. Its best-known tale involves "Annie's Doll": in the 1990s a psychic visiting the site reportedly communicated with the spirit of a young girl named Annie who had lost her favourite toy. A replacement doll was left at the site — and in April 2019, it disappeared.
3. Chester City Walls, Cheshire
Dating back to Roman times, the Chester City Walls are the oldest, longest and most complete city walls in Britain — and a noted hotspot for paranormal activity. The most haunted stretch is the Northgate, said to be haunted by the restless spirit of a murdered Roman soldier, killed by a mob after returning to find his men slain. A great pick for combining history with a few extra chills.
- Stay nearby: Golden Sands – Only around 50 minutes away.
Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
The windswept expanse of Bodmin Moor is home to numerous legends, including sightings of the "Beast of Bodmin" — a phantom big cat reported by locals and visitors since 1978. The moor is also home to Bodmin Jail, one of the UK's best-known haunted attractions, where you may come face to face with a few of the jail's past residents.
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Stay nearby: Retallack Resort – Only around 40 minutes away.
5. Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
Right on the edge of Bodmin Moor sits Jamaica Inn, a haven for smugglers and pirates in the 18th century — and reportedly for ghosts ever since. Visitors have reported the apparition of a murdered smuggler walking through closed doors, and the sound of horses' hooves outside at night.
Stay nearby: Retallack Resort – Only around 35 minutes away.
6. Manningtree, Essex
This small Essex town holds a genuinely dark history: it was the centre of 17th-century witch trials led by the infamous "Witchfinder General," Matthew Hopkins, whose campaign led to the execution of more than 300 women. A self-guided walking trail around the town's historic sites makes for a sobering, atmospheric visit.
Stay nearby: Mersea Island – Only around 45 minutes away.
7. Beaulieu Abbey, New Forest
This 13th-century abbey is steeped in monastic and royal history, and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of monks who once lived there. Visitors report hearing Gregorian chants echoing through empty halls and glimpsing hooded figures disappearing around corners.
Stay nearby: Sandy Balls – Only around 40 minutes away.
8. Corfe Castle, Dorset
The imposing ruins of Corfe Castle stand as a testament to over a thousand years of turbulent history. The castle is said to be haunted by the headless "White Lady" — believed to be Lady Bankes, who defended the castle during the English Civil War before being betrayed.
Stay nearby: East Fleet Farm – Only around 50 minutes away.
9. Buckland Abbey, Devon
Once home to explorer Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey is now a museum — and one of the UK's most enduring haunted sites. According to legend, Drake made a pact with the devil to secure victory over the Spanish Armada, and his ghost is said to ride a black coach across the estate to this day.
Stay nearby: Bude Holiday Resort – Only around one hour and 15 minutes away.
10. Ruthin Gaol, Denbighshire
This former Victorian prison, now a museum, offers visitors a genuinely chilling glimpse into prison life of the past — alongside reports of paranormal activity. Ghostly figures have reportedly been seen wandering the corridors, and the sound of cell doors slamming shut has been heard echoing through empty halls.
Stay nearby: Golden Sands – Only around 40 minutes away.
11. Stirling Castle, Stirling
Perched atop a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history — and is renowned for its ghostly female apparitions. Visitors have reported a foreboding "Lady in Black" along the back walk, as well as the "Green Lady," believed to be the spirit of a servant who saved Mary, Queen of Scots, from a fire.
Create your own haunted house experience
Exploring these haunted UK locations isn't the only way to bring a spooky atmosphere to your holiday — you can easily create your own haunted house experience with a few simple activities, perfect for a Halloween break at one of the UK's best holiday parks.
Halloween entertainment. Set the mood with themed entertainment — at Away Resorts, our seasonal programme is designed to give the whole family Halloween fun, including the chance to meet the Boo Crew and enjoy a Haunted House Party.
Ghostly arts and crafts. Let the kids loose with ghost masks, creepy scarecrows and other spooky decorations — a great way to immerse the whole family in the theme while adding some seasonal décor to your holiday home.
Spooky movie night. Transform your living room into a haunted cinema with classic ghost films or documentaries about the UK's most haunted places. Dim the lights, grab the blankets, and pick a different film each night if you're staying for a longer break.
Classic pumpkin carving. At Away Resorts, our seasonal pumpkin carving activity lets the kids choose their own pumpkin and let their creativity run wild — then bring it home to set the scene for the rest of your stay.
Tricks and treats. Combine creativity with reward by baking spooky treats together — ghost-shaped cookies or a "witch's cauldron" fruit punch are easy wins that double up nicely with movie night.
The most haunted places in the UK: FAQs
Which is the most haunted place in the UK? This often comes down to personal experience — you might visit one location and feel nothing, then another and get genuine chills. Some of the most consistently reported sites include Whitby Abbey, Bodmin Moor, Corfe Castle and Chester City Walls.
What is the most haunted town in the UK? Again, this is subjective, but popular choices include Edinburgh, with its dark history and underground vaults at Mary King's Close, and Manningtree in Essex, the centre of England's most notorious witch trials.
What is the most haunted castle in the UK? Opinions vary, but Corfe Castle, Chillingham Castle and Stirling Castle are consistently among the most cited haunted castles in the UK.
Are you brave enough to explore the UK's most haunted places?
From the ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey to the mysterious depths of Mary King's Close, each of these 11 locations offers its own unique brush with the supernatural. Whether you plan a ghost-hunting road trip around the country or create your own haunted house experience at home, the world of the paranormal awaits.
Just remember — always keep your wits about you in the dark. Who knows what's waiting?
Ready for your own spooky break? Explore Away Resorts' holiday parks and book your stay.
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Kate Watts
Kate has been part of Away Resorts for many years, beginning her journey as a Holiday Home Advisor at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. She’s passionate about sharing authentic experiences that show what makes Away Resorts so special, whether that’s alpaca walks, surfing on the FlowRider, or simply enjoying time together in beautiful locations. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time by the coast and countryside. Her favourite spots include the beaches at St Ives Bay, wandering around Padstow, and exploring the stunning New Forest countryside around Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
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