The 21 most haunted places in the United Kingdom

Haunted sites are a hot tourist attraction for children, teenagers, and adults as well. It is thought that over 50 percent of grown adults believe in ghosts and the possibility of an area being haunted. The UK is a place that has suspicious haunted activity.

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As a nation known for some mysterious, and unexplained paranormal activities, here we take a look at the UK’s most haunted locations:

1 | The Highgate Cemetery, London, England

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The Highgate Cemetery, London

Located in London, the Highgate Cemetery is no typical cemetery. If you didn’t know any better you might guess that it was from the set of a horror film. It is the number one hot spot for haunting in Britain due to its ivy-covered angles, overgrown vegetation, and crooked headstones as well, adding to the aura. Tours are available to allow tourists to see this along with the Gothic architecture here. Many people aren’t aware that the famous Karl Marx was buried here as well.

2 | The Borley Rectory, Essex, England

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The Borley Rectory after fire, Essex

This Victorian mansion, in an old Essex village, has a haunted reputation dating back to the I860s, when mysterious footsteps were often heard by local village people. It was made famous by Harry Price who was a famous 18th-century ghost hunter. The newspapers ran a story about suspicious activity and a haunting in the year 1929 which attracted him to the location. After Price investigated it was given the nickname of “The Most Haunted House in England” due to his findings.

The haunting at this property become significantly worse when the spirit took a particular liking to a female resident who would have objects thrown at her and messages addressed to her scrawled on the walls. Just 11 months before this spooky property burnt down, a ghostly communicant forewarned of the tragic future events. People still have stories of haunted experiences and occurrences and ghost hunters still have it as one of their favourite spots to investigate.

3 | Pendle Hill, Lancashire, England

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Pendle Hill

Another haunting site you can’t miss is Pendle Hill which is found in Lancashire. The entire area is called Pendle Witch Country which the hill dominates. This got its name from the events in  1612 of the “Witches of Pendle” trial where 10 so-called witches were hanged at the Lancaster Castle. Many people believe that their souls still haunt the area. Pendle Hill has been seen on Living TV’s “Most Haunted”.

4 | The Red Lion Inn, Wiltshire, England

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The Red Lion Inn, Wiltshire

Be sure to visit the Red Lion, Avebury located in Wiltshire. Many people hold on to the idea that a large number of Great Britain’s pubs are haunted. Part of the reason is that pubs generally are incredibly old buildings or the humorous individuals think that ghosts might enjoy a pint every now and then. The Red Lion Inn is 400 years old and is considered one of the most haunted pubs in all of Great Britain. Not only that but its location in the Avebury stone circle, which is Europe’s oldest, also increases its unique appeal.

5 | The Glamis Castle, Scotland

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The Glamis Castle, Scotland

The Glamis Castle is one of the renowned historic castles in Scotland. It is over 600 years old and the appeal is immediately obtained when you see the towers, statues, turrets, and spires. It has been termed one of Scotland’s most haunted castles and the most notable ghost is the Monster of Glamis who is rumoured to be a deformed child who was kept locked up inside his bedroom for his entire life.

6 | 30 East Drive, Pontefract in Yorkshire, England

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30 East Dr, Pontefract WF8 2AN, United Kingdom

Abandoned in the 705 by the Pritchard family and made the basis of the popular horror film ‘When the Lights Went Out’, 30 East Drive is said to be haunted by one of the most violent poltergeists in the world. The property is now an active B&B, where thrill-seekers can spend the night and experience mobile phones draining and malfunctioning, objects being thrown and keys going missing. Diane, the daughter of the Pritchard family was apparently terrorized here for years.

7 | Ham House, Richmond, England

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Ham House on the banks of the Thames, near Richmond © Flickr

Since 1610, 32 ghosts have reportedly been seen in Ham House, in Richmond-upon-Thames, and around its grounds. The most prolific ghost here is known as The Duchess, who aimlessly roams the halls in a white chiffon dress. The Duchess is hostile towards guests, often violently shushing tour guides and pushing visitors who hang around on the third step of the first staircase. Visitors say they feel uneasy in the house, as if there is more than meets the eye here.

8 | Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire, England

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Ram Inn © Brian Robert Marshall

This Gloucestershire house has been home to some incredibly sinister happenings, including child sacrifice, suicide and black magic. The house is situated across two key lines, which means it is expected to possess a high spiritual energy. The current owner is attacked and haunted frequently still, regularly dragged out of bed and experiences objects going missing. Many people who have visited the Ancient Ram Inn have described it as the scariest place that they have ever been.

9 | Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire, England

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Woodchester Mansion

Recent visitors to the Gothic Woodchester Mansion, in Gloucestershire, have been attacked by ghosts, others have simply collapsed. Women have reported a floating head in the bathroom, while a ghost of a little girl and an old lady have also been spotted. The mansion has its own chapel satanic rituals are reported to have taken place there and a woman’s voice has been heard singing Irish folk songs throughout the house.

10 | Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon, England

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Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon © Flickr

Two female ghosts. the White Lady and the Blue Lady, are said to haunt this ruined Devon castle. The Blue Lady resides in the tower. History says she would lure passers-by to her aid and if they helped her it is said they then fell to their death. The White Lady haunts the dungeons and it has been claimed that she has been seen waving to visitors and guests.

11 | Athelhampton House, Dorset, England

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Athelhampton House, Dorset © Flickr

Spooky things go on in this 15th Century Dorset house. History says that a female guest was once interrupted by a pair of ghosts fighting. More recently, tapping sounds are often heard coming from the cellar and the ghost of a grey lady has been seen around the houses and grounds. The hall is said to be haunted by up to seven ghosts. one of which is an ape a former family pet that became trapped behind the walls and died of starvation.

12 | Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, England

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Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

It is thought that Chillingham Castle, in Alnwick, is home to so many hauntings because it has remained so calm and unaltered since the ancient battling days. That, and because there have been a record eight executions on the site. Today, besides the great hall, the voices of two men are often heard talking and when the moonlight casts shadows of the battlements across the flagstones. it is impossible not to see the shadows come to life.

13 | Newton House, Wales

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Newton House, Wales

Newton House is an eerie Welsh mansion with a ghostly reputation. The most famous ghost here is the White Lady, who has been witnessed by many walking through the walls from room to room. Numerous visitors of the castle have run out of the property, falling ill shortly after entering. Most of those described a feeling of tightness around their neck, as if a noose was being drawn over them.

14 | The Dog Suicide Phenomena, Overtoun Bridge, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

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Overtoun Bridge, Dunbartonshire

Near the village of Milton in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, there exists a bridge known as the Overtoun Bridge that, for some unknown reasons, has been attracting suicidal dogs since the early 60s. According to the reports, more than 600 dogs have jumped off the bridge to their deaths. Even stranger are the accounts of dogs who had survived only to return to the same spot of the bridge for a second attempt!

Once “The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” had sent their representatives to investigate the whole matter, but they too were stumped by the cause of that strange behaviour, and ended up attempting to jump from the bridge. Somehow they were able to save their own lives but the suicidal phenomena of the Overtoun Bridge remain a big mystery to this day. Read More

15 | The A75 Kinmount Straight, Scotland

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The A75 Kinmount Straight, Scotland

The A75 Kinmount Straight is reputedly the most haunted road in Scotland and some say the UK. People who witnessed its harrowing characteristics like strange animals, people running out in front of cars to suddenly vanish.

One of the most infamous sightings was made by Derek and Norman Ferguson, in 1962. They were driving along the stretch and the whole incident began with a giant hen flying towards the windscreen of their car. Upon checking their car’s window screen, they found there was no sickening crack, no spray of feathers, or neither any jolt. To say, there was nothing that would indicate the accident really happened. The hen just disappeared into the thin air.

However, before the two could breathe a sigh of relief another strange event took place – an old lady ran right towards the car head-on, waving her arms frantically. Maybe she was after her chicken, maybe she had lost control of it during a midnight stroll through the woods! Then to make things even stranger, they witnessed great cats and various other creatures as well as witnessing a phantom furniture van – which is a bit unusual, to say the least. Read More

16 | Airth Castle, Stirlingshire, Scotland

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Airth Castle Hotel, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Airth Castle has had reported sightings of a nanny with two young children who are said to have died in a fire at the castle. The sound of children playing is heard in Rooms No 3,9 and 23. People have also reported hearing cries and screams believed to be from a maid who was attacked by her master. Additionally, a ghost dog, with a predilection for biting ankles, is believed to roam the hallways.

17 | Dalzell House, Motherwell, Scotland

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Dalzell House, Motherwell

Dalzell House is said to be haunted by three ghosts: a green lady, a white lady and a grey lady. The green lady haunts the south wing: a young boy babbled that he saw her walking out from a passage; security guards at the time when the house was empty heard noises and saw her briefly, and guard dogs bark into empty rooms where she walks. The white lady walks around the whole estate and a number of rumours were told about her. One story said she was a maid who jumped off the battlements on the grounds, and another said she was walled up. The grey lady was said to be a nurse from World War I when the house was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

18 | Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland as it is connected to the Royal Mile by a network of tunnels. Many years ago a piper was sent to explore the tunnels and was told to keep playing so his progress could be tracked. However, halfway down the Royal Mile, the music suddenly stopped and the piper was never found. It is said the piper still walks the Royal Mile and sometimes the faint sound of music can often be heard from within the castle. It is believed the castle is also haunted by a drummer who only appears when the castle is about to be attacked. Read More

19 | Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

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Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Castle Fraser’s most famous ghost is a princess staying at the castle who was murdered while she slept in the Green Room. According to legend, her body was dragged down the stone staircase leaving a bloody trail. A stain which could not be removed even with repeated scrubbing. As a last resort, the steps were covered in the wooden panelling as seen today. Over the years many residents have reported seeing her ghost throughout the castle.

Visitors and staff members have heard apparitional piano music, voices and whispers have been heard in the empty hall. Witnesses have seen Lady Blanche Drummond’s ghost who died in 1874. She appears in a long black gown her ghost has been seen in the castle grounds and on the staircase. The kitchen staff have reported hearing the sound of children laughing and singing, only to find that there were no children at this castle.

20 | Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

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Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire

Fyvie Castle is said to be haunted. A story is told that in 1920 during renovation work, a skeletal woman was discovered behind a bedroom wall. On the day her remains were laid to rest in Fyvie cemetery, the castle residents started to be plagued by strange noises and unexplained occurrences. Fearing he had offended the deceased woman, this castle’s Laird had the skeleton exhumed and replaced behind the bedroom wall, at which point the haunting ceased.

It is said that there is a secret room in the southwestern corner that must remain sealed, lest anyone entering the meet with disaster. It is not clear if this is the same room in which the woman’s skeleton was found. There is also an indelible bloody stain, two apparitions and two curses associated with this place. One of the curses has been attributed to the prophetic laird, Thomas the Rhymer.

21 | Leith Hall, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

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Leith Hall, Aberdeenshire

Leith Hall is reportedly haunted. A ghost is believed to be Laird John Leith III who was killed on Christmas Day, 1763 in Aberdeen at Archie Campbell’s Tavern in the Castlegate during an alcoholic brawl in which he was shot in the head, after he reacted angrily to a fellow diner who accused him of adulterating the grain sold from this hall. The ghost of John is said to appear in great pain with a dirty white bandage over his head and covering his eyes, wearing dark green trousers and a shirt. In 1968, one guest awoke during the night to see John in highland dress, his head covered in bloody bandages, standing at the foot of the bed. Other apparitional figures have also been sighted.

Bonus:

Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England
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Raynham Hall, Norfolk © Flickr

The Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England is home to a ‘Brown Lady Ghost’ that reportedly haunts the historic building. It became one of the most famous hauntings in Great Britain when photographers from Country Life magazine claimed to have captured its image. The “Brown Lady” is so named because of the brown brocade dress it is claimed she wears.

According to legend, the “Brown Lady of Raynham Hall” is the ghost of Lady Dorothy Walpole, the sister of Robert Walpole, generally regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. She was the second wife of Charles Townshend, who was notorious for his violent temper. The story says that when Townshend discovered that his wife had committed adultery with Lord Wharton he punished her by locking her in her rooms in the family home, Raynham Hall. She remained at Raynham Hall until her death in 1726 from smallpox.

These are only a few of the hundreds of haunted locations you will find in all over UK with its rich history.