The most haunted staycation spots

The UK is rich in history, so it’s no surprise that it’s a hotbed for spooky happenings. Whether you’re a firm believer in the paranormal, or a sceptic still on the fence, it’s all very fascinating to say the least.

From mysterious mansions to wicked walking trails and creepy castles dating back to as early as the 12th century, there’s certainly lots of scary stories to tell - with dark tourism on the rise and Halloween just around the corner, we thought we’d share some of the ‘most haunted’ UK spots you may or may not want to visit… read on to find out the gory details.

Blickling Hall, Norfolk

This Norfolk residence stands on the site of an even older mediaeval manor, thought to have been the birthplace of one of history’s most famous phantoms: Anne Boleyn, famously beheaded by order of her husband Henry VIII. Rumour has it, her headless ghost returns every year on 19th May, (the anniversary of her execution), riding up to the house in a coach drawn by a headless horseman, whilst holding her own head on her lap.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Thought to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, it’s only natural that one of its oldest and most iconic buildings has its fair share - or should we say ‘fair scare’, of spooky tales. Perhaps the most ghastly ghost that is said to live in the castle grounds is a piper who mysteriously went missing hundreds of years ago, whilst playing his pipes in the hidden tunnels beneath the castle and was never to be seen again…

Treasurer’s House, Yorkshire

Tucked away in the cellars of Treasurer’s House there have been numerous reports and sightings of ghosts of Roman soldiers emerging from the walls and playing the trumpet. An account from an engineer working on installing a central heating boiler in the cellar, leapt from his ladder and watched in disbelief as several soldiers in full Roman clad began marching to the tune of a trumpet. Shocked at what he had witnessed, he shot upstairs to tell the curator, but before he had a chance he stated “By the look of you, you’ve seen the Romans!”

Later archaeological findings discovered evidence of a Roman road, 18 inches below the current cellar floor of Treasurer’s House.

Lydford Gorge, Devon

Hidden away on the outskirts of Dartmoor, you’ll find an ancient wooded gorge bursting to the brim with myths and mysteries. Follow the winding walking trail and pay a visit to the Whitelady Waterfall, named after the ghostly figure that has said to appear nearby. But don’t let that scare you off. This beautiful 30-metre high cascade is a spectacular sight, making for a great photo opportunity but you might just want to double check the background of those pictures, in case you also captured something else…

Chambercombe Manor, Devon

Reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in Britain, frequently hosting tours and dedicated paranormal evenings should your heart desire. Commonly reported by its visitors (the human kind), are the ghosts of two young girls, as well as ghostly orbs, cold spots and a feeling of seasickness. There are many spooky tales to be told about Chambercombe Manor but you’ll have to visit yourself to learn the rest.

Pendle Hill, Lancashire

Named one of the most haunted places in the UK and infamous for its links to the notorious witch trials of 1612 and devil worship, there’s certainly been a spell or two cast over Pendle Hill - which also happened to be raised above an ancient hunting ground. This previous home and now (un)resting place to the twelve Pendle witches, who were tried and executed is said to be haunted by the dreadful dozen and is known among the locals as one of the spookiest spots in town and plays host to many ghost hunts. 

If these haunted spots have got you in the spooky spirit and you’re thirsty for more, why not draw the curtains in your holiday home and settle in to watch a scary movie. Just double check you’ve locked the windows and doors first…

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