If you're planning a camping trip this Halloween and fancy a little more than toasting marshmallows by the fire, how about adding a dash of the paranormal? The UK is packed with haunted houses, mysterious manors and chilling castles amidst some truly stunning scenery.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the UK's most haunted homes, their famous ghosts and, if you're brave enough… places to pitch a tent nearby. Whether searching for a thrilling ghostly experience or a good tale to tell around the campfire, these spectral spots will surely get your spine-tingling.
So grab your sleeping bag, pack some extra torch batteries, and dive into the history and ghostly sightings of the UK's most haunted locations. Just remember: if the temperature drops or you feel a cold breath on your neck, it might not just be the British weather…
Famous Ghosts: The White Lady, The Blue Lady
Berry Pomeroy Castle, hidden deep within a wooded valley near Totnes in Devon, is a striking example of late 15th-century medieval architecture. Originally built by the Pomeroy family, the castle passed to the Seymour family in the 16th century.
Despite its grand beginnings, the castle was never completed, giving a sense of haunting decay that makes it perfect for ghostly tales…
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The castle is renowned for its otherworldly residents, particularly The White Lady, who is thought to be the spirit of Lady Margaret Pomeroy. The legend goes that she was imprisoned by her sister Eleanor out of jealousy and left to starve in the dungeons. Her sorrowful spirit still wanders these dark chambers, with visitors reporting feelings of intense sadness and an unsettling presence.
And just in case one terrifying ghost wasn't enough, the "Blue Lady" also haunts the tower. She lures unfortunate visitors to their deaths with her eerie calls…
Famous Ghosts: Anne Boleyn and Thomas Boleyn
Blickling Hall, an impressive Jacobean mansion in the Norfolk countryside, is renowned for its red-brick facade, grand turrets and vast grounds.
Built in the early 17th century, it's famous for its connection to Anne Boleyn, who was born here. It's said her ghost returns every year on the anniversary of her execution.
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And because being a headless ghost is never enough, she arrives in style: a carriage pulled by headless horses, holding her severed head in her lap. Those who've seen it say she's accompanied by a chilling sense of dread.
Anne's father, Sir Thomas Boleyn (alongside other ex-residents), is also said to haunt the grounds if you're looking for even more paranormal activity.
While in the area, head to Felbrigg Hall, just 16 km from Blickling. It's another stunning example of 17th-century Jacobean architecture, sitting in splendid isolation amid 520 acres. But you're not alone. A previous resident, William Windham III, still visits the grand library.
Staff have seen William calmly sitting at the table, leafing through books or enjoying the quiet. Many guests also describe unease or feelings of being watched, especially in the library and the grand staircase.
Famous Ghosts: Catherine Howard, Jane Seymour and Skeletor
If King Henry VIII's marital history wasn't enough to send chills down your spine, his former home at Hampton Court Palace in Surrey will do the trick. Built in the early 16th century for Cardinal Wolsey, the palace was later seized by Henry VIII, who transformed it into one of his principal homes.
Catherine Howard, Henry's ill-fated fifth wife, is the most famous ghostly resident. After being accused of adultery, she was dragged screaming down the gallery to her doom. Visitors today still report hearing her desperate cries as they walk through the aptly named "Haunted Gallery."
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But she's not the only one. Jane Seymour, Henry's third wife (who died shortly after giving birth to their son), is also said to wander the halls. And then there's Skeletor. No, not the one from cartoons. This Skeletor is a mysterious, cloaked figure caught on CCTV in 2003, opening doors and creeping around… spooky stuff.
Famous Ghosts: Lady Aston, Sir Thomas Holte's Daughter, The Green Lady
Located in the heart of Birmingham, Aston Hall is a remarkable Jacobean mansion constructed between 1618 and 1635. On the outside, it might look like your typical 17th-century stately home, but inside, it's a full-on ghostly gathering.
The most well-known apparition is that of Lady Aston, who reportedly roams the halls in a flowing white dress. According to legend, she lost her children under tragic circumstances, and her spirit is said to wander in search of them. Many visitors hear her soft sobs or feel a gentle, cold breeze passing through the rooms – accompanied by the distinct sense of someone watching them.
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Then there's Sir Thomas Holte's daughter, who he locked away after discovering her romance with a servant. On escaping, she fell down the stairs. She still roams the halls today, seeking freedom after all these years.
Add to that the "Green Lady" (believed to be the housekeeper) and some long-gone Royalist soldiers, and you've got the perfect hotspot for ghost hunters and history buffs alike.
Famous Ghost: The White Lady (Dorothy Southworth)
Samlesbury Hall, a captivating manor house from the 14th century, showcases stunning Tudor architecture with its timber-framed design and beautiful leaded windows. Set in the lush Lancashire countryside, the hall is surrounded by picturesque gardens – a perfect location for leisurely walks and historical exploration.
But don't let the pleasant exteriors fool you. It's home to Dorothy Southworth, whose tragic love story ended in heartbreak and ghostly revenge. Her family disapproved of her relationship. After killing her lover, they sent Dorothy to a convent abroad, where she eventually died. Today, she still roams the halls as "The White Lady", with visitors reporting sightings, cold spots and an overwhelming feeling of despair.
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Samlesbury Hall is reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in Britain, with no less than thirteen ghosts. The venue hosts regular ghost-hunting events and after-dark experiences for those brave enough to join the fray.W
Famous Ghosts: Roman Soldiers, The Grey Lady, The Phantom Cat
Nestled in the heart of York, Treasurer's House is a stunning historic residence that reflects an intriguing mix of late medieval and Georgian architecture. Built in the 11th century, the house is renowned for its beautiful facades and exquisite interiors, which house an impressive collection of art and antiques.
The basement is reportedly haunted by the ghosts of Roman soldiers who march through the cellar walls (now that's a vintage haunting). Visitors report many chilling encounters, including shadowy figures in military garb and inexplicable cold drafts sweeping through the building. Some even claim to have heard the sounds of clanking armour echoing through the halls.
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If a whole battalion of ghosts wasn't enough, there's also the Grey Lady, who chats with children and invites them to sit on ghostly chairs, as well as a mischievous phantom cat who loves startling visitors!
Famous Ghosts:The White Lady, Satanic Monks
Rufford Abbey (originally founded in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery) has been home to The White Lady for centuries.
Believed to be the spirit of the ill-fated Arbella Stuart (who died of starvation after banishment to the Tower of London), she glides through the ruins, often leading visitors astray in the darkness.
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She's not the only ghost here, though. Rufford Abbey's long and storied history makes it the perfect place for restless spirits. There are reports of terrifying satanic monks haunting the abbey's grounds with lanterns in hand. There are also tales of the soft sounds of chanting echoing through the empty corridors, especially in the chapel area.
Famous Ghosts: The Blue Boy, The White Pantry Ghost, John Sage
The name says it all. Chillingham Castle isn't just a magnificent 12th-century fortress in the Northumberland countryside. It's also home to some of the creepiest ghost sightings in the UK.
The most famous? The Blue Boy, a child appearing amidst an eerie blue light, spotted by countless guests. His spirit is often accompanied by the sounds of his cries echoing through the walls. Adding bones to the story, legend has it that the remains of a young boy, along with some mysterious documents, were discovered behind a wall during renovations.
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And if that's not spooky enough, there's "The White Pantry Ghost", a spirit who spends eternity asking for water. The castle also has a malevolent presence in the form of John Sage, a sadistic torturer whose ghost roams the dungeons, giving visitors an intense sense of dread…
Famous Ghosts: The Grey Lady, The Earl's Ghost, and The Monster of Glamis
Glamis Castle, a striking example of Scottish Baronial architecture, is known for its turrets, towers and grandiose interiors. Located in Angus, Scotland, this historic castle has been home to the Lyon family since the 14th century.
As well as murderous links with Shakespeare's "Scottish Play", the castle's most infamous ghost is Earl Beardie, who gambled with the devil and lost his soul. His ghost reportedly haunts a secret chamber within the castle, with visitors still hearing the sounds of dice.
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Another famous spectre is the Grey Lady, thought to be Lady Janet Douglas, who was burned at the stake as a witch.
But the most unnerving of all is the legend of "The Monster of Glamis", a deformed child (and rightful heir to the property) kept hidden away in a secret room. It's such a chilling story, even the locals get shivers when talking about it.
And there you have it, a spine-chilling tour of the UK's most haunted houses, castles and monasteries. Whether camping under the stars or resting after a hard afternoon's ghost hunting, these spectral sites will add some excitement to your Halloween. Just remember to keep the campfire going – ghosts hate bright lights!
If you're planning a UK camping getaway, we'll help you make the most of your trip. With hundreds of vetted and approved campsites across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, let Alan Rogers be your trusted guide.
Peter Stannett
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Peter is a key part of our creative team; he's a multifaceted individual with a deep love for cooking, travel, and music.
While he does a stellar job of keeping our content fresh, focusing on SEO and monitoring website traffic, his heart truly belongs to the world of culinary delights, exploration, and his guitar.
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