When it comes to haunted places, the UK is rife with eerie castles, ancient manors, and dark forests. While sites like the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle dominate ghost tours and television documentaries, there are far more chilling and lesser-known spots brimming with terrifying legends and supernatural activity. Many of these places are tucked away in quiet villages or hidden corners of cities, where their chilling tales go largely unnoticed by the masses.
Below are ten obscure haunted sites in the UK that you’ve probably never heard of, yet each offers an equally compelling, if not more sinister, encounter with the paranormal.
10. Pluckley, Kent: The Most Haunted Village in England
Pluckley is a picturesque village in the heart of Kent, but beneath its charming facade lies a darker claim to fame. It holds the title of “the most haunted village in England,” a title even recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. This seemingly quiet village boasts at least 12 documented ghosts, although some claim there could be as many as 16. These spirits include the horrifying scream of the Screaming Man, who met a grisly end in a tragic accident at the brickworks; the Watercress Woman, a ghostly figure known for her pipe-smoking and tragic fiery death; and a phantom highwayman who reportedly haunts a crossroads just outside the village.
One of the village’s most chilling locations is the so-called Screaming Woods, or Dering Woods, named after the Dering family, which owned much of the land. Legend has it that eerie screams can be heard echoing through the forest, particularly on dark, foggy nights. Visitors who wander too far into the woods have reported feeling an oppressive sense of being watched, while some claim to have seen shadowy figures flitting between the trees. Given the high number of sightings and ghost stories linked to this village, it’s no wonder Pluckley remains a favourite spot for paranormal investigators.
Source: KentOnline
9. The Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire
Located in the small village of Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, the Ancient Ram Inn is infamous for its dark history and terrifying paranormal activity. This inn, which dates back to 1145, has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in England. Its disturbing past includes stories of child sacrifices, witchcraft, and pagan rituals, all of which are said to have left a dark energy that lingers in the building to this day.
Many visitors and paranormal investigators have reported strange occurrences, including sudden temperature drops, disembodied voices, and inexplicable knocking. The inn is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits, including that of a young girl named Rosie, who was allegedly murdered at the inn. Visitors have also reported sightings of a dark, malevolent entity known as the “Incubus,” believed to be a demon that attacks those who dare to stay overnight.
One of the inn’s most unsettling features is its location—it sits on land that was previously used for pagan burial rituals. Some believe that the disturbances experienced at the Ancient Ram Inn are the result of its being built on ley lines—alignments of land said to carry supernatural energy. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, spending a night at the Ancient Ram Inn is not for the faint-hearted.
Source: BBC
8. Glamis Castle, Scotland
Glamis Castle is an iconic Scottish castle with a deep-rooted history of ghostly legends. While Glamis might not be as famous as some of Scotland’s other haunted castles, its chilling tales have been passed down for centuries, making it a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts. Glamis is said to be haunted by several spirits, the most famous being the ghost of Lady Janet Douglas. Lady Janet, also known as Lady Glamis, was burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1537 after being falsely accused of attempting to poison King James V. Her tragic death left a dark mark on the castle, and many have reported seeing her ghost wandering its halls.
But perhaps the most disturbing legend is that of the “Monster of Glamis.” According to the story, the monster was a horribly deformed child of the Bowes-Lyon family (ancestors of the Queen Mother) who was hidden away in a secret chamber within the castle. The child, who was the rightful heir to the Glamis estate, was kept locked away for his entire life, and his ghost is said to haunt the castle to this day.
Visitors to Glamis Castle have reported feeling sudden chills, hearing unexplained footsteps, and even seeing ghostly apparitions in the darkened corridors. Despite its beauty, Glamis Castle holds many dark secrets, making it one of Scotland’s most intriguing haunted sites.
Source: Visit Scotland
7. The Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe
The Hellfire Caves in West Wycombe are a network of man-made tunnels carved deep into the hills of Buckinghamshire. Built in the 18th century by Sir Francis Dashwood, the caves became the secret meeting place for the notorious Hellfire Club, a society known for its debauchery, occult practices, and mock religious rituals. Today, the caves are a popular tourist attraction, but their eerie atmosphere and dark history have led many to believe they are haunted.
One of the most famous ghosts said to haunt the caves is that of Paul Whitehead, a steward of the Hellfire Club, who requested that his heart be buried in the caves after his death. Visitors have reported seeing Whitehead’s ghost wandering the tunnels in search of his heart, which was stolen shortly after his burial.
Other apparitions include a ghostly woman in a flowing white dress, believed to be a former mistress of one of the Hellfire Club members, and shadowy figures that seem to disappear when approached. The Hellfire Caves’ labyrinthine layout, combined with their macabre history, makes them one of the most unsettling and haunted locations in the UK.
Source: National Trust
6. Borley Rectory, Essex
Dubbed “the most haunted house in England,” Borley Rectory in Essex became infamous in the early 20th century for the sheer volume of paranormal activity reported there. Built in 1862, the rectory was home to several clergymen over the years, but it gained notoriety when the Reverend Lionel Foyster and his wife Marianne moved in during the 1930s. Soon after their arrival, the couple began experiencing a range of inexplicable phenomena, including strange writings on the walls, objects moving of their own accord, and mysterious footsteps.
One of the most famous ghosts associated with Borley Rectory is that of a nun who was said to have been bricked up alive after falling in love with a monk from the nearby monastery. Her ghost, known as the “Nun of Borley,” was frequently seen wandering the grounds, searching for her lost lover. Additionally, a ghostly coach and horses were often seen racing along the road near the rectory at night, only to vanish without a trace.
The rectory was eventually destroyed by fire in 1939, but its reputation as a paranormal hotspot endures. Even after the building’s demolition, strange occurrences continued to be reported on the site, suggesting that whatever haunted Borley Rectory might still linger in the area.
Source: The Borley Rectory
5. Samlesbury Hall, Lancashire
Samlesbury Hall in Lancashire is a stunning example of a 14th-century manor house, but beneath its beautiful exterior lies a history of dark secrets and tragic hauntings. The most famous of these is the White Lady, a ghostly figure believed to be Dorothy Southworth, who fell in love with a young man from a rival family. Forbidden by her family to marry her lover, Dorothy is said to have died of heartbreak. Her ghost is often seen wandering the halls and grounds of Samlesbury Hall, eternally searching for her lost love.
In addition to the White Lady, the hall is said to be haunted by the spirits of three brothers who were murdered by Dorothy’s family. Their blood is said to have stained the floors of the chapel, and their restless souls reportedly linger within the hall. Visitors have also reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing phantom children, and feeling unexplained cold spots.
Despite its dark history, Samlesbury Hall remains a popular destination for those interested in history and the paranormal. Its ghostly legends have drawn countless paranormal investigators, many of whom have experienced strange occurrences during their visits.
Source: Lancashire Ghosts
4. Chillingham Castle, Northumberland
Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is one of England’s most well-preserved medieval fortresses, but it’s also one of its most haunted. The castle’s gruesome past includes torture, imprisonment, and brutal executions, all of which have contributed to its reputation as a paranormal hotspot. The most famous ghost said to haunt Chillingham Castle is the “Blue Boy,” a young child who was reportedly murdered within the castle and buried behind a wall. For years, visitors reported seeing a blue light and hearing the boy’s cries in the dead of night.
During renovations in the 20th century, workmen discovered the skeletal remains of a young boy walled up in the castle, confirming the story. The Blue Boy’s ghost is still said to appear in the castle’s Pink Room, often accompanied by a blue light.
The castle’s dungeons and torture chambers are also said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were imprisoned and executed there. Visitors have reported hearing the screams of tortured souls, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread while exploring the dark, damp corridors.
Source: Chillingham Castle
3. Nunnington Hall, Yorkshire
Nestled in the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside, Nunnington Hall is a beautiful manor house with a history that stretches back to the 13th century. While the hall might seem peaceful and idyllic, it’s said to be haunted by several restless spirits, the most famous of which is Lady Nunnington, a ghost who is believed to be searching for her lost child. According to local legend, Lady Nunnington’s child died tragically, and her grief-stricken spirit has been wandering the halls of Nunnington Hall ever since.
Visitors to the hall have reported seeing a ghostly woman dressed in period clothing, often near the nursery, where the child is believed to have passed away. Other strange occurrences include the sound of a piano playing by itself, objects moving on their own, and the sensation of being watched by an unseen presence.
Nunnington Hall’s ghostly reputation extends beyond Lady Nunnington, as several other apparitions have been spotted over the years, including that of a Victorian child who is often seen in the hall’s grand rooms. Despite its haunted history, Nunnington Hall remains a popular destination for history lovers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Source: English Heritage
2. Tynemouth Priory, Tyne and Wear
Perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, the ruins of Tynemouth Priory are steeped in history and legend. Once a thriving monastery, the priory was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. However, its ruins remain a popular site for visitors—and ghost hunters. The most famous ghost associated with Tynemouth Priory is that of a Spanish woman who, according to legend, was buried alive after being discovered in an illicit affair with one of the monks.
Her ghost is said to haunt the ruins, and visitors often report hearing her mournful cries echoing through the stone walls on stormy nights. Some have even claimed to see her ghostly figure, dressed in a flowing white gown, wandering the priory grounds.
In addition to the Spanish woman’s ghost, the priory is also said to be haunted by the spirits of monks who once lived there. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing the sound of chanting coming from the priory’s ruined church.
Source: Historic England
1. Eyam, Derbyshire: The Plague Village
Eyam, a small village in the Derbyshire Peak District, is known for its tragic history during the bubonic plague of 1665-1666. When the plague arrived in the village, the residents made the brave decision to quarantine themselves to prevent the disease from spreading to neighbouring communities. While this selfless act saved countless lives, it came at a great cost—the majority of the village’s population perished during the outbreak.
The ghosts of those who died in Eyam are said to haunt the village to this day. One of the most famous haunted locations in Eyam is the Riley Graves, where Elizabeth Hancock buried six of her family members in just eight days during the plague. Visitors to the graves have reported seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange whispers, as though the spirits of the plague victims are still lingering in the village.
Other haunted locations in Eyam include the village church, where the ghosts of plague victims are said to appear during services, and the local pub, where the spirit of a young girl who died during the plague is often seen playing in the garden.
Source: BBC History
Each of these locations offers a unique window into the UK’s supernatural history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, visiting these haunted sites will leave you with a sense of the eerie and the unknown. These places are not just remnants of the past; they are living, breathing parts of the UK’s haunted legacy.
