There’s something about October that makes the United Kingdom feel even more mysterious. As the nights grow longer and the mists roll over castle ruins and cobbled lanes, ghost stories come alive — and nowhere embraces a good haunting quite like Britain. From ancient prisons to eerie mansions, here are some of the most haunted places in the UK to visit this October if you dare.
1. The Tower of London – London, England
Few landmarks carry as much chilling history as the Tower of London, where centuries of betrayal, execution, and intrigue have left a mark that visitors still feel today. Ghost sightings include Anne Boleyn, who was famously beheaded here in 1536, and even the Princes in the Tower, who vanished without a trace in 1483.
Visit tip: Go on one of the Twilight Tours in October — guides blend history with hair-raising ghost tales after dark.
2. Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh, Scotland
Perched high above the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle is often cited as one of the most haunted sites in the world. Visitors have reported ghostly drummers, unseen footsteps echoing through the halls, and the spirit of a piper lost in the tunnels beneath the castle.
Visit tip: Pair your visit with a ghost walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town, especially around the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard.
3. Pluckley Village – Kent, England
Recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the most haunted village in Britain, Pluckley boasts at least 12 resident ghosts. Wander through its misty lanes and you might encounter the Screaming Man at the Brickworks, the Watercress Woman, or the Highwayman of Fright Corner.
Visit tip: Stop by the Black Horse Inn, where guests often report ghostly laughter and flickering lights.
4. Pendle Hill – Lancashire, England
Pendle Hill is synonymous with witchcraft and fear — the site of the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. Locals and paranormal investigators alike claim the area still echoes with the voices of the accused.
Visit tip: Book a Pendle Witch Trail tour this October and explore the moors, cottages, and ruins tied to this haunting history.
5. The Ancient Ram Inn – Gloucestershire, England
Often called the most haunted house in England, the Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge dates back to the 12th century. It’s said to sit on pagan burial grounds, with reports of poltergeist activity, cold spots, and mysterious knocks.
Visit tip: The inn sometimes opens for paranormal investigation nights in October — not for the faint-hearted.
6. The Jamaica Inn – Cornwall, England
Made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, The Jamaica Inn has long been linked with smugglers and ghosts. Guests claim to hear footsteps in empty corridors, voices murmuring in old Cornish dialect, and even see spectral figures vanish into the fog.
Visit tip: Enjoy a drink at the inn’s cozy bar before joining their evening ghost tour.
7. Chillingham Castle – Northumberland, England
With a name like “Chillingham,” this medieval castle lives up to expectations. The “Blue Boy” is its most famous spirit — said to appear amid flashes of blue light near the castle’s Pink Room. The dungeon and torture chamber only add to the atmosphere.
Visit tip: Chillingham offers ghost tours and overnight stays, so you can test your courage first-hand.
Bonus: Ghostly Walks & Tours Across the UK
If you’d rather ease into the eerie, try one of the UK’s many ghost walks this October:
- York Ghost Trail – England’s “most haunted city.”
- Oxford Ghost Tour – History meets mystery among old colleges.
- Liverpool’s Shiverpool Tours – Witty, theatrical, and delightfully spooky.
The UK’s haunted heritage is more than just ghost stories — it’s a glimpse into centuries of history, superstition, and human imagination. Whether you’re chasing chills, photography inspiration, or simply a unique autumn experience, October is the perfect time to explore Britain’s most haunted corners. Just remember: when the floorboards creak or a candle flickers, it might not be the wind…