Edinburgh

At the top of the list of spooky UK destinations there must be Edinburgh, a city known for its dark and fascinating past.

• Edinburgh Castle: Sitting high on a rocky hill, Edinburgh Castle is not just a historic fortress but also a place where ghostly apparitions are said to roam. With a history that stretches back over a thousand years, this formidable fortress has witnessed countless battles, royal intrigue, and tragic events — making it a prime location for ghostly activity.

Given its turbulent past, it’s no wonder that the castle is considered one of the most haunted places in Scotland. 

• The Lone Piper: Perhaps the most famous ghostly resident of the castle is the lone piper. According to legend, hundreds of years ago, a piper was sent to explore the tunnels beneath the castle. As he played his bagpipes to guide his way, the sound suddenly stopped, and he was never seen again. On quiet nights, visitors and locals alike have reported hearing the faint sound of bagpipes coming from the depths of the castle.
• The Headless Drummer: Another well-known spirit is that of the headless drummer boy, first reported during the 17th century. His appearance is said to be a warning of impending danger to the castle. The origins of the boy’s ghost are shrouded in mystery, but his presence adds to the castle’s eerie atmosphere.
• Prisoners of War: The castle’s dungeons once held prisoners of war from various conflicts, including the Seven Years’ War and the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors have reported cold spots, strange noises, and the feeling of being watched in these dark, cramped spaces — reminders of the suffering endured by those who were imprisoned here.

Exploring the Castle Today

A visit to Edinburgh Castle is a journey through Scotland’s past. You can explore the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the Great Hall, where kings once held court.

The castle also offers stunning views over the city of Edinburgh, especially at sunset. The opening times from 1 October to 23 December are 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 3.30pm). Tickets often sell out far in advance, so make sure to book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. Once tickets are sold out online, there will be no further tickets available at the castle. You can book your tickets here (price includes a guided tour with a live guide).

• Mary King’s Close: Besides the castle, make sure to venture below the Royal Mile to explore Mary King’s Close, a network of underground streets that was once home to plague victims. Known for its ghost stories, a guided tour here is sure to give you chills!

For those interested in Edinburgh’s darker side, guided tours often walk you through ghostly legends, providing a fascinating experience. Here are some of the best tours for Halloween:

Have a look at these deals for hotels in Edinburgh:

York

I must admit that, in my opinion, York is the most beautiful city in the UK. With its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history, it is a city that seems made for Halloween. Known as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, York’s narrow streets and ancient buildings are filled with stories of ghosts and mysteries, making it an ideal destination for a scary adventure.

• The Shambles

The Shambles is one of York’s most famous streets, and for good reason. This narrow, cobblestone lane is lined with timber-framed buildings that date back to the 14th century. Originally a street of butchers’ shops, some of the buildings still have meat hooks hanging outside!

During Halloween, The Shambles becomes even more atmospheric. The street is often filled with spooky decorations, and you might encounter costumed characters through the crowds. The unique buildings, lanterns, and the city’s magical atmosphere make it easy to imagine you’ve stepped back into a different era.

York’s Famous Ghost Walks

York’s ghost walks are legendary, and with good reason. The city is said to have more than 500 recorded hauntings, making it one of the most haunted cities in the world. Joining a ghost walk is one of the best ways to explore this haunted history!

• The Original Ghost Walk of York: This is one of the oldest ghost tours in the city, taking you through the dark streets as you hear tales of hauntings, murders, and other scary events. The guides are known for their storytelling skills, making each stop along the way come alive with ghostly legends. They create an incredible atmosphere! For more information, check out the York Ghost Walk.
• The Treasurer’s House: A visit to the Treasurer’s House is a must. This historic house, located near York Minster, is famous for the sighting of Roman soldiers in its cellar. In 1953, a plumber working in the cellar reported seeing a group of Roman soldiers march through the wall. These apparitions were said to be only visible from the knees up, as the original Roman road was much lower than the current cellar floor. Today, the house offers guided tours that share its many ghost stories. I highly suggest using this City Pass, as it includes 20 attractions at a much reduced price!
• The Golden Fleece: For those who want to combine ghost hunting with a bit of relaxation, a visit to The Golden Fleece is in order. This historic pub, claimed to be the most haunted in York, dates back to 1503. It’s said to be home to several spirits, including Lady Alice Peckett, the wife of a former Lord Mayor, who is often seen wandering the corridors. Enjoy a pint while keeping an eye out for any spectral visitors, or even book a room if you’re feeling brave!
• The Society of Alchemist: I had to add this to the list. This is by far my favourite shop in York. They sell hand-crafted fragrances (which are incredibly good!), candles, stunning diffusers, and much more. A must visit! Here is their website.

Explore these thrilling guided tours that will take you even deeper into the city’s dark side:

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London

No Halloween trip in the UK would be complete without visiting London, a city with a rich and sometimes dark past. From haunted castles to mysterious murder sites, London has plenty of spooky spots to explore.

The Tower of London: A Castle Full of Ghosts

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, but it’s also one of the most haunted. Built over 900 years ago, this fortress has been a royal palace, a prison, and even a place where many people were executed. With so much history, it’s no wonder the tower is home to many ghost stories.

• The Princes in the Tower: One of the most famous tales is about two young princes who were locked up in the tower in 1483 and mysteriously disappeared. People believe their ghosts still haunt the tower, and some visitors claim to have seen two small figures dressed in white.
• Executed Queens: The Tower was also the site where two of King Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were executed. Anne Boleyn’s ghost is said to wander the grounds, sometimes carrying her head under her arm.
• The White Lady: Another ghostly figure often seen is the White Lady, who roams the White Tower. Visitors have reported smelling a strong perfume before feeling a sudden chill.

A visit to the Tower of London, especially after dark, offers a chance to experience these ghostly legends firsthand. For a unique stay, book a room at the Tower Hotel, where you can enjoy views of the historic and haunted site!

Jack the Ripper Tours: Walk in the Footsteps of a Killer

If you’re interested in true crime, a Jack the Ripper tour is a must. These tours take you through the streets of Whitechapel, where Jack the Ripper committed his terrifying murders in 1888. Although no one knows who he really was, his story continues to fascinate and frighten people to this day.

• The Victims: The tour will lead you through the dark alleys where Jack the Ripper’s victims were found. As you walk these eerie streets, your guide will share the chilling details of each murder and what life was like in London during that time.

• The Mystery: The identity of Jack the Ripper has been a mystery for over a century, with many theories about who he might have been. Your guide will discuss these theories and why the case remains unsolved.

• Spooky Atmosphere: The narrow, old streets of Whitechapel add to the creepy feeling of the tour, making it a perfect Halloween adventure!

For more information, visit the Jack the Ripper Tour.

If you want to explore more haunted spots, here are some scary tours you can check out:

Here are some accommodation deals in London:

Suffolk

For those seeking a quieter, yet equally eerie Halloween experience, Suffolk offers a charming yet chilling escape. This picturesque region, known for its beautiful countryside and historic villages, also offers some of England’s scariest tales.

Borley Rectory: England’s Most Haunted House

Borley Rectory, once located in the small village of Borley, is often referred to as the most haunted house in England. Built in 1862, this Gothic-style rectory gained its ghostly reputation through a series of chilling events that captured the public’s imagination, especially after they were widely reported by the press in the 1920s and 1930s.

• The Ghostly Nun: The most famous of Borley’s spirits is the ghostly nun. According to legend, the nun had an illicit relationship with a monk from a nearby monastery. When their forbidden love was discovered, the monk was executed, and the nun was bricked up alive within the walls of the convent. Her restless spirit is said to have haunted the grounds of Borley Rectory, appearing to witnesses as a sad and mournful figure dressed in grey or black.
• Other Paranormal Activity: The rectory was also the site of numerous other strange occurrences, including phantom footsteps, mysterious writing on walls, and the sound of bells ringing with no apparent source. The most famous investigator of these phenomena was Harry Price, a paranormal researcher who spent years studying the house and its haunting. Despite the rectory’s destruction by fire in 1939, the tales of its hauntings continue to intrigue and frighten those with a taste for the supernatural.

Although the rectory itself no longer stands, the village of Borley remains a place of interest for ghost hunters and those curious about its haunted past!

Lavenham: A Halloween Storybook Village

Lavenham, one of England’s best-preserved medieval villages, is like stepping into a Halloween storybook. With its timber-framed houses, narrow streets, and a history full of mystery, Lavenham is the perfect Halloween spot!

• Crooked Houses and Ghostly Tales: Lavenham’s unique crooked houses look like something out of a spooky storybook. These buildings, which are over 500 years old, have a long history, and with that history come many ghost stories. Local legends talk about mysterious ghosts, strange noises, and flickering lights, all of which add to the village’s spooky atmosphere.

Here are some exciting activities to enjoy in Suffolk:

Check below some hotel deals in Suffolk:

Conclusion

And there you have it — a look at some of the best places in the UK to celebrate Halloween.

Whether you love history, enjoy ghost stories, or just want to fully live the spooky season, these spots offer something special.

Happy Halloween!

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