Haunted Landmarks
Haunted Landmarks
With such a fascinating history and buildings dating back to the 12th century, it’s no surprise that England’s historic cities are full of spooky stories to tell. Why not take yourself on a scary adventure this autumn and pay a visit to some of the most haunted landmarks in the country.
We’ve put together a short guide to some of the most haunted cities and attractions across England, waiting to be explored, if you dare…
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury
The cathedral has stood in the city of Canterbury since the 12th century and still attracts visitors to this day, who want to learn more about its intriguing tales.
Visit on a dark evening to learn more about these spine-tingling stories including the ghost of Nell Cook, an ex-servant who has been reported to haunt the cathedral by many visitors.
The story goes that many years ago Nell discovered that her employer was having an affair and poisoned him with a pie. As punishment, Nell was buried alive under the cathedral’s Dark Entry, where she is believed to still haunt to this day. That’s not all… it is believed that anybody who has seen Nell’s ghost has died shortly afterward!
Lancaster Castle
Lancaster
With a rich and bloody history, Lancaster Castle is a popular venue to visit for ghost hunters and is home to regular ghost tours.
Having been used for the Witch Trials in 1612, as well as public hangings and more recently a category C prison, it is no shock that the castle has some restless spirits.
Many people have reported to have seen a jailer pacing the halls of the castle jangling his keys and visitors have even reported being pushed by unseen hands. Past prisoners, guards and visitors have also reported a ghostly little girl running up and down the corridors of the castle, often seen in the company of an old lady with many people believing the old lady is the spirit of “Old Demdyke” one of the Pendle Witches who died in her cell before standing trail in 1612.
To find out more about the dark history of Lancaster Castle join one of the regular daily tours.
Oxford Castle
Oxford
Take a trip to the historic city of Oxford, and visit one of the UK’s most haunted buildings, Oxford Castle. With 1,000 years of history, it is no wonder that Oxford Castle is a popular destination for those seeking a paranormal experience.
There has been plenty of strange activity reported, including the ghost of Mary Blandy who was executed at the castle in 1752 for killing her father. She has since been spotted wandering the Castle Mound, the very location it is reported that she was hung for her crime.
Tower of London
City of London
A visit to the City of London is not complete without visiting what is believed to be one of Britain’s most haunted locations, The Tower of London.
The Tower’s ominous grey walls have witnessed a long history of grim and horrifying events since it was built in 1078. You’ll be intrigued to hear more about the stories of tragedy and tournament that took place.
It is believed that there are 13 ghosts of the tower of London, with one of them being Henry VI who was imprisoned in the Wakefield Tower before being murdered at the altar in the king’s private chapel in 1471 close to midnight. Many people now have now reported that Henry’s ghost haunts the Wakefield Tower, appearing on the stroke of midnight!
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln –
Lincoln is another city who is haunted by a somewhat gruesome past. If you dare to explore the city, you’ll discover more about the spinetingling stories including the medieval beheadings, cold blooded murders and capital punishment which took place here many years ago.
Lincoln Castle was built in 1068 and is now known as one of the most haunted places in the city. From slamming doors to horrifying screams, many people have experienced several unexplained events here. Whilst on duty, staff have reported many unexplained noises within the castle as well as the sighting of a lone rider and his horse who is often spotted in the castle grounds.
Why not embark on a castle tour and see if you spot him…?
York Minster
York –
Known as the most haunted city in Europe, if you are looking for somewhere spooky to visit this Halloween, take a trip to York. Offering tricks, treats and spooky encounters for all, ghosts are often spotted roaming the city and Georgian townhouses and historic inns.
One of the most haunted places in York is the beautiful York Minster which dates to 627 AD and is the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Here you will find stories of haunting sibling pacts, where a brother in his naval uniform roams the grounds, or the young Dean Gale who died in 1702 and has been seen sitting in the pews.
Hop on a guided tour to find out more about this buildings past.
Longleat House
Bath
Even the picturesque city of Bath has a haunting past.
Take a visit to one of the most haunted locations in Bath, the stunningly beautiful Longleat House. An Elizabethan stately home, where it is believed that the ghost of Lady Louisa wanders the grand halls in search for her long-lost lover.
Cambridge University
Cambridge
Having been around for hundreds of years, Cambridge University has some spooky stories to tell. Many people have reported spooky sightings across the university, but there are two colleges in particular that have had multiple sightings of paranormal activity haunting the halls.
St John’s College was built on the site of a Medieval hospital that was forcibly closed and is the college that has received the most reported sightings including the ghost of Doctor James Wood.
Doctor James Wood was an incredibly poor student, who couldn’t even afford to light his room and used to sit in the O staircase of the second court to use the light coming out of other rooms to see his work at night. Eventually going on to become the master of the college, his apparition is said to still appear withing the staircase on dark nights and has surprised many students when they are walking back to their rooms.
Durham Castle
Durham
Some University of Durham students have the pleasure of sharing their College with a resident ghost or two. The Black Staircase of Durham Castle is haunted by the ghost of a wife of a 19th Century Bishop of Durham who is reputed to have fallen to her death from its top most heights. Even if you don’t see the ghost, you can certainly see the staircase on a tour of the Castle led by a student guide.
Theatre Royal Bath
Bath
The top left-hand box facing the stage at the Theatre Royal is believed to be the favourite haunt of the Grey Lady ghost. Legend has it that she fell madly in love with an actor in the eighteenth century and hung herself when her love was unrequited. But that’s not all, you aren’t safe from the ghost of the Grey Lady even when you leave the Theatre! She is also said to haunt The Garrick’s Head pub just next door.
