5 Haunted Forests and Woods in the UK to Explore (If You Dare)
When the fog rolls in and the wind whispers through the trees, the UK’s ancient forests become more than just natural beauty—they become gateways to something much darker. From ghostly monks to phantom children, these woods are steeped in centuries of chilling tales.
So grab your torch, zip up your coat, and join us as we take a terrifying trek through five of the UK’s most haunted forests and woods. But be warned… you may not walk out alone.
1. Epping Forest, Essex
Where Gangsters and Ghosts Walk Together
Epping Forest stretches over 6,000 acres and is just a stone’s throw from London—yet it feels a world away. Why? Because the deeper you go, the more likely you are to feel the eyes of the forest watching you.
Over the centuries, Epping has been a hotspot for crimes, hangings, and unmarked graves. Most infamously, it became a gangland dumping ground for murdered victims during the Kray twins’ reign in the 1960s. Their ghostly victims are said to wander the woods, calling out for help or re-enacting their final moments.
Visitors report disembodied footsteps, dark figures peering through the trees, and even the chilling sound of gunshots echoing with no source.
2. Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor, Devon
The Devil’s Own Forest
Wistman’s Wood looks like something out of a fantasy novel—but don’t let its Tolkien-esque beauty fool you. This moss-covered oak grove on Dartmoor is one of the most haunted natural sites in the UK.
Local legend says the forest is haunted by the Wisht Hounds, a phantom pack led by the Devil himself. These ghostly dogs are said to hunt across the moors at night, with glowing red eyes and howls that send shivers down your spine. Those who hear them are told to hide—or be dragged to the underworld.
Others have claimed to see hooded druids performing rituals among the gnarled trees. Cameras often malfunction here, and people report sudden nausea or an overwhelming urge to flee.
Ready for a hike with hellhounds?
3. Pembrey Woods, Carmarthenshire, Wales
The Shipwreck Spirits of the Sea Forest
Pembrey Woods borders the coast, and while it’s now a family-friendly country park, its past is far from innocent.
Centuries ago, the area was used by “wreckers”—men who would light false beacons on the coast to lure ships to their doom. Once shipwrecked, the crew would be murdered and robbed. Many of those victims were buried in unmarked graves within the woods.
Today, visitors report the sounds of cannon fire, the cries of sailors begging for help, and ghostly figures in period naval clothing drifting through the trees. The spirits of the wreckers themselves are also said to haunt the area—laughing in the distance or whispering in your ear when you least expect it.
4. Thetford Forest, Norfolk
The Witch, the War, and the Weird
Thetford Forest, the UK’s largest lowland pine forest, may be beautiful by day—but it takes a dark turn by night.
The woods have long been associated with witchcraft. One of the creepiest legends tells of “The Weeping Woman”, a witch burned at the stake nearby. Her spirit is said to roam the woods, wailing loudly on misty nights and appearing to those who are lost or alone. People have reported seeing a woman in tattered robes floating between trees—before vanishing completely.
During WWII, Thetford was also the site of an American airbase. Many campers claim to have seen soldiers in full uniform, only to discover they vanished without a trace.
If you hear marching… maybe don’t follow it.
5. Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
The Black-Eyed Children and Other Terrors
Cannock Chase has all the ingredients for a horror film: UFO sightings, ghosts, pig-men, and most famously, the Black-Eyed Children.
First reported in the 1980s, these apparitions are described as young girls with completely black eyes, wearing outdated clothing, and appearing lost. Witnesses say the children approach asking for help—only to disappear when followed. Some feel physically ill or emotionally disturbed after encounters.
Other hauntings include the spirit of a murdered teenage girl, a “pig-man” said to stalk hikers, and strange lights seen hovering above the trees.
It’s no wonder paranormal investigators call Cannock Chase the UK’s paranormal hotspot.
Final Thoughts
From the ancient oaks of Dartmoor to the haunted trails of Cannock Chase, these forests are more than scenic walkways—they’re doorways into the unknown. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never walk through these woods the same way again.
So next time you’re out for a country ramble, listen carefully. That rustle in the bushes? That whisper in the breeze? Maybe it’s just the wind… or maybe not.
💬 Share Your Experience
Have you braved one of these forests? Seen something spooky?
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