Britain’s Most Haunted Castles You Can Actually Visit

Welcome to Haunted History

Britain has no shortage of castles — and no shortage of ghosts to go with them. From vengeful queens to ghostly soldiers and unexplainable whispers, many UK castles are home to chilling tales and haunted histories. The best part? You can actually visit these spooky spots in person.

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or just a Halloween enthusiast looking for a thrill, here are some of the most haunted castles in Britain that open their gates to the public.

1. Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland: The Most Haunted Castle in England?

If you’re looking for a true fright night, Chillingham Castle might just be the crown jewel of haunted Britain. Nestled in the remote wilds of Northumberland, this 13th-century stronghold isn’t just famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture — it’s infamous for being one of the most haunted castles in England. With a grisly history of torture, war, and restless spirits, it’s little wonder that paranormal investigators and ghost-hunters flock here… if they dare.

A Fortress of Fear: The History of Chillingham Castle

First established in 1246 as a monastery, Chillingham quickly transformed into a fully fortified castle during the 13th century, playing a pivotal role in the brutal border conflicts between England and Scotland. It was ideally positioned for defence, sitting close to the frontline of centuries of bloodshed.

In 1298, King Edward I stayed here on his way north to battle William Wallace (yes, that William Wallace), and the castle later became home to the Grey family, who would own it for over 800 years.

Its halls are packed with medieval artefacts, grand tapestries… and according to many, a few unwelcome residents that just won’t move on.

Ghosts of Chillingham Castle

The castle’s owners openly embrace its haunted reputation, offering regular ghost tours and overnight stays — and for good reason. The spirits here aren’t just folklore — they’ve been witnessed, heard, and even photographed by guests for decades.

The Blue Boy (aka the Radiant Boy)

The most famous ghost at Chillingham is the Blue Boy, often heard wailing or crying in the night near the Pink Room, one of the castle’s guest chambers. For years, guests reported hearing his sobs followed by a bright blue flash of light.

During 20th-century renovations, a grisly discovery was made: the skeleton of a child and fragments of blue fabric were found bricked inside the walls. Since that moment, the sightings have decreased — but not stopped entirely. Some still claim to hear tapping at the walls, or feel a presence in the room.

The Torture Chamber’s Many Shadows

Deep within the castle lies a medieval torture chamber, complete with original equipment — including a stretching rack, an iron maiden, and spiked chairs. Many believe this is the epicentre of paranormal activity. Visitors report sudden cold spots, dizziness, or hearing whispered voices that seem to come from nowhere.

You can actually stand in the chamber where hundreds of prisoners were interrogated and executed, often in unimaginably cruel ways. It’s a place where history and horror collide.

Lady Mary Berkeley

Another ghost said to haunt the halls is Lady Mary Berkeley, the wife of Lord Grey. After he ran off with her sister, Mary was left to pine in the castle — and her lonely spirit is believed to still wander the corridors, rustling in her long silk dress. Guests report hearing the soft swish of fabric and the feeling of being watched in the drawing rooms.

Ghost Tours & Overnight Stays

What makes Chillingham Castle especially exciting (or terrifying) is that you can stay overnight in its haunted rooms. Suites are available to book via their official site, and you can even take part in ghost hunts, vigils, and candlelit tours that delve into the castle’s darker secrets.

Ghost hunting equipment is provided, and past guests have captured EVPs, unexplained light anomalies, and even full-body apparitions.

Pro tip: don’t wander off alone after midnight… unless you’re okay with bumping into the Blue Boy.

Plan Your Visit

📍 View on Google Maps
🌐 Official Website
🕒 Seasonal opening hours. Check the website for the latest visitor info. Ghost tours run year-round.

From blood-soaked battles to tortured souls and aristocratic heartbreak, Chillingham Castle offers everything you could want from a haunted destination. It’s a history lover’s dream — and a ghost hunter’s playground. Whether you’re brave enough to spend the night or prefer to visit in the (relative) safety of daylight, one thing’s for sure:

You will leave Chillingham Castle with a story to tell… maybe one you didn’t expect.

2. Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon

Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon: Beauty, Ruin… and a Terrifying Haunting

Tucked away in a secluded wooded valley near Totnes in Devon, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect picture of a romantic ruin — ivy-covered towers, crumbling stone walls, and sweeping countryside views. But don’t let its picturesque charm fool you. Behind those shattered windows and time-worn staircases, Berry Pomeroy harbours some of the darkest and most unsettling hauntings in England.

Often described as “one of the most haunted castles in Britain”, this eerie site has all the classic horror ingredients: family betrayal, locked towers, restless spirits — and the occasional blood-curdling scream echoing through the trees.

A Brief (But Bloody) History

The castle was originally begun in the late 15th century by the powerful Pomeroy family, who had held the manor since the Norman Conquest. But financial troubles forced them to sell it in the 1540s to Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset and brother to Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII.

The Seymours started building an ambitious Elizabethan mansion within the medieval walls — a project never completed. By the late 17th century, the castle was abandoned and left to decay, creating the haunting, hollowed-out skeleton of grandeur that stands today.

But it’s not just the architecture that remains. If local legends are to be believed, so do the spirits.

The Ghosts of Berry Pomeroy

Berry Pomeroy isn’t content with just one ghost. No, it has at least two famous phantoms that have terrified visitors and paranormal investigators for decades.

The White Lady

The most well-known spirit is The White Lady, said to haunt the dungeons and ramparts. She’s believed to be Lady Margaret Pomeroy, who, according to legend, was imprisoned by her jealous sister, Eleanor, in the castle’s dungeon for years — slowly starving to death. Today, Margaret’s pale figure is seen gliding silently along the walls or appearing in the castle’s former chapel.

Some visitors report being overcome with an intense feeling of sadness or dread when entering certain areas of the castle — especially near the tower where Margaret supposedly died. Cameras and phones often malfunction here, too. Coincidence? Or something more spectral?

The Blue Lady

More sinister is The Blue Lady, thought to be the spirit of a Seymour woman who met a horrific fate. One version of the story suggests she was impregnated by her own father, and later died during childbirth. Her ghost is known to beckon people from high parts of the castle, luring them toward ledges or unstable areas — giving Berry Pomeroy one of its most malevolent hauntings.

She’s been blamed for sudden feelings of panic, dizziness, and physical illness experienced by visitors. Paranormal groups claim the energy surrounding her is “unusually oppressive.”

Ghost Hunts and Paranormal Investigations

Berry Pomeroy Castle has become a favourite location for paranormal teams, and has been featured on shows like Most Haunted and Ghost Hunters International.

Even English Heritage, who now manage the site, acknowledge its ghostly reputation and offer information panels about the castle’s darker legends. Though there are no regular ghost tours (it’s not open at night), private paranormal events are sometimes hosted on-site — especially around Halloween.

Want to experience the atmosphere yourself? Visit during winter, when the leafless trees create haunting silhouettes, the ruins echo with birdsong and wind, and the shadows stretch long across the mossy stone. It’s truly an unforgettable (and unnerving) visit.

Plan Your Visit

📍 View on Google Maps
🌐 Official Site (English Heritage)
🕒 Opening hours: Typically 10am–5pm (seasonal). No access after dark unless arranged privately.

Top Tip: Bring a camera… and maybe a friend. Just in case someone (or something) decides to say hello.

Berry Pomeroy Castle is the kind of place where time seems to fold in on itself. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful ruin steeped in tragedy, whispered stories, and paranormal energy. Whether you’re a history buff, ghost hunter, or just someone with a love for spooky scenery, this Devonshire gem offers a hauntingly memorable experience.

Just watch your step around the towers… especially if you hear a soft voice calling your name.

🛒 UK ghost story book: “Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland” on Amazon UK

3. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Dating back to at least the 12th century, the castle has been the site of countless sieges, executions, and political imprisonments. Built upon an extinct volcanic plug, it has loomed over the capital city for centuries—serving as both a royal residence and an impenetrable military stronghold.

But if you ask the locals (or a few uneasy tour guides), they’ll tell you that not everyone who entered those stone walls ever truly left…

Hauntings of Edinburgh Castle

One of the most chilling legends is that of the Phantom Piper, a young boy who was sent centuries ago to explore the castle’s newly discovered tunnels beneath the Royal Mile. He was told to play his bagpipes as he went, so those above could follow his path. But halfway through his journey… the music suddenly stopped. A search party was sent, but the boy was never seen again. To this day, visitors say they can hear faint piping echoing through the castle walls and along the underground passageways, especially at night.

Then there’s the Headless Drummer, first reported during a siege in 1650. His identity remains unknown, but his appearance is said to forewarn disaster. He hasn’t been spotted frequently, but many have heard the distinct beat of drums reverberating through the stone halls, even when the castle is empty.

Perhaps most terrifying are the ghostly apparitions seen in the dungeons, which once held prisoners of war, rebels, and criminals in conditions so horrific they’re hard to imagine. Some claim to feel unseen hands grabbing them, sudden temperature drops, and even nausea when passing through the old cells. One visitor described seeing a shadowy figure crawling along the floor, vanishing through the stone.

The site is also said to be haunted by French prisoners from the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), as well as a colonial-era American prisoner who attempted escape by hiding in a dung cart—and is now apparently one of the castle’s more fragrant spirits.

Still Sceptical?

A 2001 paranormal investigation conducted at Edinburgh Castle by a team of researchers and volunteers provided some of the most compelling evidence of hauntings in the UK. Over ten days, nearly half of the 240 participants reported unexplained experiences—such as sudden drafts, disembodied whispers, and sightings of shadowy figures. The kicker? Some of the most active areas were those participants didn’t even know were rumoured to be haunted.

So whether you’re a ghost enthusiast, a history nerd, or just someone who enjoys a little supernatural thrill, Edinburgh Castle delivers the full eerie package—history, mystery, and a fair bit of bone-chilling atmosphere. Just remember: when you’re walking those cobbled passages at twilight, that cold hand brushing your shoulder might not be your imagination…

🗺️ Location: View on Google Maps
🔗 Official Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot

Famous phantoms:

The Headless Drummer who appears before disaster
Spectres of French prisoners from the Seven Years’ War
A phantom piper still heard beneath the castle

📍 Plan your visit
💡 Tip: Take the ghost tour that runs through the vaults underneath — you won’t forget it.

4. Glamis Castle, Angus

Glamis Castle, nestled in the Scottish countryside of Angus, has been the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. It’s perhaps most famously known as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who was born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1900 and spent much of her early life wandering its grand, whispering halls. But beyond its royal pedigree and fairy-tale appearance, Glamis holds a darker reputation—it’s considered one of the most haunted castles in Britain. 🕯️👻

The castle was immortalised in literature thanks to William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Although the historical Macbeth never lived at Glamis, Shakespeare made it the setting of his tragic tale of ambition, murder, and madness. That fictional association only added to the castle’s already spine-chilling reputation.

And then there are the ghosts.

Among its many spirits is the Grey Lady, thought to be the ghost of Lady Janet Douglas, burned at the stake for witchcraft in 1537—though historians now believe the charges were politically motivated. She is said to haunt the castle’s chapel, silently gliding between pews. Another legend tells of the Monster of Glamis, a deformed child allegedly hidden away in the castle for life, his rooms bricked up and lost to time. Some say he still lingers in the secret chambers, never laid to rest.

Visitors also report phantom footsteps, slamming doors, and the unsettling feeling of being watched in empty corridors. Even staff members have admitted to avoiding certain rooms after dark.

So whether you’re a history buff, a literary fan, or a ghost hunter armed with EMF meters and courage, Glamis Castle offers a mix of royalty, mystery, and legitimate chills. Just don’t wander off alone… some doors are said to shut and never open again.

Creepy tales:

The Grey Lady believed to be Lady Janet Douglas, burned as a witch
The Monster of Glamis — a deformed heir hidden in the castle walls
Secret rooms no one has ever (officially) found…

📍 Visit Glamis Castle
🛒 Paranormal tools: Spirit Box Ghost Hunting Tool

5. Dover Castle, Kent

Dover Castle, perched high on the White Cliffs of Kent, has been called the “Key to England” for good reason. With over 2,000 years of military history, it’s one of the most strategically important and heavily fortified castles in the country. But beyond its Roman lighthouse, medieval keep, and secret WWII tunnels, Dover has a supernatural side that sends shivers down the spines of even the bravest visitors.

While the castle played a pivotal role in defending England from invasion—especially during World War II, when its extensive network of underground tunnels served as a command centre during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940—it’s also been the site of countless ghost sightings dating back centuries.

One of the most famous apparitions is that of a headless drummer boy, said to have been murdered during the Napoleonic Wars while carrying a message through the castle grounds. Visitors claim to hear his rhythmic drumming echo through empty corridors or glimpse a small figure darting around corners—always vanishing into thin air.

There’s also the spirit of a woman in a red dress, often seen standing near the battlements or gazing forlornly from the windows. No one knows exactly who she is, but her presence has been linked to tragic tales of lost love and imprisonment.

And then there are the chilling whispers, sudden drops in temperature, and the eerie sensation of being followed through the wartime tunnels—especially in the lower levels, where soldiers once worked, slept, and, in some cases, died during bomb raids.

With ghost hunts, night time tours, and a long history steeped in drama, warfare, and mystery, Dover Castle is more than just a historical monument—it’s a full-on haunted experience. Just try not to flinch when you hear that distant drumbeat after dark…

Reported hauntings:

A headless drummer boy
Screams and cries from the Saxon church within the castle grounds
Apparitions of soldiers from different eras of British history

📍 Explore Dover Castle
🛒 Ghost-hunting camera: Infrared Full Spectrum Camcorder

Tips for Visiting Haunted Castles

📷 Bring a camera — you never know what you might capture
🔦 Pack a torch — many castles have dimly lit passageways and underground chambers
📚 Read up on the history before you go — it adds to the experience
🕵️‍♀️ Go on a guided ghost tour — many of these castles offer special after-dark tours in October

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for real-life chills this Halloween (or any time of year), these haunted castles in Britain offer more than just history — they offer mystery, myth, and maybe even a brush with the other side. Just don’t go alone… and maybe leave the kids at home. 😉

Have you had a spooky experience at any of these castles? Drop it in the comments below — we’d love to hear your ghost stories.

💬 Share Your Experience

Have you explored one of these haunted castles? Seen something spooky?
Leave a comment below — or tag us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @HalloweenUK with your ghostly stories and photos! Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest as well!