Historic England - Ghosts, ghouls and nasties

Strange, ghostly and macabre tales are never far from the surface in historic England. Explore the scarier side of our heritage – and check out some great offers on attractions and accommodation…

East of England

Send a shiver down your spine with all things spooky and strange in the East of England. We have more ghosts per square mile than any other part of Britain - plus demon dogs, witches and UFO's. Anne Boleyn - second wife of Henry VIII haunts Blickling Hall (www.visiteastofengland.com/be-inspired/heritage/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=0232309), whilst the village of Borley was once home to Britain’s most haunted house. Watch out for Black Shuck, the demon dog along the North Norfolk Coast, or discover tales of Matthew Hopkins, The Witchfinder General at Manningtree.

Discover a supernatural East of England

London

A trip to the capital would not be complete without visiting some of the scariest attractions in England. Choices include the gruesome fun of London Dungeons (www.enjoyenglanddirect.com/detail.aspx?ProductCode=TK3) to the adrenaline pumping London Bridge Experience (www.visitlondon.com/attractions/detail/2311740). But be warned these attractions are only for the brave and fearless.

Alternatively, explore the city by foot to savour London’s rich and varied history. Join the Original London Walks (www.walks.com/) where you have a choice of “chilling walks” suitable for all ages and walking ability.

South East England

South East of England has many ghostly haunts including the headless horseman of Prospect Park, Berkshire and the many ghosts of Pluckley, England’s most haunted village. Spend some time exploring these locations or visit Woburn Abbey (www.woburnabbey.co.uk/) home to various ghosts including the monk in a brown habit and the ghost of a manservant in the Masquerade room. Paranormal activity recorded at the abbey includes various doors opening and closing of their own accord and people being touched by unseen hands.

South West

Venture around Berry Pomeroy Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.238), reputedly one of the most haunted in Britain. The ghost of poor Lady Margaret still paces up and down the dungeons.

Dating back to 1500 BC, the number of stones that form the eerie Rollright Stones (www.rollrightstones.co.uk/) in the Cotswolds remains a mystery.  Why do visitors each count a different number?

High on the wild and rugged Bodmin Moor, prowled by its famous ‘beast’, stands the inscrutable Hurlers Stone.  Steeped in legend, this collection of three stone circles is believed to be the petrified remains of men turned to stone for "hurling the ball" on the Sabbath.

Heart of England

Warwick Castle (www.warwick-castle.co.uk/) plays host to the Ghosts Alive Exhibition. But only the seriously brave should embark on this ultimate ghostly experience. Guests get a chance to meet the castle’s most famous ghost, Sir Fulke Greville, in the infamous Ghost Tower. Using a mixture of live actors, sound, visual and lighting effects it literally brings the true story of Warwick’s most famous ghost to life.

Or visit the Falstaffs Experience (www.falstaffsexperience.co.uk/) in Stratford-upon-Avon. Renowned as the most haunted building in England, The museum is housed in the 500-year-old wattle and daub Shrieve's barn and depicts the property's sometimes chilling history.

East Midlands

Visit Derby the ghost capital of England and reportedly the most haunted city in the country. Spooky sightings around the city are common knowledge, but for that extra experience join the infamous Richard Felix, former presenter on TV’s Most Haunted, on world renowned ghost walks (www.visitpeakdistrict.com/events/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=6060780&feature=1002).

Follow that by visiting the Galleries of Justice (www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk/) in Nottingham where the four hundred year old courtroom and prison saw many people perish. Don’t be surprised if you encounter the tortured souls of past inmates that still linger there.

Yorkshire

For avid ghost hunters and those courageous enough, Yorkshire is the place to visit. The historic walled city of York, with its Roman and Viking heritage, is home to many eerie tales and legends. Take a guided tour by foot or by bus around this magnificent city.

Whitby Abbey (www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.17360) and Scarborough Castle are a must if you want coastal destinations. Whitby, with its quaint cobbled streets and picturesque houses stands on the steep slopes of the River Esk dominated by its Gothic cliff top abbey. This small seaside town is celebrated in Bram Stoker’s Dracula written when he lived on West Cliff overlooking the spooky ruins of the abbey. Scarborough Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.17269) has the “famous” headless ghost of Piers Gaveston. But beware; he is so angry he tries to push the visitors over the battlements or into the sea.

North East

The North East is home to many ghosts and other paranormal beings. Those wishing to encounter these beings should visit Chillingham Castle (www.chillingham-castle.com/), Northumberland, said to be the most haunted castle in England. Alternatively, a visit to Bamburgh Castle (www.bamburghcastle.com/) should be considered. This beautiful and unique castle is home to the ghost of the Pink Lady, a princess who once lived in the castle.