Let’s chat about something that tends to give you goosebumps—the UK’s most gripping ghost stories. As you know, I’ve always been a bit of a thrill-seeker, and nothing gets my blood pumping quite like a good haunt. The UK is a treasure trove of eerie tales and ghastly legends, perfect for an unforgettable trip. And believe me, every one of these places has its share of spine-tingling moments and, let’s face it, some absolutely hilarious mishaps along the way!
First stop: the Tower of London. I had to visit this iconic site of imprisonment for its history, but the ghost stories really pulled me in. Imagine standing in front of a fortress that has witnessed so much bloodshed! Legend has it that Anne Boleyn haunts the very grounds where she lost her head—yikes! I stood there, trying to picture her tragic fate, and absolutely convinced I felt a chill. Or maybe I was just cold? You decide.
As I walked through the White Tower, I was a bit distracted by the fact that I was holding a rather dreadful cup of tea that tasted like it had been brewed during the War. Who even serves tea that way? I almost wished the spirits would manifest just to complain about it with me. But alas, no ghostly companions, only the rather spirited ravens who apparently have a poetry contest among themselves.
Next up is the Ram Inn in Gloucestershire. This pub/hotel is known for its rather boisterous (and quite troublesome) ghosts. As I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly barman who told me the place is haunted by a multitude of spirits, including that of a witch! The atmosphere was so thick with mystery, I felt like I was in a low-budget horror film.
While I sipped a surprisingly decent pint, a local told me about a guest who checked in one night, only to bolt out screaming in the morning. Apparently, the “female apparition” popped by for a late-night chat. I laughed it off until later when I found myself clutching my pillow, convinced something was lurking in the shadows of my room. Did I sleep well? Not a chance.
There’s also a fabulous old fireplace in the pub. The tales go that if you listen carefully, you might hear whispers from the past. I imagined they were probably talking about how to make good tea, given my earlier experience.
York is like a 24/7 ghost tour waiting to happen. I took a walk down the ancient Shambles, a street so crooked I wondered if it had been built after a night of too much cider. There’s a delightful shop called The Shambles where they stock quirky ghost-themed knick-knacks. One of them was a little ghost figurine that I thought looked suspiciously like my Aunt Mabel after her third gin.
If you fancy a good ghost story, you’ve got to check out York’s Ghost Walk. It’s a mix of history, horror, and a sprinkle of cheeky charm. I still laugh thinking about the guide, who dressed up like a Victorian ghost and delivered tales with panache. I felt like I was in a theatrical performance, except I was also continuously avoiding bumping into the random tourists who’d stop mid-sentence for a selfie with him!
Talking about ghostly experiences without mentioning Edinburgh would be a crime. You’ll hear whisperings (often a bit too loudly) about the Edinburgh Ghost Tours that take you deep beneath the city. I joined one, mostly because I’m a sucker for a good yarn, and the promise of underground vaults filled with spooks was too good to resist.
As we entered the vaults, the damp air wrapped around me like a wet blanket. Honestly, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was walking through someone’s extremely messy attic. I tried to sound brave, chuckling with my mate as we walked deeper into the dark, but inside, I was about ready to bolt. Did I mention I have a killer fear of the dark?
The guide shared tales punctuated with such theatrical flair that even the ghosts must have been entertained. Imagine hundreds of years of spirits, and here I am, grinning like an idiot while holding onto my friend for dear life.
One cannot forget the fabled tale of the Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge. This place is notorious for its supposed spectral inhabitants and has had so many paranormal investigations, it should probably just put out a ‘ghost welcome’ sign.
I crept around the creaking floors feeling like I was walking through an architectural horror movie. I popped into the apparently haunted room 1, nearly having a heart attack when a broom fell over. Turns out it was just my mate trying to communicate with the “spirits”—I can’t quite remember if I was rolling my eyes or laughing.
I also scored a rather hilarious selfie with a life-sized cardboard cutout of a ghost, which, I might add, was a far better conversationalist than the actual ghosts (who were, quite frankly, a bit shy).
If you’re hoping to rest your head somewhere spooky, look at some of these great haunted hotels:
Pro-tip: Always check the tea selection before you book a stay.
If you fancy a thrilling weekend, why not explore the UK’s most haunted spots? Each ghost story comes with its blend of history and a healthy dose of chuckles and chills. Sure, next time I might avoid gulping down bad tea while waiting for a ghostly apparition to join me for a natter, but hey, what’s life without a little adventure?
Have you ever experienced a ghostly encounter? Or maybe you’ve found a particularly dodgy cup of tea? Share your tales—I’d love to hear every spooky detail!
