Ah, the witch hunts of 17th-century England—nothing gets the imagination buzzing quite like a good bit of history peppered with the spectre of witchcraft, hysteria, and a touch of misplaced justice. If you’ve ever worn a pointy hat (and I know you have), then you’ll appreciate the rather spooky places where mournful spirits and historical echoes linger. Grab a cuppa (just not that atrocious tea I had in a little café in Salem; the biscuit was the real hero there) and let’s wander through time to uncover some haunting sites associated with those infamous witch trials.
Let’s set the stage a bit. The witch hunts happened roughly from the late 16th century through the 17th century when folks were paranoid about witches. We’re talking about a time when a neighbour’s strange cat or a bit too much sassing from the local baker made you suspect you were living next door to Satan incarnate. Crazy times! Hundreds faced trials, and many faced dire fates—most, notably, the trial at Pendle Hill in Lancashire, one of the most infamous cases in English history.
Speaking of Pendle Hill, it’s a must-visit if you’re on the witch hunt trail. Standing tall with its dramatic landscapes, it’s a beautiful walk—until you realise you’re retracing the steps of accused witches who were literally walking to their doom.
I headed to Pendle on a cloudy day, thinking, “How atmospheric!” The wind started to howl, and it felt like the spirits were whispering tales to me. As I reached the summit, I also heard hungry hikers below complaining about their packed lunches.
Pretend you’re a guilty witch for a moment (cheeky, I know). As you look down, think about the families split apart by a mere accusation. If you go, make sure to check out the Pendle Witch Visitor Centre here. You’ll get the lowdown on local lore and some quirky memorabilia—like witch hats in every shade imaginable. Personally, I tried one on, and let’s just say it looked better on the shelf.
Not too far from Pendle is Barrowford, where a rather dramatic stone looms. Known as the “Witch Stone,” it’s where supposed witches were said to have been executed. The whole area around Barrowford has a quaint charm, complete with cute tea shops and a rather cheeky-looking duck pond.
But let’s return to the stone. I couldn’t help but think that I was standing where someone had been wrongfully condemned. I decided to breathe in the local air, which wasn’t as invigorating as it sounds—more like mixed leftovers from the nearby chippy.
Now, let’s hop over to Bury St. Edmunds, another spot with its own eerie history. The Abbey Gardens are gorgeous—ideal for a picnic. Just don’t picnic too close to the ruins of the abbey, or you might feel a shiver go down your spine. This place used to be a bustling epicentre for witchcraft trials; in 1645, several women were tried in this very town.
The Abbey can feel a bit Instagrammable, but try not to focus too much on snapping the perfect pic. Instead, wonder about the fates of those who once roamed these grounds—more tear-jerking than a re-run of The Notebook.
If you happen to be nearby in late October, check out their haunting ghost walks. I joined one last year and bloody nearly fell over when the ghost guide jumped out at us! My tea was still lukewarm, which wasn’t an ideal combo with fright-induced jitters. Pro tip: bring an extra pair of trousers, just in case!
Now, buckle up because we’re heading to Exeter—in all its urban atmosphere, it boasts some ghostly tales too! The Old Firehouse is a local haunt (pun intended) that also knows how to brew a decent pint. But if you delve into the history here, you’ll find that much of Exeter was engulfed by witch trials in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
The city is dotted with remnants from that time. I stumbled across the Guildhall—a sensational building that exudes vibes of medieval authority. Yep, you guessed it; that includes trials and accusations, too. If you’re wandering the cobbled streets, keep your eyes peeled for the peculiar carvings along the walls; you might just spot a representation of a witch or two. Tea is drinkable here, but don’t expect a Michelin star.
You can’t talk about witch trials in old England without mentioning York. Famous for its quaint streets and historic shambles, it’s a fabulous place to spend the weekend. But hidden within this lively city is a darker side—yup, even the Snickleway Alley has its share of spectral gossip.
The York Castle Museum houses an extensive collection of historical witchcraft artefacts. Be sure to grab a ticket and see how many “witches” they managed to roast over coals in the past! Spoiler alert: it’s too many.
I got a bit lost in York (what a surprise!), but that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Each winding alley offers a surprise, be it a intriguing shop or the kind of biscuit I can only describe as “historically diabolical.”
So, there you have it—my witch hunt trail through England, where everything is not what it seems, and where dark history lingers behind what seems like innocuous lovely towns. Each site presents an opportunity to reflect not just on the past but on how quick we are to judge.
If you ever feel like indulging in some spooky tales mixed with historical facts, I wholeheartedly recommend one of these trails. And if you do end up at the same dodgy café I visited (don’t worry; I shan’t name it), maybe bring your own biscuit.
Before I sign off, I have to ask: have you ever visited any of these witch-hunt sites? What haunted tales do you know that would get your blood boiling? Share your thoughts below!
