As Halloween thrill-seekers prepare for fright night, the UK’s “most haunted” places have been revealed.
From the spirit of Henry VIII’s wife to a princess and a pub’s cheating gambler, there are many paranormal hotspots to explore – if you dare.
As spooky season approaches, Affordable Urns has unveiled a spine-chilling study. The research, which analysed reported paranormal sightings and haunted locations across the country, offers ghost hunters and thrill-seekers a guide to the spookiest locations for an unforgettable Halloween experience.
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The study ranked counties and local authorities based on reports of paranormal activity per square mile, creating a “paranormal activity score” to determine the most supernaturally dense areas in the UK. This approach highlights where ghostly encounters are most concentrated.
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Greater London leads the pack of haunted counties with a Paranormal Activity Score of 100, boasting 749 reported paranormal activities and haunted locations across 749 square miles.
Thrill-seekers can explore the Tower of London, home to the ghosts of Anne Boleyn and the Princes in the Tower, or visit Hampton Court Palace, haunted by Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife.
The Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, said to be the most haunted theatre in the world, and the Grenadier Pub, known for its ghost of a cheating gambler, are also popular supernatural hotspots.
The Isle of Wight claims second place with a score of 58.75 and 111 reported paranormal activities and haunted locations concentrated in just 150 square miles.
Visitors can explore Appuldurcombe House, known for ghostly apparitions, or Carisbrooke Castle, home to the ghost of Elizabeth Ruffin, who died falling into a well. Arreton Manor, haunted by multiple ghosts including a young girl named Annabel, is another must-visit location for ghost enthusiasts.
(Image: Getty Images)
The West Midlands ranks third with a score of 36.06 and 163 paranormal reports across 348 square miles.
Aston Hall in Birmingham is renowned for its “Grey Lady” ghost and the spirit of Sir Thomas Holte, while Dudley Castle is known for its Grey Lady and a drummer boy’s ghost. For those seeking a more unusual experience, the Drakelow Tunnels in Kidderminster offer an underground network with numerous reported hauntings.
Dorset takes fourth place with a score of 33.15 and 444 paranormal activities and haunted locations reported in the 1,024 square mile bounds. Borley Manor is said to be one of the most haunted houses in England, while Corfe Castle, home to headless apparitions and a white lady, offers a truly chilling experience for visitors.
Greater Manchester rounds out the top five counties with a score of 29.97 and 195 reported paranormal activities and haunted locations spread over 493 square miles. Ordsall Hall in Salford is home to the White Lady and the Star Chamber, while Wardley Hall in Worsley is known for the skull of Father Ambrose Barlow. The Royal Exchange Theatre, haunted by a former trader and a Victorian actress, provides a dramatic backdrop for ghostly encounters.
Alex Wilson, CEO and founder of Affordable Urns said: “Our research reveals some exciting destinations for paranormal enthusiasts this Halloween. The high concentration of reported hauntings in these areas speaks to the rich history and enduring legends of the UK. While we encourage people to explore these fascinating locations, we also urge visitors to approach them with respect and caution.
“Many of these sites have historical significance and may have restricted access. Always ensure you have proper permission before visiting and follow all safety guidelines. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply enjoy a good scare, these locations offer a supernatural way to connect with the past and perhaps experience something unexplainable this Halloween season.”
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