Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh CastleGetty

Ever visited a castle or old stately home and felt a little creeped out? Wondered what might go bump in the night if you were to stay over? 

Here are some of the most haunted cities in the UK to visit this Halloween to visit if you're feeling brave enough and with some goosebump-inducing stories to go along with them!

1. Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland

Built in 1625 and housing nearly 400 years of spine-chilling history, Ballygally Castle has recently converted into a hotel, and is reputed to host several ghosts. The stories tell that there are three ghosts residing within the walls, one of whom is the spirit of Lady Isabella, who fell to her death from a window trying to escape from imprisonment at her husband’s hands.

Built in 1625 and housing nearly 400 years of spine-chilling history, Ballygally Castle has recently converted into a hotel, and is reputed to host several ghosts. The stories tell that there are three ghosts residing within the walls, one of whom is the spirit of Lady Isabella, who fell to her death from a window trying to escape from imprisonment at her husband’s hands.

Built in 1625 and housing nearly 400 years of spine-chilling history, Ballygally Castle has recently been converted into a hotel and is reputed to host several ghosts. The stories tell that there are three ghosts residing within the walls, one of whom is the spirit of Lady Isabella, who fell to her death from a window trying to escape from imprisonment at her husband’s hands. 

2. Colliston Castle, Angus, Scotland 

Colliston Castle is a 16th-century Z-plan tower house, which was altered and extended in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has recently been turned into a guest house, although guests will find themselves bedding down in the very house where the owner was found dead in the hall with his gun beside him in 1929. Could he still be walking the halls today?  

3. Dudley Castle, England 

Dudley Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and is said to be the home of the Grey Lady, thought to be the spirit of Dorothy Beaumont, who died in the castle, along with her baby, shortly after childbirth. Many tourists claim to have captured her ghostly presence in photographs and even seen her appearing in windows. 

4. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland 

With a settlement sitting on Castle Rock since around 860 AD, the dark and troubled history of Edinburgh Castle is a long one. There are many terrifying stories linked to the castle, but one of the creepiest is certainly that of The Boy Piper, who was sent to explore the tunnels under the Royal Mile… only to mysteriously disappear. 

Other sites that make our most haunted locations list are Gwydir Castle, Kinnitty Castle, Muncaster Castle, Warwick Castle, and Airth Castle.