Best 5 Haunted Castles in the UK to Visit This Halloween

Britain's haunted castles offer some of the world's most atmospheric Halloween experiences. This guide covers five: Chillingham in Northumberland, Berry Pomeroy in Devon, Bolsover in Derbyshire, Raglan in Monmouthshire, and Warwick in Warwickshire, each with its own ghosts and its own ghost tours.

Key Facts: Five Haunted Castles at a Glance

• Chillingham Castle (Northumberland): England's most frequently cited most-haunted castle; famous for the Blue Boy ghost in the Pink Room; runs regular ghost tours
• Berry Pomeroy Castle (Devon): ruined 15th-century fortress in a wooded Devon gorge; the White Lady and the Blue Lady reported; managed by English Heritage
• Bolsover Castle (Derbyshire): 17th-century aristocratic palace; the Grey Lady, the Cavalier, and the Woman in Black reported; managed by English Heritage
• Raglan Castle (Monmouthshire, Wales): striking 15th-century ruin; the White Lady seen in the Great Tower and grounds; managed by Cadw
• Warwick Castle (Warwickshire): 1,000-year-old fortress; Sir Fulke Greville ghost and the Black Dog of Warwick reported; runs major Halloween events

Halloween in the UK is the perfect time to seek out eerie legends, chilling ghost stories, and medieval ruins steeped in mystery. Across Britain, haunted castles invite brave visitors to step inside their dark histories. From Northumberland to Wales, these ancient fortresses are home to restless spirits and terrifying tales.

If you are seeking haunted castles in the UK this October, here are five of the best destinations for ghost tours, supernatural encounters, and unforgettable Halloween adventures.

The Best 5 Haunted Castles

1. Chillingham Castle – England's Most Haunted Castle

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is often called the most haunted castle in England. Its blood-soaked past during the border wars left behind tales of torture, imprisonment, and tragedy. Visitors regularly report cold hands brushing against them, unexplained cries, and chilling apparitions.

The castle's most famous spirit is the Blue Boy, said to have been buried alive in the walls. His ghost still haunts the Pink Room, appearing in flashes of blue light and sorrowful cries.

Halloween Highlight: Chillingham runs late-night ghost tours, perfect for those who want a true haunted castle experience in October.

If you're looking for an extra thrill, Chillingham Castle hosts regular ghost tours, including a late-night experience for those brave enough to walk the castle corridors in the dark.

2. Berry Pomeroy Castle – Devon's Haunted Ruin

By day, Berry Pomeroy Castle in Devon is picturesque. By night, it transforms into one of the most unsettling haunted castles in Britain. Two spirits are said to roam here: the White Lady, Margaret Pomeroy, imprisoned by her jealous sister until she starved to death, and the mournful Blue Lady, thought to be a mother who killed her child.

Visitors report ghostly figures drifting through towers, cries echoing in the dungeons, and an atmosphere heavy with sorrow.

Halloween Highlight: This medieval haunted castle is perfect for ghost hunters seeking a chilling night out.

3. Bolsover Castle – Derbyshire's Grey Lady

Bolsover Castle offers a fascinating mix of grandeur and ghostly mystery. Built in the 17th century, it overlooks sweeping countryside views, yet its corridors tell darker tales.

The most famous apparition is the Grey Lady, a shadowy figure gliding through the halls, often accompanied by sudden icy air. Guards and visitors alike have also reported phantom footsteps when the castle is locked and empty.

Halloween Highlight: Bolsover Castle runs Halloween ghost tours, offering the chance to experience its haunted history first-hand.

4. Raglan Castle – Monmouthshire, Wales

Set in Monmouthshire, Raglan Castle is a striking medieval ruin with a reputation for eerie sightings. Its most frequent spirit is the White Lady, seen wandering the Great Tower and castle grounds. Witnesses describe her ghostly form appearing through a strange mist, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

Visitors also report clanking armour and faint voices echoing across the ruins. Raglan may be lesser-known than some English castles, but it's one of the best haunted castles in Wales for Halloween.

5. Warwick Castle – Warwickshire

Warwick Castle in Warwickshire has stood for more than a millennium, and with such a long history come countless ghost stories.

One of its most famous spirits is Sir Fulke Greville, murdered by his servant in 1628. His ghost is said to haunt the tower where he lived and died, his whispers still drifting from the walls. Another chilling legend is the Black Dog of Warwick, a spectral hound believed to appear before great tragedy.

Halloween Highlight: Warwick Castle hosts spectacular Halloween events and ghost tours, blending medieval history with haunting tales.

Tips for Visiting Haunted Castles at Halloween

• Check for events: Many castles host special Halloween ghost tours and late-night experiences.
• Wrap up warm: Castles are draughty and October nights in the UK can be cold.
• Bring a torch: You'll want extra light for dark stairwells and ruins.
• Keep an open mind: Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the haunted atmosphere is unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

From haunted castles in England to eerie ruins in Wales, Britain offers some of the best ghost tours and paranormal experiences each Halloween. Each site has its own tragic legends and ghostly residents, creating a truly immersive way to embrace the spooky season.

If you are planning a medieval Halloween this year, don't miss the chance to walk among Britain's most haunted castles.

This article is part of the Most Haunted Castles in England series. Read all articles at historiesandcastles.com/blogs/most-haunted-england.

Deepen Your Understanding

→ Is Dover Castle Haunted?: the Drummer Boy legend and centuries of ghost sightings beneath the White Cliffs

→ Is Bolsover Castle Haunted?: the Grey Lady, the Cavalier, and the Woman in Black in depth

→ Haunted Leeds Castle: Kent's royal fortress and its ghostly history

→ Is Windsor Castle Haunted?: royal ghosts from Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth I

→ The Allure of Haunted Castles: why England's medieval fortresses attract so many ghost stories

People Also Ask

What is the most haunted castle in the UK?

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is most frequently named as the most haunted castle in England, based on the volume and consistency of reported paranormal experiences over more than a century. Its history of border warfare, prisoner torture, and violent death has generated a very large body of ghost accounts. Warwick Castle is the most commercially prominent haunted castle in the UK in terms of visitor numbers. Both Chillingham and Warwick regularly feature in polls and paranormal investigations as the UK's top contenders.

Can you stay overnight in haunted castles in the UK?

Several of the UK's most haunted castles offer overnight stays or extended ghost hunt experiences. Chillingham Castle is perhaps the most well-known, offering overnight packages where guests can use paranormal investigation equipment and spend the night in the reputedly active parts of the building. Bolsover Castle and Warwick Castle also host overnight ghost hunts through specialist event companies. Berry Pomeroy and Raglan Castle, being managed as open-air ruins, do not typically offer overnight stays, but special events are occasionally organised in season.

Are Halloween ghost tours available at all five of these castles?

Yes, though the format and timing vary. Chillingham Castle runs its own ghost tours throughout the year, with extra events in October. Bolsover Castle and Warwick Castle host commercially operated Halloween events, often in partnership with event companies, with tickets available in advance. Berry Pomeroy Castle, managed by English Heritage, has historically offered Halloween events on selected dates. Raglan Castle, managed by Cadw, also hosts occasional seasonal events. It is worth checking each castle's website in August or September, as Halloween events sell out well ahead of October.

Is Raglan Castle haunted?

Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire is one of Wales's most frequently cited haunted sites. The most commonly reported apparition is the White Lady, seen in and around the Great Tower: witnesses describe a female form appearing through a mist, often accompanied by a feeling of sudden cold. Some visitors also report hearing clanking sounds and indistinct voices across the ruins at dusk. The castle's history, including its siege and slighting during the English Civil War, is often cited as the source of its haunted reputation. It is managed by Cadw and is open to visitors year-round.

What is the legend of the Blue Boy at Chillingham Castle?

The Blue Boy, also known as the Radiant Boy, is Chillingham Castle's most famous ghost. According to the legend, a young boy was murdered and his remains were bricked up inside one of the castle's walls. His ghost is said to appear as a ball of blue-white light or as the figure of a pale child surrounded by an unearthly glow. He is most often reported in the Pink Room, one of the castle's bedrooms, where guests have described seeing him appear near the fireplace. The ghost is said to let out pitiful cries before disappearing through the walls.

When is the best time to visit haunted castles in the UK?

October is the peak season for ghost tours and Halloween events at haunted castles across the UK, with the week around 31 October the most active. However, many castles with strong paranormal reputations, particularly Chillingham and Bolsover, run ghost-focused events throughout the year. Spring and autumn visits, outside the summer school holiday peak, offer smaller crowds and a quieter, more atmospheric experience. Winter visits to open-air ruins like Berry Pomeroy and Raglan add an extra layer of bleakness that suits the subject. Booking well in advance is always advisable for any specialist event.

Primary Sources and Further Reading

• English Heritage: Berry Pomeroy Castle and Bolsover Castle (official sites, english-heritage.org.uk)
• Cadw: Raglan Castle (official site, cadw.gov.wales)
• Chillingham Castle official site (chillingham-castle.com)
• Hippisley Coxe, A. D.: Haunted Britain (Pan Books, 1973)