England is the home of hundreds of castles and forts, and each of them has a unique history. From fairytale castles to ruined castles that are connected to multiple significant battles, England has it all.
The mass castle building was noticed in England in the Norman Era to strengthen William’s rule. However, only some castles are known for fulfilling the purpose of enhancing power. Some are known for playing host to battles, witchcraft, executions, and murders. With that, numerous stories of ghosts or spirits roaming in those castles are rumoured around for generations and are demonstrated to be haunted.
Haunted Castles are for those who love ghost stories and want to make their holidays and day-outs thrilling. If you are brave enough, you must visit English haunted castles. They are creepy enough to chill you down. Here is our guide to the most haunted castles in England that you must visit.
Most Haunted Castles in England
7. Hever Castle, Kent
Hever Castle is a grand castle built in 1270. It was once the home of the Boleyns, one of the most powerful families in the country during the 15th-16th centuries. As part of the settlement on the annulment of Anne Boleyn, the castle was given to Henry VIII. It was then passed to different families and was bought by William Astor in 1903. The castle attracts visitors because of its gardens, lakes, and romantic and haunted tales.
It is believed that this castle is haunted by Anne Boleyn’s ghost, the second wife of Henry VIII, and she roams in it to date. Visitors have reported encountering her ghost on the old wooden bridge over the River Eden, mainly on Christmas Eve. If you dare, you can stay at Hever Castle overnight and be a part of a ghost hunt.
6. Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire
Tutbury Castle, located in the heart of England, was first recorded by Normans in 1071 and has been the seat of many powerful families and kings. The castle was part of numerous battles and has seen many deaths. Although its heritage and scenic location are appealing, visitors usually get attracted to it because it’s haunted.
Tutbury Castle is reported to be haunted and is famous for oft-reported ghost hunting. Ghost tales associated with this castle were convincing enough to feature it in the show “Most Haunted”. Once the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, the Scottish queen, was witnessed by a group of 40 visitors.
Another ghostly resident of the castle is “The Keeper”. He haunts visitors by barking, “Get thee hence” in the Gateway of John the Gaunt. Some visitors also experienced paranormal activities happening in the King’s bedroom. If you dare, visit Tutbury castle during your visit to England.
5. Pengersick Castle, Cornwall
Pengersick Castle is a beautiful castle built by John Millito in the 16th century. He was believed to be the Dark Lord who was into black magic. Many mysterious deaths took place in the castle, making it haunted.
It is believed that John Milliton’s ghost is still present in the castle. Some people have reported seeing a monk who was murdered in the castle. Many visitors also sight the ghost of Henry Pengersick. Another haunted tale associated with the castle is the ghosts of sailors from Wreck of St. Anthony, who were killed in Gunwalloe Bay in 1527. Ghost Hunting Cornwall organises many ghost tours in Pengersick Castle. You can be a part of them and experience the ghost of this castle closely.
4. Muncaster Castle, Cumbria
Built-in 1208, Muncaster Castle is a beautiful castle overlooking River Esk. Despite its breathing frontage, it’s a creepy castle in England that will make your wildest ghostly nightmare come true.
Muncaster Castle is the favourite spot of paranormal researchers. Visitors have reported listening to a child crying and a woman singing in the Tapestry room. Even many ghostly tales revolve around the ghost of Thomas Skelton and Tom Fool, who play tricks on the visitors and staff. Another ghost you might encounter in the castle during your visit is Muncaster Boggle or White Lady, a ghost of a young girl killed near the main gate in the 1800s. The castle hosts scientific ghost vigils and haunted Halloween week each year. You can be a part of such events and experience the spooky side of the castle.
3. Chillingham Castle, Northumberland:
Chillingham Castle is surrounded by some bloodiest battle tales of all time. It is located in the Northumberland countryside and hosted a series of kings of Scotland and England. Believe it or not, the reality is that tens of thousands of executions are performed here.
Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, orbs of lights, hearing cries and whispers, and feeling the touch. The spookiest spots of this castle are the Still Room, which features a “haunting witch” painting, the Dungeon, where visitors hear scratching voices, and a trap room. However, visitors say that ghosts are often friendly. This castle also offered guided ghost tours and night & overnight stays.
2. Dover Castle, Kent
Dover Castle is one of the important castles in England known for its defensive role. It was built in the 12th century by Henry II and has been a part of plenty of action over the years.
Many visitors have claimed to encounter ghostly activities in the castle. Some have seen the man’s lower half walking through King’s Bedchamber, while others reported seeing the ghost of a crying woman in the west stairway of the keep. A few people also noticed a blue figure in the mural gallery and heard the drumming sounds of a drummer boy who was murdered in the castle. It is believed that the tunnels of the castles are the spookiest. All these activities made this castle take second place on the list of most haunted castles in England.
1. Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon
Berry Pomeroy Castle is a 15th-century castle located in the wooded valley of Devon. It is now a romantic ruin open for visitors to explore. However, this castle, with fairytale and romantic vibes, can be particularly spooky at night. It is the source of some horrible mysteries and ghost stories. Some visitors have taken photographs of ghostly apparitions in it. Even ghost specialists can’t explain whether it’s the ghost in the pictures or illusions.
The castle is reportedly haunted by two ghosts- the White Lady and the Blue Lady. White Lady Ghost is considered Margaret Pomeroy, who haunts the dungeons of St. Margaret Tower, where she was starved to death. Blue Lady Ghost is believed to be the daughter of one of the Norman castle lords, and she lures people into various parts of the castle to get them lost. The visit to Berry Pomeroy Castle will make your spine chill.
Conclusion:
We listed very few haunted English castles in our list. If you visit England, you’ll come across many more haunted castles. If you like to make your trip thrilling and full of chills, you must make these castles a part of your vacation itinerary.
Have you ever encountered any ghostly activity while visiting England’s castles? Share your experience with us in the comment section.
