Creepy Castles & Haunted Homes

No tour of spectral Britain would be complete without a visit to Berry Pomeroy in Devon, the most haunted castle in the country. Watch out for the White Lady, the ghost of Lady Margaret Pomeroy, who was starved to death by her sister in a jealous rage over a man. The castle is so terrifying dogs hate to walk near it, and sinister presences even disrupt cameras and videos!

Take a visit this Hallowe’en and find out more about Berry Pomeroy the bloodcurdling ghost stories.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle’s sinister past has led to a number of unwelcome guests who refuse to leave. The ghost of Agnes Cotell, hung may years ago for murdering her husband and burning his body in the kitchen oven, is still seen wandering the castle ruins in her long, red dress.  Listen out for the heavy footsteps in the shop, or the strange medieval music floating through the castle courtyard. A number of people have reported feeling ‘cold spots’ in the Priest’s House and ‘Orbs’, believed to be spirits that haven’t found their way to heaven, appear in photographs taken by visitors.

Bring history to life at Farleigh Hungerford Castle this Halloween

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight is also home to a number of ethereal presences – a man in Victorian clothing, the shadow of Queen Victoria’s sickly son Prince Leopold, a small Indian servant boy and even Queen Victoria herself have been spotted by staff and visitors. Even if you don’t experience any paranormal activity, you’ll certainly get an intimate glimpse into royal family life as you walk through the Queen’s bedroom, the nursery rooms and even royal bathrooms!

Find out more about Osborne House

Lullingstone Roman Villa will have seen its fair share of action since it was first built for a wealthy Roman merchant over two thousand years ago. And although it has had a peaceful history, some have reported ‘cold spots’ amongst the ruins. One visitor said they could smell perfume on the upper gallery and another said they had seen a small child upstairs. Both times there had been no one else around. Up the road towards Lullingstone Castle, legionnaires have also been spotted marching in the distance. Real or imagined – who knows? But a visit to Lullingstone Roman Villa is without a doubt, a wonderful encounter with the past and a great day out!

Find out more about Lullingstone Roman Villa

Ghost-hunters in the Midlands will be entranced by the tragic tale of Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire. In 1646, Alice, the niece of revolutionary Colonel Birch, became trapped in the castle keep with her Royalist secret love Charles Clifford. The lovers managed to escape one stormy night, but were tragically swept away by the ferocious river and drowned. Legend has it their spirits still haunt the castle – some say shrieks can be heard during bad weather. But don’t let tragic lovers tales put you off, romance is still alive at Goodrich; even if it is a little chilly outside you can warm up in our new café and share a steaming hot chocolate and some delicious home made cake.

Go on, keep the romance alive.

Today the spectacular ruin of Witley Court, once home to many extravagant parties, is according to staff, visitors and work men home to a number of ghosts including a string quartet! Staff have received comments from visitors about a gentleman who peers out of an upstairs window, despite there being no floors; the haunting music of a string quartet in the Ballroom where no band plays; plus reports from workmen who saw an elderly gentleman so regularly in the property that they believed he lived there, only to find out that no-one resides at the property after dark!

Dare you visit Witley Court this Hallowe’en?

It is easy to see why the eerie ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to include the location in his gothic tale Dracula. It is said that a phantom choir can be heard each January 6th at dawn and sightings of a coach pulled by headless horses have also been reported.
However, one of mysteries which visitors can see most days will be the lack of seagulls flying around the haunting ruins.  Legend says that St Hild cast them all out and forbade them from flying over the Abbey, and those that strayed over the Abbey grounds are said to dip their wings in homage.

Why not visit Whitby Abbey this autumn and judge for yourself if the stories are true?

Visitors to Helmsley Castle in North Yorkshire risk an encounter with the Green Lady of Helmsley, who has been said to trawl the grounds and corridors of the castle. Peculiar pixie-like creatures have also been spotted around the castle grounds, so visitors are urged to keep their wits about them during a trip to this particular haunted house.

For those seeking a first hand ghostly experience visit Helmsley this half-term and explore.

The scene of many bloody battles between the Scots and the English, Carlisle Castle remains plagued by restless spirits. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned at Carlisle and some say her presence remains there to this day. More gruesomely, the “licking stones” in the castle dungeons are smooth from generations of prisoners licking the moisture from them in a desperate attempt to stay alive!

Find out more about Carlisle Castles 900 year history