Haunted road trip: Where to spot a ghost!

Halloween loving Brits looking for a spooky encounter are being given tips on the most haunted stately homes and castles to visit across the UK – as 23% confess to believing in ghosts and 42% say they know someone who’s seen one.

The travel and motoring insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk conducted a spooky survey and started investigating some of the ghostliest destinations with the most haunted tales.

Some of the earliest recorded ghost sightings date back to the first century AD and while there are no official recordings throughout the centuries, stories of ghosts and ghouls lurk across every corner of the UK.

The experts have found spooky stately homes and castles in Scotland, Cornwall, Norfolk and North Yorkshire, uncovering ghosts including the White Lady in Lancashire, housekeeper Janet in Gloucestershire and the Blue Boy in Northumberland. 

The experts also suggest turning a tour of the haunted destinations into a fun half-term road trip and are encouraging scare seekers to make sure vehicles are up to scratch before heading off.

Ian Wilson, savings expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk , said: “Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there are lots of places to visit across the UK where you could encounter paranormal activity.

“Some of these iconic locations are steeped in centuries-old legends, and the chance of bumping into a ghost adds an extra layer of intrigue. Whether it’s tracking Anne Boleyn at Blickling Hall or exploring Corfe Castle’s ruins, the ghost stories bring history to life.

“Turning it into a road trip is a great way to explore the UK’s rich heritage and visit some spooky sites this holiday season. It’s a great blend of history, folklore, and the unknown – perfect for keeping kids and adults entertained on autumn days out.

“Just make sure your car is ready for the colder weather, well maintained and roadworthy, any unforeseen incidents that occur may not be covered by your insurance if you’ve not taken reasonable care of the vehicle.”

Tiger.co.uk’s guide to haunted UK stately homes and castles:

1. Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire

Whitby Abbey is well known for being haunted. Legend is, if you walk the 199 steps to the Abbey on a cold, dark night, you may see a horse drawn, ghostly carriage coming towards you. The carriage stops outside St Mary’s Church, the horses rear on their hind legs and vanish. Other ghosts and ghouls thought to roam the town include a big, muscular dog known as The Barghest, St Hilda who founded Whitby Abbey and Constance De Beverly – a nun who was bricked up alive inside the walls of the Abbey after falling in love with a handsome knight.

2. Flitwick Manor, Bedfordshire

Flitwick Manor is believed to be haunted by two ghostly women. One is thought to be the wife of former owner John Brookes, who watched her daughter die. Another is housekeeper Mrs Banks who was dismissed after the then family suspected her of murdering their young son.

3. Blickling Hall, Norfolk

Blickling Hall in Norfolk is said to be haunted by Anne Boleyn and her father Thomas. Every year, to mark the anniversary of her death, a coach pulled by four headless horses rides through the nearby village and pulls up on the drive with a headless Anne. Anne’s father Thomas is also said to haunt the estate as is Sir John Fastolfe.

4. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire

Sudeley Castle is full of ghostly happenings. One of the best known is Edwardian housekeeper Janet who, after retiring, visited the castle to make life difficult for her successor. After she died, it’s rumoured her visits continued with her spotted running her finger over furniture and keeping watch on the staircase. Other ghosts thought to haunt the spooky castle include the last of Henry VIII’s wives Katherine Parr, a blacksmith, a young boy playing in the garden and friendly dogs.

5. Samlesbury Hall, Lancashire

The White Lady is Samlesbury Hall’s most famous ghost. It’s believed to be Lady Dorothy Southworth who fell in love with a man she was not allowed to marry. The couple planned to elope, but Dorothy’s brother waited for them to appear and killed the man. Dorothy witnessed it all and is now seen floating through the hall crying. Other sightings include a beheaded priest and philanthropist Joseph Harrison and his family. 

6. Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle’s most well-known ghost is Edward the Martyr. He was an Anglo-Saxon heir to the throne who was killed by his stepmother Elfthryth. It’s also said to be haunted by a headless lady in a long, white dress – who walks around the battlements. Other ghostly goings on include a weeping child.

7. Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

Spooky Chillingham Castle is home to ghosts including the Blue Boy who appears in one room at midnight. Reports claim sounds of a child in pain are heard before he appears with the noises coming from a wall. When the cries fade, a bright light appears by the bed. During the 1920’s, workmen found the bones of a young boy in the walls with fragments of blue fabric beside the skeleton. Other sightings include the Grey Lady and the Lady in White.

8. Glamis Castle, Scotland

Another Grey Lady haunts Glamis Castle in Scotland, it’s thought to be the ghost of Lady Glamis who was burned at the stake for being a witch. She was accused of poisoning her first husband and conspiring to poison King James V of Scotland. Other ghosts include a young boy who likes to trip people up. He froze to death after being disciplined for his mischief.

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