As Halloween approaches, many are gearing up to adorn their homes with spooky decorations, carve out pumpkins, and don the most frightful costumes. Yet, for those looking to truly send shivers down their spine, a visit to some of Britain’s most haunted locations might be in order from ghostly villages and eerie houses to abandoned churches.
Nestled in the North East of England, close to the Scottish border, lies the quaint village of Chillingham. With a population of less than 250, this village is renowned for its imposing medieval castle.
This 13th-century fortress isn’t just any historical building; it’s frequently referred to as “Britain’s most haunted castle”, reports MyLondon. The Grey and Bennett families, later known as the Earls of Tankerville, were the custodians of this castle for over four centuries until the 1980s when Sir Edward Humphry Tyrrell Wakefield took residence.
Sir Edward’s wife is a descendant of the original Grey family lineage. A stroll through the castle corridors may lead to encounters with some permanent ethereal inhabitants. One such spirit appears in the ‘Inner Pantry’, where a pale apparition continues to manifest itself, even revealing herself to a footman in service at the castle.
Legend has it that this footman, tasked with guarding the silverware, was confronted by a spectral lady in white demanding water as he prepared for bed. It was only when he moved to fulfil her request that he realised the impossibility of her presence, as he was securely locked within the pantry.
Within the Chamber, it’s said that an unseen presence can be felt, with some describing a cold, eerie sensation and others noting an oppressive atmosphere. Venture into the Chapel, and you may hear the voices of two men conversing – but beware, for if you seek them out, the talking abruptly ceases.
For those brave enough to linger past sundown, when moonlight bathes the courtyard, shadows cast by the battlements are rumoured to spring to life. Explore the gardens, Castle State Rooms… and if you’re feeling particularly daring, the Torture Chamber.
St Peter’s Church, believed to date back to the Norman era, is also on site. Inside, you’ll discover an ornate 15th-century tomb dedicated to Sir Ralph Grey and his wife Elizabeth – the very same Greys who once resided at Chillingham Castle.
The tomb houses painted effigies of Sir Ralph and Elizabeth. Sir Ralph is perhaps best known for the grim act of executing his own son within the castle walls.
While Chillingham may boast only a few attractions, it’s also home to its famous white cattle, which have roamed these lands for at least 700 years and are considered among the rarest animals on Earth. After a day spent ghost hunting, if hunger strikes, you’ll need to venture just beyond Chillingham for sustenance.
In Chatton, The Percy Arms offers both accommodation for the night and a bite to eat. Tuck into hearty pub classics like the Percy burger, homemade steak and ale pie, wild mushroom and sweet potato wellington, or traditional fish and chips.
And if you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss out on their roast, which has earned rave reviews on Tripadvisor for its “fantastic” quality, complete with duck fat roast potatoes, creamy mash, honey glazed roasted vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and rich gravy.
For those after a lighter lunch option, Doddington Milk Bar in Wooler offers a selection of delightful treats, sandwiches, and ice creams crafted from their own cow’s milk. Keep an eye out for their indulgent milkshakes and floats as well.
So, for anyone seeking a slightly eerie escape this Halloween, consider a trip to Britain’s most haunted castle.