Londonâs Most Haunted: Explore Spine-Chilling Locations
London, a city celebrated for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, has also gained notoriety in the present day as a hotspot for the paranormal.
While people still question the existence of ghosts, there is no denying the history and legend that surround these spine-chilling locations. When you visit these locations, whether or not you quiver in your boots, we can guarantee that you will hear some interesting stories, learn a little, and have a good time.
So, gather your courage, and letâs step into the shadows and explore Londonâs most haunted places, where history, mystery, and the supernatural converge. Londonâs ghosts await â are you ready to explore the unexplained and the eerie?
Whenâs the best time to visit these haunted locations?
Why Should you use a ride service?
How can we help plan your trip?
London is a metropolis where history and modernity coexist, and its haunted locations come in many shapes and sizes. From impressive castles to local pubs, these locations present spine-tingling and tragic capers that continue to fascinate the general public and cement their reputation as Londonâs most haunted.
Hereâs our list of haunted recommendations:
Sunday â Monday: 10 am â 4.30 pm
Tuesday â Saturday: 9 am â 4.30 pm
The Tower of London, found on the north bank of the Thames River, is one of the oldest and most prominent castles in the United Kingdom. While it is synonymous with being the home of the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders, it was once one of Britainâs most notorious prisons and was also the location of one of the most infamous royal murders.
The mere idea of being locked up in the tower was enough to scare the living daylights out of anyone. So, with such a tumultuous history, it comes as no surprise that visitors have reported the presence of apparitions over the centuries.
While there is no guarantee that you will have a paranormal experience during your visit, if you are lucky or unlucky (depending on your point of view), the apparitions that you may come across include:
History would remember Guy Fawkes as one of the men who tried to blow up King James I and his parliament in 1605 as part of the now-infamous âGunpowder Plotâ.
The plot failed, and Fawkes and his co-conspirators were either killed or captured. Fawkes would be imprisoned in the Queenâs House of the Tower and subjected to horrendous torture before eventually being executed in 1606.
Visitors often report hearing screams of anguish when they pass through the site of his imprisonment. Could this really be Guy Fawkes, still experiencing the pain of torture?
Another famous ghostly resident of the Tower is Anne Boleyn. As the second wife of Henry VIII, the Kingâs desire to marry Anne caused the King to split from the Catholic Church and establish the Church of England.
However, Anneâs inability to produce a male heir would lead to her downfall. Henry would cast her aside in favour of Lady Jane Seymore and execute Anne on the charge of high treason.
The ghost of the former queen has manifested itself several times in the tower. 1864 saw an incident involving a guard. The guard reportedly witnessed the apparition of the late queen and attacked the figure under the impression that it was an intruder. When his bayonet did not come into contact with flesh, he came to a stark realisation and fainted on the spot.
Another incident saw a guard witnessing a 16th-century procession of lords and ladies. The guard identified the individual leading the procession as none other than Anne Boleyn.
However, it would seem that Anne Boleyn is a well-travelled ghost. Visitors have also reported seeing her apparition in Salle Church, Blickling Hall, and Hever Castle.
The former king was imprisoned in the Wakefield Tower during the War of the Roses. Subsequently, in 1471, the king would be murdered in his private chapel close to midnight.
Since then, visitors have reported the appearance of the kingâs apparition in the Wakefield Tower close to midnight.
The story of Sir Walter Raleigh is a true fall from grace. He was once the favourite explorer of Elizabeth I, was instrumental in the British colonisation of North America, and helped defend the home island against the Spanish Armada.
However, following Elizabethâs death, he was arrested, convicted of treason, and sent to the Tower by James I. He spent over 13 years in the tower, and one of the towerâs permanent exhibits showcases how he spent his days.
Following his death, visitors have reported seeing his spirit wander around the Bloody Tower and the battlements, now named Raleighâs Walk.
In mediaeval times, family ties could open doors and also get you killed, as was the case for Margaret Pole, the Countess of Salisbury. She was the mother of Cardinal Pole, who strongly opposed Henry VIIIâs structuring of the Church of England. She was sent to the Tower and eventually executed in 1541.
Her execution was not a quick affair, as witnesses reported that the young executioner was a âwretched and blundering youthâ. The executionerâs swings were not true, as the initial swings struck her head and shoulders, causing her to scream in unimaginable pain. The accounts of the event agree that it took over 11 blows to get the job done.
It seems that her pain has gone with her to the afterlife, as visitors reported hearing echoes of her screams at the tower.
Known to history as the âNine-Day Queenâ, the story of Lady Jane Grey is one of political intrigue and tragedy. She and her husband, Lord Guildford Dudley, were both victims of the unsuccessful attempt to keep Mary Tudor out of the throne.
Once Mary Tudor claimed the throne as Mary I, Lady Jane Grey and her husband were sent to the tower and executed in the Tower Green. Visitors claim that the Nine-Day Queen has yet to pass on and continues to haunt the battlements and the site of the execution.
As the husband of Lady Jane Grey, Lord Guildford would also share his wifeâs fate and be executed in the tower. Prior to the execution, he was imprisoned in the Beauchamp Tower.
In the modern day, visitors report hearing sounds of weeping at the Beauchamp Tower, which they attribute to the weeping Lord Guildford. Many believe Lord Guildfordâs spirit also carved the word âJaneâ in the Beauchamp Tower walls.
The deaths of Edward V and his brother Richard are one of the most famous royal murders in the UK. While it has not been definitively proven, many agree that their uncle, the Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III), was responsible for their deaths. This was all but confirmed when the skeletal remains of two children, matching the ages of the young princes, were found under the tower staircase.
Back in the day, having claims to the throne often made you a rival of the ruling monarch, as was the case for Arbella Stuart. James I would imprison her for marrying William Seymore, the nephew of Lady Jane Grey, without royal consent.
Experts are unclear as to whether she starved on purpose or was purposely starved. In the end, she died as a result, and it is reported that her ghost continues to haunt the Queenâs Room of the Tower.
In 1957, a Welsh guard reported spotting an apparition of a faceless woman. While the identity of this woman has not been revealed, it is known that she was one of the women who suffered a terrible fate at the tower.
During the reign of Henry III, the Tower was also a royal zoo, housing many exotic animals such as leopards, lions, and monkeys.
While there have been reports of many animal spectres, the most prominent is the ghost of a grizzly bear that haunts the Jewel Room and Martin Tower.
In 1864, Captain J.D. Dundas observed one of his fellow Yeoman Warders charge at a âwhitish, female figureâ with his bayonet drawn.
Chillingly, the apparition appeared at the site of the execution of Anne Boleyn. Is this the ghost of Anne Boleyn or someone else?
Visitors to the tower report hearing the sound of a monkâs sandals slapping on stone. However, one must also admit that this is not the strongest evidence of paranormal activity.
Location:Â The London Dungeon
Official Website:Â https://www.thedungeons.com/london/
Monday â Wednesday: 11 am â 4 pm
If you were to ask the locals about the one best and scariest ghost attraction in London, the London Dungeon would be one of the top picks.
In 1974, the attraction was opened to the public by Annabel Geddes with the purpose of educating the general public on Londonâs dark and tumultuous past in a fun and entertaining manner. Initially, it was a wax exhibit display, which gradually evolved in the 80s and 90s into a walkthrough theatrical show.
In 2013, the attraction moved from its location in Tooley Street to County Hall in the South Bank, opposite the House of Parliament.
The tradition established in the 80s and 90s continues to carry on to this day as the attraction relives Londonâs past in an artistic and horror-inducing manner, making it the perfect Halloween destination. The website even has a âscare scoreâ for the performances, so brace yourself.
If you want to beat the rush, it is recommended that you visit the Dungeons in the off-season, as it gives the performances a more eerie feel. However, if you want to visit the Dungeons as part of your Halloween plans, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
The stunning performances of the actors and actresses take visitors back in time to various key points in Londonâs history. These include the Great Fire, the Great Plague, the Witch Hunts, and the Gunpowder Plot. The last one makes perfect sense since the building is the same building through which Guy Fawkes intended to carry out the infamous plot.
While there are no named spirits, actors and visitors to the Dungeon have often reported the hallmark signs of paranormal hauntings.
Location:Â The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
Official Website:Â https://thelondonbridgeexperience.com/
Monday â Friday: 12 pm â 6 pm
Saturday â Sunday: 11 am â 6 pm
If you are looking for the quintessential London horror experience, a visit to the London tombs should be on your bucket list.
Visitors can gain access to the London Tombs through The London Bridge Experience, an award-winning scare attraction and performance that brings the horrors of Old London to life with brilliant acting and compelling story-telling.
Located in the lower haunted vaults, the eerie tomb is now a winding scare maze, with actors playing a wide variety of characters that include doctors, butchers, clowns, and zombies. Aside from the actors, the tombs also seem to be home to several ghostly ghouls.
Several groups of paranormal investigators report sightings of a female apparition roaming the tombs; the staff have named this spirit âEmilyâ. Furthermore, poltergeist activity and loud noises are regularly reported within the location. So it comes as no surprise that staff refuse to work at the location alone.
The hauntings in the London tombs were so prominent that they featured in the hit Youtube series âBuzzfeed Unsolved: Supernaturalâ
Location:Â Highgate Cemetery
Official Website:Â Highgate Cemetery
Opening Hours:Â Monday â Sunday: 10 am â 5 pm (Last Entry 4.30 pm)
Built in 1839 as part of the âMagnificent Sevenâ, Highgate Cemetery is what you would expect a typical Victorian cemetery to look like, with breathtaking tombs, monuments, and mausoleums scattered throughout.
Over the years, it became the fashionable place to be buried, even if your friends and family would never visit your tomb again. Times were tough for the cemetery during the World Wars, but it has bounced back, and now it doubles as a nature reserve. A Victorian-era cemetery in the middle of a forest? I canât think of a more perfect horror movie setting.
Following the Second World War, it was rumoured that many cults congregated and performed rituals that may or may not have opened portals to different planes of existence. Over the years, there have been many reported paranormal incidents, ranging from ghost cyclists, gliding creatures, red-eyed demons, and even vampires. It would seem that Highgate is home to all sorts of ghosts and demons, making it the perfect place for a ghost hunt.
Location:Â Hyde Park Pet Cemetery
Nestled in the corner of Londonâs Hyde Park lies the Hyde Park Pet Cemetery, an endearing testament to the everlasting bond between humans and their animal companions.
The mostly marbled tombstone pet cemetery was opened in 1881 and soon became the fashionable place for wealthy Londoners to bury their beloved animal companions.
While the cemetery officially closed in 1903, it continues to be relatively well-maintained, creating a serene atmosphere with a slightly eerie tranquillity at night.
There does not seem to be a wealth of ghostly activity at this location; there have been reports of faint moans and the appearance of apparitions. Perhaps you could be the first to capture some ghostly evidence at the location.
Before you pack your ghost hunting gear, note that the park is not open to the general public. However, special one-hour visits can be arranged by contacting the Royal Parks. Each visit can accommodate six people and costs around 60 pounds. (Prices are subject to change.)
Location:Â Ragged School Museum
Official Website:Â Ragged School Museum
Monday â Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday â Sunday: 10 am â 5 pm
Witnessing the deplorable conditions and lack of opportunities that dominated the lives of the children of Londonâs East End, Dr. Thomas John Barnando gave up his medical practice, became a missionary, and opened Londonâs first Ragged School in 1867.
For the next three decades, the original school and the Copperfield Road Free School would provide a free basic education to over 16,000 children before finally closing their doors in 1908. Where the school once was is now a museum that celebrates the history of the school and Victorian East London.
Over the years, the paranormal experiences of staff and visitors have been of such frequency that many now consider the school one of the most haunted places in the UK. Many attribute the hauntings to the harsh treatment endured by the children.
Reported activity in the school includes shadowy figures, disembodied voices, poltergeists, and even full-bodied apparitions.
Location:Â The Spaniards Inn
Official Website:Â The Spaniards Inn
Monday â Saturday: 10 am â 11.30 pm
Sunday: 12 pm â 10.30 pm
Established in 1585, the Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, London, is one of the oldest institutions in the UK. It was immortalised by Charles Dickens in âThe Pickwick Papersâ and it was where John Keets penned his famous poem, âOde to a Nightingaleâ. As an institution that has stood the test of time, it has many stories to tell, and quite a few of them revolve around the supernatural.
One of the ghostly residents of the inn is Juan Peroro, one of the innâs original owners. The story goes that the brothers, Juan and Francesco, fell in love with the same woman, which tore their relationship apart. The feud culminated in Juan challenging Fransesco to a duel. However, when the dust settled, it was Juan who was lying on the ground. Now his ghost supposedly haunts the inn, filled with regrets.
Visitors and staff have also reported witnessing a ghostly woman dressed in white. While her connection to the property is unknown, it is speculated that she could be the woman who the brothers fought over. Alternatively, some suggest that the woman was one of the victims of Dick Turpin, the famous British highwayman.
Speaking of Dick Turpin, the Spaniards Inn was where he spent most of his time, scouting his next unsuspecting victim. It would seem that the legendary bandit has extended his stay at the inn, as visitors report seeing him travelling on horseback.
Another ghost that supposedly haunts that inn is the ghost of Black Dick. The local money lender met his tragic fate in front of the inn when he was trampled to death by a horse-driven carriage. Unlike the others, the money lender is not seen but felt with a tug on the patronâs arms. But we can understand if this apparition is hard to notice.
With or without the ghosts, the Spaniardâs Inn continues to be a popular destination for anyone wanting some classic British comfort food, and we highly recommend you visit.
Location:Â The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
Official Website:Â The Viaduct Tavern
Monday â Friday: 12 pm â 11 pm
If youâre a fan of the âBuzzfeed Unsolved: Supernaturalâ series, then you are familiar with the famous Viaduct Tavern.
Built from 1872 to 1875, the tavern started out as an opulent gin palace and, over time, transformed into a traditional English tavern. The splendid interior of the old gin palace days can still be seen in parts of the tavern. While the tavern now sits opposite the Old Bailey, its neighbour used to be Newgate Prison, and its connection to the prison is seen in the surviving cells found in the tavernâs basement.
While the tavern is famous as a traditional English pub and tavern, it is also famous for its exceptionally high paranormal activity. Some have gone on to describe Viaduct as âLondonâs most haunted pubâ. From what we can tell, they seem to be right on the money.
Claims of paranormal activity began in the 1970s, and there have been several noteworthy encounters.
In 1981, the landlordâs daughter was upstairs reading the newspaper when she heard someone run up the stairs. Suddenly, the door flew open, the newspaper was thrown out of her hands, and the door was slammed shut.
In 1985, it was reported that the pub ownerâs German Shepherd would continue to growl at something at the cellar doorways; no human would ever see the focus of the dogâs growls.
A manager was tidying the place when the doors slammed shut and the lights went out. No matter how hard he tried, he could not open the door. However, his wife was soon able to open the door without any difficulty.
In 1997, a local news station aired a special Halloween programme where they took a medium to the tavern in hopes of getting in touch with the ghosts. At the end, the medium approached the manager and stated that the ghost inhabiting it was named Robert and not Fred.
âFredâ is the name given by the staff to the apparition that is supposedly responsible for many of the tavernâs paranormal activity, ranging from emptying patrons drinks when they arenât looking, switching lights on and off, and the irregular flushing of toilets. When such a situation occurs, the staff reassures visitors that âFredâ is harmless and offers them a free drink.
Two electricians who were working in the pubâs upstairs went running, scared, when they saw a rug being lifted up in the air and dropped to the ground. The electricians only returned once the management assured them that Fred was perfectly harmless.
With so many encounters, it is very likely that you too might experience something when you visit the Viaduct Tavern. Will you be saying hello to Fred?
Location:Â Charlton House
Official Website:Â Visit Charlton House & Gardens â Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust
Monday â Friday: 9.30 am â 3.30 pm
Saturday: 9.30 am â 3 pm
Originally the residence of prominent nobles, the Charlton House in Greenwich survives as one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in the UK. Aside from being an example of classic architecture, it also has the reputation of being haunted by some of its previous occupants.
It was built in 1607 by Sir Adam Newton, the tutor of Henry, the Prince of Wales. Over the years, the property would become the family home of Sir William Langhorne and eventually pass on to his nephew. Under Sir Thomas Maryon-Wilson, the house would be modernised with the inclusion of a bathroom, wardrobe, and minstrel gallery. During World War 1, the house was used by the Red Cross as an auxiliary hospital.
Over the years, the Jacobean house has become the residence of some spooky spirits. One of the reported ghosts is Sir William Langhorne himself. According to the stories, the old lord continues to roam the halls, saddened by his lack of heirs.
Another well-known ghost is the âGrey Lady,â who has been seen by visitors and staff walking the garden carrying a bundle that seems to resemble a baby. The baby explanation would make sense considering that the mummified remains of a baby were discovered during renovations.
The housesâ attic and cellars also seem to be paranormal hotspots, as staff members claim to feel oppressive spirits and refuse to enter these areas alone. Will you explore the old home and come face-to-face with its ghostly residents?
Location:Â The Langham, London
Official Website:Â The Langham, London | 5-Star Luxury Hotel in West End London
Considered Europeâs first âGrand Hotelâ, the Langham Hotel in the heart of London is well known for its elegance, impeccable service, and having accommodated a long list of illustrious guests. Among the cadre of human visitors that come and go, there seem to be some ghosts that have overstayed their welcome.
The paranormal activity first manifested when the hotel was owned by the BBC, with much of the activity being centred around the hallways and Room 333. In fact, Room 303 has garnered so much attention that the Huffpost described it as the âMost Haunted Hotel Room in Londonâ.
The ghostly occupants include a German prince who had thrown himself from an upper-story window, a man with a gaping flesh wound, a butler with holey socks, and a footman in a pale blue livery and powdered wig. Staff also claim that former French emperor Napoleon III also resides in the hotel basement. The hotel also seems to be occupied by a ghost that seems to enjoy tipping guests out of their beds.
Another well-documented ghost is that of a doctor who murdered himself and his wife on their honeymoon. The silver-haired Victorian gentlemen first appeared in front of BBC journalist James Alexander Gordon in 1973. The terrified journalist called over his colleagues to Room 333, who also witnessed the spirit just as he disappeared. Now the spirit only seems to appear in October. In 2014, the spirits acted up when the English cricket team stayed at the hotel.
However, sceptics claim that the ghost was concocted by journalists to escape tough deadlines. Could this be a potential explanation, or will you visit the hotel and draw your own conclusions?
Location:Â Hampton Court Palace
Official Website:Â Hampton Court Palace
Monday â Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday â Sunday: 10 am â 4pm
An architectural masterpiece nestled along the tranquil banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace has had a front row seat to history since the 16th century. Originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wosley, the grand residence was later taken over by Henry VII, who transformed it to the palace we see today.
As you embark on a regal journey of exploration, know that the palace is reportedly haunted by several notable royal figures, and you may even run into them.
The royal ghosts include Lady Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII who died due to post birth complications after delivering Prince Edward, the male heir Henry desperately wanted. She reportedly appears as a pale figure at the Palaceâs Silver Stick Stairs.
Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII is another ghost reported within the palace. Dubbed âThe Screaming Queenâ, she is supposedly seen running screaming along the âHaunted Galleryâ. Many say that the anguishing ghost is doomed to repeat her failed attempt to escape from her captors for all eternity.
There are also reports of âThe Grey Ladyâ roaming the palace grounds. Almost everyone agrees that this is the ghost of Sybil Penn, the nurse of Prince Edward and Elizabeth I. She cared for the Queen when she was afflicted with smallpox, but would unfortunately succumb to the same disease. Her ghost was first reported in 1829, right after her tomb was moved. She is reported to haunt the clock towers and the state apartment.
A truly terrifying spectre was captured in the Winter of 2003 when security cameras captured doors swinging open with significant force and out emerged a terrifying figure which people now call the âHampton Court Skeltorâ. While you might be okay with running into the other ghosts, we canât say the same about this one. People speculate that the Skeltor is Henry VIII, if thatâs the case, talk about an awkward family situation.
Whenâs the best time to visit these haunted locations?
We would argue that the âbest timeâ to visit these locations solely depends on what you want. Do you want to beat the crowds and have these locations to yourself? Then organising a trip in the off-season is the way to go.
However, if you want to experience the location with a festive feel to it, there is no better time than Halloween. Many of these locations are decorated for the festival, and you also have the opportunity to experience Halloween-themed merchandise and the locationâs Halloween-themed events.
If you are a ghost hunter seeking evidence of the supernatural, it is only logical that you visit these locations when there arenât too many people. If youâve seen the ghost hunting shows on the internet, this usually means having the place to yourself after closing. Get in touch with the staff and see what can be arranged. Many of these locations are happy to cater to the requests of ghost hunters.
Bottom line: do your research, know your preferences as well as those of your friends and family, and most importantly, have a good time. Hopefully, the ghost wonât scare you too much.
Why Should you use a ride service?
Exploring these haunted locations all over London can be a truly unique and sometimes frightening experience. Plus, if itâs Halloween, you know you are going to be ready to party with your fancy, and well-designed costumes. The last thing you want to worry about is driving yourself to and from these locations.
Therefore, we recommend that you rely on a respected and trusted ride-hailing service to enhance your experience.
There are compelling benefits to using services when exploring Londonâs most haunted locations. They include:
Efficient time management,
Customizable Itineraries,
Book a ride with Smartzi and make unforgettable memories in London.
How can we help plan your trip?
We are Smartzi, an innovative cab service that operates in the UK and offers unmatched services at lower fares, resulting in happier drives and customers.
You can call on one of our trusted drivers through our website Smartzi and our ride-hailing app, found in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.
By becoming one of our valued patrons, you will gain access to our regular special offers, allowing you to get the best deals that exceed every expectation.
So join the Smartzi family and explore Londonâs haunted landmarks. Scared or not, we guarantee that we will get you home safe and sound. Donât delay; Check us out today!
