Most of the towns and cities across the UK are layered with thousands of years of history, making for some pretty ghastly ghost stories. Many organisations have recognised the value of preserving these stories within local lore, and sharing them with curious visitors is a fantastic way to keep the legends alive. For families who love a little thrill, ghost walks are a great way to dive into some haunted history while enjoying a light-hearted scare. For those looking for a more intense experience, there are plenty of ghost tours that are genuinely spine-chilling. Whether you're seeking out spectres in ancient universities, haunted graveyards, or eerie coastal towns, join CrossCountry as we explore some of the most hair-raising haunted walking tours in the UK.
Creepy Cambridge
Visiting Cambridge? Don’t miss the Creepy Cambridge ghost tour. Though mostly known for its beautiful colleges and relaxed atmosphere, Cambridge does harbour a darker side. Creepy Cambridge takes you through the historic streets of this ancient city, revealing stories of witches, ghostly professors, and horrifying happenings. Highlights of the tour include a visit to Little St Mary's Lane, one of the most haunted roads in the country, with several ghosts residing in its picturesque cottages.
Getting to Cambridge station is easy when you travel with CrossCountry, and there’s plenty to explore during the day. How about taking a scenic walk through the city, only to experience the same locations with a devilish twist during the nighttime ghost tour?
The Oxford Ghost Tour
Oxford, with its centuries-old buildings and storied past, is great for a ghost hunt. The Oxford Ghost Tour takes you through narrow streets and alleyways where the history and paranormal presence is palpable. Listen in anticipation and delight to grizzly tales of famous hauntings, restless spirits, and dark secrets hidden behind the city’s academic facade. As you walk past the colleges and courtyards, you'll uncover legends of headless ghosts and eternally heartbroken apparitions.
A train journey to Oxford is well worth it for a day of sightseeing and an evening filled with ghoulish excitement. Catch a CrossCountry train to Oxford station from all over the UK, including Reading, Birmingham New Street, and Leamington Spa.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
The Original Ghost Walk of York has now been running for over fifty years, enough time for some new ghouls to pop up in the city! York is famous for its well-preserved medieval history and looming ancient buildings, perfect for paranormal encounters. Creeping along the cobbled streets, the Original Ghost Walk brings York’s fraught past to life with tales of plague victims, wandering ghost children, and sightings of restless spirits. It’s also fully wheelchair-accessible, providing the meeting place is accessed via King Street, making a ghost tour a fantastic idea for an accessible day out.
York station’s train connections make it an easy and exciting day trip for visitors looking for a mix of history, legend, and paranormal intrigue. Just catch a CrossCountry train from a variety of stations, including Newcastle, Derby, and Leeds.
Shanty Baba, St Ives Storyteller
For a ghostly experience with a twist, head to the coastal town of St Ives in Cornwall for the Shanty Baba Storyteller tour. Shanty Baba’s storytelling weaves local Cornish myths and legends into an atmospheric walking tour. Attendees will enjoy the unique, magical quality of this seaside haunt, where mysterious shipwrecks, smuggling tales, and the ominous sea mist set the scene for ghostly encounters.
Though St Ives may be a slightly longer train journey it will provide visitors with gorgeous views, and the charming town is a fantastic destination for a hauntingly good time. If you’re travelling with CrossCountry, the closest station to St Ives is St Erth, from there, it’s a fifteen minute taxi ride or fifty minute bus ride.
The Haunted Graveyard Tour, Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is an absolute must-visit for occult enthusiasts, with its dark, Gothic architecture and long history of hauntings. The Haunted Graveyard Tour takes you into one of Edinburgh’s most notorious locations: Greyfriars Kirkyard. Known for its mausoleums and unquiet spirits, the tour explores the spooky stories surrounding this ancient cemetery. From the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist to tales of body snatchers, visitors may be in for a few nightmares after this one.
Edinburgh Waverley station is only a short walk away from the tour’s starting point, making it easy to add to your travel plans. Catch a train to Edinburgh from all over Scotland and further south, including from Glasgow Central and Aberdeen.
Durham Ghost Walk
Durham is best known for its stunning cathedral and university. However, its haunted history is definitely a selling point too. The Durham Ghost Walk takes you through city streets and along the River Wear, revealing tales of haunted castles, tragic figures, and ghostly monks. This walk is ideal for those wanting a gentler ghost tour, suitable for families with children or friend groups looking for a mix of history and frightening storytelling.
Durham station provides easy access to this small city, making it a great stop on a spooky UK tour. There are lots of things to do in Durham during the day, and with excellent connections across the country, it’s ideal for both a day trip and a staycation.
Craig Y Nos Castle Ghost Tours
For a haunted adventure in Wales, make the trip to Craig Y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons. Their famous ghost tour takes you through the chilling corridors of a former tuberculosis hospital, where strange occurrences are said to be common. With tales of resident ghosts, including that of the opera singer Adelina Patti who once called the castle home, this tour is perfect for visitors in search of a truly authentic scare.
Craig Y Nos Castle is located in the village of Pen-y-cae, roughly forty minutes by bus from Neath station. To reach Neath by train, there are connecting services from Cardiff Central and Newport.
If you’re planning a ghostly tour of the UK, be sure to pay a visit to these haunted hotels and petrifying pumpkin patches too. Don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia