Looking to discover the strange, supernatural and downright peculiar? Join us at CrossCountry as we explore some of the spookiest towns and cities across the UK. Whether you’re travelling for a Halloween adventure or you’re a year-round ghost hunter, these ancient cathedrals, ghostly graveyards, and eerie eateries will have you shaking in your boots.
Edinburgh
Auld Reekie is one of the UK’s most haunted cities. Known for its winding streets and ghostly folklore, Edinburgh is the perfect place to visit this Halloween.
Edinburgh’s Spooky History
The city’s haunted history comes alive on misty days. Over the centuries, a thick fog from the North Sea, known as haar, has often descended on the city, bringing with it plenty of ghosts from years gone by. The old buildings, graveyards, and underground vaults, from Greyfriars Graveyard to the Blair Street Vaults, are home to plenty of chilling ghost stories. With tales of friendly and some not-so-friendly spirits swirling through its history, Edinburgh has become one of the most famous cities for a thrilling ghost hunt.
Terrifying Things to Do in Edinburgh
Start with a visit to Greyfriars Graveyard and Covenanters Prison, where you can explore the city's fascinating history with a hint of mystery. For more adventure, head underground to the Blair Street Vaults, once used by smugglers and now filled with stories of eerie happenings—though it's all in good fun! And don’t miss the Edinburgh Playhouse, where you might just catch a show and a glimpse of the friendly ghost, Albert, who’s said to roam the sixth floor in his grey coat.
Haunted Places to Eat & Drink in Edinburgh
Many of the pubs and restaurants in Edinburgh are said to be visited by some ghoulish characters. Why not visit one of these venues?
- The Banshee Labyrinth is reportedly one of Scotland’s most haunted pubs; it’s said to have a resident banshee whose wail was heard before renovations began.
- The Mitre Bar, located on the Royal Mile, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former bishop.
- Whistle Binkies, a lively music venue, has had reports of the spirit of a man in 19th-century clothing appearing late at night.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley by train is convenient when you travel with CrossCountry; just catch a train from multiple locations across the UK, including Glasgow Central, Newcastle, and Durham.
York
Love all the chills and thrills of Halloween? So do the residents of spooktacular York. The city is known for its vibrant ghost tours filled with wild stories with a theatrical flair, including ghastly past residents such as Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes.
York’s Spooky History
York’s 2000-year history is packed with fascinating tales and a few spooky surprises. With its medieval walls, old castles, and winding streets, it has seen everything from fierce battles to daring kings and queens. Some say the city's past is so full of drama that a few friendly ghosts have stuck around too. From ancient rulers to mischievous spirits, York’s stories make it one of the most exciting places to explore for both light-hearted fun and some truly terrifying Halloween events.
Terrifying Things to Do in York
York is packed with spooky adventures for both young explorers and seasoned ghost enthusiasts. At the York Dungeons, you can laugh and scream while learning about the city’s eerie past through fun live shows. Or, pay a visit to the York Ghost Merchants to get your very own colourful ghost figurine to take home. For a chilling thrill, visit the catacombs beneath York Minster, an ancient burial ground with a long and frightening history. Finally, time travel at the Treasurer’s House, where ghostly sightings include a carthorse walking through walls.
Haunted Places to Eat & Drink in York
Many of the pubs and bars in York are thought to be haunted, and one, The Golden Fleece, is possibly the most haunted in the UK. Do you dare to visit one of these eerie eateries?
- Ye Olde Starr Inne is rumoured to be haunted by a ghostly monk who is said to roam the building, possibly due to its long history as a coaching inn.
- Guy Fawkes Inn was the birthplace of the man behind the infamous Gunpowder Plot, this inn is believed to be haunted by his spirit.
- The Golden Fleece is said to be home to several restless spirits, including a former landlady who appears to guests.
York station is accessible from various locations with CrossCountry, including Darlington, Sheffield, and Derby. It’s an ideal place to visit if you enjoy nature, with plenty of pleasant cycle routes to embark on.
Whitby
Whitby is a town known for its quaint shops and cafes and healing sea breeze but there’s plenty to get spooked about too.
Whitby’s Spooky History
Whitby, a quaint seaside town on the coast, is flooded with horrifying history. With its dramatic cliffs and cobbled streets, it has long been a source of inspiration for writers, particularly Bram Stoker, who found the setting perfect for his novel Dracula. Stoker's connections to Whitby are evident in the novel's plot, which features the arrival of Count Dracula via shipwreck at Whitby Harbour. The town's Gothic architecture and hauntingly beautiful landscapes make it a fitting setting for tales of the supernatural.
Terrifying Things to Do in Whitby
Perched high on a cliff, the first and most obvious destination is a visit to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. The dramatic Gothic structure, which actually inspired Stoker's portrayal of Dracula's castle, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of monks who once lived there. Then, right next to the abbey, St Mary’s Churchyard dates back to the 12th century and comes with gorgeous views of the coastline. As you wander through the graveyard, keep an eye out for the infamous “Dracula” gravestone. Finally, at the end of the pier, the Western Lighthouse is not only a functioning lighthouse but also a site with a storied history. It has been said that the lighthouse keeper’s ghost still roams the area, guiding lost souls. The stunning views from the top of the lighthouse add to the eerie atmosphere, especially during stormy weather.
Haunted Places to Eat in Whitby
If you’re in the mood for some good food and a brush with the paranormal, Whitby has several historic spots that deliver more than just a square meal. These locations invite you to enjoy your meal while keeping an eye out for ghostly visitors.
- Bagdale Hall is a hotel and restaurant that dates back to the 17th century. It’s rumoured to be haunted by several spirits. Guests have reported strange occurrences, including the sound of footsteps and objects moving on their own.
- Arundel House was once a Victorian guesthouse and has a reputation for being haunted by the spirit of a former resident.
- The Coffee Shop is located on one of the most haunted streets in the UK, making it the ideal place to relax with a hot drink and spot a ghost.
Ely
Ely, a small city in Cambridgeshire, is one of the most haunted places to visit in the UK, particularly its magnificent cathedral.
Ely’s Spooky History
Ely Cathedral, most known for its jaw-dropping Romanesque architecture, has plenty of legend and folklore. The site has been a centre of religious activity for centuries, leading to tales of spirits from former monks and parishioners lingering within its walls. In addition, the town’s historical significance during the English Civil War adds another layer of intrigue, as many ghosts are believed to have left their mark on this historic location.
Terrifying Things to Do in Ely
Start a spooky adventure at Oliver Cromwell House, where the infamous statesman once lived. The Tudor home is filled to the rafters with ghost stories, including sightings of a woman in white. Then, visit Ely Cathedral, where the huge stained-glass windows tell stories of past visitors, who may still roam the cavernous building today. Finally, take a stroll along the River Great Ouse, where you might catch sight of a group of monks crewing a ghostly barge.
Haunted Places to Eat & Drink in Ely
Not quite ready for the fun to end after exploring Ely and its storied past? Head to one of these establishments for a delicious meal and some tales of things that go bump in the night.
- Minster Tavern has a warm and inviting atmosphere, but locals say it’s also haunted by the spirit of a former landlord who keeps a watchful eye over patrons.
- Lamb Inn is rumoured to have ghostly encounters, with reports of unexplained noises and sightings of spectral figures.
Visitors can reach Ely station by train from various locations around the UK with CrossCountry, including Cambridge, Peterborough, or, if you’re visiting the UK, Stansted Airport.
If you’re planning to visit any of these haunted towns and cities, 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