With Halloween looming, a new study unveils the spookiest castles in the UK for those seeking a spine-tingling adventure this autumn. JeffBet.com analysed thousands of Tripadvisor reviews to crown Chillingham Castle in Northumberland as the UK’s most haunted fortress. Incredibly, one in three visitors to Chillingham describe it as “haunted” or “spooky,” making it a top pick for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
The study delved into the chilling language of Tripadvisor reviews, tallying 26 keywords like “eerie,” “haunting,” “scary,” and “chilling.” Only castles with over 1,000 reviews were considered, and the findings paint an unsettling picture of some of the oldest castles in Britain, ranked by how often these spooky descriptors appear.
The Top Three Haunting Castles
At number one, Chillingham Castle earned its title with 399 reviews out of every 1,000 recounting eerie experiences, from ghost sightings to unnerving chills in its ancient halls. Built in the 12th century, the castle is regularly described as “haunted” and “creepy” and holds a solid four-star rating, attracting brave visitors all year round. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in ghostly lore this Halloween, Chillingham offers the ultimate haunted experience.
Warwick Castle, coming in second, is a favourite among ghost enthusiasts. Of the 16,600 reviews, 140 per 1,000 rate it as spine-chilling, with “scary” as the most common word used by reviewers. With its four-star rating, Warwick Castle’s grandiose towers and dungeons provide an unforgettable autumn day out.
Muncaster Castle in Cumbria holds the third spot, with 134 out of every 1,000 reviews depicting it as “haunting” and “scary.” The 4.5-star rated castle has a long-standing reputation for eerie encounters, and its grounds are said to be teeming with ghostly figures—a perfect setting for Halloween chills.
Scotland’s Scariest and More Eerie Destinations
Adding to the list’s geographical diversity, St Andrews Castle in Fife ranks as the fourth spookiest, with its cliffside ruins described as “claustrophobic” and “creepy” in 96 out of every 1,000 reviews. The castle, rated four stars, is renowned for its centuries-old dungeon, attracting those fascinated by its dark past.
At fifth, Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire draws in thrill-seekers with stories of spectral figures wandering the grounds. With 58 out of every 1,000 reviews labelling it as “scary,” Bolsover’s crumbling battlements create an ideal eerie scene for Halloween explorations.
Completing the top ten are Oxford Castle and Prison, Alnwick Castle, Glamis Castle, Carisbrooke Castle, and Lincoln Castle, each with their own chilling legends and mysterious happenings to enthral visitors.
Why These Castles Hold Their Haunting Allure
A representative from JeffBet.com explained that Halloween is the ideal time to explore the spookiest castles in the UK. “These castles, steeped in centuries of history, carry with them tales of ghostly figures and unexplained phenomena. Visitors can expect anything from spectral apparitions to unsettling sounds, adding to the castles’ mystery and allure. With October’s autumn air enhancing the atmosphere, these sites become especially thrilling for a Halloween visit.”
From Northumberland’s eerie Chillingham Castle to the foreboding dungeons of Oxford, the UK’s spookiest castles promise a haunting adventure this autumn. Whether you’re drawn to paranormal thrills or simply want to immerse yourself in the UK’s rich, mysterious past, these top ten castles offer a truly atmospheric escape.
