For centuries, the people of the United Kingdom have been plagued by ghost stories and hauntings. From the ghost of Anne Boleyn who haunts the Tower of London to the Ghost of Saint Botolph, the paranormal is a large part of British culture and a concept that is as popular today as ever.
There is a sizable tourism industry centered around haunted destinations and hotels, home to the archetypal little girl, ladies in red, and even ghost dogs. Here are 10 of the most haunted hotels in all four countries of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You could spend the night in one of them... if you're brave enough!
10 Ballygally Castle - Antrim, Northern Ireland
This beautiful 400-year-old hotel is located only 26 miles from Belfast and situated perfectly to explore the nearby attractions like the Giant's Causeway. It is also close to the filming locations for Game of Thrones and even offers a GOT tour.
The castle has several resident ghosts. Its most famous is Isabella Shaw, the wife of the castle's original owner, James Shaw. He wanted a child, but after Isabella delivered, she was locked in a room atop the tower. This led to her death by falling (or perhaps being pushed) out of the window. Her ghost is said to remain today, walking the corridors and knocking on the guests' doors at night.
9 Castle Stuart - Aberdeen, Scotland
This castle has a long and bloody history dating back over 500 years. Many battles took place near these grounds, soaking the soil with blood. In the 18th century, an Earl (an ancestor of the castle's builder) made the grand building his home. However, things went awry quickly, with many paranormal events said to have taken place.
The Earl, however, wasn't convinced. To disprove the claims, he offered a reward to anybody willing to spend the night. Four did, and three were found unconscious the next day after reporting seeing a zombie-like figure. The final guest was found the next day, thrown out of the window, while the room itself was wrecked. The hotel was abandoned and refurbished in 1977, boasting a stunning golf course. Its red-brick style, towers, and overall design are a perfect spot for paranormal enthusiasts, even if you don't encounter a ghost.
8 The Savoy - London, England
One of London's most famous hotels, The Savoy is close to the West End theaters and shops. It has a restaurant affiliated with Gordon Ramsey and 205 beautiful rooms and suites. Just don't stay on the fifth floor. Here, many paranormal events reportedly occur, especially the appearance of a young girl's ghost.
The girl, thought to have died there, operates a mysterious elevator that can be heard creaking. Where does the elevator go, and why is it being operated? Nobody knows, though it is speculated that it's some form of portal.
7 Adelphi Hotel and Spa - Liverpool, England
Located at the heart of Liverpool and close to all the city's amenities, this hotel is also said to be home to five resident ghosts. One of the hotel's ghosts is none other than the captain of the Titanic, who occasionally appears in one of the lounges (which is an exact copy of the Titanic's smoking lounge).
Another is a German Prince who threw himself out of the window of his room. Now, he wanders the hotel and regularly changes the temperature of many of the rooms. You might also see a man hanging out of a window. If you decide to help, you'll discover that the room is empty and the window is locked. The hotel allows pets, so consider bringing along your trusty feline to sense any unwelcome visitors in the night.
6 Lumley Castle - Durham, England
This beautiful castle is a great stay, with 74 beautiful en-suite rooms, proximity to both Newcastle and Sunderland, and picturesque parklands along the River Wear. It's also said to be haunted by the wife of the original owner, Baron Lumley.
The legend states that she was thrown into the well by priests, who lied to the Baron and claimed that she simply left him and became a nun. To this day, she regularly rises from the well, terrifying those who see her. She also spends a lot of time in the castle, roaming the halls. There were also reported sightings by the visiting cricket teams who play at the nearby Durham County Cricket Ground.
5 The Ancient Ram Inn - Gloucestershire, England
A former priest's residence, this inn was constructed in 1145 and has garnered much attention from tourists (and even TV shows such as Most Haunted). Skeletal remains have been discovered on the site where rituals are said to have occurred.
The severity of the site's paranormal activity is so extreme that many who have visited were so badly affected that they were possessed and an exorcism had to be performed. Perhaps this is one to avoid.
4 Black Swan Hotel - York, England
Situated in the picturesque town of Helmsley, this 15th-century hotel is made up of three separate sections with different architectural styles: Elizabethan, Georgian, and one made of black and white timber. The latter gives the hotel a unique and unusual look, mirroring the alleged paranormal events that occur here.
One such haunting is that of a small boy named Matthew, who regularly appears around the hotel in Victorian garb. The ghostly figure of a man is often seen at the bar, eagerly awaiting someone before vanishing. Another woman is seen looking into the fireplace, and it is said that any man who gazes upon her face will die instantly. If these tales don't put you off, though, the Black Swan is incredibly stylish, with an award-winning restaurant and spectacular countryside walks.
3 Bull Hotel - Abergele, Wales
Sporting almost as many ghosts as rooms, the Bull Hotel is one of Abergele's oldest buildings. One of northern Wales' most central hotels today, its perfectly located to suit the nearby, scenic coasts.
One of the monks who once resided here is still at the hotel, they say, having died there in an accidental fall. A young man, also a resident of the hotel in his time, remains a resident in death as well. A motorcycle enthusiast, his passion led to his death in a fatal crash. He still roams the hotel sporting his leather outfit. Another woman regularly appears, though her identity is a mystery.
2 White Hart Hotel - Essex, England
The White Hart Hotel is located in a town almost as eerie as the hotel, Coggeshall. The ghost of an old woodcutter wanders its streets and an infamous coven of witches supposedly practiced the dark arts here. The hotel itself resembles the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, and there are many claims of resident spirits here.
Room 19, in the oldest section of the building, is also host to paranormal activity. Cameras refuse to work, perhaps due to the ghosts' magnetism, and lights turn on and off seemingly of their own accord. The hotel, however, has 18 other ghost-free rooms and is very comfortable overall, boasting a blend of modern and traditional furnishings.
1 The Feather's Inn - Ludlow, England
This inn, dating back to 1619, has a unique black and white design, which adds a certain character. It has had many residents over the years, many of whom are no longer living.
One malicious ghost is often found in room 211, while rooms 232 and 233 regularly play host to a man and his ghost dog. Just outside the building, a female spirit is said to appear to men. The hotel has other features attractive to those not hunting for specters, though: a real fireplace gives a wholesome vibe, added to by creaky floorboards and stairways.