The 20 most haunted places in the world
Halloween’s here – the one time of year it’s perfectly acceptable to go ghost-hunting instead of house-hunting. If you’ve got a taste for the macabre, the world is full of creepy places where the line between history and horror gets delightfully blurry. From castles with blood-stained legends to forests that swallow sound, there’s no shortage of spots guaranteed to raise goosebumps.
Across the globe, travelers are swapping sunshine for shadows in search of haunted places that tell stories darker than any guidebook could. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill tourist traps – they’re places where footsteps echo without owners, cold drafts appear out of nowhere, and locals lower their voices when they talk about “what they’ve seen.”
So, in honor of Halloween, we’ve rounded up the most haunted places in the world – from Britain’s brooding castles to eerie islands and abandoned hospitals. Whether you’re chasing a thrill, a legend, or just an excuse to sleep with the lights on, these destinations deliver spine-tingling atmosphere in style.
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA
Once home to Al Capone, this crumbling Gothic prison now echoes with disembodied footsteps and cell doors that slam of their own accord. Shadowy figures have been spotted in the corridors, proving that some inmates may still be serving time.
Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA
The inspiration for The Shining, this grand mountain hotel in Estes Park has an unshakable sense of unease. Guests report ghostly piano music, spectral children laughing in the halls, and a sense that someone’s always just behind you. Redrum, anyone?
The Tower of London, England
Few places have seen as much bloodshed as the Tower of London, which might explain its queue of lingering spirits. From Anne Boleyn’s headless ghost to the lost Princes in the Tower, its walls are heavy with history and the occasional eerie whisper. Royal intrigue meets supernatural suspense at its finest.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Sitting high above the city on volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is as haunted as it is historic. Visitors have reported ghostly bagpipers echoing through the tunnels and prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars still pacing their cells. The dungeons, predictably, are not for the faint-hearted.
Aokigahara Forest, Japan
At the foot of Mount Fuji lies the “Sea of Trees” – hauntingly beautiful, heartbreakingly still. Aokigahara is infamous for its tragic past, and visitors say the forest swallows sound entirely. Bring a guide, a compass and nerves of steel.
Pendle Hill, Lancashire, England
Site of the notorious 1612 witch trials, Pendle Hill still crackles with unease. Misty moorland, tragic legends and tales of wandering witches make it a magnet for ghost hunters. Locals swear the wind itself whispers the names of the condemned. Visit at dusk if you dare.
Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire, England
Often dubbed the most haunted house in Britain, the Ancient Ram Inn is pure nightmare fuel – and proudly so. Built on a pagan burial site, it’s said to host everything from poltergeists to demonic presences. Guests have fled in the night after unseen hands tugged at their sheets.
Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada
This neo-Gothic mansion feels like something out of a detective novel – complete with secret tunnels, cold spots and reports of unseen footsteps echoing through the halls. Elegant on the outside, eerie within. Toronto’s favorite haunted house by far.
Pluckley Village, Kent, England
Officially crowned Britain’s most haunted village, Pluckley is said to boast more ghosts than residents. Phantom highwaymen, screaming schoolmasters and a spectral lady in red all make appearances. Even the local pub comes with a poltergeist on tap. Quaint, yes – but far from quiet.
Glamis Castle, Scotland
The ancestral home of the Queen Mother hides centuries of scandal. Ghostly figures wander the corridors, from a gray lady to a mysterious card-playing nobleman who never left his chair. Even Shakespeare got wind of its dark side – some say it inspired Macbeth’s own cursed castle.
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Ballygally Castle Hotel, Northern Ireland
This seaside castle-turned-hotel comes with a resident ghost: Lady Isabella Shaw, who fell (or was pushed) from a tower centuries ago. Guests report knocks on their doors and fleeting glimpses of her pale figure. The staff, unbothered, include her on the guest list.
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Old Changi Hospital, Singapore
Once a WWII military hospital, later abandoned, Old Changi still reeks of history and haunting. Locals whisper about ghostly soldiers and restless patients seen wandering the wards. Even in daylight, its peeling corridors are deeply unsettling.
Airth Castle Hotel, Falkirk, Scotland
Once a family home, now a hotel, Airth Castle carries centuries of whispers. Guests often hear ghostly children playing in empty corridors and servants in 17th-century garb drifting past the stairs. The only thing more chilling than the Scottish weather might be breakfast conversation.
Château de Brissac, France
France’s tallest château comes with a tall tale: the “Green Lady,” a noblewoman murdered by her husband centuries ago. Her spirit still drifts through the halls, weeping softly. The owners reportedly hear her long before they see her. Très chic, très spooky.
The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Wales
Wales’s oldest pub has seen it all – executions, witch trials, and centuries of weary travelers. The hanging beam still stretches across the stairwell, and guests say the air grows heavy near it. Today, you can stay the night, though sleep may be optional.
Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, England
Chillingham by name, chilling by nature. With its medieval torture chamber and the famed “Blue Boy” ghost who glows before vanishing into the stonework, it’s one of Britain’s creepiest stays. The owners fully embrace the hauntings – and brave guests can even book a room.
Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Abandoned and off-limits after dark, Bhangarh Fort is India’s most notorious haunted site. Legends speak of a cursed city and a sorcerer’s revenge, and locals still refuse to stay overnight. Even in daylight, its ruined temples and silent courtyards feel otherworldly.
Leap Castle, County Offaly, Ireland
Often called the most haunted castle in the world, Leap Castle is pure gothic drama. Its history includes betrayal, murder, and a particularly nasty spirit known as the Elemental – said to announce itself with the stench of decay. Shadowy figures, flickering lights, and sudden chills are all part of the experience. Even ghost hunters tread carefully here.
Poveglia Island, Italy
Just off Venice, this abandoned island was once a quarantine station – and later, a psychiatric hospital. Locals call it the “Island of Ghosts,” claiming the soil is thick with human ash. Officially closed to visitors, it still draws the brave (and the foolish).
Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada
This grand mountain retreat looks straight out of a fairy tale – until the lights go out. Guests speak of ghostly bellhops, phantom dancers and the “Bride of Banff,” a tragic spirit seen gliding down the staircase in her wedding gown. Romance, with a chill.
If the scariest part of a Halloween weekend break for you is the price, don’t worry – we have you covered. We’ve got plenty of cheap hotels in the US for you to choose from, many close to the spooky places that the country has to offer.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan has worked in travel for over 15 years, writing about destinations across the whole UK and around the world. He loves city breaks with the family and is always hunting out new and exciting attractions to visit, and the best hotels to match.
