Across Britain, stately homes and ancient castles play host to more than just history. Behind the portraits and manicured gardens, many carry chilling tales of mysterious sightings, phantom footsteps and centuries-old tragedies that still echo through the halls.
From the ghost of Henry VIII's second wife to a headless woman in white and clocks stopping in unison, these are the most haunted historic houses you can visit right now, if you're brave enough.
The most haunted National Trust houses
Blickling Estate is home to a stunning Jacobean mansion that's surrounded by a magnificent garden and a historic park in the meadows. It has a rich history and is widely believed to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn.
How is it haunted?
Beheaded by her husband King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn's presence is still felt in Blickling Estate's house to this day. It's said she reappears on 19th May, the anniversary of her execution.
Read more about Blickling Estate
With medieval origins, the abbey began life as a Cistercian monastery run by wealthy monks who created the Great Barn that still stands today. Centuries later it was developed into a 16th-century Tudor mansion and eventually became home to seafarers Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake.
How is it haunted?
It's said that the doomed spirit of Sir Francis Drake stalks the halls of Buckland Abbey. According to some, his ghost took up residence after signing a pact with the Devil and leads a supernatural pack of snarling dogs.
Read more about Buckland Abbey
While you're at it, why not have a glance at the National Trust's collection of haunted forests and scary woods?
Corfe Castle survived the English Civil War and its romantic ruins provide breathtaking views across Purbeck. It has fallen walls, secret places, plenty of wildlife, and tales of treachery and treason. What more could you ask for?
How is it haunted?
A headless ghost of a woman dressed in white stalks the battlements at Corfe Castle and she's believed to have committed an act of treason during the Civil War.
Dinewyr Estate is home to the Grade II listed Newton House, a family home to the descendants of Lord Rhys, a powerful Welsh prince, for over 300 years. It's home to an impressive drawing room, parkland, and plenty of art and cultural events.
How is it haunted?
There have been plenty of eerie reports from Newton House over the years. Lady Elinor Cavendish’s ghost is said to roam the halls, murdered by a rejected lover.
Situated on a wooded hill, the castle has an impressive medieval gatehouse and a ruined tower. Through the ages it transformed from a fortress to a family home, having been owned by only two families throughout its history. Terraced gardens display Mediterranean and tropical plants, while its wooded garden leads to a historic working watermill.
How is it haunted?
Rumours speak of a 'Man In Green' who lurks around Dunster castle, floating lights bobbing and disappearing, as well as dungeon skeletons who have been found mysteriously chained together.
Read more about Dunster Castle
Think you could solve a case of your own? Bring the historic settings to life with a murder mystery night at a National Trust manor house.
Felbrigg Hall is home to one of the Trust's largest collections of furniture, art, and much more. Each of its rooms reflect its history, from a Chinese bedroom, to eclectic displays in the Cabinet Room. Outside of the house you'll find impressive gardens and a rolling landscape park to explore.
How is it haunted?
William Windham III, a passionate bibliophile, died from injuries sustained saving books from a burning library. To this day, visitors report seeing a figure leafing through pages in the library as though he's still searching for a final chapter.
Treasurer's House is filled with antiques and art, and was made to one man's exacting standards. It's actually an accredited museum, too, which means that everything inside is cared for by a conservation team.
How is it haunted?
Perhaps the most haunted of the houses on this list, Treasurer's House is filled with history and weird happenings. A cat is said to haunt the café, a grey lady has been known to invite children to sit on historic chairs, the strong smell of cigar smoke can pass through rooms at random, and clocks have been known to stop at the same time. And that's just for starters...
Read more about Treasurer's House
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