There is nothing the British like more than a good ghost story, and the stately homes and castles that characterise this beautiful island make ideal settings. With this in mind, here are some idea for some day trips in the UK . Treat the kids to some good old fashioned terror!
Chillingham Castle
Widely known as the most haunted castle in England, Chillingham Castle has a varied history full of drama, war, deception and love, making it the perfect breeding ground for a ghost story or two!
The most famous ghost of Chillingham Castle is the Blue Boy (sometimes known as the Radiant Boy), who was said to have haunted the Pink Room. Every night when the clock struck midnight, the poor child’s screams and moans filled the room, frightening anyone who slept in there!
Other ghosts reported include Lady Mary Berkeley, who tragically committed suicide after her husband and her sister ran away together, a weird toad like creature who changes into human form before disappearing and a white lady who asks unwitting people for water (it is thought she is the spirit of a lady who died after being poisoned).
The Tower of London
From the Princes in the tower to Anne Boleyn, the Tower of London has to host some of the best known ghosts in history. After her execution in 1554, Lady Jane Grey (whose execution was ordered by Mary Tudor, the daughter of Henry VIII) is said to have appeared on numerous occasions.
The Tower of Salt is thought to be the most frightening place there, dogs refuse to enter and Yeomen (Beefeaters) are said to be scared to go in after dusk after one of them was reputedly nearly strangled by something unseen!
Blickling Hall
In October 2007, a National Trust survey voted Blickling Hall the most haunted house in Britain. Once home to the Boleyn family, it is claimed that every year, the ghost of Sir Thomas Boleyn attempts to cross twelve bridges before dawn, starting at Blickling, as penance for not stopping the execution of two of his children (famously Anne, the second wife of Henry VIII, and her brother George).
Anne Boleyn herself is said to haunt the Hall. Every year on the anniversary of her execution, her headless spectre travels in a couch driven by a headless couch man and four headless horses.
Michelham Priory
Situated on the longest Medieval water filled moat, Michelham Priory has the reputation of being the most haunted location in East Sussex. Visitors to the property have reported sudden drops in temperature and feelings of being watched.
Among the many ghosts said to haunt the Priory is a black, hooded, monk like figure and a gray lady who stares helplessly into the water- it is thought her child drowned in the moat.
For more information about the above locations, visit the following websites:
Chillingham Castle: www.chillingham-castle.com
The Tower of London: www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon
Blickling Hall: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Michelham Priory: www.sussexpast.co.uk/property/site.php?site_id=15
Graidi Taylor-Rose - Living in one of the most beautiful areas of Britain (North Devon) famous for it’s associations with witchcraft and ghosts, I am ...
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