Staycations In A Haunted House

These ghost sightings often occur in buildings such as castles, pubs and other particularly old properties – and some of these properties are available to rent.

So, if you’re feeling particularly brave this year, why not consider a spooky retreat to a haunted house? We’ve pulled together a list of some haunted UK locations that are available to rent for your holiday.

Chamber Apartment, York

Why not start with a spot in the most haunted city in Europe? The Chamber Apartment is over 600 years old and is allegedly home to several ghosts, including one of a headless woman. It’s known as the ‘Madness Chamber’ and overlooks the minster. It’s advertised as “silent with a small outside yard”, making it a relaxing place to stay – if you don’t mind the ghosts.

The Langham Hotel, London

The Langham Hotel would be impressive enough without its reports of ghosts – it was the first purpose-built hotel in London (built in 1865) and housed guests such as Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain. There have been many reports of ghosts and spooky incidents over the years, with room 333 being a particular hub of haunted activity – staff and guests have reported cold spots, objects moving on their own, and the spectre of a Victorian gentleman.

The Jamaica Inn, Cornwall

Best known as the setting of Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, the Jamaica Inn also boasts its fair share of ghostly activity. Guests have reported sounds of voices speaking in foreign tongues, ghostly footsteps, and knocks on the doors. The inn also offers paranormal sleepovers for anyone looking to learn more about the spooky property.

Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland

Overlooking Ballygally Bay, Ballygally Castle is the perfect spot for a seaside getaway. It’s said to be haunted by Lady Isobel Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw, who built the castle in 1625. The stories around her vary in detail but all agree that she met her untimely death by falling from a window onto the rocks outside the castle, and guests have seen her wandering the hallways and crying for her lost child. If you catch a whiff of vanilla in the castle hotel, it’s said to be a sign that she’s close.

The Skirrid Inn, Wales

The Skirrid Inn claims to be one of Wales’ oldest pubs – and home to a number of ghosts. John Crowther is one ghost said to haunt the inn, having apparently been executed on the site for stealing sheep. Guests have reported hearing hushed voices, slamming doors, and experiencing cold spots.

Dalhousie Castle, Scotland

Situated eight miles south of Edinburgh on the bank of the river Esk, Dalhousie Castle is home to a ghost known as the Grey Lady, said to be the spirit of a girl named Lady Catherine who either starved to death in the castle tower or died of a broken heart. Known as the Grey Lady because of her dress, she has been seen roaming the halls or even appearing at the end of guests’ beds.

UK travel insurance from Towergate

If you’re staying within the UK, you may not think it’s important to take out travel insurance as your medical expenses will still be covered by the NHS, but there are plenty of other things that can go wrong.

Taking out travel insurance means you’ll be covered if your luggage goes missing or gets stolen or damaged, or if you experience cancellations or delays of transport. Make sure to do your research beforehand, as some UK holiday insurance policies have a minimum number of miles from home or nights away before they’ll offer you cover. For more information, see our dedicated travel insurance page.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.