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Most haunted places to visit

View of Newton House from the parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire, Wales
View of Newton House from the parkland at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire, Wales | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

There are many ancient buildings in our care, so it's no surprise that some come with ghost stories. Discover headless phantoms, tormented souls and one spirit with a fondness for books.

Blickling, Norfolk
Anne Boleyn, beheaded in 1536 by her husband, King Henry VIII, on unconvincing charges of treason and adultery, is one of the ghosts believed to reside at Blickling Hall. It's said she reappears every year on 19 May, the anniversary of her execution.Visit Blickling
Buckland Abbey, Devon
Some say that the doomed spirit of Sir Francis Drake haunts Buckland Abbey. His ghost supposedly took up residence after signing a pact with the Devil and leads a supernatural pack of snarling dogs.Visit Buckland Abbey
Corfe Castle, Dorset
The headless ghost of a woman in white reportedly stalks the battlements at Corfe Castle. She's believed to have committed an act of treason during the Civil War.Visit Corfe Castle
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
There've been plenty of spooky reports from Newton House at Dinefwr. Lady Elinor Cavendish's ghost allegedly roams the halls, having been murdered by a rejected lover.Visit Dinefwr
A view of Corfe Castle in the distance overlooking the surrounding countryside in the morning light, Dorset
Morning light at Corfe Castle, Dorset | © National Trust Images/Jon Bish
Dunster Castle, Somerset
Floating lights, a man in green and dungeon skeletons found chained together are some of the strange encounters reported at Dunster Castle.Visit Dunster Castle
Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
There's said to be a phantom book-lover at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk. They tragically died trying to save their beloved books after a fire broke out in the library.Visit Felbrigg Hall
Treasurer's House, Yorkshire
The marching Roman military phantoms seen at Treasurer's House may be our oldest known ghosts, but they're not the only reason it's known as the most haunted house in York. A cat haunts the café, a grey lady has been known to invite children to sit on historic chairs and you can sometimes smell the cigar smoke of a previous owner as he checks in on his beloved home.Visit Treasurer's House
Wicken Fen
The National Trust's oldest nature reserve is said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, evil spirits whose lights flicker across the marshes and lure people to a watery grave. They are apparently attracted by whistling, so take care what noises you make when visiting.Visit Wicken Fen
Two visitors laughing at each other whilst admiring the Dining Room at Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

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