Top 5 most haunted places in the UK unveiled - is your town on the list?
Eerie sightings, spooky wails and spine-tingling stories, Britain's top most haunted towns have been unveiled.
by Hannah Giacardi · The MirrorBritain's most haunted towns have been revealed with the spookiest place in the country named based on the number of ghost sightings.
The research, which analysed reported paranormal sightings and haunted locations across the country, offers ghost hunters and thrill-seekers a guide to the spookiest locations. The study ranked counties and local authorities based on reports of paranormal activity per square mile, creating a "paranormal activity score" to determine the most supernaturally dense areas in the UK. This approach highlights where ghostly encounters are most concentrated.
So which town is officially the most haunted with a Paranormal Activity Score of 100 and 43 reported paranormal activities and haunted locations all concentrated in just 15 square miles? The would be Ipswich. The Ancient House is known for ghostly monk sightings and mysterious footsteps, while Christchurch Mansion is home to the ghost of a young Victorian maid. The Ipswich Museum, with reported sightings of a phantom Edwardian lady, offers a cultural twist to ghostly encounters.
Alex Wilson, CEO and founder of Affordable Urns, said: "Our research reveals some exciting destinations for paranormal enthusiasts. The high concentration of reported hauntings in these areas speaks to the rich history and enduring legends of the UK. While we encourage people to explore these fascinating locations, we also urge visitors to approach them with respect and caution. Many of these sites have historical significance and may have restricted access. Always ensure you have proper permission before visiting and follow all safety guidelines. Whether you're a believer in the supernatural or simply enjoy a good scare, these locations offer a supernatural way to connect with the past and perhaps experience something unexplainable."
1. Ipswich
Ipswich has creeped to the top of the table as the spookiest spot in the country. The Suffolk haunt got a chilling Paranormal Activity Score of 100 with 43 spine-tingling reports of eerie goings-on packed into its 15 square miles
The town's Ancient House is famed for its sightings of a monk ghost and the chilling sound of eerie footsteps, while the Christchurch Mansion is haunted by the unsettled spirit of a young Victorian maid. Even, the Ipswich Museum chills visitors with a phantom Edwardian lady stalking its halls.
2. Lincoln
Lincoln emerges as a close second on the spooky scale, ranking high with a Paranormal Activity Score of 82.20. The city's 14 square miles shudder with 33 reports of hauntings and ghost sightings. Lincoln Castle's walls echo with the cries of a woman executed after being accused of witchcraft. The Magna Carta pub buzzes with stories of a ghostly monk and a cavalier. And, the imposing Lincoln Cathedral's Gothic setting comes with many tales of the spiritual realm, including the "Swinging Monk".
3. Cambridge
In third place, Cambridge lurks with a ghastly score of 74.09. Paranormal enthusiasts have recorded 34 unsettling spiritual occurrences across the city's 16 square miles. Amongst Cambridge's spooky highlights are Corpus Christi College, haunted by the apparition of former master Dr. Butts, while Peterhouse College hosts the ghost of Francis Dawes. Plus, seekers of supernatural thrills can visit the Leper Chapel, where echoes of its tragic past manifest through spiritual sightings of its departed lepers.
4. Exeter
Exeter, with a score of 65.85 and 34 reports of paranormal activity across its 18 square miles comes in fourth place. The city's cathedral is said to be haunted by the ghost of a construction worker who tragically fell to his death, while Rougemont Castle is notorious for the spirits of the Babbacombe murderer and his victims. For those seeking a cosy setting for ghostly encounters, the Well House Tavern, haunted by the ghost of a Spanish lady, is the place to be.
5. Oxford
Oxford ranks at number 5 with its score of 58.08 and 30 haunted locations within its 18 square miles. Oxford Castle is home to the ghost of Mary Blandy among other spirits, while the Bodleian Library is known for its regal ghost of King Charles I. The Bear Inn, rumoured to be haunted by a former landlord, offers a traditional pub setting for those in search of a supernatural experience enjoyed over a pint.