Haunted Places in London to Visit
Since this city is so ancient and known for its colourful history, it is no surprise that there are many haunted places to visit in London. Even today there are ghost sightings and mysterious happenings that cannot be explained.
Some places are notorious for these strange occurrences and home to famous spirits, murders and troubled souls. You may have experienced their presence before while walking along a dark-lit road or past a cemetery. Or perhaps you are seeking a meeting with the paranormal.
From parks and hotels to your local pub, find a list of ghostly places below and proceed at your own risk:
Ready to get scared? Begin reading….
Haunted Houses
50 Berkeley Square
History: Now the headquarters of Maggs Bros. bookseller, the house was built in the early 1700s by the architect William Kent. Popular historical figures have lived here such as the MP George Canning. Also, a mysterious ‘Mr. Myers’ who was reportedly jilted by his fiancé and turned into a bitter recluse wondering around at night. In the 1900s this house became known as “The Most Haunted House in London” from Peter Underwood’s report of the house in the book Haunted London.
Ghosts and Legend: The attic of this house is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young woman who committed suicide there. She threw herself from the top floor windows after abuse from her uncle. Her spirit is said to be capable of frightening people to death by taking the form of a brown mist. There are two reported deaths that are said to have occurred after people stayed overnight in the room.
1872 – Lord Lyttleton stayed the night in the attic and fired his shotgun at something in the night. In the morning, his shotgun cartridges were missing.
1879 – Mayfair Reported a maid stayed there overnight and became mad, dying in an insane asylum the next day.
1887 – Sailors from the HMS Penelope stayed overnight and by the morning one was found dead from tripping as he ran from the house.
Where: Townhouse on Berkeley Square in Mayfair, in Central London (see map)
Nearest Tube: Green Park
How much: Free to look at from the street! Walks of London provides great self guided tours and directions – including historical commentary of 50 Berkeley Square.
“During the day, I don’t believe in ghosts. At night, I’m a little more open-minded”
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Source: 50 Berkeley Square, Wikipedia
Image: Secret Guides, YouTube
Sutton House
History: This house was built in 1535 by Ralph Sadlier, who was a courtier of Henry VIII. Since then, it has been the home to Huguenot silk-weavers, schoolmistresses, clergy and merchants. This house had fallen into disrepair but has been restored in the 1990s and is open to the public under the National Trust.
Ghosts and Legend: Home to several ghosts, you can hear dogs wailing late at night. These are said to be the dogs of the wool merchant John Machell (lived here from 1550 to 1558). When dogs are brought to the house today they become rigid and transfixed by something on the stairs.
There is also a ghost of the ‘White Lady’ who is said to be Frances who died giving birth to twins in 1574. People are said to see her apparition hovering around the old building. During renovations of the building in the 1990s, a student is said to have woke to see a lady in a blue dress hovering over him.
Where: 2 – 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, London, E9 6JQ (see map)
Nearest Transport: Hackney Central Overground
How Much: Admission for adults is £3.50 and children £1.00
Source:Sutton House, National Trust
London’s Most Haunted Houses, Haunted London
Image: visitinghousesandgardens.com
Spooky Hotels
The Langham Hotel
History: Known as a grand hotel in London, it is located in Marylebone facing towards Regent’s Park. It was built between 1863 and 1865 – costing a total of £300,000. Patrons included Napoleon III, Mark Twain Oscar Wile, Antonin Dvorák and Arturo Toscanini.
Ghosts and Legend: Beware of room 333 which is thought to be the most haunted room. The story behind this room goes that in 1973 a BBC radio announcer, James Alexander-Gordon stayed here. He woke up to find a fluorescent ball in front of him take the shape of a man in Victorian evening attire. He asked the ghost what it wanted and it began to float towards him. The ghost is said to have its legs cut off and arms outstretched. He is said to have got up and fled!
Where: 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA (see map)
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
How Much: Around £300 a night. If that’s too much you can always pop in for some afternoon tea (from £44 a person).
Source: The Langham, Wikipedia
London’s Langham Hotel, news.biharprabha.com
Image: London’s Best Hotels Blog
The Georgian House Hotel
History: Built in 1756, soldiers and noblemen stayed at the hotel as Bonnie Prince Charlie set up camp in Derby.
Ghosts and Legend: A man in a pin-striped suit is said to haunt this hotel (who was once a hotel guest). He is said to slam doors, cause items to fall from shelves and move items around. Rooms 10 and 12 have the highest level of paranormal activity and where you should stay for a night if you are looking to meet a ghost!
Where: High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2JY (see map)
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
How Much: Around £125 a night
Source: Georgian House Hotel, Haunted Rooms
Image: Easytobook.com
The Grange Blooms Hotel
History: This hotel is set in an 18th century town-house. The building itself stands on what used to be Montague House, now the British Museum.
Ghosts and Legend: The hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. John Cumming, a minister who was obsessed with apocalyptic prophecy and anti-Catholic views. On cold winter nights, you can find his ghostly spirit in the lounge area of the hotel.
Where: 7 Montague St, London WC1B 5BP (see map)
Nearest Tube: Russell Square
How Much: Around £160 a night for a Standard double room.
Source: Grange Blooms Hotel, Haunted Rooms
Image: stagdoparty.com
Scary Pubs
The Viaduct Tavern
History: Based in Holborn, The Viaduct Tavern was built in 1875 and later remodelled by Arthur Dixon. This building is based across the street from the Old Bailey and built on the foundations of an old prison (Giltspur Street Computer). The pub now uses the old cells as the pub cellar.
Ghosts and Legend: Pub staff are said to be weary of venturing down in the cellar at night and there have been reports of lights going off, locked doors and freakish noises.
1996: One manager who was cleaning the cellar on a Saturday morning reported a door slamming closed and the lights going out on him. He tried to free himself from the door but could not get out. His wife is said to have heard him and went to help him. She found that the doors were unlocked and easy to open from the outside.
May 1999: Two electricians were working on the pub, moving aside carpets and tearing up floorboards. One of the men felt a tap on his shoulder a few times. The first time he dismissed it and the second time he thought his co-worker was playing a prank on him. The other worker denied tapping him. As they went back to work, they saw the heavy carpet they had rolled up get lifted into the air and dropped onto the floor.
Where: 126 Newgate St, London EC1A 7AA (see map)
Nearest Tube: St. Paul’s
How Much: Free to enter. You might have to pay for a pint or for some fright!
Source: Viaduct Tavern, Ghost Story
Image: Viaduct Tavern Website
The Flask
History: A pub is said to exist here since “at least as early as 1663” according go the 1936 Survey of London. The present building is dated circa 18th century and has been partially rebuilt by William Carpenter. It is thought to be named after flasks of mineral water that were purchased here in the 18th century when Hampstead was popular for its wells.
Ghosts and Legend: There are a few ghosts that seem to linger around this tavern. A Spanish barmaid hanged herself in the pub’s cellar over unrequited love for the publican and this area is now a seating area . There are also claims of a man in Cavalier uniform who is seen crossing the room in the main bar and then vanishing into a pillar.
Another spooky story is that this pub was the site for one of the first-ever autopsies. It was covertly conducted with a fresh body taken from Highgate Cemetery.
Although he doesn’t haunt this place, it is said that highwayman Dick Turpin visited this pub while on the run from the authorities. Other famous figures included Byron, Keats and Shelly who were regulars.
Where: 77 Highgate West Hill, London N6 6BU (see map)
Nearest Tube: Highgate
How Much: Free entry to be scarred stiff
Source: The Flask, Highgate
Image: theflaskhighgate.com
The Spaniards Inn
History: This pub is located at the edge of Hampstead Heath and close to Kenwood House. It is often described as a quaint, oak panelled pub with a pretty pub garden. It is was built in 1585, as the country home of the Spanish Ambassador to James I of England and VI of Scotland. The building formed an entrance to the Bishop of London’s estate. Across from the pub is a toll house that was built in 1710.
Famous regulars included Dick Turpin (highwayman), Joshua Reynolds (artist), Byron and Keats (poets). The pub is also known for its literary inspiration – Stoker used a ghost story told about the pub for the plot of Dracula and Keats wrote ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ in the pub garden.
Ghosts and Legend: The building was transformed into an inn by Francesco and Juan Porero who fought a duel over a woman. As a result, Juan was killed and buried in the garden. His ghost is said to haunt the inn.
There are also reports of a ghostly man figure often seen outside the road of the inn and thought to be Dick Turpin. There is also a lady in white often seen in the pub garden, who is thought to be one of Turpin’s victims. Many pub goers have also reported a strange hand clutching to their clothes from an invisible source.
Where: Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ (see map)
Nearest Tube: Golders Green
How Much: Free. You might enjoy stopping by the Spaniards Inn during this 3.5 mile self guided walk from around Hampstead (ghostly facts and history included).
Source: hampsteadramblers.org.uk
Image: goista.com
The Old Queen’s Head
History: This traditional Islington pub has been around since 1830. There was a previous pub here that was demolished in 1829. There are also connections with Sir Walter Rayleigh, who is said to have owned the pub at one time.
Ghosts and Legend: The Old Queen’s Head is said to be haunted by a woman and girl in Tudor clothing. The girl can be heard running around the pub when it is empty and ahead of people as they walk up the stairs. She also cries and slams doors. Pub goers say this usually happens on the first Sunday of each month.
When a paranormal investigator interviewed a former landlord he said, “His wife and daughter were already getting used to hearing the patter of footsteps, like those of a small child, usually late in the afternoon.”
Where: 44 Essex Road, Islington, N1 8LN (see map)
Nearest Tube: Angel
How Much: Free to startle yourself
Source: The Old Queen’s Head The Old Queen’s Head, Mysterious Britain
Image: hirespace.com
Ten Bells
Ten Bells Pub, with connections to Jack the Ripper’s victims
History: Dating back to 1752, this pub originally stood a few metres away from its original location but was torn down and moved to its current spot in 1851. The name of this pub comes from the number of bells in the peal in Christ Church (located next to the pub).
Ghosts and Legend: This pub has connections with two of Jack the Ripper’s victims – Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly. It is thought that Chapman drank at the pub before her muder and Kelly used the outside area of the pub to pick up clients as a prostitute. Mary Kelly’s mangled body was found across the street from the pub.
1990s – Live in pub staff have reported a ghost of an old man in Victorian clothes. They have also claimed to be woken up in the night with the old man ghost lying next to them in bed. Whenever they screamed, he would vanish.
19th century – A psychic visiting the pub’s top floor refused to go further than one of the rooms. She claimed there was a horrible murder of a baby here at one time. A researcher, Lindsay Siviter, later found a sack containing Victorian baby clothes slashed with a knife (near the room the psychic wouldn’t enter).
2001 – When he was alone, a tenant claimed hearing footsteps and sounds of laughter outside his door. Also, when he headed down the stairs to the bar he would get pushed hard on the back by invisible hands which often made him fall to the bottom of the stairs.
Where: 84 Commercial Street, London E1 6LY (see map)
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street
How Much: Free
Source: Ten Bells, WikipediaTen Bells, ghost-story.co.uk
Image: Postcards Without Postage Blog
The Bow Bells
History: Situated at the end of Mile End Road, Bow Bells was built in the 1860s opposite the Railway Station.
Ghosts and Legend: Ladies take care – the ghost at the Bow Bells tends to haunt the ladies toilets. This ghost is called the ‘Phantom Flusher’ since it flushes toilets while in use! For awhile many people attributed this to a problem with the toilets. However, in 1974 the ghost was asked to show itself during a séance and the door to the bathroom closed so hard that all the glass in the panes shattered.
This phantom is also said to appear as a mist oozing from the floor at the bar…
Where: 116 Bow Rd, London E3 3AA (see map)
Nearest Tube: Bow Road
How Much: Free
Source: Haunted Places in London, eatinglondontours.co.uk
Image: panoramio.com
Cursed Royal Residences
The Queen’s House
History: Built between 1616 and 1619, the Queen’s House is former royal residence based in Greenwich. It was built for King James I of England and Anne of Denmark.
Ghosts and Legend: In 1966, a retired Canadian couple took a picture of a ghost on the Tulip Staircase. In addition to the photograph, there have been strange ghostly figures and footsteps witnessed near the staircase by staff and visitors.
Where: Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF (see map)
Nearest Transport: Cutty Sark or Greenwich DLR
How Much: Free admission (except for events and special exhibitions)
Source: The Queen’s House Ghost, rmg.co.uk
Image: keitochansays.com
Hampton Court Palace
History: This palace was originally built for the Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1514 and eventually given to the King when he fell out of favour. It has not been inhabited by the British Royal Family since the 18th century.
Ghosts and Legend: With over 500 years of history, Hampton Court has witnessed the death of Henry VIII’s wives and visitors have experienced hauntings and ghosts throughout the years.
Catherine Howard – The Haunted Gallery: The fifth wife of King Henry VIII has given the Haunted Gallery its chilling name. She is seen dressed in white and floating down the gallery towards the door of the Royal Pew. As she reaches it, she turns back and screams until passing through the door. In 1999, it is said two ladies fainted in terror in the gallery in this same spot and only one hour apart.
Jane Seymour – Clock Court: Henry VIII’s third wife died at Hampton Court from complications after giving birth to Edward (1537). You can see her walking through the courtyard of Clock Court with a lighted taper.
Sibell Penn – ‘The Lady in Grey’: She was a nurse to Prince Edward and died in 1562 in Hampton church. It is said her remains were disturbed when the church was pulled down. At this time her spirit returned to the rooms where she lived when she was at the palace. Throughout the years, many people heard the sound of a spinning wheel from behind a wall in the palace. When the wall was demolished, excavators found an old room with an aged spinning wheel.
A Dog – The Wosley Closet: Many visitors get a strange feeling from this corner and a ghost dog has been seen here more than once.
Where: East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (see map)
Nearest Transport: Hampton Court Train Station
How Much: Admission for adults is £18.20 and for children under 16 it costs £9.10. Ghost tours are £27.50 each.
Planning a visit? Book your tickets to Hampton Court Palace here
Source: Hampton Court Palace, hrp.org.uk
Image: sheknows.com
The Tower of London
History: A royal palace and fortress, it is a located on the north bank of the River Thames and dates back towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England.
Ghosts and Legend:
Arbella Stuart: One of the most famous ghosts here, she was James I’s cousin who was imprisoned at the Tower and possibly murdered here. She is said to stay in The Queen’s House.
Queen Anne Boleyn: She haunts the place of her execution. People have seen her leading a procession down the aisle of a chapel as well as her headless body in the Tower’s corridors.
Two young princes, Edward V and his brother Richard: They were considered illegitimate and banished by Parliament to the Tower. Witnesses have seen them in nightgowns holding on to each other in panic in one of the castle rooms. Their skeletons were found beneath staircase in the White Tower.
A white lady: The mysterious White Lady is said to haunt the White Tower and stand in the window waving to children in the building opposite.
Where: London EC3N 4AB (see map)
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill
How Much: Entry for adults is £22.00 and children (5-15 years) £11.00
Planning to visit? You can book Tower of London tickets here
Source: Tower of London, Haunted Rooms
Image: Wikipedia
Hair-raising Museums
Bruce Castle Museum
History: This 16th Century manor house is situated on 20 acres of parkland. William Compton, a member of Henry VII’s court, built the oldest parts of the building. The home has been modified a few times as well as having several owners including the Coleraine family.
Ghosts and Legend: One of the wives of the 2nd Lord Coleraine is said to haunt Bruce Castle.
Where:: Lordship Ln, London N17 8NU (see map)
Nearest Tube: Seven Sisters
How Much: The museum is free.
Source: Bruce Castle Museum, haringey.gov.uk
Image: artfund.org
Handel’s House Museum
History: This museum based in Mayfair is dedicated to the works of George Frederic Handel, the German-born baroque composer who lived here from 1723 until his death in 1759.
Ghosts and Legend: In 2001, an exorcist carried out a ritual in Handel’s bedroom where he died. The Handel House Trust contacted a Roman Catholic priest to carry it out since they did not want visitors frightened.
Staff had reported seeing a ghostly figure of a woman and a strong lingering smell of perfume. It is thought that the ghost might be a singer who visited Handel and performed in his operas. Jimi Hendrix is said to have lived next door and saw a ghost in the 1960s.
Where: 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1 see map)
Nearest Tube: Bond Street
How Much: £6.50 for adults and £2.00 for children (5-16 years). There is free entry for children on Saturdays and Sundays.
Source: Exorcist called to banish ‘ghost’ in Handel’s house, The Telegraph
Image: christinasesok.blogspot.co.uk
Hunterian Museum
History: The government purchased John Hunter’s collection in 1799 and gave it to the the Company of Surgeons (later The Royal College). This collection is the basis of the museum which was constructed on the south side of Lincoln’s Inn Fields as part of the new Royal College of Surgeons.
Ghosts and Legend: Although there are no hauntings here, it is still a creepy place to visit. Specimens include preserved monkey heads, deformed bodies, organs and more.
Where: Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE (see map)
Nearest Tube: Holborn
How Much: Free admission.
Source: Huntarian Museum, rcseng.ac.uk
Image: Himetop Blog
The Old Operating Theatre Museum
History: This museum of surgical history is one of the oldest surviving operating theatres, a theatre where students would watch surgeons perform surgery. It is based on the original site of St Thomas’ Hospital (dating back to 1215). The church where the museum is based has been there since the end of the 17th century.
Ghosts and Legend: The Old Operating Theatre is an eerie place reminiscent of the gruesome surgeries that took place here years ago. Surgeons had no anaesthetics (until 1846) and relied on quick surgeries dependent on mentally preparing patients and giving them large quantities of alcohol to keep them calm. Most patients received amputations…
Where: 9a St. Thomas St, London SE1 9RY (see map)
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
How Much: £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children under 16
Source: The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret
Image: London Unveiled Blog
Eerie Tube Stations
Bethnal Green Underground Tube Station
History: The station opened as part of the Central line eastern extension in 1946. It was previously used as an air-raid shelter. In 1943, 173 people were killed while attempting to enter the shelter.
Ghosts and Legend: One famous story came from a man working there at night. All the other staff had gone home and he was securing the station. He reportedly heard children sobbing and initially dismissed the noises. Then, he heard female voices and screams. The sounds lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.
Where: 231-237 Cambridge Heath Rd, London, Bethnal Green E2 0EL (see map)
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green, between Liverpool Street and Mile End tube stations
How Much: Free to take a look and a few quid for a journey
Source: Ghosts of Bethnal Green Station
Image: Ian Visits Blog
Shadowy Theatres
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
History: Known as Drury Lane, the theatre is the fourth building in a line of theatres built on this location. The earliest theatre dates back to 1663.
Ghosts and Legend: This theatre has a reputation of being one of the world’s most haunted theatres. There are several ghosts that visit this theatre and it is often seen as good luck if they are spotted before or during a performance.
Man in Grey: The most famous ghost, often seen dressed as a nobleman of the late 18th century with “powdered hair beneath a tricorne hat, a dress jacket and cloak or cape, riding boots and a sword.” He is known as the ghost of a man who was stabbed to death and whose remains were found in a wall of the theatre in 1848.
Charles Macklin: The ghost of this actor appears backstage and wanders the corridor where he once killed a fellow actor in 1735 (in an argument over a wig!).
Joseph Grimaldi: The ghost of this clown is often reported as a friendly figure that guides nervous actors around the stage.
Where: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF (see map)
Nearest Tube: Temple
How Much: Tickets are usually around £25 per person
Source: Theatre Royal Drury Lane Ghosts
Image: Oh So London Blog
Theatre Royal, Haymarket
History: This theatre dates back to 1720 and is the third oldest London playhouse still in use.
Ghosts and Legend: Patrick Stewart claimed he saw a ghost while performing Waiting for Godot with Sir Ian McKellen. It is believed to be the ghost of John Baldwin Bustone, the actor-manager of the theatre until the mid 19th century and friend of Charles Dickens.
Where: 18 Suffolk St London SW1Y 4HT (see map)
Nearest Tube: Charring Cross
How Much: Tickets circa £25 a person
Source: Patrick Stewart saw ghost performing Waiting for Godot, The Telegraph
Image: trh.co.uk
Spine-tingling Cemeteries
Highgate Cemetery
History: Highgate Cemetery opened in 1839 as a plan to provide large, modern cemeteries around the outside of London. It is divided into two parts, the East and West cemetery. There are 170,000 people buried here and 53,000 graves.
Famous people buried here include Karl Marx, Charles Dickens and Douglas Adams.
Ghosts and Legend: Known for its ghosts and strange happenings, Highgate Cemetery is home to the macabre.
The Highgate Vampire: This phantom is said to be 7 foot tall, dark, have piercing eyes and wear a long black coat and top hat. He is said to often vanish into thin air.
Red-eyed ghoul: There was a report of a red-eyed ghoul who peered through the graveyard gates at a man whose car broke down.
Old insane woman: This ghost is seen running along the gravestones with her hair flowing as she looks for her children she once murdered.
Other popular ghosts here include a dark shrouded figure, a businessman and a floating nun.
Where: Swain’s Ln, London N6 6PJ (see map)
Nearest Tube: Archway
How Much: For the East Cemetery it is £4 for adults and free for children under 18. Admission to the West Cemetery is by guided tour only and is £12 for adults and £6 for children (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 are not admitted to the West Cemetery.
Source: Highgate Cemetery, paranormal.about.com
Image: The Guardian
City Of London Cemetery & Crematorium
History: Located in north east of London, the City of London Cemetery was commissioned in 1853.
Ghosts and Legend: Locals have described a bright orange light emanating from one of the tombstones in the western part of the cemetery since the 1970s. However, investigators have been unable to find any light source from outside of the graveyard that might cause this phenomenon.
Where: City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, Aldersbrook Road, Manor Park, E12 5DQ (see map)
Nearest Transport: Manor Park Train Station
How Much: Free entry.
Source: Haunted Places in London
Image: The Forester Blog
Ominous Parks
Hampstead Heath
History: Often referred to as “the Heath” this is an ancient London park which was first written about in 986. This was when “Ethelred the Unready granted one of his servants five hides of land at Hemstede.”
Ghosts and Legend: You can find ghosts all around and within the Heath. There is a ghost at the Hampstead pub rattling windows and doors, a young girl who stands on the High Street looking sad, reports of footsteps on Church Row, weather-worn tombs past the gates of the Parish Church of St John and a mysterious back slapper at the Holly Bush Inn.
Where: Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1QR (see map)
Nearest Tube: Hampstead
How Much: Free. You might enjoy this self-guided ‘Haunted Hampstead Walking Tour’ (3.5 miles) from historian and author Richard Jones, with annotations of famous ghosts.
Source: Hampstead Heath
Image: hampsteadheath.org.uk
Finsbury Park
History: Part of an expanse of woodland called Hornsey Wood, it was cut back and used for grazing land in the Middle Ages. In the mid-18th century a tea room opened here. It was historically a place to escape the smoke of the city and enjoy Hornsey Wood. In 1841, the people in Finsbury petitioned for a park and plans were drawn up in 1850. The park formally opened in 1869.
Ghosts and Legend: There have been numerous reports of the sound of footsteps on Gloucester Drive, Finsbury Park by an invisible source. This usually happens around 1 a.m. and “are said to begin outside #7, cross the street and continue through the front gardens, accompanied by the sound of breaking twigs.” The road has been voted the 5th most haunted road by The Guardian.
Where: Endymion Rd, London N4 (see map)
Nearest Tube: Finsbury Park & Manor House
How Much: Free to make one’s teeth chatter!
Source: Finsbury Park, Wikipedia Reported Haunted Location in the United Kingdom
Image: Wikipedia
Other Haunted Locations in London
Charterhouse Square
History: Located in Smithfield, central London, Charterhouse Square is south of the London Borough of Islington. On the north side of the square, a Carthursian monastery was founded here in 1371. In 1348, it became a plague pit and mass grave during the time of the Black Death. At that time, is said that tens of thousands of bodies were buried here.
Ghosts and Legend: This square is said to be haunted by the 35,000 plague victims that were buried here. Other stories tell of a monk that is said to float around the courtyards and share vigils with a headless Duke of Norfolk that comes walking down the main staircase.
Where: London EC1M (see map)
Nearest Tube: Barbican
How Much: Free to strike terror into ones self!
Source: Charterhouse Square, Wikipedia
Haunted Historic Buildings
Image: Tales of Ales Blog
The Old Bailey
History: This court in London is known as the Old Bailey from the street its on. The Old Bailey was first mentioned in 1585 and was next to the Newgate gaol (prison dating back to 1188) where it may have grown from.
Ghosts and Legend: This court is home to one of London’s most alarming ghosts, the ‘Black Dog of Newgate’. This ghost is said to be a former prisoner, who in 1596 was starving to death, along with others in London struggling from a famine. He was murdered by his cell-mates who ate him alive. It is said that he comes back in the form of a black dog to haunt the Old Bailey and used to terrorise the old prison. It is said that the court is still haunted by the black dog today…
Where: London EC4M 7HS, UK (see map)
Nearest Tube: St. Paul’s
How Much: Free to be tried
Source: Old Bailey, Wikipedia
Old Bailey, blackcablondon.net
Image: secret-cities.com
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
History: This tunnel crosses beneath the River Thames and links Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs. The tunnel was constructed from 1899 to 1902 when it opened. The tunnel replaced an expensive ferry service and allowed workers to access the docks on the Isle of Dogs.
Ghosts and Legend: Those visiting the tunnel from Cutty Sark Gardens experience echoes and an unsettling time as they walk the 370 metres of tunnel. Although they are no resident ghosts, many visitors say they feel a strong presence and the feeling of being followed until reaching the other side.
Where: Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich, SE10 9HT (see map)
Nearest Transport: Cutty Sark DLR
How Much: Free but is often closed for essential works. Check for closures before visiting.
Source: Greenwich foot tunnel, Wikipedia
Image: flickr.com
Bleeding Heart Yard
History: This cobbled courtyard, is named after a 16th century inn sign displayed on a pub called the Bleeding Heart, displaying “the heart of the Virgin Mary pierced by five swords.”
Ghosts and Legend: Legend says the courtyard’s name memorialises the murder of Lady Elizabeth Hatton, whose family owned the area around Hatton Garden. The story says, that her body was found here on 27 Jaunuary 1926, “torn limb for limb, but her heart still pumping blood.”
Where: Greville St, Camden Town, EC1N 8SJ (see map)
Nearest Tube: Chancery Lane
How Much: Free to visit the courtyard. You can also visit a French restaurant there today called The Bleeding Heart.
Source: Bleeding Heart Yard
Image: Wikipedia
Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children
History: Originally known as the North-Easter Hospital and Dispensary, this hospital opened in 1866 following a cholera outbreak. The building is currently derelict.
Ghosts and Legend: It is said you can still hear the screams of the dying children who once stayed here within the walls of this long abandoned building.
Where: Hackney Road, Bethnal Green, E2 8PS (see map)
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green
How Much: Free to wander past at your own risk
Source:Haunted London, timeout.com
Image: geograph.org.uk
Payne’s Wharf
History: A derelict area where buildings have been left to decay. Across Deptford Creek there are abandoned workshops and jetties.
Ghosts and Legend: Although this place is not necessarily haunted, it is a place where bodies are said to have washed up on the banks and left for passer-bys to discover. There is a feeling of unrest while walking through this abandoned place.
Where: Payne’s Wharf, Deptford, SE8 3JY (see map)
Nearest Transport: Cutty Sark DLR
How Much: Free.
Source: Haunted London
Image: flickr.com
Have you visited any haunted places in London?
Do you have any ghost stories to tell about a haunted London location? Please share your stories below! Any scary and mysterious accounts are welcome.
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—> London spa break inspiration
34 thoughts on “31 Most Haunted Places in London to Scare Your Socks Off”
I have lived in Gloucester Drive for many years. I have heard loud foot steps right behind me as I come home late at night down this road when nobody is around. Turn around nobody is there,has happened a number of times. Also happened in the day time.
Another time many years ago I looked out my window at 2am because I heard a woman crying, I saw a very bright ball of light the size of a football in my neighbours garden just floating in mid air, then it started to move , it came over the garden wall into my garden, it was only a few feet away from me, I got the feeling it was checking me out, it was pulsing inside like it had energy, it went across my garden and then I lost sight of it.I will never forget that night. I was close up to this thing, and I knew it was not of this world, it was very bizarre and creepy.
There have been other things that have happened in Gloucester Drive to me, one example, I came home late one night down this street, came in doors, went to bed and turned the light out, immediately there was a very loud bang on my bedroom door like something had kicked it very violently, the wall and furniture actually shook. I got up and there was nobody there. I think something followed me home that night.
I do not try to engage these things or call them out as I believe that will make things a lot worse. So I try not to think about it. It’s sad that people will call you crazy or imagining things when you bring up stuff like this. I think they just don’t want to know, even if it is real they would rather not know about this stuff as it’s just to out there for them to handle, and doesn’t fit into their comfortable world view they have made for themselves. But I know it’s real, I have experienced it on more than one occasion. Gloucester Drive is very haunted.
I tried to dig up any information as to why this area would be haunted, and all I can come up with is that Gloucester Drive and the surrounding area used to be heavily wooded, my guess is rituals went on in these woods and perhaps people were killed here. I don’t know but for some reason this place is active.
Hello – Thank you so much for sharing your real life experiences of living on Gloucester Drive. It sounds like an extremely haunted place and I’m sorry to hear about all the bizarre and scary happenings you have been through. I can’t help but feel intrigued by your first-hand account! Thanks again for sharing.
We are staying at the Glouchester Millennium hotel. Last night I woke up to a bright light in my room. At first I thought my husband was in the bathroom then I realized he was in bed next to me. Then, I thought perhaps someone was shining an an extremely bright light through our window. Within a few seconds the light went out. The next morning it dawned on me that we have blackout curtains. I looked out the window and the building across the way (the only place any type of light could have come from) is completely empty. Still baffeled
Ghost Encounter at 24 The Grange Council Flats 1970
Lynmouth Road Walthamstow London E17
I had seen a ghost when I was 11yrs old this lady was dressed in black she had a pale complexion I even touched her dress which was a very smooth cotton this Entity said to me do you know who I am she sat at the end of my bed and tried to get close to me but was pulled back by an unseen force we moved in these brand new flats 1960 I was not frightened at the time of this ghost encounter but it did a little while afterwards and I had to have the light on for a good many years afterwards these flats were council flats looking at it now her clothing looked like 11th/12th centuary she had a white sach around her waist
Thanks for sharing your childhood memory about living in Walthamstow – sounds scary.
Hello this is Susan in 20 17 me and my husband were invited to a 1960s70s disco in Essex where I live now when the DUO Came on I was so shocked when the stunning lady singer Came on AS she was the woman that I had seen in 1970 in my room when I was 11yrs old she was looking the same age too I told my husband and friend who knew about this year’s ago they went very Quiet through shock Since then the duo were invited to my 60th and husband’s retirement party J the singer was very interested and told me that she was not even born in 1970 it’s very bizarre but true
The Ghost encounter that I experienced was a long time ago but I will never for get this it seems just like yesterday. If I could I would like this to be acted in drama film on true life events
Kensal rise
Chamberlayne road, I saw a ghost when I was 18, it was a sunny Saturday afternoon. I was sat on the sofa watching TV, when this figure of a woman wearing victorian clothing and a transparent veil slowly drifted in front of me, towards the large fire place that I was facing, she slowly turned and evaporated, I can only describe her as being made of black smoke Or a absence of light, I got a good look at her as she was only a meter away.
When i saw this I could not breath, and my eyes watered, I still shiver when I remember what I saw, but I also consider myself lucky to have seen this and comforted knowing that there is something greater
In Links Primary School in South West London, in Tooting, Frinton road, there has been many sightings of a young girl named mary. She has a white dress and dark hair and when the fire alarm goes off you can sometimes see her appear briefly in the first floor window. There has been a little bit of poltergist activity including chairs moving and pencils falling off desks for no apparent reason when the windows are closed. Aometimes you can also hear very distinct footsteps and doors slamming. It is often said that Mary haunts the top floor girls bathroom and the staircase from the first floor to the top floor. There is also another ghost in the school. It is said that the caretaker/janitor was in his house during ww2 and a bomb is said to have exploded on his house. He had a heart attack and died. He haunts the blue door near the staircase by the entrance on Gunton Road its the staircase where the older children go in for lessons. It goes straight from outside, up some steps and on the left isthe padlocked door. A child once went down therw and came out screaming. Never found out what was down their but it was as if they were trying to hide something. To this day its still padlocked and sometimes you feel the building shake, footsteps and the bell ringing of Mr bellsy, the caretaker that died in ww2. The children also used to ask teachers often if the school was haunted. Some laughed and said of course not but some teachers also believe its haunted by Mary, Bellsy and other spirits. It was very scary, the school was opened in 1912 and is still operating.
I have been to London several times on vacation and have never experienced anything unsettling. But I just love that city so much!
I think I have new places to discover next time I’m coming.
Thanks for the inspiration.
I was waiting with a group of people at Hampton Court to enter the tennis court…suddenly I was pushed from the back with such a force that it almost took my breath away. My husband saw nothing and when I turned around to see who the horrible person was, I saw nothing…just people waiting calmly. The guard standing facing us saw nothing as well.
Thank God ive not seen any ghost. But my mum did see a white lady it was infront of her walking up the communual stairs. She said she thought what is she wearing and she didnt hear any footsteps from her then she disappeared. Also mum mentioned there’s a ghost in her bedroom its blowing air in her ears in her sleep thats why she said shes sleeping on the foot end of the bed cuz if she sleep normal way it blows air in her ear.
Hi Remy – Thanks for sharing your mum’s ghost story!
Ferdinand st. Tottenhall building in chalkfarm road my mum lives
I do feel a bit odd if staying there 🙁 like someone’s watching me sleep I have this urges to open my eyes quickly
I think am just a little tiny bit scared
Hi Remy – thanks for sharing your story.
I was walking down the kings cross end of Caledonian Road and saw a man in his 50s in Victorian Dress just walking down the road. At first I assumed that he must be someone who worked in a museum, but afterwards I wasn’t sure the clothes just looked so authentic and he had smart mutton chop whiskers. He looked like a business man not an actor. I’ve heard that ghosts can look solid like that and it has intrigued me ever since. I wonder if anyone else has seen this man.
Hi Andre – Thanks for sharing this story. Perhaps someone else reading this post has seen the same ghost?…
17 queensgate place is haunted, when my sister lived there she saw a ghost. She was out late & forgot her key. Didn’t want to wake up mum, so she slept in the hall. There are/were lights in every level you could turn on, and they’d go out in 5 or so minutes. So the lights went out & she’s trying to sleep but she wakes up & sees a man staring at her from down the hall. She leaps up to turn on the light & he vanished in front of her eyes. She said he was dressed like a sailer, in all black or dark clothes and a fishermans cap.
Hi Hiko – Thanks for sharing this story! I cannot imagine how scary that must have been for her!
Some places are very haunted specially the greenwhich tunnel
i was living in an ex hostel in archway next to highate cemetery ! 22 A highate hill and i felt the presence of a lot of spirits running and having orgies in the house ! i left from there only with my passport on me and never came back! the adress is n19 5nl and is a mortuary house at the first floor with a big clock on it!
Hi Mario – this is truly an interesting paranormal experience. Thanks for sharing!
When I was a young lass(age 8),we used to live in Finchampstead.My Mother used to work for a Lady Liddell as a Housekeeper.We lived in her House(White Horse Cottage)…that place was creepy…the Hallway to my sisters bedroom used to move(like being on a boat)..My Mother never believed us,when we told her. And on one Occasion..I had a “visitor” in my bedroom.It was an old Woman,she tried to pull me out of my bed..I screamed my heart out.And my Parents came rushing into my room..and the old woman was gone.My Mom and Dad said I had a Nightmare…(after that night I slept in their bedroom).. believe me I have NEVER EVER forgotten that old ladys face (that happened over 30 years ago)
Hi Tonia – thanks for sharing your story! I cannot imagine how terrifying that must have been for you as a child! I wonder who she was….
I remember, as a child I went to Greenwich with my uncle. We visited museaums and many othe places but I remember that we walked into the tunel that has been explained and described as haunted. It was around 16:30 when we walked into it. We didn’t experience anything that gave us a chill but later on, about in the middle of the tunel I felt like someone was following me but also I felt a cold breath on my left shoulder. I really freaked out. My uncle said that he did feel followed but didnt feel any touches or breaths. We turned round few Times but did not see anything right there. I will never visit that place again!
Hi Wiktoria – Thanks for sharing your ghost story. Sounds creepy – I wouldn’t go back either!
The Ragged School. Formerly a Barnado’s school; it still has several classrooms set as they would have been back in the 1800’s.
On a ghost hunt there, whilst I was observing some others performing a Ouija board session with a glass, my chair was kicked – it was backed up against a wall at the time.
Another group asked if we’d been moving furniture whilst in a particular room which they were directly below. At the time, we were conducting an EVP session and were all sat perfectly still. They explained that they’d heard the sounds of chairs and desks being dragged across the wooden floors above them.
Hi Phil – thanks for sharing your story. Sounds terrifying!
On Buckingham Palace Road on our way to Victoria coach Station, my partner and myself stopped by a bus stop to double check which stop we wanted using the light from the bus shelter to see our tickets, as it was about 4 in the morning and very dark. I could see a young woman with long dark hair approaching out of the side of my eye and when I was reading the ticket I was aware that she was standing very close behind me and reading the ticket over my shoulder. My partner had walked on, and thinking it was a local junkie, I too walked away, but when I looked back there was no one there. When I asked my partner he had seen her too, and also thinking she was a junkie walked away. I have been back to this area many times and there is nowhere a person could go to dissappear so quickly as she did. I wonder if anyone else has encountered her.
When I was younger (don’t remember my age), but of primary school age….I was in my late grandmother’s Victorian house. We was in the Parlour which had double doors (which was shut) leading to the drawing room next to it. It was just me, my grandma and my mum in the parlour room, and all of a sudden I see a woman in a big dress walk right through the closed parlour/ drawing room doors. I ran straight out of the room and went into the drawing room, and no one was there. I then asked my mum and grandma if they just see what I did…and they said no. It didn’t really shake me up at the time…but now when I look back and think about it..it really does freak me out.
Another story separate to this one, but in same house.
My grandma bought a pillow from the charity shop that she always bought items from. She took it home and weird things started happening. I remember her telling my mum about it, but I don’t know what the weird things were.. (I missed that part). Anyway, she thought it was due to the pillow, as when she went near it, she said she felt a bad feeling from it. Few days later, she chucked it out, and all the weird thing’s stopped. Oh, she believed the pillow had belonged to a deceased man.
This was all in Forest Gate, London
As a young man of about 18 years of age, I worked in London as a messenger boy running about all day long – walking, on the underground etc.
I remember on one particular occasion delivering important photographs to a client. Found the address in a road which had a very Victorian kind of overhead arch above the road from building to building, mostly red brick I think with cream coloured stone work between. Anyway, I delivered the package, and started to head back towards Piccadilly, and Dover street where I was based. The road from the overhead bridge was quite wide with old empty derelict red brick building’s on my right. On the other side of the road I noticed a green double door begin to open, and to my surprise three quite beautiful young ladies dressed in circa 17 dresses along with white hats were cackling from the darkness just inside the dark doorway, when one of them came slightly nearer to the doorway, and looked straight at me said – “‘ere ducky, come over ‘ere, we’ve got something to show you!”
I wasn’t sure how to react to this as it seemed really strange to-say-the-least. Her accent was very much of the period not just ‘Cockney London,’ but ‘Really Old Cockney London,’ I walked on with an embarrassing grin on my face.
I happened to look back after just taking a few steps and it was as though nothing had happened, The scene was totally derelict. The doorway where they were standing was completely shut up, and looked like it had been that way for quite a lot of years. I mentioned what I’d seen when I got back to my workplace – but of course, all that happened was that I was laughed at – but it really did happen to me.
If anyone has any Idea where that place might have been with the very distinct overhead arch/walkway, I would very much like to know, as I can’t remember after so many years have passed since then.
The whole area might not exist now as much of the old London has disappeared altogether, the only other thing I remember was that after waking on past the doorway where the ladies were standing, the street came to a sharp corner.
In the 1970s I was manager of the Clissold baths. The old pool was demolished in the 1990s to make way for a new centre. I lived in a flat above the pool and one evening in June 1980 I was standing in what I thought was an empty building about 9.30 at night. The building was locked up and no one could have got in. The pool beneath where I lived suddenly became alive with footsteps of hundreds of people , the sounds coming from my flat. I though someone had broken in so I ran to the stairway and up the four flights of steps to my front door. As I opened the door the whole building went silent. My flat was empty. Mystifying in the least. My wife then tells me that she has had dreams of hundreds of faces staring up at her from the floor. Sometime later I found out that the building next door was built on a plague pit. The building was named the Hall of Remembrance. Which was demolished with the pool. The new swim centre was riven with problems and had be rebuilt to massive cost and I wondered if the pit beneath had something to do with it. That’s was my only experience with something unexplainable and since then I would rule nothing out.
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