London is steeped in history, so it’s no surprise that there are tales of spooky spectres appearing – and disappearing – in locations throughout the capital. Here are details of twelve supposedly haunted places you can visit on a ghost-hunting expedition in London – if you’re feeling brave enough!
These twelve haunted locations in London offer a thrilling glimpse into the city’s mysterious past, where history and the supernatural collide. With countless ghost stories and eerie legends waiting to be discovered, the capital is the perfect destination for those seeking a spine-chilling adventure.
The Tower of London
This historic royal palace and former prison is reputed to be one of London’s most haunted locations.
Famous figures reported to have made posthumous appearances at the Tower of London include Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Guy Fawkes, Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York – the young brothers known as the Princes in the Tower, who disappeared in the late fifteenth century and are believed to have been murdered.
However, one of the most active phantoms in the Tower of London is the ghost of Arbella Stuart, the cousin of James I of England. Initially held under house arrest for marrying without the King’s consent, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London following a failed attempt to escape and flee the country with her husband. She died in 1615 in what is now referred to as The Queen’s House, on Tower Green, allegedly after becoming ill and refusing to eat. Visitors in the house have reported many ghostly goings-on, particularly in the Lennox Room.
Mitre Square
Mitre Square is now lined with modern office buildings, situated in the City of London, close to Aldgate tube station. However, this small London square was one of the sites used by Jack the Ripper, the notorious Victorian serial killer, during his reign of terror in the capital in the late 1880s.
The body of Catherine Eddowes was found lying in the southwest corner of Mitre Square in the early hours of 30 September 1888. Elizabeth Stride’s corpse had been discovered approximately 45 minutes earlier in Dutfield’s Yard, just off Berner Street – or, as it is now known, Henriques Street – just five minutes walk from Mitre Square. This was the only night on which Jack the Ripper is believed to have murdered two women and is often referred to by Ripperologists as ‘the double event’.
Catherine Eddowes’ body has since been reported to have been seen lying in a gutter in the cobbled square on or close to the anniversary of her murder.
The Bank of England
The Bank of England’s headquarters has been on Threadneedle Street in the City of London since 1734. The area around this famous building is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of Sarah Whitehead, the sister of a former bank employee. Legend states that Philip Whitehead was hanged in 1812 after being found guilty of forgery. Still, well-meaning friends kept the news of his execution from his sister. When she eventually discovered the truth, she could not accept it and began visiting the bank daily to ask for Philip. Some say that she wanders along Threadneedle Street looking for her brother to this day.
A ghost believed by some to be that of Sarah Whitehead – who was nicknamed ‘the Black Nun’ by Bank of England staff as she always dressed in black – has also occasionally been seen at the nearby Bank Underground Station.
The Clink Prison Museum
Believed to be one of the oldest prisons in England, The Clink was in use as a jail between the twelfth and the late eighteenth centuries. The Clink Prison Museum is situated on the original site of this famous prison.
If you’re interested in the darker side of England’s history, this famous London tourist attraction is the perfect place. Conditions in The Clink were notoriously grim, and you can even see examples of torture equipment in the museum. With such a gruesome past, it’s hardly surprising that The Clink is reputed to have more than its fair share of spirits. Several tour operators allow visitors to spend a night ghost hunting there.
Visitors to the Clink Prison Museum have reported many different types of potentially paranormal phenomena. However, one of the most common sightings is a woman sitting in a corner playing with metal chains.
Westminster Bridge
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in London, head to Westminster Bridge just before midnight, and you could have a spine-tingling experience, you’ll never forget. According to local legend, a ghost hurls himself off the bridge into the icy waters below as the bells ring in the New Year. Some even claim that it’s the ghost of Jack the Ripper.
The spectral man isn’t the only ghost associated with Westminster Bridge either. A boat carrying three people is sometimes seen going under the bridge but never emerges from the other side.
Expanding London’s Haunted Locations: More Spine-Chilling Sites
Hampton Court Palace
Once the residence of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is a treasure trove of history and mystery. Many visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences, particularly in the Haunted Gallery, where the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, is said to roam. Accused of adultery, Catherine was arrested and held at Hampton Court Palace before her execution at the Tower of London. Legend has it that she broke free from her guards in the gallery, running towards the Chapel Royal to beg for the King’s mercy, only to be dragged back to her room. Today, visitors have reported feeling a sudden chill, hearing screams and even seeing a ghostly figure dressed in white running down the gallery.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery opened in 1839, is the final resting place for many famous individuals, including Karl Marx, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams. This Victorian-era cemetery, with its overgrown foliage, winding pathways, and eerie atmosphere, is a perfect setting for ghostly encounters. The most famous haunting at Highgate Cemetery revolves around the Highgate Vampire, a tall, dark figure with piercing red eyes, first reported in the 1960s. There have been numerous sightings of the Highgate Vampire and other supernatural entities, such as a floating nun and a phantom cyclist. Visitors can explore the cemetery on guided tours, but beware – you never know who or what you might encounter.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Dubbed as the most haunted theatre in the world, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, has a long and storied history dating back to 1663. The most famous ghost here is the “Man in Grey,” a mysterious figure in a tricorn hat and cloak, often seen wandering the theatre before vanishing into the walls. The Man in Grey is believed to be the ghost of a murdered man whose remains were found in the theatre during renovations in the 19th century.
Another notable spectre is that of Joseph Grimaldi, a famous 19th-century clown, who is said to help actors and stagehands by giving them a gentle push when needed. The Theatre Royal is still a popular venue for West End productions, so why not catch a show and keep your eyes peeled for any unexpected visitors?
Bruce Castle Museum
Situated in the Tottenham area of London, Bruce Castle Museum is a 16th-century manor house now serving as a local history museum. The castle is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Constantia Lucy, who committed suicide after her husband, Sir William Compton, locked her in a chamber as punishment for her infidelity. Lady Constantia’s spirit has been seen roaming the castle grounds and staring out the room’s window where she died. Visitors to the museum have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and strange sounds, while some claim to have seen her apparition in the building.
The Flask, Highgate
This historic pub in Highgate has been serving patrons since the early 18th century and is known for its ghostly residents. One of the most famous spirits is a Spanish barmaid who hanged herself in the pub’s cellar after a failed love affair. Her ghost is said to haunt the area near the bar, causing sudden temperature drops and even moving glasses. Another ghost, a man in a Cavalier uniform, has been spotted sitting in the pub’s corner, only to vanish. The Flask is a popular destination for those seeking a pint with paranormal intrigue.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Tucked away in the attic of St. Thomas’ Church, the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is a well-preserved example of a 19th-century operating theatre. Before the advent of anaesthesia and antiseptic practices, surgeries performed in this theatre were gruesome and often fatal. With such a harrowing history, it’s no wonder the museum is considered haunted. Staff and visitors have reported eerie feelings, unexplained sounds, and ghostly figures. Some even claim to have heard the moans and cries of patients who once suffered in the operating theatre.
The Queen’s House, Greenwich
Initially built in the early 17th century for Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I, the Queen’s House in Greenwich now serves as an art museum. It is known for the “Tulip Stairs,” the first self-supporting spiral staircase in Britain, and a photograph taken in 1966 showing two ghostly figures ascending the stairs. The ghosts are believed to be those of a maid who fell to her death from the staircase and a woman wearing old-fashioned clothing. Visitors to the Queen’s House have reported strange occurrences, including sudden chills, unexplained footsteps, and even sightings of ghostly figures.
Summary
Beyond these twelve haunted locations, London is filled with countless stories of the supernatural, from pubs and hotels to parks and alleyways. There’s no shortage of ghostly tales to uncover, whether you’re exploring on your own or joining one of the many guided ghost tours available. Prepare for a chilling adventure as you delve into the capital’s hidden past and meet its spectral inhabitants.
If you still need to satisfy your appetite for the paranormal after visiting these scary London locations, don’t worry. You can see plenty more haunted places in the capital, and you’ll find many companies providing ghost tours of this fascinating city.
Not much new here. Most cities (at least larger ones) claim certain places are haunted. I’m in St. Augustine, FL. It is loaded with places that claim to be haunted.
Thank you Gary for your support of our website, hope we didn’t scare you off!