As an old city, London’s haunted places are a plenty, with lots of ghosts just waiting to spook you! Whether you’re looking for a Halloween activity, or want to explore the spooky side of the Big Smoke – our guide to haunted London can help you plan your activities!
Table of Contents:
- Haunted Pubs
- Spooky Tourist Attractions
- Haunted Hotels for Your Stay in London
- Catch a Show at a Haunted Theatre
- Famous Haunted Houses
- Creepy Cemeteries
Is London Haunted?
The first civilisation in London was in 47 AD, and in those long years the city has seen a dark past – so it’s no surprise it’s haunted. From haunted cemeteries, to haunted pubs, and everything in between – there’s so much to discover in the dark corners of London’s past, including a ghost or two.
Haunted Pubs in London
As a nation, us Brits love a pub, and they’ve been around for as long as we have. London is home to some of the oldest public houses in the whole of the UK, and with that comes ghosts and ghouls. Here are 3 of our top haunted London pubs:
- The Ten Bells, Spitalfields – This 18th century pub has links to two of the victims of Jack the Ripper. It’s thought that both Mary Kelly and Annie Chapman frequented this pub, and Annie’s ghost remains to this day.
- The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead – Located in Hampstead, this ghost is said to be haunted by the ghost of Juan Porero – one of the Spanish brothers who used to own the pub. It’s said he was killed by his brother over a love triangle.
- The Flask, Highgate – The Flask is a haunted place in London that has a resident ghost of a past barmaid. The story goes that the barmaid was in love with the landlord, who declined her advances.
Haunted Tourist Attractions in London
When it comes to London’s haunted places, some of our tourist attractions are the best places to experience ghosts for yourself. Here are 3 of London’s most haunted tourist attractions to visit:
- The Tower of London – This iconic London landmark has a long, and bloody history. With a history of executions, and prisoners, there are many ghosts present in the Tower of London. The most famous ghostly resident is Anne Boleyn, she is seen on the Tower Green – where she was beheaded. As well as wandering the corridors.
- The Clink Museum – The Clink is on the site of the oldest prison in England, and is reported to be frequently haunted.
- London Tombs – The London Tombs is part of the London Bridge Experience. The Tombs are located where a plague pit was discovered in 2007. Visitors to the experience have reported feeling ghoulish presences on their visits.
Haunted Hotels of London
We don’t know about you, but we’d probably avoid staying in a haunted hotel. However, if you want to stay in a haunted London hotel, these are the spots:
- The Langham Hotel – The Langham is noted to be the most haunted hotel in London, with several ghostly residents. These include a German prince who stands by a window on the fourth floor, that he supposedly threw himself out of in life. In room 333, during October (the month of halloween in London) you’ll find a Victorian male ghost.
- The Savoy – It is said that The Savoy has a haunted lift that operates on its own, as well as the ghost of a young girl who died in the building.
- Grange Blooms Hotel – The George Blooms hotel, close to the British Museum, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dr John Cumming. You’re also likely to hear the noises of children playing in the corridor and banging on doors.
London Theatres Haunted by Actors
Those who love spending time in the West End will need to put these haunted theatres right at the top of their list to visit:
- Her Majesty’s Theatre – This theatre is reportedly haunted by Sir Herbert Beerbohm-Tree, a past actor and manager at the place. Audiences who sit in the top box on stage right, complain of sudden temperature drops and the door unexpectedly swinging open.
- Adelphi Theatre – Actor-manager William Terris haunts this theatre. He was rushed by a minor actor whilst entering the building one day, he died on the stage, with his last words being “I will be back.”
- Theatre Royal – Comedian, actor, and manager John Baldwin Buckstone haunts this entertainment spot. After his death he has been seen and heard by many actors to take the stage.
Haunted London Houses
No city is without its haunted houses, and whilst we’re sure there are more than just two located in the Big Smoke, these are just a couple you can see in our city:
- 50 Berkeley Square, Mayfair – It’s been said that this is one of the most haunted houses in London. The ghost is reported to be a girl who killed herself in the attic. But that’s not the only legend held by these 4 walls, it’s also said that two sailors stayed the night, with one being dead in the morning, the other noted a ghost aggressively watching them.
- Charlton House, Greenwich – Residents in the house over the years have reported paranormal activity. It’s said the house is haunted by that of a grey lady, carrying a bundle – that is in the shape of a baby. Staff also report that their belongings mysteriously disappear to be found later in a different part of the house.
Haunted Cemeteries in London
Undoubtedly the most obvious place to feel ghosts in London, is in its old cemeteries, and we have both beautiful and spooky ones:
- Hyde Park Pet Cemetery – Not usually open to the public, Hyde Park Pet Cemetery is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of the pets buried there. The cemetery was created in either 1880 or 1881, and was a place for Victorian Londoners to lay their pets to rest.
- Highgate Cemetery – This London cemetery has long been reported to be haunted by men in dark robes, red-eyed demons, and even a vampire!
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