Winning tip: an eerie clifftop castle near Aberdeen

Scotland, a land steeped in ancient lore and dramatic landscapes, holds countless sites that stir the imagination, but few rival the chilling allure of Dunnottar Castle. Perched precariously on a formidable clifftop above the relentless North Sea, this ruined fortress is undeniably one of Scotland’s most profoundly eerie places. Its weathered stone battlements stand as a stark testament to centuries of turbulent history, each gust of wind carrying whispers of past tragedies.

The most haunting corner of Dunnottar is undoubtedly the Whigs Vault. This subterranean chamber, dark and damp, bears the indelible scars of a harrowing event in 1685. During a period known as "The Killing Times," a brutal phase of religious persecution in Scottish history, over 160 Covenanter prisoners were confined here in unspeakable conditions. These individuals, persecuted for their Presbyterian faith and refusal to acknowledge the King’s supremacy in religious matters, endured unimaginable suffering. Packed into a space designed for animals rather than humans, with minimal light and air, many perished from disease, starvation, and exposure. To stand within that cramped, unforgiving chamber today is to be overwhelmed by a palpable sense of their fear, desperation, and suffering. The very air seems heavy with their silent cries. For visitors with a personal connection, like Rosie, whose Fraser ancestry ties her to the castle’s extensive history, the experience is especially poignant. The names of multiple Frasers, along with others, are etched into the stone walls, a stark reminder of the human cost of those dark times. The relentless wind, a constant companion on this exposed headland, whistles through the ancient stonework, while the North Sea crashes ceaselessly against the cliffs below. This symphony of natural elements, combined with the castle’s grim history, creates an undeniable sense that the past has not merely left its mark but lingers, an ethereal presence clinging to every stone. It is a place of breathtaking beauty, profound tragedy, and wonderfully spooky atmosphere, particularly when shrouded beneath Aberdeenshire’s brooding grey skies.

A Neolithic burial chamber in Pembrokeshire, Wales, offers a different, yet equally potent, kind of ancient unease. Pentre Ifan, a megalithic dolmen dating back to approximately 3500 BC, stands as an enigmatic monument to a long-vanished people. Tom vividly recounts his visit on a November evening, just as daylight began to recede. The sheer engineering of the structure defies easy explanation: a colossal 16-ton capstone, weathered by millennia, appears to balance impossibly on just three slender, pointed upright stones. It seems to float, defying gravity, as if held aloft by an unseen force. The air itself was charged with mystery, a low hum emanating from somewhere in the vicinity. Tom, hoping it was merely the wind sweeping over the ancient Preseli Hills, where the very bluestones of Stonehenge originated, felt an unsettling presence. As the last vestiges of daylight surrendered to dusk, the chamber beneath the massive capstone plunged into an inky blackness, a darkness far deeper than the encroaching twilight around them. Even his father, typically armed with a rational explanation for every phenomenon, stood in uncharacteristic silence, a testament to the profound, almost primordial aura of the site. Their return to the car, quicker than their arrival, spoke volumes about the unsettling power of this ancient place. Pentre Ifan is not just a collection of stones; it is a gateway to a distant past, a place where the veil between worlds feels thin, and the whispers of forgotten rituals linger in the air.

Far from ancient burial grounds, Shepton Mallet Prison in Somerset, affectionately known as "the Mallet," offers a chilling immersion into more recent, yet equally grim, history. Opened in 1625, it holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest operating prison before its closure in 2013, having served as both a civilian and military correctional facility. Its formidable stone walls and barred windows have witnessed centuries of human misery, despair, and execution. Charlie, a keen explorer of the macabre, recommends it highly. Visitors can still navigate through the cramped, original cells, even crawling through a narrow passage into one that has remained largely untouched for nearly 400 years, offering a visceral sense of the confinement endured by its earliest inmates. The prison comprises three imposing Victorian blocks, each echoing with countless stories of its past occupants, including infamous figures like the Kray twins, who were held there briefly during World War II.

Shepton Mallet’s dark history extends to its role in public executions and as a military prison where soldiers faced their ultimate fate. This grim legacy has cemented its reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Britain. For those seeking a thrill, the prison offers both daytime historical tours and spine-tingling night-time ghost tours. During these nocturnal expeditions, guides recount tales of spooks and ghouls, drawing from the numerous paranormal sightings and inexplicable phenomena reported by both visitors and former staff over the years. Apparitions, disembodied voices, and poltergeist activity are said to be common occurrences. For the truly brave, the prison even offers the unique opportunity to stay overnight in a real, cold, grim prison cell, a truly immersive experience designed to test the nerves. Despite the chilling subject matter, Charlie praises the staff, describing them as "friendly and all great characters," a comforting human element amidst the otherwise unsettling environment.

In West Yorkshire, high above the bustling market town of Hebden Bridge, lies the historic hilltop village of Heptonstall, home to a uniquely poignant and eerie landmark: the roofless shell of St Thomas à Becket church. This 13th-century structure was tragically raked into ruin by a devastating storm in 1847. Rather than being completely demolished, its gaunt remains were left to decay alongside its 19th-century successor, St Thomas the Apostle, creating an exceptionally rare and atmospheric site where two parish churches share a single churchyard. Finbarre Snarey describes the experience with a shiver, highlighting the dramatic visual impact. Gaunt, towering arches now frame open skies, allowing the elements to sweep through where once a roof protected worshippers. The hollowed-out stone tower, stripped bare, evokes a powerful sense of decay and monumental collapse, feeling "like the Tower tarot card made real" – a symbol of sudden change, destruction, and revelation. The wind whispers through the skeletal framework, and the silence is often broken only by the cawing of crows, adding to the pervasive sense of antiquity and loss. Expect goosebumps, Finbarre warns, as this site offers a profound connection to the passage of time and the fragility of human endeavour against the forces of nature. The village itself, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, has a rich, sometimes melancholic, history, including its association with literary figures like Sylvia Plath, whose grave lies in the churchyard, further enhancing the contemplative and slightly somber atmosphere.

A pub night in Staffordshire might typically conjure images of warmth and conviviality, but Rob’s recommendation promises an experience you won’t soon forget: The Four Crosses Inn in Cannock. Declared "the most haunted pub in England," a claim Rob, whose mother’s family owned it for generations, firmly stands by. He grew up immersed in tales of ghostly goings-on. While no longer operating as a traditional pub, it is now exclusively open for paranormal tours, allowing its spectral residents to take centre stage. The inn is also one of England’s oldest, with family lore suggesting none other than Dr. Samuel Johnson, the esteemed 18th-century literary figure, once stayed there, adding a layer of historical weight to its mysterious reputation.

Its location is key to its chilling atmosphere: nestled on the edge of the infamous Cannock Chase moor, a landscape notorious for numerous murders, disappearances, and a host of paranormal sightings, including the eerie "Black-Eyed Child" and the "Werewolf of Cannock Chase." This sinister backdrop casts a long shadow over the inn. The Four Crosses itself is a labyrinth of "dank cellars and creaking attics," perfect for fostering a sense of dread. Rob recalls stories of disembodied voices, objects moving independently, and full apparitions reported in various parts of the building. Visitors on a ghost hunt can explore these unsettling spaces, often with paranormal investigators, hoping to encounter the spectral residents firsthand. The very structure of the building, with its ancient timbers and hidden nooks, seems to breathe history and mystery, offering a genuinely immersive and terrifying experience for those brave enough to enter.

Across the Irish Sea, in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, lies a location whose unsettling history is perhaps even more disturbing for its relatively recent nature. Christina Hawe points to the Cooneen Ghost House, near Fivemiletown, as one of Northern Ireland’s eeriest places. This abandoned farmhouse is private property, yet its spectral reputation allows it to be glimpsed from the road, a tantalizing and unsettling view that makes its old poltergeist stories feel even more potent. The tale of Cooneen is not one of ancient folklore but a well-documented account of intense poltergeist activity that plagued the Maguire family in 1913-1914. Objects flew, furniture moved, strange noises echoed through the house, and the family members themselves reported being physically assaulted by unseen forces. The phenomena became so severe that priests were called in, and the case attracted widespread attention, ultimately leading to the family’s desperate emigration to America in search of peace.

The house, now a silent, decaying shell, stands as a chilling monument to these events. Nearby, Crocknagrally Forest offers the perfect setting for a cold-weather ramble, especially on a misty winter afternoon when the tracks are wonderfully secluded. The dense, dark trees and lonely roads contribute to a profound sense of remoteness and spookiness, creating the ideal environment for local folklore to feel woven into the very fabric of the landscape. Christina notes that locals are often eager to share the multitude of stories surrounding this place, keeping the memory of the Cooneen poltergeist alive, a reminder that some hauntings are not confined to the distant past but can leave an enduring scar on a community and its surroundings.

On Wales’ rugged Llŷn Peninsula, a unique blend of industrial heritage and ancient myth creates the haunting atmosphere of Nant Gwrtheyrn. This once-thriving quarrying village, now a Welsh language and heritage centre, lies dramatically at the foot of Yr Eifl (the Rivals), accessible only by a terrifyingly steep and winding road that plunges into an isolated cove. Sioned describes the place on a misty autumn day, with the crashing waves below and the unsettling sight of wild goats peering down from the cliffs above, as "truly eerie." The remnants of the granite quarry, with its abandoned works and stark structures, add a desolate, post-apocalyptic feel to the natural beauty.

Yet, it is the woods in the valley that hold the most poignant and chilling tale: the legend of Rhys and Meinir. This traditional Welsh folk tale describes a prenuptial game of hide-and-seek that tragically went awry. On their wedding day, Meinir hid so well that she could not be found. Years passed, Rhys remained heartbroken, until one day, during a violent thunderstorm, a bolt of lightning struck a hollow oak tree, revealing the skeletal remains of his beloved Meinir, still dressed in her wedding gown. Overwhelmed by grief, Rhys died on the spot. This romantic tragedy is deeply embedded in the landscape, adding a profound layer of melancholic spookiness to Nant Gwrtheyrn. The site, free to visit, invites contemplation of love, loss, and the enduring power of myth in a setting that feels both timeless and deeply isolated.

Returning to Aberdeenshire, another coastal ruin casts a long, gothic shadow: Slains Castle. On a cold, grey day, this magnificent ruin on the east coast of Scotland, north of Aberdeen, exudes an undeniable "spooky air," as Joel Rawlings attests. While the popular rumour that the castle directly inspired Bram Stoker when he was writing "Dracula" is apparently untrue (Stoker did visit the nearby Cruden Bay and was likely influenced by the dramatic coastline, but Dracula’s castle was envisioned as being in Transylvania), the castle ruins themselves certainly evoke a powerful gothic sensibility. Its crumbling walls and empty window frames readily bring to mind images of bats pouring out into the twilight and "unsavoury aristocrats lurking around corners."

Slains Castle’s dramatic setting, precariously located on cliffs high above the tumultuous North Sea, is integral to its atmosphere. The relentless crashing waves against the rocks below and the haunting calls of rooks and jackdaws circling overhead provide an evocatively eerie soundtrack to any visit. Once the imposing seat of the powerful Clan Hay Earls of Erroll, the castle was intentionally de-roofed in the early 20th century to avoid property tax, leaving it a skeletal shell exposed to the elements. This deliberate decay, combined with the raw power of the surrounding landscape, creates a sense of wild, untamed beauty infused with a lingering sense of past grandeur and mystery. The sheer scale of the ruins and their dramatic coastal perch make it a truly unforgettable and atmospheric experience.

Venturing south to the South Downs in West Sussex, Chanctonbury Ring presents an ancient and unsettling enigma. This Iron Age hill fort, encircled by a distinctive ring of mature beech trees, has been a site of human activity for millennia, layering it with history and folklore. Kirsty McHattie highlights the local legend that claims by walking or running around the ring seven times, one will summon or encounter the devil himself. This myth speaks to the perceived ancient power and mystique of the site, a place where the natural world seems to brush against the supernatural.

The writer Robert Macfarlane vividly recounted his own unnerving experience at Chanctonbury Ring in his 2012 book, "The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot." While camping alone at the ring in the dead of night, he was awakened by terrifying, human-sounding screams high above him in the tree canopy. These inexplicable sounds seemed to divide and converge with unnerving precision before appearing to swoop down upon him, creating a deeply psychological and frightening encounter. The isolation of the hilltop, the ancient trees, and the dark of night amplified the terror of the unexplained. Chanctonbury Ring, accessible only on foot, challenges visitors to confront its long-held myths and perhaps even their own deepest fears. Who dares follow in Macfarlane’s footsteps to test the enduring power of this myth, or to simply witness the site’s profound and unsettling beauty under a moonlit sky? Its ancient history and potent folklore combine to create a landscape that is both beautiful and deeply disquieting.

Finally, for a definitive gothic experience, Emilio’s top spooky spot is Whitby Abbey, majestically perched high above the dramatic Yorkshire coast. Its ruined arches and weathered stone present a powerful and dramatic silhouette against the sky even in daylight, but the true magic of its atmosphere unfolds at dusk. As mist drifts in from the North Sea and the wind sighs through the abbey’s empty windows, the sense of history and mystery becomes almost overwhelming. This Benedictine monastery, founded in the 7th century by St. Hilda, was later destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, leaving its magnificent shell to decay, a process that only enhanced its romantic and haunting appeal.

Whitby’s fame as a spooky destination is inextricably linked to Bram Stoker, who found profound inspiration here for his iconic novel, "Dracula." Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and was captivated by its gothic architecture, the eerie atmosphere of the abbey, the dramatic 199 steps leading up to it, and the tales of shipwrecks and local folklore. He famously incorporated these elements into his narrative, depicting Dracula’s ship, the Demeter, running aground at Whitby, and the Count’s first terrestrial appearance on English soil near the abbey’s ancient graveyard. The town’s narrow, winding streets and historic harbour further contribute to this unique atmosphere, especially as the lamps flicker on and the town grows quiet after dark. Emilio longs to explore the abbey as the light fades, then to wander down towards the harbour, listening to the rhythmic crash of the waves and letting his imagination run wild. Whitby epitomizes the ideal spooky location: where rich history, dramatic landscape, and enduring legend converge, creating a magic that truly endures, captivating visitors with its timeless and chilling allure.