London is a city of centuries and secrets, and among its darkest stories is the ghost most often reported: a female specter in white drifting through old corridors. Many paranormal enthusiasts say that 50 Berkeley Square is the UK’s most haunted house, with an attic room that has been linked to madness and death. Meanwhile, the Tower of London is arguably the scariest attraction in London, haunted by dozens of tragic spirits, including Anne Boleyn and the Princes in the Tower. These iconic haunted sites intrigue both believers and skeptics alike. Today, we are going to deep dive into haunted places in London to reveal the hidden spooky spots in the city.
Key Takeaways
- London offers ghost stories from medieval prisons to haunted theatres that still allow visits.
- Many hauntings are tied to real, tragic events centuries ago, giving weight to their legends.
- Some haunted places are open to the public via museums or tours; others are accessible only externally.
- Recent paranormal activity reports still emerge at certain sites, maintaining their eerie appeal.
- The top 12 haunted places in London are the Tower of London, 50 Berkeley Square, The Clink Prison, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Ten Bells, The London Bridge Vaults, The Old Operating Theatre, Hyde Park Pet Cemetery, Bruce Castle, Whitechapel, Highgate Cemetery, and The Grenadier.
Top 12 Haunted Places in London
Tower of London
Located on the River Thames, the Tower of London dates to the Norman era. It became haunted after many executions took place there. Ghosts such as Anne Boleyn and the Princes in the Tower are said to wander within. Apparently, reports of cold spots and apparitions continue until today! It is fully open as a historic site and absolutely worth visiting for its mix of history and specters.
50 Berkeley Square
In Mayfair, this mid-18th-century townhouse is infamous as London’s most haunted house. A maid reportedly went insane after seeing a specter, and later intruders tried to spend the night, only to flee. Another legend says that the room in the attic is haunted by a female who committed suicide. Occasional paranormal investigators visit, but it has now become a private residence. From outside, it remains a chilling landmark.
The Clink Prison
Near London Bridge, The Clink dates back nearly 900 years. It became haunted by prisoners and guards tortured or hanged there. Visitors report seeing apparitions in the cells and hearing whispers. It now functions as The Clink Prison Museum, and you can tour its old cells. The tours showcase archaeological artefacts and even smells and sounds of the prison from the old days!
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Entities known as “the Man in Grey” and former performers like Joseph Grimaldi and Dan Leno reportedly haunt this famous theatre in central London. During renovations in the 1800s, workers discovered a skeleton in a wall, which sparked the ghost stories that still surround the theatre today. It is still operating as a theatre, and curious visitors sometimes catch odd sounds or sightings during performances. Book your haunted theatrical experience from their website if you dare to face the ghosts!
The Ten Bells
The Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields was a popular spot during the autumn of 1888, located between two of Jack the Ripper’s murder sites. Both victims Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly were frequent visitors of the pub, with Kelly even drinking there the night before her death. Many believe Jack the Ripper himself may have visited the Ten Bells to find victims or rest during his nightly wanderings. Visitors claim to have spotted spectral figures and heard unexplained noises to this day. It is still a working pub, so you can visit and grab your drink while trying to spot the victims’ ghosts.
The London Bridge Vaults
Under London Bridge, the vaults and the London Tombs create a dark maze of haunted chambers. Tales include shadows flickering and “Emily” wandering in the passageways. According to the old tales, Emily was a young girl who tragically died during construction work in the area, and her spirit is said to linger in the tunnels, crying softly or appearing near visitors who pass through alone. It is open as part of The London Bridge Experience and immersive scare maze tours.
Old Operating Theatre
The Old Operating Theatre is a 19th-century surgical theatre near London Bridge that was once attached to a hospital. Ghostly footsteps and strange sounds are sometimes reported. Ghostly footsteps and strange sounds are sometimes reported. Some visitors have claimed to hear the faint cries of patients or the clinking of surgical tools echoing through the gallery, believed to be the spirits of those who died on the operating table before modern anesthesia. Staff have also described sudden temperature drops and an unsettling feeling of being watched while working late. The museum is open to visitors and gives a glimpse into medical history as well as spectral rumors
Hyde Park Pet Cemetery
Behind Victoria Gate in Hyde Park lies a pet cemetery dating to the 19th century. It is rarely open, but when special tours occur, people speak of ghostly animals and spectral forms. The overgrown graves give a haunting and melancholic feel, perfect for a spooky visit.
Bruce Castle
In northeast London, Bruce Castle is an early 17th-century manor. The legend is that Lady Constantia Lucy threw herself and her child from a balcony out of despair. On cold nights, people claim to see her silhouette staring from windows. It is now open as a museum and is well worth a side trip.
Whitechapel
Whitechapel hosted several of the notorious Jack the Ripper murders in 1888. The anonymity of the killer fuels its ghost stories and eerie reputation. Locals often speak of ghostly figures appearing near the old murder sites and of faint screams heard in the quiet hours of the night. Some claim to have seen shadowy silhouettes resembling the victims wandering through the fog, keeping the legend of Whitechapel’s haunted past alive.
Highgate Cemetery
Sited in north London, Highgate Cemetery dates to the 1800s. It has a reputation for supernatural phenomena such as ghostly figures and mysterious fogs. Visitors have long told stories of the Highgate Vampire, a tall, dark figure with red eyes said to glide among the tombs at night. Others report hearing whispers near the Egyptian Avenue and glimpsing pale faces peering from crypts. The gothic chapels and elaborate tombs create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere for anyone intrigued by haunted places in London.
The Grenadier
In Belgravia, you will find The Grenadier pub, originally built in 1720. Rumors say that Cedric, a junior guardsman beaten in 1818 for cheating at cards, haunts the pub. Taps allegedly turn on by themselves, and figures show up in photos. It is still an active pub, so anyone looking for something spooky is welcome to visit.
Conclusion
Now that you have journeyed through London’s spectral corners, you see how densely the city holds ghost stories and haunted landmarks.
Whether in fortress walls, old pubs, theatres, or cemeteries, each place blends history and mystery. If you want to experience this in person, consider booking Amitylux’s private tour in London, where you can customize your itinerary to include haunted places in London. Let our local guides take you through dim alleys and hidden vaults to encounter London’s most chilling legends yourself.
Visiting London soon? Check out our guide on what to do in London for 3 days and how to spend Christmas in England for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most seen ghost in the UK?
Many reports point to a female specter in white seen in historic houses. In London, the specter at 50 Berkeley Square is among the most reported.
Where is the UK’s most haunted house?
50 Berkeley Square in Mayfair is often called London’s most haunted house for its long history of reported paranormal events.
What is the UK’s most haunted place?
The Tower of London is frequently cited as the UK’s most haunted place due to its many executions and tragic deaths.
What is the scary attraction in London?
The London Dungeon and the London Tombs under London Bridge are well-known attractions combining history and horror.
