A recent survey has revealed that a staggering 69% of Brits believe in ghosts, with more than 2,200 people a month actively searching for ‘haunted places near me’. As dark tourism takes hold, travellers are flocking to cities steeped in centuries of history, folklore, and paranormal mystery. The UK, home to some of the world’s most chilling tales, is fast becoming a top destination for those hoping to experience a ghostly encounter.
Now, the unoccupied house insurance experts at Alan Boswell Group have compiled a study pinpointing the UK’s most haunted cities—places where the supernatural is said to walk among us. Based on paranormal reports, the presence of empty properties, and the city’s historical significance, the study provides an intriguing guide to the UK’s eerie hotspots.
According to the study, Aberdeen and Bradford top the list, with an impressive score of 8.25 out of 10 for their haunted potential. Both cities are rich in history and are known for their eerie atmospheres, making them prime locations for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
Aberdeen—often shrouded in mist—holds a reputation for its spooky properties and frequent paranormal sightings. The city has reported 20 paranormal incidents (0.11 per 10,000 people) and boasts 26 cemeteries (0.14 per 10,000 people). Aberdeen also has the highest number of vacant properties in the UK, with 7,790 empty buildings (41.4 per 10,000 people). One of the most infamous locations is the Norwood Hall Hotel, a 19th-century establishment that is said to be haunted by three restless spirits: James Ogston, his wife, and his mistress. Guests have reported sightings of James in the dining room, his wife wandering the grounds in a fit of rage, and the mistress, ever-present on the staircase.
Meanwhile, Bradford is home to 24 paranormal reports (0.05 per 10,000 people), 79 cemeteries, and a wealth of ancient buildings, with over 80,000 properties built before 1918. Among the many haunted locations in Bradford is Bolling Hall, dating back to the 14th century, which has become a magnet for paranormal investigators and even featured on the popular TV show Most Haunted.
Third place goes to the legendary York, often dubbed “the City of 1,000 Ghosts.” Scoring 7.85 out of 10, York is famed for its paranormal activity, with 53 reported hauntings (0.33 per 10,000 people). The city is home to 52 cemeteries and an astonishing 979 vacant properties. One of its most notorious haunted locations is The Treasurer’s House, where visitors have reported seeing Roman soldiers and hearing unexplained noises. The Grade I listed house, now owned by the National Trust, continues to be a hotspot for ghostly phenomena.
At the other end of the scale, Ipswich ranks 15th, with a score of just 5.8 out of 10. Despite its rich Anglo-Saxon history, Ipswich only records 0.16 paranormal reports per 10,000 people. However, nearby Sutton Hoo, an ancient site famous for its Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, adds to the eerie aura of Suffolk and has captivated history enthusiasts and paranormal experts alike.
The study highlights how the UK’s blend of ancient history, vacant properties, and cemeteries has contributed to its growing reputation as a supernatural playground for those fascinated by the paranormal. As the trend of dark tourism continues to rise, the most haunted places in the UK are likely to see even more visitors hoping to glimpse a ghost or uncover a chilling secret from the past.