A recent study has revealed the spookiest castles in the UK, with Chillingham Castle in Northumberland ranked as the most eerie destination, just in time for Halloween. The study, conducted by JeffBet.com, analysed Tripadvisor reviews to determine which historic castles are most commonly associated with chilling experiences, ghostly apparitions, and a haunted atmosphere.
Chillingham Castle took the top spot after 399 out of every 1,000 reviews described it as ‘haunted’, ‘spooky’, or ‘creepy’. The 12th-century castle, known for its rich history and ghost stories, currently holds a four-star rating on Tripadvisor, with 119 reviews explicitly mentioning its haunted reputation.
Warwick Castle in Warwickshire ranked second on the list. With over 16,600 Tripadvisor reviews, the medieval fortress was described as ‘scary’ in more than 750 reviews. On average, 140 out of every 1,000 reviews contained keywords such as ‘haunting’ and ‘chilling’, making it a popular destination for thrill-seekers looking for a historical fright.
Top 10 spookiest UK castles
| Rank | Location | County | Total reviews | Star rating (/5) | Spooky keywords per 1,000 reviews |
| 1. | Chillingham Castle | Northumberland | 1,196 | 4 | 399 |
| 2. | Warwick Castle | Warwickshire | 16,655 | 4 | 140 |
| 3. | Muncaster Castle | Cumbria | 1,856 | 4.5 | 134 |
| 4. | St Andrews Castle | Fife | 1,172 | 4 | 96 |
| 5. | Bolsover Castle | Derbyshire | 1,626 | 4.5 | 58 |
| 6. | Oxford Castle & Prison | Oxfordshire | 3,796 | 4.5 | 56 |
| 7. | Alnwick Castle | Northumberland | 6,004 | 4.5 | 47 |
| 8. | Glamis Castle | Angus | 2,077 | 4.5 | 41 |
| 9. | Carisbrooke Castle | Isle Of Wight | 2,264 | 4.5 | 39 |
| 10. | Lincoln Castle | Lincolnshire | 5,815 | 4.5 | 37 |
In third place was Muncaster Castle in Cumbria, where 134 out of every 1,000 reviews described the location as haunted or eerie. Tripadvisor reviewers frequently mentioned the castle’s ‘haunted’ atmosphere, with many visitors recounting spooky experiences during their tours. The castle, which boasts a 4.5-star rating, has become a well-known haunt for those looking to delve into its ghostly past.
The first Scottish castle on the list was St Andrews Castle in Fife, which ranked as the fourth most unsettling location. The ruins, which have a four-star rating, are known for their creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere, with 96 out of every 1,000 reviews describing it as ‘spooky’ or ‘eerie’.
Derbyshire’s Bolsover Castle rounded out the top five, with 58 out of 1,000 reviews mentioning its chilling atmosphere. The most frequently used descriptions were ‘spooky’ and ‘scary’, cementing the 17th-century stronghold as a must-visit for those seeking a haunted experience.
Other castles featured in the top ten included Oxford Castle and Prison in Oxfordshire, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Glamis Castle in Angus, Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, and Lincoln Castle in Lincolnshire.
Speaking about the study, a spokesperson from JeffBet.com said: “October is the perfect month to explore spooky locations and get into the autumnal mood. All of the castles in our list are centuries old, steeped in history, and come with stories of hauntings and mysterious occurrences.”
“Chillingham Castle, in particular, has long been associated with ghostly sightings and eerie experiences. Its place at the top of the list, especially in the lead-up to Halloween, is no surprise given the number of visitors who have reported spooky encounters.”
“Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply enjoy the atmosphere of an old, historic castle, visiting any of the castles on this list is sure to offer a chilling thrill, especially as the cool autumn air amplifies the mysterious feel.”
With Halloween just around the corner, the study provides an ideal guide for those looking to experience the UK’s most spine-chilling locations this October.