If you’re looking for a spooky adventure this Halloween, why not explore some of the UK’s most haunted cities? According to research by unoccupied house insurance experts, Alan Boswell Group, Aberdeen and Bradford top the list as the most likely places to experience paranormal activity.
Aberdeen – haunted history in Scotland’s north
Aberdeen claims the top spot as one of the UK’s most haunted cities, scoring 8.25 out of 10. With 20 reported paranormal sightings (0.11 per 10k people) and 26 cemeteries, it’s a city brimming with eerie charm. The city also has the third-highest number of vacant properties in the UK, with 7,790 abandoned buildings.
Norwood Hall Hotel, built in the 19th century, is a hotspot for ghost sightings. Guests have reported encountering three resident spirits: James Ogston, his wife, and his mistress. James is said to haunt the dining room, while his mistress lurks by the main staircase. Meanwhile, Mrs Ogston is rumoured to seek revenge for her husband’s betrayal. For an experience you won’t forget, visit this haunted hotel if you dare.
Bradford – historic hauntings
Bradford comes a close second with a score of 8.25 out of 10. It has 24 paranormal reports (0.05 per 10k people) and 79 cemeteries. The city boasts 80,450 properties built before 1918, adding to its rich, haunted history.
Bolling Hall, dating back to the 14th century, has long attracted paranormal investigators from around the world. The historic site is so eerie it even featured on the popular TV show Most Haunted. With chilling tales of ghostly sightings and unexplainable events, it’s a must-visit for those keen to explore the supernatural.
York – the city of 1,000 ghosts
York, known as the ‘City of 1,000 Ghosts’, ranks third with a score of 7.85 out of 10. The city has 53 reported paranormal sightings, the second highest in the UK, and boasts 52 cemeteries, 979 vacant properties, and 19,350 houses built before 1918.
One of York’s most famous haunted locations is the Treasurer’s House. This Grade I listed building, once home to the treasurer of York Minster, is now owned by the National Trust. Visitors have reported ghostly Roman soldiers wandering the grounds and sudden, unexplained temperature drops. York is a must for any ghost-hunting enthusiast.
Ipswich – history with a side of paranormal
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Ipswich ranks 15th, with a score of 5.80 out of 10. While it has a rich Anglo-Saxon history, there have been fewer paranormal sightings, with only 0.16 reports per 10k people. However, the eerie atmosphere of nearby Sutton Hoo, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the UK, adds to Suffolk’s mysterious charm.
Final thoughts
For those who want to delve into the supernatural this Halloween, these cities offer a mix of ghost stories, haunted locations, and eerie attractions. Whether you’re in Aberdeen, Bradford, or York, there’s no shortage of spooky adventures awaiting you.
For more information on the UK’s most haunted cities, visit the Alan Boswell Group’s full report.
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