The UK's 10 most haunted counties and their tourist attractions perfect for October

As Halloween creeps closer, Brits are preparing for the spooky season, from trick-or-treating to ghost tours, haunted pub nights and horror film marathons, but for those wanting something truly spine-tingling, new data has revealed exactly where in the UK to find the most paranormal activity and the real-life locations that might just make your hair stand on end. According to new research by travel experts Ski Vertigo, using reports from the Paranormal Database, among the 10 most haunted counties in the UK, Essex tops the list with a chilling 535 recorded sightings or strange occurrences. Many of these sightings took place at well-known tourist attractions, offering perfect autumn day trips for the brave-hearted or even ghost tours as night falls.

The research also found that the popularity of Halloween is growing in the UK with 55% of Brits saying they'll be celebrating this year, up from 48% in 2024. A spokesperson for Ski Vertigo said: "The UK's heritage is deeply intertwined with tales of the supernatural, and our findings provide a fascinating insight into those counties where history seems to have left a particularly spectral mark."

This image called the 'Ghost Diggers' by Thurston Hopkins shows an eerie scene from January 1995 where a group of young men can be seen sifting through rubble and chains, searching for the remains of the phantom nun.

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In December 1980, several US Air Force personnel stationed nearby reported witnessing unexplained lights, and strange markings in the forest. The incident, which unfolded over three nights, remains one of the UK's most famous UFO incidents. Although not a ghost story in the traditional sense, the Rendlesham Forest incident continues to draw paranormal investigators, alien enthusiasts, and curious visitors from around the world, particularly during the spooky season.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" /> Somerset and Bristol together form one of the most supernaturally active regions in England. Two standout locations dominate the local legend: The Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.

Long associated with the tale of the Witch of Wookey, this spot has also experienced a modern haunting, between 1947 and 1954, with reports describing paranormal activity in a nearby cottage, including strange sounds and sightings. In 1998, a diver also claimed to have seen a mysterious figure in the caves, resembling a person in diving gear.

Britain's oldest continuously working theatre is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sarah Siddons, a famed 18th-century actress. A ghostly figure resembling her was seen in 2010, reportedly watching rehearsals from the upper circle.

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