Unsplash/Adrian MagBritain is dotted with the remains of once-grand castles—some reduced to crumbling walls, others surprisingly intact yet eerily quiet. These aren’t just historical ruins; many come with unsettling stories of betrayal, torture, mysterious disappearances, or unexplained sightings. Abandoned and atmospheric, they draw in curious travellers, amateur ghost hunters, and those intrigued by the darker side of history. These are some of the most haunting British castles that have been left behind but are far from forgotten.
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
Perched on a dramatic stretch of the Northumberland coast, Dunstanburgh Castle has stood in ruin since the 15th century. Built in the 1300s by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, it was meant to be both a fortress and a statement of rebellion against King Edward II.
Thomas was later executed for treason, and legend has it that his ghost roams the windswept grounds. The castle’s isolated setting, battered by the North Sea, adds to its eerie appeal. Visitors often speak of strange lights and the feeling of being watched.
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon
Often called one of the most haunted castles in England, Berry Pomeroy is a picturesque ruin tucked into woodland near Totnes. Though it looks romantic, its history is filled with tales of imprisonment, betrayal, and restless spirits.
Most famous are the stories of the White Lady and the Blue Lady. The White Lady is thought to be Margaret Pomeroy, who was supposedly locked in a dungeon and starved to death by her jealous sister. The Blue Lady is said to lure people to their deaths by leading them off the battlements.
Castle Rising, Norfolk
Castle Rising is known for its striking earthworks and imposing Norman keep, but it’s also infamous for what happened inside. It was once home to Queen Isabella, the so-called “She-Wolf of France,” who helped overthrow her husband, Edward II.
After her fall from grace, Isabella was imprisoned at Castle Rising. Locals have long reported the sounds of screaming and weeping echoing through the stone halls. Some believe it’s Isabella herself, tormented by guilt, or madness.
Gwrych Castle, North Wales
Though built more recently in the early 19th century, Gwrych Castle is steeped in mystery. Abandoned for decades, it became a crumbling relic until gaining attention as a filming location for television in recent years.
Visitors over the years reported cold spots, flickering lights, and ghostly figures near the old stables. One of the most persistent stories is of a woman in white, believed to be the Countess of Dundonald, still watching over the estate she once cherished.
Hylton Castle, Sunderland
This medieval castle, now a shell of its former self, was the seat of the powerful Hylton family. But its legacy is shadowed by the story of the so-called Cauld Lad of Hylton—a mischievous ghost said to be the spirit of a stable boy wrongfully killed by a nobleman.
The boy’s ghost is said to throw objects, slam doors, and cause general mischief. Even after the castle’s decline, these reports continued, making the Cauld Lad one of the more playful yet unsettling spirits in British folklore.
Tantallon Castle, East Lothian
Standing dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Tantallon Castle has weathered centuries of sieges and storms. Built in the 1300s, it was the seat of the powerful Douglas family, who often clashed with the Scottish crown.
In 2009, a visitor captured what appeared to be the image of a ghostly figure dressed in period clothing looking out from a window, despite the area being closed to the public. Experts couldn’t explain the figure, and the image fuelled new interest in the castle’s haunted past.
Ruthven Barracks, Highland
Technically not a castle, but built on the ruins of Ruthven Castle, this site has seen centuries of bloodshed. The original fortress was burned during the Jacobite risings, and the ruins that stand today are eerily quiet.
Visitors report hearing phantom hoofbeats and cries from long-gone battles. With its desolate setting and long military history, Ruthven remains one of the Highlands’ most haunting remnants.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Set where three lochs meet, Eilean Donan is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Though restored in the 20th century, it was abandoned after being destroyed during the Jacobite uprising in 1719.
Its dramatic location and long history have birthed numerous ghost stories. Some say the spirits of Spanish soldiers, killed in the battle, still haunt the grounds. Others claim to have seen a ghostly figure in full Highland dress on the battlements at dusk. The isolation and misty surroundings only add to its mystique.
Newark Castle, Port Glasgow
Often overlooked, Newark Castle in Scotland has a violent past. Once the seat of the powerful Maxwell family, it was the site of cruelty and repression. Patrick Maxwell, notorious for his violent temper, is said to have beaten his wife so severely she died, yet no charges were ever brought.
The castle has been abandoned for long stretches, and reports of ghostly wailing and cold spots in the former living quarters have added to its unsettling reputation. It may not be as well-known as others, but its history is undeniably chilling.
Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire
Old Wardour Castle is a romantic ruin nestled in a peaceful valley, but its history includes a bloody siege during the English Civil War. Lady Blanche Arundell famously defended the castle for several days with just 25 men against 1,300 Parliamentarian troops.
Her defiance ended in surrender, and many of the defenders were killed. Visitors have reported seeing a ghostly woman in 17th-century dress wandering the grounds, believed by some to be Lady Blanche herself, still keeping watch.
Britain’s abandoned castles are more than crumbling stones—they’re time capsules filled with whispers of the past. Whether you’re drawn by architecture, tragedy, or the thrill of a ghost story, these castles offer more than just scenic views. They carry echoes—sometimes faint, sometimes loud—of lives interrupted, secrets buried, and histories that refuse to stay quiet.
