October 31 marks Halloween – an evening where ghosts and ghouls come out to play, but what venues across London play host to these mysterious figures? We take a look at some of the most haunted attractions for you to visit or treat your team to for a spooky evening.
Hampton Court Palace
There’s no doubt about it, Hampton Court Palace is a stunning venue located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, however does something a little more sinister live within the Palace’s walls? Employees and guests have noted many ghost tales when within the grounds, however one of the most famous is the tale of the The Screaming Queen within the Haunted Gallery.
People have reportedly witnessed Henry VIII’s fifth wife Catherine Howard walking the halls and screaming, re-enacting what happened to her when she was sentenced to death here. The Palace is also said to be home to many restless royals, a ‘Grey Lady’ and many strange sensations, including feeling cold and experiencing a presence pulling hair.
The Palace offers tours for groups to go on, running from October 31, 2018 to February 17, 2019.
The Langham London
Known as the most haunted hotel in London, The Langham is known to be the home to many ghostly figures. Having opened in 1865, it’s no surprise that guests have reportedly seen sightings of a man in Victorian evening wear in room 333 – I’d suggest you ask the hotel manager to avoid this room if you’re booking in your boss to stay for the night.
Other guests have reported sightings of a figure of a man in military uniform standing by the window on the fourth floor, who is said to have been the ghost of a German prince who jumped out of a window before WWI.
The Ten Bells Pub
The Ten Bells Pub is an iconic landmark on the Jack the Ripper map, however the history of this pub and it’s ghostly goings-on goes much deeper than that. In 2001 a tenant revealed that they could often hear footsteps and laughter in the hallway, however upon investigation, they found that it was empty.
There are tales that a baby was also murdered during the 19th century after a psychic was called to assess the building. During her visit she declared something terrible had taken place in a room on the top floor of the pub and refused to enter the room.
The Tower of London
Another historical attraction within the City; The Tower of London is known for guarding royal possessions, the home for many infamous royals and gruesome executions. It’s no surprise to hear then that the Tower has earned the reputation as one of the most haunted places in the UK.
Queen Anne Boleyn who was taken to the Tower to be beheaded in 1536 is said to be one of the most persistent ghosts inside the building. Several people have claimed that they have seen her headless body walking the Tower’s corridors.
The Tower offers tours for groups of people, taking place from November 18, 2018 to April 14, 2019.
The Savoy
If you’re a thrill-seeker then guests looking to stay in The Savoy can ask to stay in one of the hotel’s most haunted rooms. People have often reported that they can hear unusual sounds such as a door tapping and screams, but what’s more unsettling is the idea of furniture moving on its own accord – something many have experienced inside the venue.
A certain corridor in the hotel is said to be the home to the wandering ghost of Oscar Wilde, who drifts between rooms 346 and 362 – I think I’d avoid these few during your stay.
