Dare to Visit? Bodmin Jail Named Among UK’s Most Haunted Locations This Halloween

Published On: 28 October 2025Last Updated: 28 October 2025By CornishStuff

As Halloween creeps closer, new research has revealed the UK’s most haunted destinations to visit this October — and Cornwall’s own Bodmin Jail has earned a chilling spot on the list.

According to caravan holiday provider Parkdean Resorts, online searches for haunted places have surged by 100% in the past week, as thrill-seekers across the country prepare for spooky adventures.

The company analysed Google and TikTok search trends to uncover the top ten haunted destinations in the UK for Halloween 2025, with eerie castles, prisons and pubs all making the cut.

The UK’s Most Haunted Places Revealed

Topping the list is Hampton Court Palace in London, with more than 500,000 monthly Google searches and a long history of royal hauntings. Other hotspots include Chillingham Castle in Northumberland, The Old Operating Theatre in London and The Plough Inn in Gloucestershire.

Cornwall’s Bodmin Jail takes sixth place overall, boasting over 150,000 Google searches. The former prison has a dark and unsettling history, with many visitors reporting eerie sensations while exploring its shadowy corridors.

Parkdean Resorts said the jail, located just 30 minutes from Newquay, offers ghost walks for those brave enough to experience its haunted past firsthand.

The Top 10 Haunted UK Locations for 2025

Rank	Haunted Place	Area
1	Hampton Court Palace	London
2	Chillingham Castle	Northumberland
3	The Old Operating Theatre	London
4	The Plough Inn	Gloucestershire
5	The Queen’s House	London
6	Bodmin Jail	Cornwall
7	The Skirrid Mountain Inn	Wales
8	Berry Pomeroy Castle	Devon
9	The Tower of London	London
10	Pendle Hill	Lancashire

Haunted Highlights Across the Country

Hampton Court Palace leads the way as the capital’s most haunted spot, while The Old Operating Theatre has seen a 125% rise in TikTok searches for its gruesome medical history and eerie atmosphere.

Meanwhile, The Queen’s House in Greenwich continues to attract ghost hunters intrigued by the mysterious Reverend Hardy photograph, and The Tower of London remains one of the nation’s most recognised haunted landmarks.

In Northumberland, Chillingham Castle is famed for its ghost tours and paranormal legends, while The Plough Inn in Gloucestershire offers a family-friendly haunted experience in a 12th-century setting.

Cornwall’s Chilling Contender

Once a working prison, Bodmin Jail has long been a favourite among those drawn to the supernatural. Its dark past and spine-tingling atmosphere make it one of the most popular haunted destinations in the South West.

With its proximity to Newquay, it’s an ideal stop for anyone visiting Cornwall this Halloween looking to mix coastal breaks with a touch of ghostly adventure.

Travel Experts Share Spooky Halloween Tips

Travel experts at Parkdean Resorts have shared advice for those planning to explore the UK’s haunted side this Halloween:

Choose a location with history – Pick destinations with centuries of haunted tales for a truly immersive experience, such as Cornwall or Wales.
Stay nearby – Extend the thrill by staying close to haunted attractions, as most ghostly encounters are said to happen after dark.
Join a local ghost tour – Many towns offer tours led by paranormal experts to uncover eerie stories.
Pack for the occasion – Bring warm layers, a torch and a camera to capture anything spooky.

Feeling Brave?

Parkdean Resorts offers Halloween breaks across 60 holiday parks throughout the UK for those wanting to add a supernatural twist to their autumn getaway.

Explore the UK’s most haunted destinations for a Halloween break this October by enjoying thrilling activities across 60 holiday parks – if you feel brave enough!