The research, conducted by Kent motorhome specialists Choose Leisure, analysed multiple destinations across the UK, ranking them based on six eerie factors to calculate an overall “Spooky Score” out of 10.
The study found that the UK’s eeriest destinations aren’t limited to its biggest cities, smaller historic spots like Chester, Kent, and Brighton also rank highly for paranormal activity and chilling ghost tours.
Inbaal Honigman, celebrity psychic advised first-time road trippers to haunted locations: “Some hauntings are unchanging imprints, some stem from trauma, and others don’t realise they’re dead. They may interact as if alive. First-time visitors should keep an open mind: ghosts can appear differently to everyone, sometimes only as a shadow or in a dream, so don’t have specific expectations of how a ghost looks, feels or sounds.
“Welcome signs but stay sceptical. Spiritual preparation and rituals can enhance connection while keeping you safe. Using sage or incense can aid perception and provide protection. Avoid photographing or recording spirits, as some may not like it and could interfere with your equipment.”
Top 10 spooky stops for your haunted road trip
| Rank | Location | Ghost Tour Count (/10) | Haunted Reputation (/10) | Tour Quality (/10) | Reviews (/10) | Paranormal Reports (/10) | Accessibility (/10) | Spooky Score (/10) |
| 1 | York | 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.1 |
| 2 | London | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| 3 | Edinburgh | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| 4 | Chester | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.1 |
| 5 | Kent | 3 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 7.8 |
| 6 | Brighton | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.6 |
| 7 | Oxford | 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6.9 |
| 8 | Glasgow | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 6.7 |
| 9 | Durham | 3 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
| 10 | Bath | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
- York – The ghost capital of the UK
Spooky Score: 9.1/10
Steeped in 2,000 years of history, York tops the list with its chilling mix of Roman ruins, medieval streets, and centuries of ghost sightings. From the legendary Treasurer’s House to the infamous Shambles, York scores a perfect 10/10 across haunted reputation, reviews, and paranormal reports, cementing its place as the ultimate haunt for ghost hunters.
- London – Royal hauntings and dark history
Spooky Score: 9/10
The UK’s capital combines regal landmarks with grisly ghost stories, from the Tower of London’s tortured souls to phantom figures roaming Hampton Court Palace. With the highest number of ghost tours in the country and top-rated experiences, London remains a hotspot for supernatural tourism.
- Edinburgh – Spirits of the underground
Spooky Score: 9/10
Scotland’s capital ranks joint second thanks to its spine-tingling underground vaults, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Mary King’s Close, said to be one of the most haunted places in the world. Edinburgh scored top marks for both haunted reputation and paranormal reports, making it a must-visit for anyone chasing a scare.
- Chester – Roman ghosts and haunted inns
Spooky Score: 8.1/10
With Roman roots and medieval architecture, Chester offers ghostly tales around every corner. Visitors praise the city’s high-quality ghost tours and eerie atmosphere, especially along the City Walls and at the Old King’s Head Inn, one of the North West’s most haunted pubs.
- Kent – Home to the most haunted village in Britain
Spooky Score: 7.8/10
Kent rounds out the top five, largely thanks to Pluckley, officially dubbed ‘the most haunted village in England.’ With reports of over a dozen restless spirits, from highwaymen to screaming spectres, Kent scored a perfect 10 for both haunted reputation and paranormal reports. Its rural yet accessible setting adds to its eerie allure.
The results show that Britain’s fascination with the supernatural continues to thrive, with history, heritage, and a hint of horror drawing visitors from around the world.
“Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, haunted road trips provide the perfect mix of history, mystery, and spine-tingling adventure,” said Dave Williams, managing director at Kent motorhome company, Choose Leisure.“For travellers looking to do something different this year, exploring haunted locations is a unique way to immerse yourself in centuries of storytelling, folklore, and eerie atmosphere. From candlelit ghost walks along ancient streets to historic castles said to be home to restless spirits, there’s no shortage of ways to get spooked while discovering the culture and history of each destination.
“Travelling by car lets you visit multiple haunted hotspots at your own pace, stopping at atmospheric inns, scenic countryside routes, and historic landmarks along the way. These destinations are easily accessible and perfect for weekend getaways or longer road trips, giving curious travellers the chance to combine a love of history with a dash of the paranormal for the perfect autumn road trip.”
