Dare You Explore The Most Haunted Houses In The UK?

Rye is one of prettiest towns in England and it's also one of the spookiest. The Mermaid Inn dates back to the 12th Century and has connections to the notorious Hawkhawst smugglers. Many of the smugglers, and their mistresses, are said to haunt the pub. If you're keen on ghost-spotting you can even spend the night. Perhaps in room 1, where a lady in grey sits on a chair by the fireplace, or room 19 where an old man perches on the end of your bed. Brrrr.

Plas Teg in Wales is something of a celebrity in the ghost-hunting world. It's the house where Girls Aloud found themselves terrified on Ghost Hunting with... and it featured on Most Haunted more than once. The Jacobean mansion is said to be haunted by the spirit of a little girl who fell down a well.

According to several reports, it's the ghost of a highlander in full traditional dress that haunts Stirling Castle in Scotland. He's often mistaken for a tour guide, but when he's asked for direction he disappears.

One of the most important historical buildings in England, Hampton Court Palace is rumoured to have has several hauntings. Ever opportunistic, the Victorians even sold tickets to chilling storytelling events. Two of Henry VIII's wives are said to haunt the palace. While Jane Seymour's spirit is relatively quiet, Catherine Howard's screams are said to still be heard through the aptly-named Haunted Gallery.

Although most of the women in white spotted in the grounds of Belgrave Hall are brides on their wedding days, there is another more sinister woman in white. The figure is thought to be the ghost of Charlotte Ellis, who lived here with her seven sisters in the 19th Century. You can visit for an evening of ghost watching.

Rumoured to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country - one of the crew of Most Haunted said they'd never been to a more terrifying place – the Ancient Ram Inn really likes to play up to its reputation. Its rooms are dimly-lit and full of dusty antiques and stuffed animals. After sleeping in one of the bedrooms, eight people have said they had to be exorcised.

Ackergill Tower is reportedly haunted by Helen Gill, a woman kidnapped by the owners because of her beauty. It's uncertain if she jumped or fell from the tower, but now she is regularly seen wearing a red ball gown.

During a grand ball in 1922, Antrim Castle caught fire and servant girl Ethel Gilligan was rescued but later died of smoke inhalation. She's now said to walk the castle gardens, which are still open to the public.

Llancaiach Fawr Manor in south Wales is open daily with actors dressed in period costume to depict life in the 17th Century. By night the house runs regular ghost tours and it comes to life all on its own. The rustle of a housekeepers petticoats have been felt, the inexplicable scents of violet and roast beef have been noted by visitors. A little boy who fell to his death from one of the rooms on the top floor sometimes slips his hand into that of visitors. We're not going alone.

A castle with a ghost dog that nips at your ankles? Consider us intrigued. You can stay at the castle, if you dare, and guests have reportedly seen the ghosts of little children running up and down the corridors. Sleep well.