11 Haunted Castles for Spine-Tingling Supernatural Encounters This Halloween

When it comes to classic haunted experiences, castles are the ultimate destination. With their hidden corridors, timeworn dungeons, and spectral passages, these historical structures capture the imagination of the paranormal enthusiasts. If you consider yourself a devotee of all things ghostly, embarking on a journey to some of the world’s most infamous haunted royal destinations in October, the season of spookiness, is a must. Even for those skeptical of the supernatural, these storied castles are set against stunning backdrops and hold rich historical significance, providing a thoroughly immersive experience.

Scattered from the rolling hills of England to the lush greenery of India, all of the ghostly sites enlisted below are accessible to visitors, with some offering the unique chance to spend the night—if you’re feeling courageous.

Leap Castle, Ireland

Perched on a rocky ledge in County Offaly, Ireland, Leap Castle has earned its reputation as one of the country’s most haunted sites. The chilling tales trace back to its original name—Leim Ui Bhanain, meaning “Leap of the O’Bannons”—reflecting the clan that constructed the castle in the early 1500s. Legend has it that two O’Bannon brothers engaged in a lethal contest to resolve their dispute over leadership: each leaped off the cliff where the castle now stands, with the survivor taking the title. Over the years, the castle evolved into a strategic bastion, experiencing numerous conflicts and bloodshed. After a fire left it in ruins in 1922, restoration efforts have been underway by the Ryan family to bring it back to life.

Ghosts: The castle is reputed to house several spirits, among which The Elemental stands out. Some assert it has lingered on the grounds since pagan druid rituals were conducted before the castle’s construction. Other accounts suggest it may have been summoned by a previous owner’s wife, known for her interest in the occult.

How to Visit: Leap Castle serves as a private residence, yet owner Sean Ryan welcomes guests Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to share the estate’s haunted narratives and cultural significance, especially for those interested in dark tourism. A donation is suggested to help fund ongoing restoration efforts.

Tower of London, England

London’s ancient fortress Tower of London is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it also holds a treasure trove of spooky tales that date back nearly a millennium. Built in the late 11th century during the reign of William the Conqueror, this stone fortress became synonymous with imprisonment and terror for many of its captives. Some of history’s most infamous executions, including those of Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Thomas Cromwell, have taken place within these dreaded walls, contributing to its eerie atmosphere.

Ghosts: The ghost of Anne Boleyn is said to haunt Tower Green, where she was executed. Elsewhere, the King’s House has reported spine-tingling experiences linked to Arbella Stuart—a cousin of Elizabeth I who perished while imprisoned there, reportedly by starvation after a forbidden marriage.

How to Visit: The Tower of London is one of the globe’s most popular tourist spots, offering a wide range of experiences that go beyond its haunted lore. For an unforgettable visit, embark on a Yeoman Warder tour to traverse the historical grounds.

Bhangarh Fort, India

Nestled between Jaipur and Alwar in the picturesque Aravalli hills, the storied Bhangarh Fort dates back to the 17th century when it served as a royal residence. This thriving township once featured over 9,000 households, all protected by impressive fortifications and multiple gates. However, by 1720, its population began to dwindle, and even now, tourists flock to its haunting ruins. The fort’s myths populate the lore: a magician cursed it after being rejected by Princess Ratnavati, and another tale recounts how an ascetic cursed the site when its shadow fell over his hermitage.

Ghosts: Visitors to Bhangarh frequently report feeling an eerie presence and temperature drops, with sightings of a spectral woman draped in a black saree.

How to Visit: Situated less than two hours from Jaipur, the fort welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset (entry is prohibited at night).

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Both ghost enthusiasts and those fond of historical architecture will be enchanted by Edinburgh Castle, which began as a fortified site and evolved into a royal stronghold by around 1093, making it one of Europe’s oldest fortified locations. Over the years, it has undergone extensive changes due to wars and renovations. The castle proudly boasts the title of Britain’s most besieged location, which likely contributes to the many spirits said to roam its halls.

Ghosts: A notable resident spirit is that of a piper. Centuries ago, he was sent into a series of tunnels beneath the castle, tasked with playing his pipes so that people on the surface could track his location. When his music abruptly ceased midway, he was never seen again. To this day, faint echoes of bagpipes are occasionally heard wafting through the castle grounds.

How to Visit: Open daily, it’s advisable for visitors to allocate at least two hours to see the main attractions.

Corvin Castle, Romania

While Bran Castle is often the go-to for tourists looking for a gothic aesthetic reminiscent of vampire lore (rumored to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula), Corvin Castle is arguably the more haunted location. This striking Transylvanian fortress, built in the 15th century, stands as one of the most significant Gothic-Renaissance castles in Europe, with a history that includes imprisoning notorious figures, including the infamous Vlad the Impaler. This historical figure earned his notoriety for brutal methods of execution and punishment, which are said to have been inflicted upon him during his alleged time of confinement in the castle.

Ghosts: The spirit of a monk, condemned to death for espionage and entombed within the castle’s walls, is said to stroll the Capistrano Tower. Other visitors frequently recount feeling a touch from unseen hands and hearing mysterious footsteps echoing through the halls.

How to Visit: Open daily for visitors, this castle is accessible via car or train.

Houska Castle, Czech Republic

Situated north of Prague, Houska Castle was constructed in the early 13th century, shrouded in mystery regarding its true purpose—its location holds no real strategic value, it’s not a royal residence, and it lacks water sources nearby. Folklore asserts that the castle was built to seal a portal to hell, concealed beneath its two-story chapel.

Ghosts: Legends say a featureless, cloaked figure resembling a monk roams the grounds after dark.

How to Visit: The best way to reach the castle is by car, and guided tours operate on the hour, exclusively with a guide. Visitors can also see a hand-carved lime wood inferno inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy just outside the castle’s former carriage house.

Franklin Castle, Ohio

Located conveniently on Franklin Boulevard in Cleveland, this 19th-century castle has a rich and intriguing backstory. Built in 1860 by four brothers who moved from Ontario for education, the structure originally started as a wooden house. After the tragic loss of two brothers during the Civil War, the fate of the family took a dark turn. Subsequent owners, German immigrants, razed the home once their daughter died under mysterious circumstances, later transforming it into a castle. Over the years, Franklin Castle changed owners multiple times, and in 1975, human remains were discovered within its walls during renovation work. The property gained historical landmark status in the 1980s, but after being set ablaze by an arsonist in the 1990s—claimed to have acted due to the perceived evil surrounding the site—it has since been restored, boasting over 15 rooms, hidden chambers, and double brick walls.

Ghosts: Paranormal investigators believe that Franklin Castle can influence individuals’ mental states, with current owners claiming it functions as an “energetic amplifier.” Those who visit should be cautious of their mood.

How to Visit: Brave souls can book overnight accommodations, including full castle buyouts. Additionally, late-night tours are offered on select dates.

Casa Loma, Canada

Perched elegantly on a hill in Toronto, Casa Loma is an architectural marvel that dates back to 1914 when financier Sir Henry Pellatt commissioned the construction of this Gothic Revival mansion. It took three years and approximately $3.5 million to complete Casa Loma, featuring its characteristic stone exterior and covert passageways, emulating the grandeur of historical castles and knights, ultimately earning its title as Toronto’s Camelot. Unfortunately, severe financial troubles forced Pellatt to abandon the estate within a decade. Although no fatalities have been recorded at Casa Loma, frequent accounts of disembodied voices and unexplained door movements have been reported by visitors and staff alike.

Ghosts: One popular apparition sighting occurs in the basement, where a lady dressed in white is often seen, typically at the end of the day. Some speculate she is the spirit of a maid who served at Casa Loma during the early 1900s, coinciding with a significant influenza outbreak that claimed many lives in the area.

How to Visit: Casa Loma’s reputation for ghostly encounters is at its peak during October when it hosts the Legends of Horror event. This immersive theatrical experience guides the audience through castle passageways and shadowy gardens, featuring dramatic character reveals along the way.

Himeji Castle, Japan

Regarded as Japan’s most well-preserved feudal castle, Himeji is renown for its stunning white exterior and ghostly past. Initial fortifications on this strategic site to the west of Kyoto date back to the 1400s, while the current structure was completed in 1609. The castle is also famed for its cherry trees, with over a thousand of these beautiful trees blossoming each spring.

Ghosts: One of the castle’s notorious spectral residents is Okiku, a woman who was falsely accused of a crime, met her demise, and was drowned in the well located on castle grounds.

How to Visit: The castle is open to the public every day, with tickets available for access to both the castle and the adjacent Kokoen Garden.

Burg Eltz, Germany

Nestled deep in the Elz Forest, this enchanting castle has been in the same family since the beginning of construction in the 12th century. The medieval stronghold dominates a rocky outcrop, presenting breathtaking views of the Elzbach Valley and surrounding landscapes. Remarkably, Burg Eltz has survived many wars largely unscathed, allowing visitors to admire the original furnishings and architecture that date back centuries. Nonetheless, tales of a haunting persist in certain sections of the castle.

Ghosts: Agnes, the daughter of the 15th Count, supposedly haunts Burg Eltz after dying while defending it against her jilted suitor, the Knight of Braunsberg. Legend tells how she donned armor to fight him but met her end, leading her spirit to linger in the Countess Room.

How to Visit: Open daily for guests from April until November, the entrance fee provides access to guided tours through the castle, courtyard, and treasury.

Chillingham Castle, England

Located just 20 minutes from the coast, this idyllic castle is infamously regarded for its hauntings. Chillingham Castle began its existence as a monastery in the late 12th century before transforming into a formidable fortress along the Anglo-Scottish border. A Scottish raid in 1296 led to the construction of a heavily fortified castle. Among its many claims to fame, King Edward I stayed at the castle during his campaign against William Wallace. The park is also known for its rare breed of wild white cattle that have lived there for centuries. Chillingham is hailed as the most haunted castle in England, with the number of reported ghost sightings exceeding a hundred.

Ghosts: Spend quiet moments in the chapel to hear the voices of two men who are said to often be heard conversing.

How to Visit: The castle provides an extensive array of ghost tours and hunts, along with the opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal in the Minstrels’ Hall either before or after your visit.