5 Creepiest Abandoned Places in the UK

Across the UK, countless abandoned sites carry chilling reputations—from derelict hospitals and asylums to centuries-old castles and ghostly villages. Among the most unsettling are Whittingham Hospital, Newsham Park Hospital, and Rosslynlee Asylum, each steeped in mental health history and eerie paranormal reports. Other haunting spots include forsaken theme parks like Camelot and deserted settlements such as Stanford, long vacated for military use.

1. Whittingham Hospital, Lancashire

From Grand Asylum to Haunted Ruin

Whittingham Hospital, located in Preston, used to be the biggest mental hospital in Britain. It was important in the early use of brain activity tests called EEGs. The hospital closed in 1995 because new medicines and treatments helped patients live outside the hospital. Today, the area is being turned into a new neighborhood called “Guild Park.

Terrifying Tales and Paranormal Activity

Shifting Gravestones & The “Red Room”

Urban explorers recount a haunted gravesite where a marker—said to belong to a mentally tortured patient—mysteriously repositions itself near an old football pitch every morning, no matter how many times it’s reset.

Nearby lies the infamous “Red Room”: a blood‑tinted deathbed once used to ease patients in their final moments. Abandoned, its crimson sheets remain undisturbed; a window frames a gnarly tree whose branches resemble a crucifix—witnesses say the room crackles with deep sorrow and dread .

Underground Tunnels Lit in Darkness

Beneath the main buildings lie miles of dimly lit subterranean tunnels—once used for transporting bodies, goods, and coal via the hospital’s private railway.
Ghost hunters reported intact cables, flickering lights, and even found body‑bagged alcoves—tales that sound straight out of a horror film . The claustrophobic darkness and eerie stillness amplify the fear.

Shadow People, Cold Spots & Orbs

Over the years, multiple paranormal teams have captured:

Shadowy figures drifting down corridors—some described as “tall, dark silhouettes” .
Spike in EVPs and REM-pod readings: Investigators recount groans, anguished whispers, and unseen forces manipulating equipment.
Temperature plunges: sudden cold spots around the mortuary and basement laundry—places where staff once endured trauma.
Orbs floating on camera, recorded during a 2015 Dark Arts team ghost hunt.

A Staffer’s Shocking Encounter

In 1986, a night-shift nurse named Lawrence Butterfield felt a chill as his colleague froze mid-sentence. She whispered that she saw something on his shoulder—a fleeting dark form that vanished as quickly as it appeared. The experience left both shaken for the rest of their shift.

Atmosphere: A Place Frozen in Sorrow

Walking into Whittingham today is like stepping onto haunted movie set:

Desolate ballrooms still gleam beneath broken windows.
Rusting hospital beds lean in silent rows like spectral witnesses.
Stained floors and peeling wallpaper whisper stories of pain and neglect.

Visitors often report overwhelming sensations of being watched, panic, and dizziness—suggesting the site’s tragic legacy still bleeds through.

Legend Lives On

Despite demolition and redevelopment plans (starting in 2007 and accelerating post-2016), lingering structures such as St John’s Church are Grade II listed—and their spirits remain. Now, a modern housing estate sits atop the land—but local lore insists the ghosts of Whittingham haven’t moved on.

Ghost-Hunter Tips for Visiting

Seek permission—tigged trespass is still an issue.
Bring strong boots, gas masks (for asbestos), hard hat, gloves, and backup flashlights.
Best visited at night for maximum thrill—but stay safe, don’t go alone.
Whittingham’s Legacy

From a state-of-the-art Victorian institution to scenes of scandal and suffering—and now a magnetic ruin for ghost hunters—Whittingham Hospital’s haunting stories are as deep as its tunnels. Disembodied music, apparitions in halls, and grief-laden rooms make it one of the UK’s creepiest abandoned sites—because here, the past truly never left.

2. Newsham Park Hospital, Liverpool

Newsham Park Hospital in Liverpool is an old, abandoned building that used to be both a hospital and a home for sailors’ orphaned children. It’s now known for being run-down and is often called one of the most haunted old asylums in the UK. The hospital closed in the 1990s, and today, it’s a popular spot for ghost tours and paranormal investigations.

Haunting History of a Victorian Institution

The transition from orphanage to asylum left deep emotional and spiritual imprints. At its height, the hospital housed hundreds of mentally ill patients, many of whom were kept in cramped, harsh conditions. The legacy of sadness, trauma, and unresolved pain still hangs thick in the air. Visitors have described the very walls as “watching” them.

Former staff have anonymously confessed that parts of the building, particularly the basement laundry and mortuary, were avoided at night due to unsettling feelings and unexplained cold breezes—despite heating systems working above.

Ghost Stories That Won’t Fade Away

Over the past two decades, Newsham Park has become a magnet for paranormal investigators, ghost hunting teams, and thrill-seekers. The ghost stories surrounding the building are numerous—and chilling.

Children’s laughter is the most commonly reported phenomenon. Visitors have captured EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of high-pitched giggles echoing through the old orphan dormitories, even though the rooms stand empty and silent.
The Naughty Chair Room is infamous. This tiny, lightless space—said to have been used for solitary punishment—elicits intense dread. Paranormal teams report feelings of being watched, whispering voices, and unexplained temperature drops inside. Some guests have fled mid-investigation, overwhelmed by nausea and panic.
Shadow figures are often spotted in the central staircase and at the end of long corridors. Several witnesses claim to have seen a tall, dark shape dart past broken windows or vanish into the old psychiatric wings.
One story tells of a nurse spirit—a woman in a 1950s uniform—who has been seen gliding silently past the old nurses’ station, only to vanish before reaching the door.

Paranormal Events & Investigations

Today, Newsham Park regularly hosts overnight ghost hunts. Events are typically limited to small groups and include access to:

The orphanage bedrooms
Psychiatric wings
The “Naughty Boys” corridor
The mortuary and boiler room
The dining hall, often noted for moving shadows

Participants have used spirit boxes, thermal cameras, and dowsing rods—many claim to have recorded whispering names, sudden changes in EMF activity, and doors slamming on cue. Some even report being touched or pushed by unseen forces.

Atmosphere That Speaks Volumes

Perhaps more terrifying than the reported hauntings is the overwhelming silence. Every footstep echoes for what feels like forever. Paint peels like skin, old beds rest crooked on rusted wheels, and rooms feel charged, as if holding their breath.

Even skeptics have left Newsham Park visibly shaken, unable to explain the sensation of being watched from the shadows—or the muffled crying that seems to come from locked rooms.

3. Rosslynlee Hospital, Midlothian

Rosslynlee Hospital, located near Roslin in Midlothian, was once a psychiatric hospital and has been empty since it closed in 2011. It was originally called the Midlothian and Peebles Asylum and later became known as Rosslynlee Mental Hospital. The building is protected as a Grade C listed site, and there are now plans to turn the area into a housing development with luxury homes.

A Grand Institution’s Rise and Fall

Founded in 1874 as the Midlothian and Peebles Asylum, the facility was designed by William Lambie Moffatt, with major expansions added in 1898 for modernized mental healthcare.
It joined the NHS in 1948, becoming Rosslynlee Hospital in 1960, eventually closing its doors in early 2011. The hospital accommodated up to 500 patients at its height.
Today, redevelopment plans (St. Margarets) hover amid overgrown grounds, rusted fences, and boarded windows—like a giant sleeping in a suit of ghostly armor .

Echoes of the Past: Haunting Atmosphere

External chills: A local explorer described how a sudden “muffled women’s voice” echoed from the crumbling 1960s wing, only to realize it was likely their phone alarm—but still sent the hairs on their neck standing on end.
Portable microphone captures: YouTube footage from March 9, 2018 shows crackling whispers and moving shadows in deserted wards—so eerie the creator warns others not to enter.
Apparitional sightings: In 2020, two urban explorers—Jamie and Michael—claimed they captured in a photo what looks like a tall apparition in a white gown hovering over a wheelchair. They felt the air turn icy even in summer, and saw their breath in the corridor.

Creepy Clues and Phantom Encounters

Frozen breath in summer: Even on a warm July day, explorers reported their breath visible in the foyer—”we looked around… got shivers, grabbed our camera” .
Apparition over wheelchair: A ghostly silhouette appeared in an image—“a tall shape leaning over a wheelchair,” they said, spooking them into leaving hurriedly .
Shadow movement & cold spots: Reports speak of shadow figures drifting through hallways, EMF meters spiking, and icy pockets of air that chill the bone—especially in the mortuary and old kitchen wings.

Why Rosslynlee Still Haunts

Morbid legacy: Opened in the Victorian era to house the mentally ill, it embodies a time of limited understanding—many passed in isolation.
Abandonment energy: Closed in 2011, everything—beds, medical records, toys—was left behind in haste, making the decay feel fresh, not static.
Captured phenomena: Audio, video, and photo-based evidence (including breath in warm air and apparitions) lend credibility to its haunted reputation.

Sensory Details: Walking Within the Whispering Halls

Visuals: Long corridors lined with rust-stained tiles. Once vibrant walls now faded and cracked.
Sounds: Distant clatters, unexplained bangs, barely audible footsteps.
Tactile chill: Sudden drops in temperature, as if the wind itself has a presence.
Emotional residue: Many explorers report uneasy pressing feelings, as though watched from tiled doorframes.

Exploration Tips for Ghost Seekers

Safety first: The building contains asbestos and crumbling sections. Wear masks, gloves, sturdy boots, and bring first-aid essentials.
Permission & timing: The site is fenced and under development; trespassing is illegal. Consider joining licensed paranormal tours or visiting during public-access days.
Team up: Never go alone—bring a trusted friend, EMF detector, spirit box, audio recorder, and backup lighting.

Rosslynlee in Context

A Grade C–listed main building standing as a ghostly sentinel amid planned housing.
Near the defunct Rosslynlee railway station, abandoned since 1962, which adds to the sense of eerie isolation.
Though residential development looms, the spirits seem to linger—this isn’t just an old hospital. It’s a crucible of suffering and lingering presence.

Rosslynlee’s Haunted Legacy

Once a sanctuary for mental health, now a canvas for the supernatural—Rosslynlee’s shuttered wings harbor echoes of its troubled past. From chilling photographs and ghostly apparitions to unexpected breath and whispers, it remains one of Scotland’s most haunted abandoned hospitals.

4. Camelot Theme Park, Lancashire

Once a vibrant kingdom of medieval fantasy, Camelot Theme Park now stands in haunting silence. Closed since 2012, this 140-acre site in Chorley has turned into a macabre, moss-covered playground—where urban explorers and paranormal investigators slip through shadows of bygone fun. The remains of the Knightmare roller coaster loom like rusting skeletal arms, and the deteriorating castle façade still guards over peeling booths and buried secrets.

Legend and Closure

Opened in 1983, Camelot was themed around King Arthur’s mythos—complete with jousting, medieval decor, and kid‑friendly attractions like Excalibur and the spinning Dragon Flyer. Attendance declined sharply by 2012, resulting in a complete shutdown. Some rides were removed, but much was left behind—still standing silent and decrepit.

Paranormal Activities & Unnerving Encounters

The tales from Camelot’s abandoned grounds range from unsettling to downright terrifying:

Carnival Music in the Mist: Explorers report eerie, childlike tunes drifting from broken audio systems—even when generators are long disconnected. The hollow hush of spider‑webbed booths amplifies the sound, creating the illusion of a ghostly audience clapping along.
Watcher Among the Rides: Nighttime investigators have felt phantom presences while traversing familiar paths—especially near the towering ghost train and the rusted Knightmare track. Cold spots ripple through the air, and some swear they saw fleeting silhouettes dart across the overgrown pathways .
Knightmare’s Fallen Spirit: The Knightmare coaster, an intense 87-foot ride installed in 2007, shut down with the park but remained standing until 2020. Local legend whispers that the adrenaline-fueled screams of riders still echo amongst its twisted metal. Thrill-seekers have filmed themselves climbing its derelict structure and confessing to spooky inexplicable sensations near the track.
Ghost Dimension Investigation: A whole episode by the paranormal show Ghost Dimension was filmed here, with crews venturing through the castle entrance and the coaster ruins—and “they are in for a ride,” indeed.

Captured on Film

YouTube and TikTok feature eerie walkthroughs of the site—windows reveal dusty castle halls and rusting ride chains, while voices on the wind whisper through broken corridors. One viral clip captured a low hum near the Knightmare supports and the sensation of “gak!”—a sudden cold gust—as cameras rolled .

Current State & Future Plans

Demolition began in late 2020, with the iconic white castle entrance partially torn down. Meanwhile, local developers have proposed building ~350 homes on the site, a plan fiercely opposed by residents who want to preserve Camelot’s eerie charm and green space.

What to Expect for Ghost Hunters

Atmosphere: The creeping mist, overgrown weeds, and rusted ride frames give a silent, post-apocalyptic feel. The wind whistles through empty ferris wheel structures, and the darkest shadows linger under castle arches.
Best Times to Visit: Dusk or pre-dawn hours heighten the gloom—and the unnerving feeling of being watched. Ghost Dimension suggests twilight is prime time.
Stay Safe: Wear sturdy boots and gloves—the decaying structures are unstable. It’s fenced and patrolled, so enter with permission or tour groups. One past explorer reported nearly falling off the coaster’s lift hill at 80 ft high.

Ghostly Takeaway: Camelot’s Haunting Legacy

What once conjured visions of Arthurian glory now echoes with spectral amusement. Between flickers of carnival music, phantom riders drifting on broken rails, and paranormal investigations documenting the chilling energy—it’s no wonder Camelot is one of the UK’s eeriest abandoned theme parks. As new development looms, so too may the voices of its ghosts fade—if they haven’t already found a new home.

5. Stanford & Tottington, Norfolk

Tucked within the restricted Stanford Training Area (STANTA), this ghostly landscape includes Stanford, Tottington, and several evacuated villages. Abandoned in 1942, these villages were swept away by WWII training needs—and never reclaimed by their residents. Once picturesque communities featured in Dad’s Army, they now stand silent, their chapel towers and deserted lanes frozen in wartime time.

A Village Frozen in Time

Evacuation & Abandonment
In 1942, around 500 villagers from Stanford, Tottington, Buckenham Tofts, Langford, Sturston, and others were removed for military training. They were never allowed to return. Today, family homes are gone, chapels like All Saints and St Andrew’s sit ghostly, protected by blast-proof sheeting and wire fences.
Military Ghosts & Echoes of War
The vast, fenced-off land hosts live-fire drills. Locals whisper of hearing distant marching boots, muffled commands, and phantom platoons shadowing deserted tracks at dusk. Several visitors report the faint scent of smoke or cordite—even with no current exercises underway.

Chapel Whispers & Midnight Prayers

Haunted Chapels
At All Saints and St Andrew’s, many claim to have heard faint prayers—soft, indistinct whispers drifting from locked sanctuaries late at night. Some say the voices rise around candlelit altars that have long been extinguished. Others recount glimpsing shadowy figures kneeling at pews before vanishing into thin air.
Spirit in the Belfry
One rare nighttime tour witnessed the church bells swing on their own—and a chilling low-tone hymn humming through the empty nave—despite the nearby military base’s noisy silence.

Phantom Soldiers on Cobblestones

Boot Steps in the Dusk
Rangers and a few researchers entering for permitted visits tell of hearing crisp, rhythmic footsteps on the cobbled courtyard roads after sunset—like formations maneuvering in perfect sync, pacing toward the old churches.
Sudden Cold & Heavy Atmosphere
Witnesses say the air grows cold and heavy as the fading light slips across the old lanes. One visitor recounted a wave of horror: “The temperature dropped ten degrees, and I felt like I wasn’t alone.”

Why These Ghosts Remain

Honoured Sacrifice – The tragic injustice of evacuation, with no return allowed, keeps the villagers’ presence spiritually alive.
Wartime Energy – The energy of past military drills seemingly echoes through the landscape—a kind of cultural haunting rooted in people’s impressions.
Untouched Decay – Protected by red tape and live-fire restrictions, the sites decay in eerie silence, preserving traces of an interrupted past.

Visiting the Haunting Grounds

Very Limited Access – Civilian entry is granted only a few times yearly on special guided tours, due to live firing schedules.
Atmospheric Best Times – Tours around dusk have the strongest ambience— but stay strictly to designated safe zones.
Explorer’s Toolkit – Bring warm layers, a flashlight, headphones for EVP gathering, and ask guides about scoping equipment if you want to collect paranormal evidence.

Ghostly Legacy: A Village that Time Forgot

Stanford and Tottington aren’t just empty old villages—they are spectral time capsules. Ghostly prayers, phantom marches, and damp chapel echoes seem to remind us of the lives that once animated these lanes. The villagers may have gone, but their impressions linger.

Conclusion: Ghosts That Linger in Empty Halls

These abandoned UK sites aren’t just empty—they’re alive with haunting echoes. Whittingham’s phantom hymns, Camelot’s carnival ghosts, and Stanford’s orphaned spirits still seek recognition. Even rotting walls remember.

FAQ

Are these places haunted?

Many people believe so. Some sites have documented paranormal activity, while others just feel off.

Can I visit them legally?

Some are open to the public, others require permission. Always check before planning a visit.

What’s the best time to explore them?

Autumn offers eerie atmospheres with mists and falling leaves, but always prioritize safety and daylight.

Are there guided ghost tours available?

Yes—places like Woodchester Mansion and Boleskine House often host paranormal events.