The 11 stunning 'haunted' UK places to visit by train on Halloween

With its gloomy weather, gothic churches, leafy streets and cosy autumnal character, the UK is one of the most atmospheric countries for Halloween. As families plan for the event, the online platform Trainline has compiled a list of 'haunted' places you can visit by train - perfect for giving day trips a spooky twist. From palace galleries and prison cells to dockyard warships, these ghostly spots are all within a few minutes' walk of the train station.

Sarah Helppi, UK Country Director at Trainline, said: "The UK does spooky season like nowhere else with its atmospheric cities, castles and coastlines - and with Trainline it's simple to build a day out around them by train. Halloween is the perfect excuse to go exploring together: plan the whole trip in a few taps, get real-time info on the move, and arrive within minutes of some of the country's most chilling legends - keeping things easy, car-free and fun."

Hampton Court Palace - London

A vast Tudor palace on the Thames with the Great Hall, Chapel Royal and famous Tudor kitchens, set amid formal riverside gardens. The Haunted Gallery is linked to Catherine Howard's 1541 arrest and remains the focus of reports of a white-clad figure and sudden cold spots near the chapel. It's worth visiting for the mix of royal history and atmospheric interiors that feel especially mysterious in the Autumn evenings.

How to get there: Travel to Hampton Court station; then it's an 11-minute walk.

Oxford Castle & Prison - Oxford
A 1,000-year-old fortress turned county gaol with St Georg's Tower for city views, a Norman crypt, and Victorian cells that chart centuries of punishment. Stories of executions, outbreaks and escapes cling to the stonework, and guided or after-dark tours bring the past vividly to life. The site combines hands-on history with a compact layout that's easy to explore.

How to get there: Travel to Oxford station; it's a 9-minute walk.

York Minster - York
One of Europe's great Gothic cathedrals, home to the Great East Window, medieval stonework and an undercroft museum over Roman remains. Its gargoyle-lined exterior and soaring interior have helped weave centuries of ghost lore into the building. The best-known account is of a silent man seen seated in the nave, who appears to listen to sermons before vanishing. Another long-told tale speaks of late-night barks echoing through the empty church, attributed to a 'ghost dog' tied to an old revenge legend.

How to get there: Travel to York station; it's a 15-minute walk.

Lancaster Castle - Lancaster
A working castle complex with Crown Court rooms, the Shire Hall and former prison wings overlooking the River Lune. Its association with the 1612 Lancashire witch trials and long history of confinement give tours a palpable edge, especially in the cells and dock. It's easy to explore in a short visit and packed with stories, with commanding views over the city.

How to get there: Travel to Lancaster station; it's a 6-minute walk up to the gate.

Warwick Castle - Warwick
A medieval stronghold with towers, ramparts and riverside grounds, plus live demonstrations and seasonal shows. Reports of shadows on stairways, cold draughts in turrets and echoes from the dungeon feed the site's spooky reputation, alongside the grim story of Sir Fulke Greville. It's a full-day visit with plenty for families and history fans alike.

How to get there: Travel to Warwick station; it's a 15-minute walk.

National Justice Museum - Nottingham
Courtrooms, charge rooms and gaol spaces dating from 1375 sit above Nottingham's sandstone caves, telling real stories from British justice. After-hours events highlight unexplained sounds and chill spots in narrow corridors, while daytime visits let you step into the dock and cell blocks.

How to get there: Travel to Nottingham station; it's a 10-minute walk.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - Portsmouth
A historic naval quarter where you can board HMS Victory and HMS Warrior to see mess decks, gun decks and officers' quarters up close. Visitors and staff recount figures on gangways and footsteps on iron decks, with Warrior often flagged as the most haunted ship. The waterfront setting and museum collection make it an outstanding maritime day out.

How to get there: Travel to Portsmouth Harbour station; the entrance is a 2-minute walk.

Rye Castle (Ypres Tower) - Rye
A 13th-century stone tower guarding the hilltop town, later used as a prison - with former cells and a mortuary still on show. Local ghost walks mention voices on empty stairs and keys turning after lock-up. Pair the small museum with Rye's cobbled lanes and marsh views for a rewarding seasonal visit.

How to get there: Travel to Rye station; it's a 9-minute walk.

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, The Mackenzie Poltergeist - Edinburgh
Inside the usually locked Covenanters' Prison, visitors on official night tours report sudden cold or hot spots, unexplained bruises and scratches, and bursts of activity around the 'Black Mausoleum'. Many stories centre on Sir George 'Bluidy' Mackenzie, the 17th-century lawyer linked to the persecution of the Covenanters, whose tomb stands just outside the Prison. The kirkyard's cramped vaults, weathered markers and midnight silence make it a perfect stage for jumpy nerves and alleged poltergeist flare-ups.

How to get there: Ride to Edinburgh Waverley; it's an 11-minute stroll from the station

Cardiff Castle - Cardiff
A Roman-medieval fortress transformed by the Bute family into a Victorian Gothic fantasy, with richly decorated apartments and a motte-and-bailey keep. Reports focus on a white-robed figure and shapes moving along the walls at dusk. Highlights include views from the Norman keep and the famous Animal Wall outside.

How to get there: Travel to Cardiff Central station; it's a 13-minute walk.

Newcastle Castle - Newcastle
The fortress that gave the city its name, spanning the Black Gate and Castle Keep above the Tyne with exhibitions and panoramic rooftop views. Night tours reference footsteps in empty corridors and sudden temperature drops, drawing on a record of sieges and executions. It's compact, atmospheric and right in the centre for easy pairing with the Quayside.

How to get there: Travel to Newcastle station; it's a 5-minute walk.

• Railcards: Get discounts on off-peak fares using digital Railcards. Families can make big savings by using a Family & Friends Railcard, which gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' tickets. Other options like the 16-25 Railcard or Two Together Railcard are perfect for friends or couples planning a Halloween day out.
• GroupSave perks: If you are travelling in a group of 3-9, you can save up to 1/3 on tickets when you book together. One person just needs to book for the whole group to unlock GroupSave - for eligible journeys, a pop-up message in the Trainline app will prompt you to 'Apply discount'.