Chillingham Castle

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland dates to the 12th century and spent generations on the violent Anglo-Scottish border, complete with a torture chamber and dungeon. Restored from near-ruin in the 20th century, it markets itself openly as one of Britain's most haunted castles.

Its signature apparition is the "Blue Boy" or "Radiant Boy" of the Pink Room, historically associated with a blue halo of light and a cry heard around midnight; bones of a child and fragments of clothing were reportedly found walled up during renovations. Other traditions include Lady Mary Berkeley searching for her husband and voices in the chapel and dungeon.

Because the castle documents its own history and hauntings so thoroughly, Chillingham is a good place to practise critical thinking — comparing the estate's own accounts with independent records and asking which claims can actually be checked.

Chillingham Castle is privately owned, still lived in, and open to the public seasonally with paid admission, guided tours and grounds. It is well known for organised evening ghost tours and overnight paranormal events, which must be booked in advance through the castle.

Check the official website for opening dates, as access is limited in winter.