Most Haunted Places in York

Most people know York for its famous Shambles, historic buildings, and the impressive York Minster. Some also know my charming city has a darker side. York is known as the most haunted city in Europe, with lots of ghost stories and haunted locations that would send a chill down anyone’s spine.

I’m so proud to live in a place that has such a rich history! York has a bloodstained history that you can learn about in popular attractions like York Castle Museum and York Dungeons, but other haunted attractions are great for ghost hunters, so if you’re a fan of ghost stories, then let’s learn more about the most haunted places in York.

York’s Ghostly Past

York’s past is soaked in blood and turmoil, making it an ideal haunt for ghost lovers. From the Roman invasion to the Viking era and the Civil War, the city has witnessed countless battles and deaths. This has led to York being crowned as Europe’s most haunted city by the International Ghost Research Foundation.

Its cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and narrow “snickleways” are home to many ghostly apparitions. From Roman soldiers to plague victims, the city’s spectral residents are as diverse as its history.

Ghostly Apparitions at York Minster

York Minster, one of the most important religious buildings in England, is renowned for its ghostly encounters. The current building dates back to AD 627, and its long history has spawned many ghost stories.

One of the most popular tales from the 1920s involves a spectral sailor who approached a couple of tourists. He whispered in one of the woman’s ears before disappearing. It later transpired that the ghost was the woman’s brother, who had died at sea. Before his death, they had made a pact wherein the first one to die would return to confirm the existence of an afterlife. The sailor was merely honouring this pact.

I love York Minster. It always gives me a creepy and overwhelmed feeling!

Address: Deangate, York YO1 7HH

The Spirits of the Treasurer’s House

The Treasurer’s House, a Grade I listed building, is famous for its ghostly sightings that was once the residence of the first treasurer of York Minster. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is a popular tourist attraction. The most famous story involves an apprentice plumber named Harry Martindale. In 1953, while working in the cellar, he witnessed a Roman legion emerge from a brick wall, followed by a column of Roman soldiers. This procession is believed to be walking along an ancient Roman road buried beneath the building. The soldiers seemed to be walking on their knees, which was later explained by the discovery of the Roman road beneath the cellar floor.

I’ve not visited the Treasurer’s House yet, but it’s on my list to go!

Address: Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL

The Ghosts of Ye Olde Starr Inne

Ye Olde Starre Inne is thought to be York’s oldest pub and is known for having supernatural guests. It’s a little pub steeped in history, having been licensed since 1644.  One of the most popular stories is that a couple of black cats are said to haunt the place. The pub is believed to be the most haunted in York, with patrons and staff regularly reporting ghostly sightings and strange occurrences.

The pub gives you a typical British experience with its classic pub grub and a wide assortment of beers. As you enjoy your pint, keep an eye out for the ghostly apparitions that are said to frequent this historic establishment.

Address: 40 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS

York Castle Museum

York Museum, established in the late 1930s, is said to be haunted by a “little man” dressed in Edwardian clothing. This ghostly figure was first seen by the museum’s caretaker, Mr Jonas, in 1953. He was startled by the sound of footsteps above him and witnessed the apparition walking back and forth through the museum. The ghost disappeared when Mr Jonas tried to touch it. Castle Museum was even featured on Most Haunted! 

If you’ve ever been to the museum, it’s easy to see how it could be haunted. Especially down in the prisons. Many people have captured photos of ghosts here and I’m sure there’s plenty of unexplained noises and door slamming here! They sometimes do a nighttime tour and ghost hunting, so look out for those events and you can go on your own paranormal investigation. 

Address: Tower St, York YO1 9RY

The Golden Fleece

The Golden Fleece, one of York’s many pubs, is thought to be another one of most haunted. Its most famous ghost is Lady Alice Peckitt, wife of a former Lord Mayor of York. The pub also houses the spirits of a Canadian airman who fell to his death from an upstairs window and One-Eyed Jack, a 16th-century red-coated figure often seen at the bar with a pistol.  If you’re feeling brave, you can even stay overnight in one of the pub’s cosy bedrooms.

35 Stonegate

35 Stonegate is one of the most haunted houses in the UK. The current building dates back to 1482, but a house has stood on the site for over 1,000 years. It is said to contain at least 14 different ghosts, including a balding monk, an elegant Georgian lady, and a black-clad prankster known as Tom.

It’s now an Oliver Bonas shop. 

Address: 35 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW

York Dungeon

The York Dungeon is a great place to learn all about York’s dark past. It’s more than just a tourist attraction, this place brings together 2,000 years of the city’s grim history with a twist of comedy. The Dungeon skillfully recreates historical events like the Viking invasion, Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plotting, and the notorious escapades of Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman.

The Dungeon is known for its award-winning live shows and special effects that offer you an immersive experience of York’s historical horrors. There’s no better place to start your journey through the most haunted city. But beware! The Dungeon is said to host its own ghosts, who might just join you on your eerie adventure.

Address: 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD

Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. However, this historic structure is also home to its share of ghosts. The most famous is a man in Georgian clothing, interested in a particular book from the museum’s library.

Address: Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR

Snickleway Inn

The Snickleway Inn is another pub claiming to be York’s most haunted. The cellar is known to be home to an undefined presence of “great and utter evil”, possibly due to its past use as a Royalist magazine during the English Civil War.

Address: 47 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS

Mad Alice Lane

Mad Alice Lane is now known as Lund’s Court. It’s a small snickleway that leads through the city. One of the houses there was home to ‘Mad Alice’ around 1824. She was beaten so much by her husband that she snapped one day and killed them, going insane. She was then hanged in York Castle in 1825. Her face is said to be seen looking down on the lane below. 

Address: Lunds Court, Low Petergate, York, YO1 8HX,

York Mansion House

The York Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayors of the city during their tenure, is a grand building dating back to 1725. The house is said to turn into a haunted house every October as it hosts a family-friendly ghost tour during the run-up to Halloween.

Address: St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 9QL

Barley Hall

Barley Hall, a hidden gem in York, is now a living museum of medieval life. However, it has its own share of ghostly visitors, including a white-faced woman with a manic laugh and a young boy often glimpsed from the corners of visitors’ eyes.

Address: 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR

York Theatre Royal

York Theatre Royal has its own spectral spectator, the Grey Lady. The room behind the front mezzanine is said to be haunted by this lovestruck young nun. Sightings of the Grey Lady are considered a good omen for the theatre’s productions.

Address: St Leonard’s Pl, York YO1 7HD

Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar

Micklegate Bar, once one of the main entrances to the city, has a gruesome past. This was where the heads of traitors were displayed after their execution. The Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar tells the story of the Wars of the Roses.

Address: Micklegate, York YO1 6JX

York’s Haunted Legacy

Every corner of the city of York seems to have a ghost story, making it the perfect destination if you want a spooky adventure. If you’re brave enough, why not embark on one of York’s many ghost tours, visit a haunted pub, or even spend a night in a haunted pub? Just remember, you never know who (or what) you might encounter!

Don’t forget to visit York Ghost Merchants to get your own small ghost and get yourself on a ghost trail. They are particularly popular during the spooky season of Halloween and you never know, you might witness some paranormal activity yourself! 

Remember, the tales of York’s ghosts are part of the city’s local legend and rich history. They provide a different perspective on the city’s past, a glimpse into the lives (and afterlives) of its former residents. As you explore York’s most haunted places, remember to treat them with respect – after all, you wouldn’t want to upset the spirits, would you?

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