The Most Haunted Places in London—And Why Locals Avoid Them

London is full of beautiful landmarks, cosy pubs, and buzzing high streets. But beneath all that charm? A deep, eerie undercurrent of ghost stories and haunted places that have terrified Londoners for centuries.

We might not always talk about it out loud, but ask any Londoner, and chances are—they’ve got a pub they’d rather not walk past after dark.

So if you're into spine-tingling history, haunted alleyways, and ghost sightings that still freak people out in 2025, here’s your ultimate guide to the most haunted spots in London—and why locals avoid them.

1. The Tower of London: Bloody History, Ghostly Sightings

Let’s start with the heavyweight. The Tower of London is beautiful by day, but don’t be fooled—its past is soaked in blood.

This fortress has been a royal palace, prison, torture chamber, and execution site. And apparently, some of its most tragic occupants never left…

Most famous ghost? Anne Boleyn.
Beheaded in 1536, she’s been seen walking the tower grounds carrying her own head. (Yes, you read that right.) Guards have also reported hearing eerie screams echoing through the White Tower at night.

Why locals avoid it at night:
Even the Yeoman Warders (aka the Beefeaters) say they’ve felt cold spots, seen shadows, and heard footsteps when the place is locked up. No thanks.

2. The Ten Bells, Spitalfields: Tied to Jack the Ripper

This East London pub is cute. Historic. Popular with tourists.
But once you hear the backstory? You might want to finish your pint quickly.

The Ten Bells was frequented by at least two victims of Jack the Ripper, including Annie Chapman, who was last seen drinking here before her murder in 1888.

Reported hauntings:
Staff have reported poltergeist activity, cold spots, objects flying off shelves, and the eerie sound of footsteps in empty hallways.

Why locals avoid it at closing time:
It’s one of those places that feels fine with friends—but deeply unsettling if you’re ever there alone.

3. 50 Berkeley Square, Mayfair: “London’s Most Haunted House”

This quiet Georgian townhouse in posh Mayfair hides a dark, creepy legend.

In the 1800s, it was rumoured that a young woman jumped to her death from the top-floor window after being abused by a relative. Since then, multiple stories emerged of people entering the house and either dying or going mad.

In 1879, a sailor supposedly stayed the night on a dare. By morning, he was found dead, his face frozen in horror.

Why locals avoid it:
Even today, the building is mostly used for office space—but few people want to be there alone after hours. Locals walking past sometimes cross the street.

4. Highgate Cemetery: Gothic, Gorgeous, and… Cursed?

This massive Victorian cemetery is hauntingly beautiful. It’s home to over 170,000 graves, including Karl Marx. But it’s also known for something far darker: the Highgate Vampire.

In the 1970s, multiple people reported sightings of a tall, dark figure with glowing eyes wandering the graves at night. Some even claimed animals were found drained of blood. The vampire panic got so big, a group of self-proclaimed hunters tried to stake it.

Other hauntings?
Sightings of a nun, a ghostly cyclist, and the sounds of whispers among the tombs.

Why locals avoid it at dusk:
Ask anyone who's done a twilight tour—they’ll tell you there’s a heavy, eerie stillness in the air once the sun starts to go.

5. The Viaduct Tavern, Holborn: Built on Prison Cells

On the surface, it’s just another cosy pub in central London. But beneath your feet? Remnants of Newgate Prison, where executions were carried out for centuries.

Staff claim they’ve seen shadows move, heard whispers when no one’s around, and even found themselves locked inside empty rooms—despite no one being nearby.

Why locals stay cautious:
It’s not the place for a solo pint. Even the landlord once refused to go down to the cellar alone.

6. The Old Operating Theatre, Southwark: Where Surgery Meant Screaming

Tucked away near London Bridge is one of the oldest surviving surgical theatres in Europe—complete with original wooden benches and blood-soaked history.

Back in the 1800s, this was where surgery was performed without anaesthetic. People were held down. Screams echoed off the walls.

Today, it's a fascinating museum—but visitors report strange feelings, cold gusts, and whispers when no one is nearby.

Why it gives people chills:
It's not just history—it’s the sense that something traumatic still lingers in the space.

7. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead: Highwaymen and Hauntings

This charming 16th-century pub is nestled near Hampstead Heath. It’s rumoured that Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman, was born here—or at least drank here before heading out to rob carriages.

Locals and staff claim to have seen a mysterious man in a tricorn hat near the fireplace and felt cold gusts in summer months. One even claims to have seen an old woman in black weeping in the corner.

Why it’s creepy:
Sure, it’s lovely by day. But the moment dusk falls? The atmosphere changes.

8. Bethnal Green Tube Station: The Screams That Never Stopped

In 1943, one of London’s worst civilian tragedies occurred here. During a WWII air raid, a rush to enter the shelter at Bethnal Green station caused a stampede down the stairs. 173 people—mostly women and children—were crushed to death.

Since then, passengers and staff have reported screams, crying children, and strange footsteps late at night.

Why it’s avoided at night:
Even Tube drivers say they dread driving through without passengers. One reportedly refused to stop there alone.

9. Room 333 at The Langham Hotel

If you’re ever staying at this historic 5-star hotel in Marylebone, maybe… skip Room 333.

Legend says it’s haunted by the ghost of a Victorian doctor who murdered his wife, then himself on their honeymoon. Guests report lights flickering, furniture moving, and a man in Victorian dress hovering over their bed.

Even BBC staff (the BBC used to house foreign staff at The Langham) have complained of ghostly disturbances.

Why staff steer clear:
It’s said the room often gets last-minute cancellations from freaked-out guests.

So… Are These Places Really Haunted?

Whether you're a full-on ghost hunter or a total sceptic, London’s haunted history runs deep. These aren’t just spooky stories—they're deeply tied to the city's layered past: war, plague, injustice, and tragedy.

Locals might not admit it outright, but even the most hardened Londoners give certain places a wide berth after dark. And hey—better safe than haunted, right?

Final Tip: Want to Explore?

London offers tons of ghost tours that visit these eerie locations. From walking tours in the East End to nighttime cemetery strolls, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. Just maybe… bring a friend.

Spooked yet? Save this blog for your next eerie London adventure—or tag a friend brave enough to explore with you. And for more haunted tales, hidden gems, and London curiosities, follow @Londonyaar.