Top 10 Most Haunted Places

Almost everyone can recall a spooky house from their childhood, often one that was the talk of their neighborhood. This compilation features the world's most renowned and eerie locations. If you've had any similar encounters, we'd love to hear about them in the comments. As a disclaimer, I must mention that I approach this topic with skepticism and have crafted this list purely for entertainment purposes.

1. Borley Rectory, Essex, England [Wikipedia]

The Borley Rectory's haunting in the 1920s and 1930s stands as one of Britain's most infamous and debated paranormal events. Despite many occurrences being explainable through rational means, a significant portion of the phenomena reported by numerous independent witnesses remains unexplained to this day.

2. The Whaley House, California [Wikipedia]

Author deTraci Regula shares her encounters with the house: “Over the years, while dining at the Old Town Mexican Cafe across the street, I often noticed the second-story shutters of the Whaley House opening during dinner, long after the house had closed. During a recent visit, I sensed strong energy in several areas, especially in the courtroom, where I caught a faint whiff of cigar smoke, believed to be Whaley’s signature. In the hallway, I detected a hint of perfume, initially thinking it came from the young docent. However, discreetly sniffing her direction as we discussed the house revealed she wasn’t wearing any scent.”

3. Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England [Wikipedia]

Raynham Hall, a historic country house in Norfolk, England, has served as the ancestral home of the Townshend family for over 300 years. The hall lent its name to the surrounding area, East Raynham, and is reputedly haunted. It gained fame as the setting for one of the most iconic ghost photographs ever taken, capturing the Brown Lady descending the staircase. Interestingly, sightings of the ghost ceased after the photo was taken. The estate’s most notable resident was Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend (1674-1738), a prominent leader in the House of Lords.

4. The Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana [Wikipedia]

Constructed in 1796 by General David Bradford and originally named Laurel Grove, the Myrtles Plantation is often referred to as “one of America’s most haunted homes.” It is said to be inhabited by at least 12 spirits. While rumors claim 10 murders took place on the property, historical records only confirm the killing of William Winter. Among the plantation’s alleged ghosts, Chloe (sometimes called Cleo) is the most famous. She was reportedly a slave owned by Clark and Sara Woodruff. According to legend, Clark coerced Chloe into becoming his mistress. When Sara discovered their affair, Chloe began eavesdropping to learn her fate.

5. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia [Wikipedia]

Designed by John Haviland and operational since 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary is recognized as the world’s first genuine penitentiary. Its groundbreaking Pennsylvania System emphasized solitary confinement as a method of rehabilitation. On June 1st, 2007, the television show “Most Haunted” conducted a live broadcast from the penitentiary. During the investigation, part of the team visited Al Capone’s cell, where two members fainted. Yvette, a team member, described the location as “the most evil place I have ever been.” While the team claimed to have communicated with spirits, no concrete evidence supported their assertions.

6. The Tower of London, London [Wikipedia]

Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress The Tower of London, commonly referred to as the Tower of London, is a historic landmark situated on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. Among its many ghostly legends, the most famous is the spirit of Ann Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s wives, who was executed within the Tower in 1536. Her apparition has been frequently sighted, often headless, wandering Tower Green and the Tower Chapel Royal.

7. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky [Wikipedia]

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, established in 1910 in Louisville, Kentucky, initially served as a two-story hospital for 40 to 50 tuberculosis patients. It has gained fame through television as one of the “most haunted” hospitals in the eastern U.S., featured on shows like ABC/FOX Family Channel’s Scariest Places On Earth and VH1’s Celebrity Paranormal Project, as well as the Sci Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters. Paranormal investigators exploring Waverly have reported eerie phenomena such as disembodied voices, sudden cold spots, and unexplained shadows. Screams echo through its deserted corridors, and fleeting ghostly figures have been spotted.

8. The Queen Mary, California [Wikipedia]

The RMS Queen Mary, an ocean liner operated by Cunard Line (later Cunard White Star Line), traversed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967. In 1967, the city of Long Beach, California, acquired the ship and converted it into a hotel. The engine room, where a 17-year-old sailor tragically died while escaping a fire, is considered the most haunted area. Visitors and staff have reported hearing knocking and banging sounds near the pipes. Additionally, the ghost of a “lady in white” has been spotted in the hotel’s front desk area, and the ship’s pool is said to be frequented by the spirits of children.

9. The White House, Washington DC [Wikipedia]

The White House, home to U.S. presidents, is rumored to be haunted by several former residents. President Harrison’s ghost is said to roam the attic, while President Andrew Jackson’s spirit is believed to linger in his old bedroom. First Lady Abigail Adams has been seen floating through hallways, appearing to carry something. The most commonly reported ghost is that of Abraham Lincoln. Eleanor Roosevelt once claimed to sense Lincoln’s presence in the Lincoln bedroom, and during her administration, a clerk reportedly saw Lincoln’s ghost sitting on a bed, removing his boots.

10. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland [Wikipedia]

Edinburgh Castle is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most haunted locations, and Edinburgh itself is often dubbed the most haunted city in Europe. Visitors to the castle have reported encountering a phantom piper, a headless drummer, the ghosts of French prisoners from the Seven Years War, colonial prisoners from the American Revolutionary War, and even the spirit of a dog roaming the dog cemetery on the grounds.

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