Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire

Phantom footsteps in the corridor, the sound of heavy furniture being moved in empty rooms and a desolate wailing – not a day goes by without some kind of unexplained activity at Tamworth Castle. The most famous ghosts are The Black Lady — a 9th-century nun returned to avenge herself for being made homeless by the Barons of Marmion — and the White Lady, who threw herself from the tower after the death of her lover (even though he was the one who had locked her in there in the first place). http://minisites.tamworth.gov.uk/castlehome.aspx

Aston Hall, Birmingham

This Grade I listed Jacobean house is home to several spirits — from Dick the houseboy who hanged himself after being accused of stealing, to the former housekeeper who appears sitting in a chair wearing a distinctive green dress. But most famous is the grey ghost, believed to be Mary Holte, a daughter of the house who was locked up by her father for 16 years after she tried to elope. She is said to haunt the room in which she died, and is so lifelike people mistake her for a member of staff in period costume. http://www.bmag.org.uk/aston-hall

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria

Terrifying tales revolve around Tom Fool, a notoriously cruel court jester who lived at Muncaster Castle during the 16th century. You’re unlikely to see him, but you might feel him – possibly standing on your bed, poking you in the leg, or gently stroking your hair. You can stay in the Tapestry Room, where most of the castle’s paranormal activity takes place. If you dare. http://www.muncaster.co.uk/

Tower of London

If ever there was a place that was likely to be Britain’s most haunted, it’s The Tower of London. There have been multiple sightings of previous residents, from Thomas A Beckett to Anne Boleyn, but the most active spirit is believed to be that of Arabella Stuart whose ill-advised love life got her in serious trouble with both Elizabeth I and James I. Eventually Arabella was locked up in the Queen’s House at The Tower, where she died – although whether it was at her own hand or another's is uncertain. Either way her spirit isn’t happy, and has a tendency to lash out at women, pushing one out of the room and attempting to strangle others. http://www.hrp.org.uk

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