As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to check out some of the eeriest haunted forest walks in the UK — perfect for a spooky adventure
Halloween is just around the corner, a night filled with eerie spectres and chilling apparitions — if you’re into that sort of thing. Even for those who don’t believe in the supernatural, an evening stroll through the woods might have you second-guessing your scepticism, particularly if you venture into some of Britain’s most haunted forests.
Holiday letting expert holidaycottages.co.uk has revealed some of the UK’s spookiest trails to explore this Halloween. From spectral ladies in white to ghostly carriages and even the doomed figure of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s ill-fated wife, these forest walks are guaranteed to set your heart racing.
Wychwood Forest, Oxfordshire
This ancient woodland, once a Royal hunting ground, is steeped in ghost stories dating back to the 16th century. One of the most well-known tales involves Amy Robsart, wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, whose death in 1560 was shrouded in mystery.
Local folklore tells of her ghost appearing to the Earl and cursing him to die within 10 days—a prophecy that came true. Today, the forest is rife with stories of phantom carriages heard along the trails and enigmatic ruins hidden among the trees, reports the Express.
If you’re feeling courageous, why not take a walk along one of the many paths through the woods?
One of the routes is the Charlbury Circular (8.8 miles), beginning at Charlbury station and meandering through lush woodland and sprawling farmland. The Leafield Circular (5.5 miles) provides a more tranquil journey, leading you through Blindwell Wood and the surrounding rural landscape.
Blickling Great Wood, Norfolk
Blickling Great Wood in Norfolk is famously haunted by the spectre of Anne Boleyn. Legend has it that she was born nearby at Blickling Hall before meeting her tragic fate at the hands of her husband.
It’s said that every year on the anniversary of her execution (19 May), her ghostly figure is seen being drawn through the wood in a carriage pulled by headless horses, her severed head resting in her lap. Alongside this apparition, the woods are also believed to be haunted by her father, Sir Thomas Boleyn, who is doomed to ride through Norfolk for eternity as punishment for his betrayal of her.
Those brave enough to visit this eerie forest can explore several walking trails that crisscross the estate, including the Blickling Estate Walk (4.5 miles), which takes you through the Great Wood and past landmarks like the Mausoleum, a striking stone pyramid nestled deep within the trees.
Lydford Gorge, Devon
This isn’t just the deepest gorge in the South West, it’s also steeped in myth and legend. Its shadowy woods and thunderous river are a hotbed for local folklore.
One tale is so renowned that a waterfall has been named after it — Whitelady Waterfall, christened after the white-robed figure frequently spotted there. Then there’s the Devil’s Cauldron, a churning whirlpool where Old Nick himself is rumoured to lurk, ready to pull his unsuspecting victims into the murky depths.
The gorge has a sinister history too; the nearby village of Lydford was once home to a notorious medieval prison infamous for its brutal treatment of prisoners.
The trails are clearly signposted, and information boards dotted along the route detail the natural features and eerie legends associated with the area. If you fancy tackling the full gorge, the circular route spans three miles and will take you past the Devil’s Cauldron and Whitelady Waterfall.
