Haunted Attractions of York To Visit This Christmas
York, UK, is one of my favourite cities. It’s only a couple of hours drive for my home to get there and because of its old buildings, its history, and all of its hauntings, I really like to visit it often when I can.
With numerous ghost stories and over 500 recorded hauntings within its ancient walls, York is known as “Europe’s most haunted city”.
It is also known for its very popular and famous Christmas market. Frequently featured in the “best of” lists of UK Christmas markets, it attracts millions of visitors each year both domestically and internationally. I have been to York’s Christmas market a few times and would recommend visiting if you have the chance to, even if everything seems to be on the little expensive side.
York Christmas market opens on the 13th November and if you are planning to visit York this Christmas and you have an interest in the paranormal, then you should definitely take part in a ghost tour or two, or visit one of the many famous haunted locations while you are there. If you are plan to stay in York for a few days then you might even have a chance to stay in a haunted room, in a haunted hotel!
So if you are planning to visit to York this Yuletide, I have put together a list of attractions and stays that every paranormal enthusiast should experience, plus a few lesser known haunts that not many people know about.
The Treasurer’s House
The Treasurer’s House and one of its bedrooms
This grand National Trust property hides one of Britain’s most famous ghost stories, the Roman soldiers in the cellar.
A plumber in the 1950s reported seeing a troop of Roman soldiers march through the basement wall. He saw a soldier, wearing a plumed helmet, emerge from the wall, followed by a cart horse and about nine or ten pairs of other Roman soldiers.
Also the ghost of George Aislaby, who owned the property in the seventeenth century, has also been seen. Visitors to this day report cold spots and moving furniture.
GUIDES AND TOURS THAT INCLUDE THE TREASURER’s HOUSE
The Golden Fleece
The Golden Fleece and its haunted bar
Dating back to 1503, this is one of York’s oldest and most haunted pubs. It is situated in The Shambles.
The ghost of Lady Alice Peckett is said to wander the corridors, while the spirit of a WWII airman often appears in uniform upstairs. Other ghosts include a man known as One Eyed Jack, often seen at the bottom bar and a young boy from the Victorian times, who was trampled to death by horses, is often seen in the top bar
You can drink and even sleep with the spirits. The golden Fleece has guest rooms, so you can stay overnight if you dare. Ask to stay in “St Catherine’s Room” if you really want that haunted experience.
BOOK A ROOM AT THE GOLDEN FLEECE HERE
The Black Swan
The Black Swan and its staircase leading to its haunted corridors
This 15th century pub that lies on Peasholme Greem is haunted by a man in a bowler hat who is waiting for someone at the bar and a young woman in white who stares into the fire before vanishing. She is said to have been a jilted bride.
Other spirits are said to haunted the pub. A small boy, known as Matthew, is frequently seen in the bar and passageway, he is dressed in Victorian clothes. Also a highway man known as Jack regularly appears in the Kitchen. The ghost of a black cat is also seen.
You can eat, drink and also stay at the pub. There are a number guest rooms available.
BOOK A ROOM AT THE BLACK SWAN HERE
The Windmill Inn
The Windmill Inn
On the corner of Blossom Street and Queen street stands The Windmill Inn. Built in the 17th century, this inn is haunted by the ghost of a little girl said to have been run over by a brewer’s cart.
Staff also report seeing a strange mist appearing near the bar. The York press listed the pub as one of the five most haunted pubs in the city.
The Shambles
The famous Shambles with its haunting cobbled streets
A medieval lane of crooked houses, once home to butchers and candle makers. With its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, its like stepping back in time.
Almost every building in the Shambles is likely haunted. You might even see a spirit lurking around the streets. The famous ‘York Ghost Merchants‘ shop is situated here. They make and sell original York ghosts.
For a chance to see something paranormal it will be best to visit during the evening when the crowds disperse and the darkness draws in.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
The Original Ghost Walk.
The world’s first recorded ghost walk (since 1973), leading visitors through York’s haunted lanes. The guides are master storytellers, blending history and horror. They meet up every night at the Kings Arms Pub.
NO BOOKING REQUIRED. YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE
York Maze Hallowscream
Actors from Hallowscream
Hallowscream is an award winning Halloween attraction that has five separated live action haunted house attractions and over 100 actors.
This is not for the faint-hearted and you must be at least 16 years old to attend. Children even accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE. FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE
York Minister
The awe-inspiring York Minsiter
The cathedral has several ghostly tales including the spirit Dean Gale, a senior clergy who died in 1702 at the age of 26. His ghost is still often seen to this day sitting in the pews listening to sermons.
Also there is the story of two women who got separated from their tour, this was back in the 1820’s. A man in naval uniform came towards them in the opposite direction. When he passed he whispered something in the ear of one of the women. The woman was shocked as the man was her deceased brother.
If you visit York Minister not only might you see a ghost, you might just meet a passed relative. Or you can also just visit to see its awe-inspiring architecture.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
Ye Olde Starre Inn. You might feel a ghost cat rub against your leg while sitting at the tables
This 17th-century inn is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Civil War soldiers who’s screams can be heard in the cellar. The pub was used as a makeshift hospital during the English Civil War.
Another ghost is that of an old lady dressed in black who has been seen descending the staircase from the upper floor.
Ye Olde Starre Inne is also haunted by two black cats who were sealed into a wall for good luck.
The York Dungeon
Lots of thrills and scares and York Dungeon
York Dungeon is an attraction with jump scares, loud noises, pungent smells and more. A walkthrough with live actors, telling the story of 2000 years of York’s dark history.
Behind the theatrics, staff have reported whispers, footsteps, and cold spots in empty rooms.
This is ideal if you want a some scary fun. Great for stag and hen parties etc.
A QUICK RECAP
Treasurer’s House – Roman legion ghosts in the cellar.
The Golden Fleece – Lady Peckett wandering the corridors.
The Black Swan – The bowler-hat ghost by the fireplace.
The Windmill Inn – Haunted mists and a tragic young girl.
The Shambles – Atmospheric alleys with whispering shadows.
The Original Ghost Walk of York – The classic storytelling experience an tour.
York Maze Hallowscream – Heart-stopping frights.
York Minster – Phantom clergy and the ghost of a lady’s brother.
Ye Olde Starre Inne – A 17th-century pub with ghost cats
The York Dungeon. – Jump scares and loud noises. Not for the faint hearted
…AND NOW FOR SOME LESSER KNOWN HAUNTS!
St. Mary’s Abbey (Museum Gardens)
The ruins of St Mary’s Abbey
Ghostly monks are said to walk among these hauntingly beautiful ruins at dusk. The Black Abbot is one of the most well known ghosts, who is a silent figure who wanders the grounds.
ST. MARY’S ABBEY IS FREE TO VISIT. FIND MORE INFO HERE
Bedern Hall
Bedern Hall and a look inside
Formerly a children’s refuge, this 14th-century hall is haunted by the ghosts of orphans. Visitors to Bedern Hall have reported hearing crying and laughter echoing from empty rooms.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower all lit up
Built by William the Conqueror, it was the site of a tragic 12th century massacre which involved York’s Jewish community. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps inside the chapel. Also Shadows, cold spots, and unseen hands are often reported.
A photographer captured a misty white figure during the Christmas season. So if you are visiting this Christmas you might just see the same misty figure.
TOURS THAT INCLUDE CLIFFORD’S TOWER
The Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal where you might spot the Lady in Grey
The Lady in Grey, a nun in a soft grey habit is the most commonly reported ghost in the Theatre Royal amongst others. It is said that if she is seen on the night of a performance she brings good luck.
35 Stonegate
35 Stonegate and a look inside
This timber-framed house appeared on Derek Acorah’s Ghost Towns Live TV show back in 2006. Reports of poltergeist activity, cold spots, and disembodied voices are often heard.
The paranormal activity was said to have become more active during extensive renovations. One ghost, known as Tom, roams the halls of 35 Stonegate.
The Guy Fawkes Inn
Guy Fawkes in and the Belfry Suite
Built on the birthplace of Guy Fawkes himself, this inn is haunted by shadowy figures and flickering lights.
The most haunted room is The Belfy Suite. Two children died from Cholera in this room back in the 1700’s. Many people have seen the apparitions of small children in this room.
You can stay over at Guy Fawkes Inn, and you can even book to stay in the Belfry Suite. Who knows, you might just spot the apparitions of the two children who died of cholera.
BOOK A ROOM AT GUY FAWKES INN HERE
So I hope you enjoyed these suggestions for you to try out, if you are visiting York this Christmas. If you do decide to take part in any of the events or stay at any of the haunted hotels, I hope you have a brilliant time.
SOME TIPS FOR VISITING YORK’S PARANORMAL SPOTS
Evenings are best – the city transforms after dark.
Stay safe: If you tour at night, stick to well-lit streets or join guided tours.
Book tours in advance – especially during busy seasons like Christmas
Bring a camera – many photos capture strange light anomalies.
Be respectful – these sites are part of York’s living history.
Mix of moods: Some sites give gentle goose-bumps (Treasurer’s House), while others are full-on scares (Hallowscream) – pick your level of fright.
Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, York’s haunted charm is undeniable.
Between its dark history, haunted pubs, shadowy streets and centuries old legends, every step through York feels like you have stepped back into centuries past, and who knows, you might even bump into someone who lived and died during those times.
Has this article inspired you to visit a paranormal location? Plan and book your visit here.
About the Author: Paul Nichol
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