5 Most haunted UK cities and towns

Among Brits who believe in the paranormal, 52 per cent said they were motivated by evidence they personally uncovered, or had a firsthand experience that solidified their conviction.

Intrigued by the supernatural, Bonus Finder analysed an eerie array of factors: the number of cemeteries, reported ghost sightings, haunted locations, and the number of paranormal investigators around the country to uncover the UK’s most haunted cities and towns.

Leading our spine-tingling journey into the most haunted UK cities/towns is Salford, scoring 8.5/10 on the haunted-metre. In Salford, there are 5.6 cemeteries, 13,620.8 memorials, 0.4 reports of paranormal activity, 138.8 abandoned  properties, and a total of 2,989.7 houses over 100 years old, all measured per 10,000 people.

Ordsall Hall is one of Salford’s most famous legends, associated with the hall is the story of the “White Lady”. It is said that the spirit of Margaret Radclyffe, the daughter of a former owner, haunts the premises. She fell in love with a man her family disapproved of, leading to her tragic death. It is said that she still roams the hall, dressed in white.

Bolton takes the second spot for the most haunted cities/towns in the UK with a spooky score of 8.4/10 for all factors looked at. In Bolton, you'll find 2.2 cemeteries, an impressive 10,657.7 memorials, 1.1 recorded paranormal reports, 116.2 vacant properties, and a notable 1,301.0 houses dating back to pre-1918, all measured per 10,000 people.

The ancient stone manor house, Turton Tower is rumoured to be haunted. Visitors and staff have reported strange sounds, footsteps, and apparitions, especially in the older parts of the building.

Chichester secures the third most haunted city/town in the UK, boasting a chilling score of 8.2/10 when considering all relevant factors. Chichester boasts 4.4 cemeteries, 1,007.5 memorials, 3.5 intriguing paranormal reports, 61.3 vacant properties, and an impressive 3,481.4 homes built before 1918, all measured per 10,000 people.

The magnificent Chichester Cathedral dates back to the 11th century, and is rumoured to have its share of ghostly inhabitants. Reports of ghostly monks and mysterious footsteps have been recorded. The cathedral's long history and ancient architecture contribute to its eerie ambiance.

Brighton and Hove secured joint fourth place for most haunted city/town in the UK, boasting a chilling score of 8.2/10 when considering all relevant factors. Brighton and Hove has 3.2 cemeteries, 1,692.9 memorials, 1.7 intriguing paranormal reports, 74.5 vacant properties, and an impressive 2,540.9 homes built before 1918, all measured per 10,000 people.

Did you know that the Grade 1 former royal residence, The Royal Pavilion, is among the haunted locations? This extravagant former royal residence is said to be haunted. Visitors and staff have reported ghostly apparitions, strange sounds, and eerie occurrences in the Pavilion's various rooms. Some claim to have seen the spirit of George IV, who once lived there.

Lancaster has clinched a shared fourth position among the spookiest cities and towns in the UK, achieving an unsettling rating of 8.2 out of 10, taking into account all pertinent criteria. Brighton and Hove has 3.2 cemeteries, 1,895.0 memorials, 7.6 intriguing paranormal reports, 139.5 vacant properties, and an impressive 3,632.2 homes built before 1918, all measured per 10,000 people.

Lancaster Castle, with its long and sometimes dark history, is rumoured to be one of the most haunted places in the city. It has served as a prison, a courthouse, and even a place of execution. Visitors and staff have reported ghostly apparitions, mysterious sounds, and eerie occurrences in various parts of the castle.