Ghosts In York
If you like a good ghost story, then you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of ghosts in York. The city is thought to be one of the most haunted in the U.K.
York has a rich history, varied attractions, and a vibrant foodie scene, but it also boasts spine-chilling ghost tales. If you love all things spooky, York is a must-visit. You can even stay in haunted hotels in York.
So if you want to see ghosts in York, or are visiting York at Halloween, these are the haunted places in York to visit. If you’re brave enough!
The Treasurer’s House
Minster Yard, YO1 7JL
The Treasurer’s House is probably the most haunted place in York. I think the house even looks spooky – particularly on a grey wintery day in York.
It’s a National Trust owned property tucked behind York Minster and is an eclectic mix of 13 period rooms. The 16th century house was gifted to the National Trust in 1930.
Ghosts in the Treasurers House
In the 1950s, a plumber working in the basement saw a legion of Roman soldiers emerge from the walls and march across the cellar. They were dressed in green tunics, sandals, and carrying swords. Historians late confirmed that this was accurate attire for a Roman legion.
These Roman ghosts in York were only visible from the knees up. However, it was later discovered that the original Roman road in York was much lower than the level of the pavement today.
Other ghostly apparitions seen at the Treasurer’s House include a cat, a dog, two children playing and a grey lady asking visitors to be quiet. Staff and visitors have also reported blasts of cold air, and stopped clocks (in different rooms but all at the same time). Others report moving curtains, moved furniture, a strong smell of cigar smoke and even a firm invisible push to get off a chair.
Opening hours – Visiting hours vary according to the season. From April – October visit is by guided tour only, with the last tour at 3 pm. The house is closed Thursdays and Fridays. Pre-booking online is advised to secure your preferred day and time.
Cost – Adult £10.00, child £5.00, family £25.00, family with 1 adult £15.00
The Golden Fleece Pub
16 Pavement, YO1 9UP
The Golden Fleece in the heart of the busy city centre is the most haunted pub in York and dates back to 1503.
There are at least five different ghosts allegedly inhabiting the pub. One of the most famous is Lady Alice Peckett, the wife of a former landlord. She has been seen wandering the corridors and moving furniture around.
There’s also a Canadian airman, reportedly seen in the bar, who died after falling from a top-floor window in the pub. Pub regulars and overnight guests have reported strange, echoing footsteps and doors creaking open on their own.
If you want the best chance of seeing ghosts in York, consider booking a room at The Golden Fleece.
Opening hours – everyday from 11 am – midnight.
The Shambles
The Shambles is one of York’s most famous – and most popular – streets. Walking down this cobbled mediaeval lane feels like stepping back in time. It’s not hard to believe that this atmospheric street is haunted; I think it feels a very different place at night.
One of the most famous ghosts in York is Margaret Clitherow, who lived at 35 The Shambles with her husband in the 16th century.
In 1586, a pregnant Margaret was crushed to death on Ouse Bridge in York for hiding Catholic priests and for running a clandestine Catholic school. She was canonised after her death and today, her ghost is said to haunt the street where she once lived.
Visitors to The Shambles have also reported mysterious figures appearing in the windows of the old buildings, as well as strange noises after dark.
Local Tip – You can learn more about St. Margaret Clitherow at the tiny chapel and shrine dedicated to her in the The Shambles. You can also see her preserved hand in the chapel at the Bar Convent.
Clifford’s Tower
Tower Street, YO1 9SA
Perched on top of an artificial hill in York city centre, Clifford’s Tower is an iconic York landmark. It’s all that remains of York Castle, and is notorious for its bloody history.
One of its darkest events took place in 1190 when York’s entire Jewish community took refuge in the tower from an angry mob. 150 people died in the tower in just one day, either by murder or by suicide.
Visitors to Clifford’s Tower have reported sudden cold spots, feelings of sadness, and ghostly apparitions.
Opening hours – Everyday from 10 am – 6 pm.
Cost – Ticket prices vary according to the season so check online before you visit. You’ll save 15% by booking your ticket online in advance.
York Minster
Like all ancient buildings, York Minster has its fair share of spooky ghost stories.
The cathedral is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a former Archbishop, Walter de Grey, who died in 1255. His ghost – dressed in robes and carrying a staff – has been seen walking through the cathedral and around the grounds.
People have also reported hearing ghostly organ music playing in the dead of night – even though no one is inside the Minster.
So keep your eyes – and ears open – whilst visiting York Minster!
Opening hours – Open for visitors from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am – 4pm
and on Sundays from 12.45pm – 2.30pm. The Minster is always open for worship. It is closed to sightseeing during services.
Cost – Adults £18, students £16. Up to 4 children under 17 can enter for free with a paying adult. It is free to enter the Minster to pray or to attend a service.
York Theatre Royal
St. Leonard’s Place, YO1 7HD
The Theatre Royal York dates back to 1744 and is home to one of the best known ghosts in York — the Grey Lady. She is thought to a nun who left her religious order after falling in love with a nobleman only to be bricked up alive as a punishment.
Her ghost has allegedly been seen in the dress circle, and many actors and audience members have reported feeling her presence. The theatre staff claim that things sometimes go missing, only to mysteriously reappear in different places.
Tours of the theatre are only available at certain times of the year but I recommend popping in to visit the excellent cafe.
Opening hours – The Theatre Royal cafe is open from Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4.30pm.
The Snickelways of York
Snickelways are the narrow, winding alleyways that criss-cross York’s city centre. By day they’re a quick way to cut across the city centre but I wouldn’t venture into one alone at night!
People have reported the ghosts of Victorian children playing along the passageways, while others claim to have seen shadowy figures flitting between the walls.
Visit one of the eeriest snickelways is Mad Alice Lane (now renamed Lund’s Court) off Low Petergate. Alice was hanged in York in 1825 for murdering her abusive husband, and it’s said that her restless spirit still haunts the lane that once bore her name.
The Black Swan Inn
Peasholme Green, YO1 7PR
This black and white half-timbered pub dates back to the 15th century and is allegedly home to several ghosts.
Perhaps you’ll see the Victorian gentleman dressed in bowler hat tutting at guests, who is often spotted sitting at the bar. Maybe you’ll see the young woman, thought to be a jilted bride, who has been seen wandering around the upstairs rooms.
Guests staying at the inn have reported hearing footsteps outside their rooms at night, even when no one is there. Other sightings include a highwayman in the kitchen, a black cat and a Victorian boy.
Where can I learn more about ghosts in York?
Ghost Tours
If you’re really looking to get spooked, there are several ghost tours in York to choose from.
Most of the walking tours last around 1.5 – 2 hours and are suitable for all ages. You’ll visit York’s most haunted spots and the guides are brilliant at bringing the ghostly stories to life.
My personal recommendations include The Bloody Tour of York (with Mad Alice as your tour guide) and The Original Ghost Walk.
For something a little different, check out The Ghost Bus Tour. It’s a fun (and freaky) way to explore York’s darker history from the comfort of an old fashioned double decker bus. Note that the tour content is aimed at adults and older children.
You can read more about the ghost tours in York here.
York Dungeon
12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD
This interactive attraction brings the darker side of York’s history to life. It’s a must for anyone who likes a fright!
Complete with live actors and special effects, you’ll learn about York’s public executions, torture tales and life during the plague. You’ll also find out about infamous York residents such as Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin.
I think York Dungeon is spooky and fun but it’s not recommended for children under 8.
Opening hours – Autumn and winter opening hours are everyday from 10 am – 5 pm, until 7.30 pm on Saturdays.
Cost – The cheapest tickets are online advance bookings costing £18 per adult.
For those who love a good scare or just an intriguing ghost story, there are plenty of ghosts in York to choose from. Whether you explore the haunted places in York by day or by night depends on how brave you are.
I know which option I’d choose!
