Are these the most haunted pubs in the UK?

The UK doesn’t shy away from the more gruesome, unnerving aspects of its history. In fact, plenty of visitor attractions — such as the London Dungeon and its Edinburgh counterpart — make a virtue of it. No surprise, then, that some of the country’s historic pubs also celebrate their dark side. From the heart of London to rural Scotland, these haunted pubs are allegedly patrolled by ghostly residents — some mischievous, others unnerving. Step inside, if you dare.

The Drovers Inn, Stirling

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Loch Lomond, The Drovers Inn exudes eeriness from the off, with its rustic stone walls, flickering candlelight and a taxidermied bird casting a watchful eye from the bar. The inn is said to be occupied by the spirit of a young girl who drowned in the loch, with overnight guests claiming to have felt a cold, ghostly touch, or a lingering, icy draft in their rooms. You'll find information about the ghostly goings on dotted around the 18^th-century pub, including on the menus, and staff are happy to share their spectral tales, too.

Grace Neill’s Bar, County Down

Founded in 1611, Grace Neill’s bar is among Northern Ireland’s oldest pubs, and its namesake, Grace Neill, is said to have lingered here long after her death in 1918. Traditional dark-wood panelled interiors set the tone, and while the place recently underwent a partial refurbishment, Grace’s spirit is most often felt in the bar’s original snugs and stairwells. Be sure to listen out for her otherworldly footsteps — often heard pacing the floors above.

The Golden Fleece, York

It would be easy to overlook this small, unassuming two-storey tavern tucked away among York’s medieval streets. But it’s said to be home to 15 ghosts, including Lady Ann Picket, often heard climbing the creaking staircase, and Geoff Monroe, a Canadian airman whose antagonising gaze apparently follows visitors from the third floor. The Grade II-listed building has a snug lounge with antique furniture, plus four bedrooms for overnight guests — so if you’re feeling brave you can bed down and wait for the pub’s ghostly inhabitants to make their presence felt.

The Sutton Arms, London

Anticipate a friendly welcome at this old-school boozer near the Barbican, where pubgoers are said to be greeted by a mischievous spirit. Known as Charlie, the red-haired ghost is said to flash a smile at unsuspecting visitors before vanishing into thin air. His presence is fleeting, so for a chance of catching a glimpse, settle in at his favourite table in the corner of the bar. The stained-glass ceiling and craft beers are a large part of the pub’s appeal, but it’s the prospect of spotting Charlie that’ll make your visit memorable.

The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Abergavenny

Blood-curdling murmurs are part of the reception at this Monmouthshire former courthouse, which is today one of Wales’s oldest pubs. The original hanging beam looms over the stairwell, complete with rope marks to remind visitors of its sinister past. There are overnight ghost hunts, too, during which ouija boards and other specialist equipment are said to reveal the presence of Fanny Price — a former landlady who died here in the 17^th century. And if that’s not enough of a thrill, venture to the surrounding woods, which are said to be just as haunted.

Whistle Binkies, Edinburgh

This renowned bar and music venue may be less than four decades old, but its ghostly apparitions date back much further. In the 17th century, this cavernous subterranean space housed the city’s poorest residents and criminals within a series of stone chambers. And today it’s said to be frequented by a pair of poltergeists lurking in billowing cloaks — allegedly responsible for fiddling with door knobs and even trapping staff in the cellar. Their sinister shuffles echo through the quirky venue, and private cave rooms offer the chance for an up-close encounter with the phantoms.

The Crosskeys Inn, County Antrim

Dating back to 1654, this charming white-stone cottage is Northern Ireland’s oldest thatched pub. Its walls are adorned with eclectic ornaments that pay homage to the generations of visitors who’ve set foot through the wooden-latched door. There’s allegedly a resident ghost here, too — a tall, shadowy male figure often seen hiding in corners or trudging past the yellow-framed windows at dawn. With traditional Irish music performances and a selection of fine whiskies, it’s the perfect place to toast the night — and the spirits.