Discover Surrey’s most haunted places

As we approach the spookiest, scariest night of the year, dare you go exploring some of these…

Not only can you hear things that go bump in the night at some of Surrey’s most haunted houses, but at many you can hear blood curdling screams too.

The Hampton Court Palace home of Henry VIII has been the stage for some of the most notorious episodes in our history with two of Henry’s ill-fated queens said to restlessly roam the galleries.

Wife number three, Jane Seymour who died shortly after giving birth, has been seen carrying a lighted taper on Silverstick Stairs where she died. Catherine Howard, number five, escaped her guards screaming for mercy after discovering she was to be charged with adultery. Her ghost can be seen wailing in the Haunted Gallery.

Worlds away from the high society and lavish parties Polesden Lacey in Bookham became known for in the early 20th century, walks a ‘hooded monk’ who inhabits the estate on foggy nights.

Legend has it that Betchworth Castle is haunted by a black dog prowling the ruins at night, and the Lord of the Manor who allegedly chased and killed an escaping convict with his sword. He later found out that it was his own son he had killed and is said to now walk around the ruins lamenting this.

Alongside agonising screams at Brooklands in Weybridge don’t be surprised if you hear ‘crashing, splintering metal or wood’.

Racing driver Percy Lambert died on Halloween 1913 after pushing his car beyond its limits trying to regain his record – he was the first driver in the world to cover 100 miles an hour – which had been beaten by another driver. He survived the crash only to die in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge, was originally a royal Tudor palace but was demolished shortly after the execution of King Charles I – it left behind ghosts of former residents.

The imposing figure of King Henry VIII was reportedly seen by the Welsh Rugby team who were staying at the hotel in 2015. Guests have also been advised to stay away from room 1313 where sudden temperature drops have been felt and legend has it that a maid threw herself off the nearby Bell Tower after a lovers’ quarrel.

Three villainous highwaymen were hanged on Gibbet Hill after being convicted for the brutal murder of a sailor in 1786. Superstitions and fears arose and a Celtic cross was put up on the site at Hindhead Commons, named after his killers’ public hanging.

Following the restoration of Guildford Castle in 2003, many claimed to have seen a thin, sickly figure chained to the castle walls.

Fact or fiction? Many wouldn’t have been aware the area of the castle where they saw this used to be the prison. Beware what’s behind you…

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