In this article, we will delve into some of the most intriguing dark tourism locations in the UK that will captivate visitors in 2025. Whether you’re drawn to the haunting allure of ancient ossuaries, the tragic history of infamous prisons, or the chilling atmosphere of natural landscapes steeped in bloodshed, the UK is home to many such destinations. These places tell stories of human suffering, mystery, and death—stories that, in some ways, help us understand our own mortality and the darker corners of our collective past.
1. St Leonard’s Ossuary, Hythe, Kent
A visit to the St Leonard’s Ossuary in Hythe, Kent, is a stark and haunting reminder of humanity’s mortality. Located beneath the parish church, this underground crypt houses over 1,000 human skulls, a chilling testament to the past. Dating back to the 13th century, the ossuary has long been a subject of intrigue and mystery. While it is not entirely clear how the skulls ended up here, some believe that they were victims of the Black Death, while others speculate they may have been from casualties of the Napoleonic Wars.
The crypt remains open to the public, offering a deeply unsettling experience for those brave enough to descend into the depths. As you walk among the skulls, you can’t help but feel a sense of history—one filled with tragedy, death, and the passage of time. For those interested in the darker aspects of history, a visit to this ossuary is a must. The very atmosphere of the place, coupled with its eerie contents, makes it one of the most striking and thought-provoking dark tourism destinations in the UK.
2. The Poison Garden, Alnwick Castle
The Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle is another fascinating dark tourism destination in the UK. This garden is home to over 100 species of poisonous and deadly plants, making it one of the most unique and eerie attractions for visitors with a penchant for the darker side of nature. The garden, which opened to the public in 2005, is designed to educate visitors about the fine line between medicinal and toxic plants. The Poison Garden offers a glimpse into the fascinating, yet dangerous world of plants that have played a role in both healing and harm.
Visitors can take guided tours, but there’s a strict warning: do not touch, smell, or taste the plants. Many of the species in the garden have lethal properties, and even handling them could be dangerous. The atmosphere of the garden is one of intrigue and caution, with visitors walking through its labyrinth of toxic foliage, all while learning about the historical use of these plants in everything from poisoning to medicine. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and dark history, making it a unique stop for any dark tourism enthusiast.
3. Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast
One of the most infamous sites for dark tourism in Northern Ireland is the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. This Victorian-era prison operated from 1846 until 1996, making it one of the oldest and most significant correctional facilities in the country. Over the years, Crumlin Road Gaol became a central figure in Belfast’s turbulent history, particularly during the Troubles. The prison housed numerous political prisoners, including some of the most notorious figures in Northern Ireland’s political and paramilitary history.
Now a museum, the gaol offers visitors the chance to explore the grim realities of life behind bars during the height of the Troubles. Guided tours take visitors through the cells, the execution chamber, and the history of the prison, all while sharing the stories of its infamous inmates and the atrocities that occurred within its walls. For those with an interest in Northern Ireland’s dark past, Crumlin Road Gaol is a must-see. The eerie and somber atmosphere of the place allows visitors to connect with the raw history of conflict, suffering, and survival in this storied building.
4. Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh, there lies a hidden, narrow warren of alleys and closes known as Mary King’s Close. In the 17th century, these streets were home to working-class families, some of whom were tragically walled into their homes during the outbreak of the plague. The closed-off alleyways became a place of death and despair, and the people who lived there were often left to succumb to the disease in isolation.
Today, visitors can take guided tours through the ghostly corridors of Mary King’s Close, learning about the lives of the people who once called these streets home, as well as the fate of those who perished. The atmosphere is thick with history, and the chilling remnants of this dark chapter in Edinburgh’s past still hang in the air. It’s a place where you can feel the weight of history on your shoulders, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the eerie and unsettling aspects of human history.
5. The Tower of London
No discussion of dark tourism in the UK would be complete without mentioning the Tower of London. One of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, the Tower has a history steeped in bloodshed, betrayal, and intrigue. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal palace, a prison, and even an execution site. Some of England’s most famous figures met their end within its walls, including Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Thomas More.
The Tower of London offers visitors the chance to explore its grim history through exhibitions and tours that delve into its darker side. From the torture chambers to the story of the tragic executions that took place there, the Tower of London is a captivating and eerie place that brings the past to life in ways that both haunt and educate. For dark tourism enthusiasts, a visit to the Tower of London is a must, as it serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s bloody and often brutal history.
6. Shepton Mallet Prison, Somerset
Shepton Mallet Prison is one of the oldest prisons in the UK, and it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted as well. Opened in the 1600s, the prison housed some of the most notorious criminals in British history, including members of the infamous Kray twins’ gang. The prison closed its doors in 2013, but its eerie past continues to attract ghost hunters and dark tourism enthusiasts.
The prison’s long history of punishment, hardship, and death is felt in every corner, making it a fascinating place for those looking to explore the darker side of British history. Today, Shepton Mallet Prison offers ghost tours, overnight stays, and escape room experiences, providing a unique opportunity to experience its haunted atmosphere firsthand. For visitors seeking a more immersive dark tourism experience, Shepton Mallet Prison is an ideal location.
7. Boleskine House, Loch Ness
Located on the shores of Loch Ness, Boleskine House is perhaps best known for its connection to the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley. Crowley, who once lived in the house, was a controversial figure known for his dark practices and associations with the occult. The house itself is steeped in mystery, with rumors of ghostly sightings and other supernatural phenomena.
Though the house suffered significant fire damage in recent years, restoration efforts are underway, and Boleskine House is expected to reopen to the public in 2025. For those interested in the occult and the supernatural, a visit to this mysterious house will provide a chilling glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s most infamous figures. Boleskine House is a place where dark history and eerie energy combine, making it a must-visit for dark tourism enthusiasts.
8. Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands
Glen Coe, one of the most stunningly beautiful locations in Scotland, is also steeped in dark history. In 1692, the Massacre of Glencoe took place, where members of the Clan MacDonald were killed by government forces in what is considered one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history. The massacre remains a bitter chapter in the country’s past, and the site of the tragedy has become a focal point for those interested in the macabre side of history.
Today, visitors can explore the glen and visit memorials dedicated to the victims of the massacre. The eerie landscape, combined with the tragic history, makes Glen Coe an unforgettable dark tourism destination. Whether you’re interested in Scottish history, or simply drawn to the mysterious atmosphere of the location, Glen Coe is a site that will leave a lasting impression.
9. Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway
Galloway Forest Park is the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in stargazing and the eerie beauty of the night sky. While not traditionally considered a dark tourism site, Galloway Forest Park’s remote location and minimal light pollution create an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. On moonless nights, the park offers an eerie calm and solitude, perfect for those looking for an isolated escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
For those who enjoy connecting with nature in a quieter, more reflective way, Galloway Forest Park offers a unique experience. The stillness of the night sky, combined with its remote setting, makes this park a place of both serenity and mystery, ideal for those looking to experience the peaceful side of dark tourism.
10. The Blind Beggar Pub, London
The Blind Beggar Pub in Whitechapel, East London, is notorious for its connection to the Kray twins. In 1966, Ronnie Kray shot and killed George Cornell in the pub, forever embedding the place in the annals of London’s criminal history. The pub is now a regular establishment, but its dark past still attracts visitors fascinated by its criminal connections.
While The Blind Beggar is not a traditional dark tourism site, its history makes it a compelling stop for those interested in the world of organized crime and London’s gritty past. For those intrigued by the underbelly of London’s history, The Blind Beggar Pub offers a rare glimpse into the criminal world that once dominated the streets of East London.
The Allure of Dark Tourism in the UK
Dark tourism in the UK offers a fascinating exploration of the country’s troubled past, filled with stories of violence, tragedy, and mystery. From ancient ossuaries and haunted prisons to locations of historical atrocities and occult connections, the UK has a wealth of dark tourism destinations waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie atmosphere of ancient sites, or fascinated by the history of human suffering, these locations offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience the macabre.
As interest in dark tourism continues to rise, these sites will likely remain at the forefront of travelers’ minds in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of the eerie, or simply someone looking for a different kind of travel experience, the UK’s dark tourism destinations offer something for everyone. The journey into the darker side of history is not just about witnessing the past—it’s about understanding the forces that shaped it, and how those forces continue to echo through the present.
Here are the sources in list format:
The Sun – UK’s Most Haunted Prison Ghosts
Boleskine House
Glen Coe
Listverse – Dark Tourist Destinations in the UK
