Official: Exeter Named the UK’s Spookiest City

Published: 23 October 2024

With a fascinating history dating back to Roman times, and tales of haunted establishments and ghostly goings-on across the city, Exeter is often reputed to be one of the spookiest cities in the UK… and now it’s official!

New research from train operator LNER has unveiled the UK’s top ten spookiest cities, with Exeter topping the list ahead of traditional haunting heavyweights like York and Chester.

The findings highlight cities across the country that offer the perfect mix of haunted history, ghostly tales, and family-friendly Halloween activities.

The research gathered data on three key factors: ghost sightings, the number of haunted hotels, and the average annual searches for Halloween-related terms.

The top 90 most populated cities in the UK were considered, with a ‘Spooky Score’ assigned to each based on these criteria, adjusted for population size.

Offering a bewitching array of haunted landmarks and an eerie atmosphere, Exeter’s historic streets and attractions come alive around Halloween as they welcome families to discover a variety of Halloween events and activities, uncovering chilling tales of the city’s haunted past.

Exeter’s award-winning Red Coat Guided Tours lead visitors on a weekly ‘Ghosts & Legends’ tour every Tuesday evening, where guests can visit many of Exeter’s historic buildings and hear tales about their ghostly history.

If you’re feeling particularly brave this Halloween, then join esteemed ghost hunter Dr Robin Knapman at St Nicholas Priory, one of Exeter’s oldest and most mysterious buildings. Wander through the haunted halls and hidden chambers – you never know what you’ll encounter in the building’s shadowy depths!

No tricks but plenty of treats – visit Exeter this Halloween for spine-chilling events that are fun for all the family.

Find out what’s on this Halloween at www.visitexeter.com/halloween