Chester named among top 3 spookiest city in the UK, new research reveals

Chester has just been named among the top 3 spookiest city in the UK, just in time for Halloween 2024. 

The research, commissioned by train company LNER, ranked 90 UK towns and cities based on three key factors: the number of ghost sightings, the number of haunted hotels and the yearly average of searches for spooky terms such as 'ghost tours' and 'haunted houses'. This data was then weighted against the population and calculated to give each city a Spooky Score out of 100. 

The UK's top 10 spookiest cities 

1. Exeter (79.8/100)
2. York (70.5/100)
3. Chester (51.0/100)
4. St Albans (47.2/100)
5. Brighton (46.8/100)
6. Hartlepool (46.0/100)
7. Bath (44.0/100)
8. Newcastle upon Tyne (39.4/100)
9. Peterborough (37.7/100)
10. Lincoln (37.3/100)

Chester's spooky facts:

• Chester has one of the most ghost sightings per capita in the UK, standing at 33.1 per 100,000 people.
• Residents of Chester generate over 70,000 spooky related search queries every year. 
• The city is famous for its haunted Eastgate Clock and the eerie tales surrounding the Roman Amphitheatre where ghostly soldiers have been seen. 
• This Halloween, visitors can enjoy Chester Zoo, which hosts spooky-themed events, and Chester Ghost Tours where guides share chilling tales of the city’s past.

Highlights in the study include

• Boasting the highest number of haunted hotels (4.2) and ghost sightings (42.4) per 100,000 people, Exeter tops the chart as the spookiest city in the UK. 
• Often regarded as one of the most haunted cities in the UK, York is home to the most haunted hotels (6), three times more than London. 
• Although London didn’t make the chart, it reported the most ghost sightings, with a whopping total of 147.
• Manchester, ranking 13th, has the greatest fascination with all things spooky, generating over 50,000 queries a month for spooky-related terms.

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: "We’re proud to connect customers to some of the UK’s spookiest spots, making it easy to plan a Halloween weekend filled with thrills and chills. From pumpkin patches in the countryside, to haunted tours in historic cities, our trains take you there in comfort and style.”

“Autumn is the perfect time for a family day out or weekend break. Whether it's a fun-filled adventure or a visit to a city brimming with seasonal events and fun frights, we look forward to welcoming customers onboard.”

For more information, please see the full report here: https://www.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/autumn-adventures/#spookiestcities