Top 6 haunted destinations in Lancashire

As every proud Lancastrian knows, this corner of England is steeped in history, but with that history comes something a little darker. From crumbling medieval halls to lonely moorland hills, Lancashire’s past is alive with tales of witchcraft, sorrow, and the supernatural. So, it’s no surprise that the county is often named among the most haunted in the UK.

For centuries, stories have circulated of strange figures on misty roads, cold spots in ancient buildings, and whispers that seem to come from nowhere. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s something about these old places that sends a shiver down your spine, especially on a dark autumn evening.

So, if you fancy exploring Lancashire’s haunted heritage for yourself, why not make a road trip of it? Here are some of the county’s top haunted destinations, paired with the best hire vehicles from Intack Self Drive to get you there safely (and maybe swiftly, if you spot something in the rear-view mirror!)

1. Winter Gardens, Morecambe

The Winter Gardens Theatre, built in 1897, is one of Morecambe’s most iconic buildings and one of its most haunted. Once bustling with Edwardian audiences, the grand auditorium now carries a heavy stillness between performances. Staff and visitors alike have spoken of shadows flitting across the balconies, the faint scent of perfume where no one stands, and the sound of ghostly applause echoing from the stalls long after the audience has gone home.

One particularly ill-tempered spirit is known to push or slap unsuspecting guests, while the forlorn ghost of a seamstress who dreamed of taking the stage herself is said to still linger in the dressing rooms, waiting for her cue that never came.

For a trip to Morecambe’s haunted promenade, small cars like a Vauxhall Corsa are the ideal companion. Compact and efficient, they’re perfect for seaside driving and easy to park near the theatre ready for a swift getaway should the performance take an unexpected ghostly turn!

2. Samlesbury Hall, South Ribble

Few places in Lancashire are as steeped in tragedy as Samlesbury Hall. This striking 14th-century manor, with its black-and-white timber façade, hides centuries of heartbreak within its walls. The most famous of its spectral residents is Dorothy Southworth, the so-called White Lady of Samlesbury. Legend tells of a forbidden romance, a tragic betrayal, and a broken heart that refuses to rest.

Drivers on the nearby A677 have reported seeing her pale figure gliding across the road before vanishing into the night. Inside the hall, guests have spoken of unseen hands brushing against them, distant footsteps echoing through empty corridors, and cold drafts that seem to follow you from room to room.

If you’re venturing out to explore the hall and its surrounding countryside, a large car like the Skoda Octavia, Kia Sportage, Hyundai i40 or similar makes for an excellent choice. With its comfortable seating, modern features, and steady handling on rural roads, it’s ideal for winding your way through South Ribble’s scenic (and sometimes spooky) lanes. Plus, it offers plenty of room for a few brave friends to join the ghost tour!

3. Pendle Hill

Standing tall over East Lancashire, Pendle Hill looms with an unsettling presence, its shadow tied forever to the darkest chapter in Lancashire’s history. It was here that the infamous Pendle Witch Trials began in 1612, when twelve locals were accused of witchcraft and ten were sentenced to death by hanging. Their spirits, it’s said, returned to the hill and still roam the grass banks to this very night.

Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures on moonlit nights, hearing whispers carried on the wind, and feeling as though they’re being watched from the mist. Many who’ve dared to climb the hill alone speak of sudden drops in temperature and a strange pressure in the air as though the land itself remembers what happened here.

If you’re heading out with a group of fellow thrill-seekers, the VW Maxi Life Caddy (5-seater) is the ultimate haunted-hill transport. With room for everyone and their camera gear, torches, and EMF detectors, it’s a comfortable and practical option for tackling the twisting lanes that wind around Pendle’s moors.

4. Lancaster Castle

Perched high above the River Lune, Lancaster Castle has stood watch over the city for nearly a thousand years. Originally founded around AD 1093 on the site of a former Roman fort, the castle has seen almost every shade of history, from medieval battles to royal visits, witch trials, and public executions. Its ancient stone walls have absorbed the cries of the condemned, and its dungeons have held everyone from political prisoners to petty thieves.

Perhaps the most chilling chapter in its story unfolded in 1612, when the Pendle Witches we mentioned just a moment ago were brought here to stand trial. Accused of witchcraft and murder, ten were sentenced to hang, their fates sealed within these very walls. The castle went on to serve as a working prison for centuries, witnessing over 265 public hangings and countless tales of suffering. Even as recently as 2011, parts of the building were still used as a Category C prison.

Visitors today report sudden drops in temperature, whispers echoing through the cells, and shadowy figures drifting along the upper walkways. Some claim to have seen the spectres of people long past wandering the courtyard, eternally bound to the place of their trial. Whether you come for the history or the hauntings, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of the centuries pressing in around you.

To navigate Lancaster’s narrow, cobbled streets and reach this imposing fortress, the Fiat 500 is a perfect choice. Sleek, reliable, and easy to handle through the historic city centre, it offers comfort and agility for exploring a place where the past never truly sleeps.

5. Hoghton Tower, Preston

With its grand battlements and sweeping views, Hoghton Tower looks like something from a fairytale, but like everything else steeped in rich history, its story is far more chilling. Over the centuries, guests have spoken of laughter echoing through empty halls, doors slamming of their own accord, and the faint sound of horse hooves on the cobbles long after midnight.

The tower’s most famous apparition is the Green Lady, a beautiful young woman dressed in velvet who appears to glide through corridors, chuckling softly to herself before vanishing into thin air. Staff keep a “ghost log” to record every unexplained event, and there are plenty of entries. It’s no wonder Hoghton Tower was once voted the third most haunted building in the UK.

For your trip up to this eerie fortress, a medium estate car like a VW Golf or a Hyundai i30 is a particularly popular car hire option. The extra storage space they afford (coupled with the accessible driving experience they provide) makes them a favourite, offering the perfect blend of comfort and capability. Its powerful yet smooth drive handles country lanes easily, giving you a commanding view of the misty landscape as you approach the tower... if you dare look out the window that is.

6. Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Accrington

If you’re setting off from Intack Self Drive in Blackburn, you won’t have to go far to find one of Lancashire’s most haunted spots; in fact, it’s practically on your doorstep. Just a quick drive down the road sits the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, a stunning 13th-century manor that’s swapped noble families for spa breaks and wedding receptions.

It’s the kind of place that looks inviting at first glance, ivy-covered walls, winding paths, and old oak doors that creak just enough to remind you how old they are. But step inside after dark, and things take a different turn. The hotel’s most famous spirit is Lucette, a young French governess who once worked here centuries ago. Legend has it she fell in love with a visiting officer one Christmas, believing his promises of marriage. When she discovered his betrayal, her heartbreak turned fatal, and she threw herself from a nearby bridge into the freezing river below.

Ever since, her ghost has been seen wandering the corridors in a white winding sheet, her sorrowful figure drifting past guests’ doorways and disappearing into thin air. Some say she only returns on Christmas Eve, but others swear they’ve caught glimpses of her all year round - especially when the halls fall quiet and the lights begin to flicker.

If you’re brave enough to pay her a visit, the Hyundai i10 or something similar is the perfect choice for your trip from Blackburn. It’s compact and easy to handle, great for quick local drives and peaceful countryside roads.

Ready to plan your haunted road trip? Lancashire’s haunted landmarks offer a chilling glimpse into the region’s dark and fascinating past. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, soaking up eerie history, or just looking for a unique autumn adventure, we have the perfect vehicle for your journey here at Intack Self Drive!

With over 50 years of experience and a fleet of over 480 vehicles available for daily or flexi-hire, we’ve got you covered – from small city cars to large minibuses fit for a team of ghost hunters. Every hire includes road tax, servicing, and 24-hour breakdown cover, so the only unexpected chills will come from the haunted spots themselves. Start your spooky road trip today! Head to our website to view our full range of daily hire and flexi-hire vehicles, or give us a call on 01254 57811 to book your perfect vehicle!