6 Super Spooky Places to Visit in Wiltshire this Halloween

With Halloween coming up at the end of October, it’s time to explore Wiltshire’s mysterious and spooky side. From haunted hotels to atmospheric ancient standing stones, there are plenty of ghost stories and otherworldly myths floating around Wiltshire. What’s more, all the eerie places featured below are open to visitors – so you can plan a Halloween trip to Wiltshire and see the spooky sights for yourself. 

Old Wardour Castle Near Tisbury
Built in the 14th-century, Old Wardour Castle was once one of the most daring and innovative houses in Britain. The castle came under attack in 1643, but was defended by its owner at the time, Lady Blanche Arundell. The next Arundell heir, Henry, led a counter siege that held out for three months until gunpowder was accidentally set alight and an explosion brought down the two towers, leaving many dead. Old Wardour Castle was never rebuilt but legend has it that restless spirits remain in the castle grounds and the surrounding woodland.

The Rifles Museum, Salisbury
Known as one of the most haunted museums in Britain, The Rifles Museum in Salisbury was once used to store the robes of the Bishop of Salisbury and was known at the time as ‘The Wardrobe’. Visitors and staff at the museum have claimed to have seen the spirits of a figure of a Cavalier and a ‘grey lady’ as well as experiencing significant temperature drops and strange bright light.

Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with Stonehenge, but at Avebury it is possible to walk into the stone circle and get up close to the stones. This Neolithic stone circle is very spooky at the crack of dawn, especially if it’s misty. 

The Haunch of Venison, Salisbury
Named as one of the UK’s most haunted pubs, the Haunch of Venison is located at the centre of Salisbury. The historic pub is rumoured to be the resting place of many spirits, including ‘the Demented Whist Player’ who is said to have had his hand chopped off and thrown into the fire. A mummified human hand was later discovered during renovation work and displayed at the pub until 2010. 

The Sign of the Angel, Lacock
Located in the village of Lacock, this 15th-century inn The Sign of the Angel is now a traditional English pub. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a previous, friendly landlady who has rumoured to be seen by staff and diners sitting patiently at one of the tables in the lounge bar.

The Black Swan Hotel, Devizes
Pub and hotel, The Black Swan Hotel, now managed by Wadworth Brewery, is located in the market town of Devizes in front of what is rumoured to be the locations of the town gallows. The pub was once owned by renowned highway man Ambrose Salisbury, who is said to still roam the rooms at night as well as the presence of a pregnant woman was rumoured to be murdered on the site.

If you’re planning a trip to Wiltshire to coincide with Halloween this year, have a look at the wonderful accommodation options available for you to choose from. You can also have a look at what's on at Halloween to find more spooky, eerie and downright silly things to do.