York Ghost Hunts

Armley Mills Ghost Hunts

Back in 1788, it was the world’s largest woollen mill, but now Armley Mills has been transformed into Leeds Industrial Museum, where they showcase an important part of the city’s past. It’s also one of the best venues for ghost hunts because there have been loads of reports of spooky happenings within. Doors slam shut, then open again all of their own accord and folk have experienced a feeling of being forcefully pushed. It’s also said that there’s a small boy crying, a man in a top hat and a Victorian woman in a black dress – plenty to keep you awake at night here.

 

Abbey House Museum Ghost Hunt

Just across from the spectacular ruins of Kirkstall Abbey is Abbey House Museum, a Grade II listed gatehouse that opened in its current form back in 1927. Not long after, it employed a live-in caretaker called Kate Hatfield, who regularly heard the sound of a bolted door opening and closing on the first floor between midnight and 2 am, with the swish of a cloak shortly after. Her niece and three friends visited in 1944 and saw a frightened monk in a brown habit – it’s believed that all the spooky goings are down to the ghost of John Ripley, the last Abbot of Kirkstall. You’ll want to keep an eye out for him.

 

Leeds City Museum Ghost Hunt

A former Victorian mechanics institute, Leeds City Museum, is an imposing building with over 200 years of history. During that time, there have been various reports of paranormal activity. Lights flicker on and off, ghostly footsteps are heard running down the halls, and there have even been sightings of an unknown figure lurking in the shadows of the Albert Hall balcony. There are rumours that the restless spirit of the Leeds mummy, Nesyamun, haunts the museum – keep your eyes peeled for wet footprints leading from his coffin.

 

Thackray Medical Museum Ghost Hunt 

The old workhouse building of St James’ Hospital is now the Thackray Museum of Medicine, a place full of gory exhibits and stories, but that’s not all you’ll find here. It’s considered one of the most haunted buildings in Leeds, which means it’s perfect for ghost hunts. There have been tales of a woman dressed in 18th-century garments, waving and walking around, and the ghost of a white-coated man on their Victorian street. That’s alongside the sound of footsteps, knocking and banging – you’ll want to keep your wits about you on this one.

 

Leeds Town Hall Ghost Hunt

Leeds Town Hall is one of the city’s most famous and haunted buildings. The spooky stories emanate from the bridewell cells below ground level. They’re all remarkably intact, from the old wooden doors to the toilets the prisoners once used. One of those prisoners is still here, although he died over 100 years ago. Charlie Peace was a burglar and murderer. He was moved to the Town Hall while he awaited execution at Armley Prison, but after his death, strange things started to happen. Perhaps you’ll see it yourself as you explore the cells after dark.

 

Thwaite Mills Ghost Hunt

Thwaite Mills is one of the country's few remaining working water mills. Today it’s a museum, showing off the life and times of the mill and its owners, the Horn family. But with over 300 years of industrial history, it has more than a few skeletons in its closet, with reports of strange noises, knocks, bangs and the feeling of being watched. There are also reports of an apparition of a woman and young child who walk around the building, with shadows and heavy footsteps in rooms no one is in.