5 spooky places to go in Norfolk

Norfolk is a fine place to come on holiday: seaside towns provide cheer, sandy beaches provide sunshine, and the broads provide peace and tranquillity. But for those seeking something a little different, Norfolk has some fine historic buildings that are hiding a dramatic past. Here are the 5 spookiest places to go in Norfolk!

1 Blickling Hall

Blickling Hall is an impressive grand Jacobean house situated on a large country estate which the National Trust names as the most haunted house in Britain. The estate was the home of the Boleyn family. Anne Boleyn was famously beheaded by her husband King Henry VIII and now her headless ghost is said to appear at Blickling on the 19th of May, the anniversary of her execution. If you visit at any time of year, don’t worry - many other lost souls wander this estate and ghostly wails have frequently been heard coming from the West Turret… eek!

Tickets cost £11.35 per adult and £5.65 per child with deals for families of 4.

2 Felbrigg Hall

Spooky Felbrigg Hall comes with a terrifying tale attached… Former resident William Windham III was a prominent MP and friend to such literary figures as Samuel Johnson - in fact, he inherited several volumes upon Johnson’s death. In 1810, a fire broke out at Felbrigg Hall and Windham sustained fatal injuries while saving his precious library. The legend states that his ghost will appear when a certain combination of books is placed on the library chair! Spot Johnson’s dictionary on the library shelves, or head outside and see the grounds – where you’ll find a stunning walled garden and an unusual octagonal dovecote.

Felbrigg is just south of Cromer and costs £9 per adult and £4.25 per child.

3 Raynham Hall

Of all the places on this list, Raynham Hall probably has the most famous ghostly visitor among fans of the paranormal – one that has been caught on camera! When Country Life magazine photographers visited the hall in the 1930s, they caught a picture of the Brown Lady descending the stairs. The Brown Lady is believed by enthusiasts to be Lady Dorothy Walpole, who was locked into the rooms of the hall by her violent husband as punishment for committing adultery. There have also been sightings here of ghostly children and the phantom of the Duke of Monmouth.

The estate of Raynham runs alongside the River Wensum, parts of which you can take a relaxing boat trip along for as little as £6.

4 Castle Rising

Only a few miles from the seaside town of King’s Lynn is Castle Rising. This 12th century stone castle is most famous as the former royal residence to Queen Isabella, the mother of King Edward III. It is believed that she played a part in the murder of her husband, King Edward II, who was supposedly killed by Isabella’s lover Roger Mortimer. After this her son ordered her to never leave Castle Rising, where she became insane and passed away. Rather gruesomely, it has been reported that her screams and manic laughter can be heard around the castle grounds!

Entrance costs £4 for adults, or £2.50 for children, and is free for English Heritage members.

5 The Bell Hotel, Thetford

The Bell Hotel has had many guests stay the night throughout the 6 centuries it has been open – but there is one ghostly presence that has stayed much longer than expected. It is believed that 18th century landlady Elizabeth Radcliffe haunts these hallways, checking that any guests are comfortable! Guests have also seen a ghostly dog, inexplicably smelt perfume and heard jangling keys or spooky footsteps. The Inn itself has 46 bedrooms, a priest’s hole and a secret passage.

If you’re staying near Thetford you could also visit the ruins of Thetford Priory, which is in walking distance from the hotel. The priory is very tranquil and peaceful in daytime, but sightings of a ghostly monk have taken place at night…

Norfolk has many spooky sites for you to visit once you are bored of the usual tourist spots. From creepy country houses to paranormal priories, there’s loads of choice for you – just make sure you’re feeling brave!