Hunted Places in Berkshire: an overnight tour of haunted castles and estates

Hunted Places in Berkshire: an overnight tour of haunted castles and estates

April 11, 2025

Berkshire, a picturesque county in southern England, holds many secrets and mysteries. At night, when most tourists retire to bed, real life begins in the region's haunted castles and estates. Join us for an unforgettable, dark journey through Berkshire's most haunted places. On this overnight tour, you'll discover fascinating history, hear terrifying tales and perhaps come face to face with the ghosts of the past yourself. Get ready for a thrill and an unforgettable experience that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Ad

Donnington Castle - Ruins full of ghosts

Our night tour begins with a visit to Donnington Castle, the impressive ruins of a medieval castle located near Newbury. It's a place that has attracted ghost hunters and history buffs for centuries.

Donnington Castle, built in the 14th century, witnessed many turbulent events, including a siege during the English Civil War. Today, all that remains are the picturesque ruins, which take on an even more mysterious character in the moonlight.

During a night tour, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the castle's fascinating history and hear tales of ghosts that are said to still haunt the place. Many visitors claim to have seen the apparition of a knight in armor roaming the ruins with a sword in his hand. Others tell of mysterious sounds of battle that can be heard on quiet nights.

Donnington Castle also offers unforgettable views of the surrounding area. As one reviewer noted: 'Views for miles. Castle ruins beautifully located. It's the perfect place to start our dark journey and feel the atmosphere of the old days.

Remember that visiting the ruins at night requires special caution. We recommend bringing a flashlight and comfortable shoes. It's also a good idea to check parking options beforehand, because as one visitor mentions: 'Before you arrive check well where to park your car.'

Donnington Castle is not only an attraction for lovers of paranormal phenomena. It's also a piece of England's fascinating history that takes on a unique character in a nighttime setting. Prepare for an unforgettable experience and remember that sometimes reality can be more incredible than legends.

Oakley Court -. A luxury hotel with ghosts

The next stop on our night tour is Oakley Court, an impressive neo-Gothic palace located on the banks of the River Thames, near Windsor. It's a place that combines the luxury of an upscale hotel with the dark atmosphere of a haunted mansion.

Oakley Court, built in 1859, has a rich and fascinating history. In the 1950s and 1960s it was often used as a set for horror films produced by the famous Hammer Film Productions studio. It was here that scenes for such classics as 'Revenge of Frankenstein' and 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' were shot.

Today Oakley Court functions as a luxury hotel, but its dark past still makes its presence known. Guests and employees of the hotel have repeatedly reported paranormal phenomena. Some claim to have seen the ghost of a young girl wandering the corridors, while others tell of mysterious noises and inexplicable cold blasts.

One guest describes the atmosphere of the hotel as 'A beautiful, peaceful place with an amazing atmosphere conducive to relaxation.' It's the perfect location to feel the thrill without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

Oakley Court also offers a unique dining experience. The hotel's restaurant has an excellent reputation, with one reviewer stating: 'The hotel restaurant was delightful and the staff was lovely. We had a wonderful meal on our first night.''

The hotel's beautiful surroundings are worth noting. The expansive gardens and view of the Thames make for an unforgettable setting for a night stroll. As one guest noted: 'The grounds were wonderful and we enjoyed the walk.'

Oakley Court is a place where history mingles with luxury and paranormal phenomena with a relaxed atmosphere. It's an ideal location for those who want to experience the thrill without sacrificing the comforts of a high-end hotel. Keep in mind, however, that a stay here can be quite expensive - it's worth checking prices and room availability in advance.

Highclere Castle - Secrets of an aristocratic manor

The last, but certainly not the least, stop on our overnight tour is Highclere Castle, world-famous as the filming location of the popular TV series 'Downton Abbey'. Located in the heart of the county of Hampshire, on the border with Berkshire, this impressive castle hides many secrets and paranormal tales.

Highclere Castle, built in the 19th century on the site of a medieval palace, is one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in England. Its history, however, goes much further back in time - the area was inhabited as early as the Iron Age, and an Anglo-Saxon royal palace was later located here.

Visiting Highclere Castle at night is a unique experience. In the darkness, the imposing bulk of the castle takes on an even more mysterious character, and the shadows cast by the moon create an eerie atmosphere. As one visitor noted: 'It's so quiet that you can really lose yourself here.'

Highclere Castle is famous for its numerous ghost stories. The most famous is the legend of the ghost of a butler who committed suicide in one of the upstairs rooms. Guests and staff at the castle have repeatedly reported unexplainable phenomena, from mysterious sounds of footsteps to unexplained cold blasts and a feeling of 'being watched.'

It's worth noting the wealth of history and art collected in the castle. As one reviewer noted: 'From silk and tapestry wallpapers to furniture and various rooms. History is definitely embedded throughout this house. It's a place where you can literally touch history - though be aware that touching the exhibits is prohibited in many places.

Highclere Castle also offers a fascinating Egyptian exhibition related to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. As one visitor recalls: 'The Egyptian exhibition is a must-see.

A night tour of Highclere Castle is an unforgettable experience that allows you to see this impressive monument from a completely different perspective. Keep in mind, however, that night tour availability may be limited - it's worth checking the schedule and booking tickets in advance.

To sum up our night tour of haunted places in Berkshire, each of the sites visited offers a unique experience. Donnington Castle impresses with its medieval atmosphere and ruins full of legends. Oakley Court combines luxury with dark film history. Highclere Castle takes us into a world of aristocracy and fascinating mysteries. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a thrill, this night tour is sure to give you an unforgettable experience and allow you to discover Berkshire from a whole new, dark perspective.

Similar articles

Ad