Do you love horror stories? You don’t have to look far from some real-life spook in your life. In fact, Somerset has a long and dark history so it’s of no surprise that there are many historical places nearby where you can test out your fear factor levels. Take a look at iVisit’s list of the most haunted places in Somerset and see what you make of it…

Shepton Mallet Prison

Home to the most well-known ghost tour in all of Somerset is the famous Shepton Mallet Prison. Yes, the prison had its fair share of famous inmates, so it’s no surprise that along with that came some gruesome ends. However, nothing has earned Shepton Mallet Prison’s reputation quite like its frequent ghostly apparitions, with multiple reports of sinister spectres that supposedly stalk the corridors, opening and slamming doors and terrorising visitors. Nowadays visitors have the chance to pass through some of the most haunted locations and listen to over 400 years of sinister tales of torture, hangings and murder. It’s not surprising that the last execution took place just 75 years ago!

Taunton Castle

It would be pretty hard for an old, historical castle to not make the most haunted list… and over the years it has encountered plenty of grisly goings-on. If you’re into your spooky stuff, you might be familiar with the Bloody Assizes. After the Monmouth Rebellion, Judge Jeffreys ordered 144 supporters of James Monmouth to be hung, drawn and quartered for high treason. Visitors have witnessed the ghostly apparition of the Hanging Judge stomping up and down the corridors of the castle.

Sedgemoor Battlefield

The tale of the Battle of Monmouth doesn’t stop there however, in the final battle, where Monmouth was defeated, he managed to escape from the battlefield only to be captured, taken to London and executed. The battlefield left behind 1500 men where a memorial to them now stands. There have been reported sightings of horses galloping through the field, or reports of Monmouth himself, retreating from battle. There have also been reports of a heartbroken girl who drowned herself after watching her love die on the battlefield continues to search for her lost love.

 Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor is a must-see for anyone visiting Somerset, if not for its astounding views of Somerset and Dorset then for the mysterious legend that surrounds it. story of a meeting between monk St Collen and Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairy Folk and Lord of Annwn who used the Tor as a doorway to the dead. The superstitious monk threw holy water at him, banishing the King and his army. It is believed on some nights that the howls from his ghost hounds can be heard while they hunt for souls.

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Priest’s House, Muchelney

Built in 1308, this Medieval House is home to many apparition sightings. The story goes that a priest and a nun who supposedly fell in love decided to get married in a secret ceremony. She was kept a secret from everyone, hidden away in a private room only the priest knew about. One fateful day, the priest returned to his loving wife, only to find she had died…alone. Residents throughout the years since then have reported unexplained activities during the night such as banging on the doors, and even apparitions of the monk himself.