The West Midlands, a region steeped in history and legend, is home to some of the most haunted castles in England.
These ancient fortresses, with their towering walls and shadowy corridors, have witnessed centuries of battles, betrayals, and untimely deaths. Today, they stand as silent sentinels of the past, each with its own chilling tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena.
From the spectral Grey Lady of Dudley Castle to the restless spirit of Sir Fulke Greville at Warwick Castle, these haunted sites offer a spine-tingling glimpse into the region’s dark and mysterious history.
Join us as we dive into the nine most haunted castles in and around Birmingham, where history and the supernatural intertwine in the most eerie and fascinating ways
Here are 9 Haunted Castles in Birmingham and beyond:
1. Dudley Castle, Castle Hill, Dudley
Built in 1071 by Ansculf de Picquigny, Dudley Castle has a rich history, including its role in the English Civil War. The castle was besieged and partially destroyed by Parliamentarian forces. Dudley Castle is known for the ghost of the Grey Lady, believed to be Dorothy Beaumont, who died in childbirth. Visitors report seeing her ghostly form and experiencing strange sounds and sensations. Today, it stands as a ruin, with its ghostly legends adding to its allure. | Heritage Images/Getty Images. , c1860-c1922.
2. Warwick Castle, Warwick
Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle has seen numerous battles and sieges. This castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sir Fulke Greville, who was murdered by his servant. His spirit is often seen in the tower where he died. It was a strategic stronghold during the Wars of the Roses and has been home to many notable figures, including the Earls of Warwick. | Getty Images, circa 29th September 1954.
3. Kenilworth Castle, Castle Rd, Kenilworth
Founded in the 1120s, Kenilworth Castle was expanded by King John and later became a favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth I. The castle is famous for the lavish festivities held by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in honour of the Queen. However, in Kenilworth Castle, there are many ghost sighting on is the spirit of a man dressed in black who is said to have been killed in a sword fight at the castle's gatehouse. The gatehouse is also haunted by an older woman and a little girl who appears to visitors and asks them where her father is. Leicester's Stables are said to be haunted by the spirit of a boy as well as ghostly horses and chickens. | Getty Images, circa 1910
4. Tamworth Castle, Holloway, Tamworth
Dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, Tamworth Castle was a royal residence for the Mercian kings. Tamworth Castle is one of the most haunted castles in Britain, with so many ghosts that roam the spooky rooms and corridors, but one of the most haunting story is that the castle is haunted by the Black Lady, believed to be the spirit of St. Editha, She was a 9th century nun who was expelled from Polesworth Abbey by the first Baron Marmion, she is said to appear in the castle’s corridors and rooms. | Getty Images, circa 1799