Kent has a rich collection of ghost stories, from Pluckley’s village legends to reports from military tunnels, castles and church buildings. These five locations offer a starting point for exploring that history and the experiences people associate with it.
For a wider guide, browse the KASE Haunted Directory, with location histories, reported activity, access information and links to our investigations where available.
1. Pluckley Village – Allegedly the Most Haunted Village in England
Location: Pluckley, near Ashford, Kent
Famous for: Over 12 reported ghosts
Paranormal hotspot: The Screaming Woods, the Red Lady of the Churchyard
Pluckley is often dubbed the "most haunted village in England" – and for good reason. Featured on numerous paranormal TV shows, Pluckley boasts a high concentration of ghost sightings. Reports include a phantom coach, a screaming man who fell to his death, and a highwayman pinned to a tree by a sword. The most notorious area is Dering Woods, ominously known as the Screaming Woods, where visitors report hearing chilling cries echoing through the trees.
See our Pluckley Village directory entry for local history and access guidance. For a recent KASE investigation in the village, read The Black Horse, Pluckley case study.
2. Chislehurst Caves – Alleged Echoes of the Unknown
Location: Chislehurst, Kent
Famous for: Ancient tunnels and mysterious figures
Paranormal hotspot: The Haunted Passage, Echo Chamber
Originally mined for flint and chalk, the Chislehurst Caves are now infamous for unexplained occurrences. Tour guides and visitors alike have reported ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, and poltergeist activity. Legend has it that a Druid altar in the caves is the source of malevolent energy. Many ghost hunters believe this to be one of the scariest places in Kent.
Read the Chislehurst Caves directory entry for the history, reported activity and visitor information.
3. Fort Amherst – An Alleged Military Haunt
Location: Chatham, Kent
Famous for: Soldier apparitions and military ghosts
Paranormal hotspot: Tunnels and lookout points
Work on the Chatham defences began in 1756, with further expansion during the Napoleonic era. Visitors report cold spots, shadowy figures, and sudden feelings of dread. Paranormal investigations have uncovered voices on EVP recordings and full-bodied apparitions of soldiers in uniform. KASE Paranormal has investigated Fort Amherst many times over the years, capturing numerous pieces of evidence suggesting paranormal activity. This historic fort is believed by many to be a must-visit for anyone seeking paranormal experiences in Kent.
Our Fort Amherst directory entry includes KASE investigation notes and the history of the tunnels.
4. Rochester Castle – Alleged Spirits of the Siege
Location: Rochester, Kent
Famous for: Mediaeval hauntings and tortured souls
Paranormal hotspot: The Keep and dungeon
With nearly 1,000 years of history, Rochester Castle has more than its fair share of ghost stories. From spectral knights to echoes of prisoners who perished in its dark dungeons, the castle is believed to be alive with paranormal activity. Many have reported glowing figures on the battlements or heard footsteps in empty towers. A truly spine-chilling location – especially after dark.
Explore the Rochester Castle directory entry for its history, ghost stories and visitor information.
5. Canterbury Cathedral – Alleged Ghosts of the Faithful
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Famous for: The ghost of Thomas Becket
Paranormal hotspot: The Quire and crypt
This iconic cathedral is not just a religious site, but also a hotspot for supernatural phenomena. The most famous ghost is that of Thomas Becket, murdered here in 1170. Witnesses claim to have seen a ghostly figure in clerical robes near the site of his martyrdom. The crypt is said to be particularly active, with sudden cold spots and unexplained sounds.
Read the Canterbury Cathedral directory entry for the history and accounts associated with the building.
Explore More of Haunted Kent
The Haunted Directory brings together more places across Kent, with access guidance for each location. Check the venue’s current arrangements before visiting.
If your interest comes from something happening in your own home, KASE offers free, confidential paranormal support. We never charge for investigations or travel.
Have you had a paranormal experience in Kent? Let us know in the comments or get in touch – we’re always looking for new allegedly haunted hotspots to explore.