Chillingham Castle is nestled in Northumberland’s secluded countryside. Surrounded by green lawns, formal gardens and woodlands, the Castle provides visitors with the opportunity to look into the past and experience the glory of such a magnificent building.

Chillingham Castle was the home of the Grey family since the 1200’s. The family home has been passed from generation to generation, resulting in many stories, both beautiful and tragic. It is difficult to believe that this picturesque setting has been dubbed one of the most haunted places in the UK.

The Blue Boy and John Sage are two of the most familiar ghosts on the Castle grounds. Not much is known of the Blue Boy but the despicable history of Sage is on full display at Chillingham. Many other ghosts share the passages and dungeons; their stories of torture and despair can be learnt on guided tours.

Visitors to Chillingham can see all the rooms during day visits. The ghosts come out to play at night and holiday apartments are available for those chasing the thrill. Part of the medieval building has been renovated to accommodate the public and the coach house is also available for overnight stays.

Chillingham Castle – The Most Haunted Hotel In The UK

Chillingham Castle has a magnificent facade, set between roaming gardens. The Castle was first owned by the Earls Grey and has been passed on through the generations. Chillingham is still in the family with the current owner being Sir Humphrey Wakefield, who married into the family Grey.

Chillingham was a fortress in many battles and has hosted various kings, and even the current Royal Family. The many visitors over the centuries have resulted in dozens of folklore and tale, giving Chillingham its haunted history.

Ghosts roam the property and horrendous events took place on the grounds of Chillingham during the wars. Chillingham Castle has opened its gates to the public to experience the majestic stronghold and relish in the splendour of years past.

Chillingham Castle History – The Story of John Sage & The Blue Boy

There are many ghosts residing in Chillingham and the Castle has a history of horrifying events. The Grey Lady, Lady in White and other ghosts exist according to legend. Johan Sage and the Blue Boy are just two of the inhabitant ghosts.

John Sage

John Sage was a sadistic torturer and can be seen wandering in the gardens of the Castle. He took great pride and enjoyed his work of torturing people, even inventing new methods of torture. More than 7500 victims were tortured to death in the three years that he worked at Chillingham.

Scottish prisoners held in the Castle suffered a horrible death at the end of the war with the Scotts. He burnt to death the adults and older children in the Castle’s courtyard and then wreaked havoc among the younger children in the Edward room. The smaller children were butchered with an axe, which is on display at the Castle. Some people report seeing the chandelier of the Edward room swinging on its own and say the room has a foul smell.

John Sage passed in about 1200 by hanging. He had been making love with his girlfriend in the dungeon, specifically using the “torture rack” and accidently strangled her in the process. Her father gave Chillingham an ultimatum: put Sage to death or face an attack from a large army. Johan Sage suffered his own punishment went he was hanged on full display in a garden tree. The people were overjoyed by the death and even kept souvenirs of the event by slicing pieces off Sage’s body.

The Blue Boy

The Blue Boy, sometimes called The Radiant Boy, is Chillingham’s most famous ghost. Screams of terror from a young child can be heard coming from the Pink Bedroom when the clock strikes midnight. Suddenly, the terrible sounds would stop, and an apparition of a boy dressed completely in blue can be seen. An aura is present around him and he proceeds to near the bed.

Building work in the 1920’s led to the discovery of a child’s bones and some of these were tinged with blue. The bones were laid to rest at the local cemetery and this brought an end to the appearance of the Blue Boy. Many people who spend their nights at Chillingham and in the Pink room still report strange events: a single wall lighting up in flashes of bright blue.

Chillingham Castle

When to visit Chillingham castle?

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland can be visited by the public from April until the start of November. The Castle is closed during the winter and not accessible.

Chillingham Castle Prices

Choose between a guided day visit to the Castle or get to know Chillingham better by staying in the fine apartments of the stronghold. You can also enjoy an evening tour and get to know the ghosts better.

Day visitors can purchase tickets daily between noon and 17:00. Last entry to Chillingham is at 16:00 but arrive early to explore the Castle. Adults pay £10.50 each and children aged five to fifteen years can visit at a charge of £6.50. Children under five get free access and a family ticket will cost you £26. The family ticket gives entry to two adults and three children.

Groups of more than ten people will be receive a discount and pay £8.50 per person for admission. These groups receive a guided tour with the guide fees being £50 per guide. Groups with more than 20 participants will require two guides to facilitate the tour.

Old Austin Bus at Chillingham Castle | By tormentor4555, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Castle’s Tea Room does not have an admission fee and serves artisanal delights to visitors. Enjoy hearty soup, freshly baked goods and tea in front of the log fire. Note though that Chillingham’s grounds is not accessible to people with disabilities due to the ancient building structures.

Chillingham Castle provides vouchers for ghost tours and overnight stays, starting from £100 per night . You can purchase a chilling gift at the reception for the ghost hunter in your life.

The room-by-room guide, produced by Sir Wakefield can also be purchased at £2.50.

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