Photo: The Fleece Inn, Elland

As the autumn mist rolls over the moors and the nights grow longer, Calderdale reveals its eeriest secrets just in time for Halloween. From haunted halls and ghostly pubs to mysterious churches and chilling town legends, our historic corner of West Yorkshire is brimming with spine-tingling tales and supernatural sightings. Whether you’re brave enough to explore the shadowy corridors of Shibden Hall, follow the haunted footsteps at Todmorden Unitarian Church, or uncover the ghostly lore of the Fleece Inn in Elland, Calderdale offers a thrilling journey into the paranormal for those seeking a frightful adventure this spooky season.

1. The Fleece Inn, Elland

The 17th-century Fleece Inn is one of Calderdale’s most often-cited haunted pubs — tales include phantom footsteps, unexplained cold spots, and persistent rumours of a headless rider and other ghostly apparitions. This working pub in Elland is so haunted that the infamous ‘Most Haunted’ team spent an eventful night there back in 2017! But you can still expect a warm welcome, plus homecooked pub grub and a range of great beer on tap.

2. Halifax Town Hall

The Victorian Grade II* listed Town Hall is said to be haunted by a former mayor who wanders the corridors in full regalia — staff report cold patches and unexplained noises in some older parts of the building. Designed by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament, this building has immense architectural significance both inside and out. The Town Hall isn’t generally open to the public, but guided tours can be arranged on request via Halifax Heritage.

3. Todmorden Unitarian Church

The striking Gothic Unitarian Church and its graveyard are local paranormal hot spots — visitors and investigators have reported shadowy figures, strange noises and camera anomalies (the church has featured in paranormal shows and investigations). The church is an active venue for services, concerts and events and the grounds and graveyard are accessible to the public, but please be respectful of your surroundings when visiting.

4. Shibden Hall, Halifax

Shibden Hall — the 15th-century hall famous for Anne Lister — is associated with ghost stories of former occupants and servants appearing in rooms and outbuildings; occasional orbs and unexplained camera anomalies have been reported. This Halloween, Shibden Hall is leaning into its spooky reputation by running spine-chilling events such as ‘Secret Shibden’ – a behind the scenes, exclusive tour – and ‘Supernatural Shibden’ where you’ll discover tales of Shibden’s supernatural and murky past. Check the Calderdale Museums Event page to find out more.

      5. Wainhouse Tower (King Cross / Sowerby Bridge)

Originally built as a chimney for the nearby dye work, it was never used as such and ended up becoming the tallest folly tower in the world (often called the “Tower of Spite” due to being a symbol of John Wainhouse’s status and wealth). Wainhouse Tower has its own ghost stories — walkers report seeing or sensing a wailing or lonely figure in the tower’s vicinity at dusk. Could it be the ghost of John Wainhouse himself, who reportedly haunts the staircase and upper floors of the tower? You can walk around the tower any time; and during the spring/summer months you can climb the internal steps to the gallery – look out for more events next year!

      6. Clay House, West Vale

Clay House is frequently mentioned in local ghost lore — tales include sightings of a “lady in white” on stair galleried rooms and other unexplained phenomena reported by people with historical ties to the property. This Jacobean mansion has many beautiful original features including 17th-century wooden panelling, a minstrels’ gallery and stone mullioned windows. Although the inside of Clay House cannot be accessed by  the public, it is worth visiting the striking exterior, which can be viewed from public roads and nearby footpaths. Clay House sits on the Calderdale Way – why not combine your visit with a walk along this well-loved local route?

     7. The Old Cock Inn, Halifax

The Old Cock, one of Halifax’s oldest inns, started off life as a meeting place which led to the formation of the Halifax Permanent Building & Investment Society, which later became the Halifax Building Society. The Old Cock was also the location in which the infamous Cragg Vale Coiners met, and where their leader ‘King’ David Hartley was arrested in 1769. Steeped in history, this inn has tales of a chambermaid and baby haunting the premises; and staff and guests have reported unexplained movement and noises consistent with long-held ghost lore. 

      8. Ring O’ Bells, Halifax Minster

The name of the “Ring O’Bells” pub is said to come from its historical connection to local bell ringers who would visit the establishment after their duties at the nearby Halifax Minster. The pub is said to be one of Halifax’s most haunted establishments, with staff reporting taps turning on by themselves and other poltergeist-like incidents. The ghost stories are often linked with the discovery of a mysterious gravestone, which was embedded in one of the pub’s cellar walls, inscribed with the name Priestley and dated 1635. Could ‘Priestley’ be the old man often seen sat by the fireplace, in one of many ghostly manifestations at this property?