Just in time for Halloween: Here are 10 spooky stories from around Manchester

Anyone who’s found themselves up past 2am will know that Manchester can be a pretty spooky place. The most well known ghouls on campus might be the hoards of hungover first years on a Thursday morning, but the city is home to a wide range of creepy figures and folklore.

Despite being a fairly modern city, Manchester has attracted a lot of attention for its gothic past.  From inspiring albums named after our graveyards, to attracting televised ghost hunts: There’s enough horror to send shivers down your spine. We’ve delved into 10 of the spookiest stories from across the region, for all the ghouls that prefer a real fright to planning their pumpkin carving sesh.

1. Peveril of the Peak 

Anyone familiar with the Pev will know it stands out from a mile off. It’s one of the most striking pubs in city centre, with its original Victorian fittings and fixtures. With a storied past as a brothel, it’s not hard to see how much history would remain in the walls.

Whilst the landlord claims the spirits within have been known to lend a helping hand around the pub, cleaning up pint glasses and kicking out drunks, sitting in one of the original chairs will give you chills.

via X @JoeBaia

2. Manchester Museum’s Haunted Statue 

The museum might be home to a few creepy relics, but none more so than the 4,000 year old Egyptian statue that rose to prominence in 2013 after curators caught the object spinning in its case. Neb-Senu, a medium for the soul of a deceased Egyptian, was caught on camera as it rotated 180 degrees for no obvious reason.

Most Read

Barry McGuigan’s fatherly bond with Danny Jones is adorable, but what happened to his real dad?

This secret I’m A Celeb rule means the campmates might not actually get paid?!

The most iconic I’m A Celeb catchphrase of 2024 has to go to this legendary campmate

Haters will say it moves due to vibrations from local traffic, but we say justice for the spirits locked behind glass cases.

3. The Dark Past of All Saints Park 

Following its beautiful regeneration project that was unveiled this summer, you’d hardly expect All Saints Park to be the subject of dark tales. The site was opened in 1820 as a burial ground, and would lay rest to an estimate 16,000 Mancunions.

Before being snapped up by Manchester Metropolitan University, the grounds fell into disrepair and were granted a new lease of life as a playground. During the build of the new and improved campus hangout, many grim discoveries were unearthed, slowing the progress of the project.

4. Boggart Hole Clough

via X @PeopleofMCR

Part of an ancient woodland, this gorgeous forest is situated in Blackley. Any ancient site would give rise to some pretty spooky stories, but Boggart Hole Clough draws its name from the very old folktale of the Boggart that roams the land. Think Harry Potter vibes.

They’re rumoured to spook dogs, turn milk sour and steal children – all the qualities you’d want to experience on a family day out to the park. Nestled in farmhouse ruins, the Blackley Boggart is one of Manchesters’ oldest myths. Skip the pumpkin patch and pay him a visit.

5. Albert Hall

If you’ve ever been to a Bongo’s Bingo, you’ll be familiar with the absolute horror that can occur in this legendary venue. Starting life as a Wesleyan chapel, the building retains most of it’s original fittings, including the gorgeous stained glass windows.

It’s said that the original inhabitants weren’t best pleased when the site became Brannigan’s (a popular 90’s nightclub) and the ghost of founder Reverend Samuel Collier remains. Workers report drops in temperature, smashed glasses and other poltergiesty activities.

6. The Quays Pusher

Whether or not this local myth is fictional sparks a lot of interest from residents and national news alike. The long running conspiracy centres around the idea that canal-related deaths in the city are all perpetrated by the same serial killer, targeting those walking the canals of Manchester alone at night.

Real or not, stay away from the waterways in the dark or in bad weather, especially if you’re walking back after a night out.

7. Underground Tunnels

With a rich industrial past, it’s no surprise that underneath the city hides a wide network of underground tunnels. Some are long-forgotten rail-link projects, or abandoned bomb shelters, and there are even rumours of passageways connecting cathedrals.

A particularly spooky section, dubbed the Deansgate Tunnel is subject to the popular theory that it was built in Roman Mamuciam, when Castlefield was the centre of Roman life. Being big enough for horse and cart, there’s more hidden under our feet than we may even know…

8. Manchester Cathedral Black Shuck

Not everything furry is a friend – the legend of a demon-dog by the name of Black Shuck is said to plague the Cathedral and its surrounding grounds. The story goes that if you see the hell-hound, a fatal curse is placed on you and your loved ones. So if you find yourself round the cathedral and hear a howl, best not to stop and pet the source.

not a dog, but this is how I see him

9. Greengate Brewery

Well known across the North West for their supply of beers to JW Lees pubs (honourable mention to the Red Lion’s pub quiz), Greengate Brewery is steeped in a dark past. Its original, 190 year old site in Middleton is reportedly infamous for ghosts.

Featured on Most Haunted, the workers report feelings of being watched, along with moving items and odd sounds. It’s not surprising that it gives people the willies: During its construction, numerous workers died after sinking into the well. Since then, many other workers have lost their lives falling into vats of beer.

10. Strangeways Prison

Alongside inspiring generations of bands, Strangeways has definitely earned it’s name as a strange and creepy place. Opened in 1868, the prison has held some of the most notorious and dangerous criminals in the north west.

Supposedly, former prison officers have told of lingering inmates that refuse to move on. In an already terrifying building, it would be enough to give anyone nightmares.

Other stories recommended by this writer:

• Autumnal days out to romanticise spooky season in Manchester

• Words of wisdom for the Manchester student (as told through nightclub toilet graffiti)

• Freshers’ Week in Manchester: Reflections from a first and second year