Best Ghost Towns in Britain: Exploring Abandoned History

Britain has a treasure trove of ghost towns—once-thriving settlements now abandoned and left to stand as haunting reminders of the past. From abandoned mining villages to abandoned military bases, these sites provide an interesting insight into history, industry, and the people who once lived there. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an urban explorer, or just interested, these ghost towns are definitely worth a visit.

1. Tyneham, Dorset – The Village Lost to War

Set in Dorset's scenic countryside, Tyneham was evacuated in 1943 from World War II to be given over to war training. Occupants were reassured they might return after the war, yet the village came under military supervision. Now its derelict cottages, schoolhouse, and church exist frozen in history. Visitors are able to venture into the derelict houses and hear of the village's sad history. If you are coming from Glasgow, taxi services will assist you in reaching far-off places like this easily.

2. Skara Brae, Orkney – A Neolithic Abandoned Settlement

Pre-dating Stonehenge and the Pyramids, Skara Brae is an incredibly well-preserved Neolithic village that was left abandoned about 2500 BC. Covered by sand dunes for centuries, it was revealed by a storm in 1850. The houses, built of stone and with furniture, provide a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.

3. Imber, Wiltshire – The Forbidden Village

As with Tyneham, Imber was taken over by the military in WWII and never saw its residents return. Situated on Salisbury Plain, the village is still on a live firing range and open only on particular days of the year. The abandoned church and crumbling houses generate an eerie atmosphere, which makes the village one of Britain's most enigmatic ghost towns.

4. Wittenham Clumps, Oxfordshire – A Lost Medieval Village

A thumping medieval village in its time, Wittenham Clumps had become derelict by the 14th century, when resident Black Death or shifting agricultural demands likely drove inhabitants away. Remains now consist of earthworks and gentle traces of past buildings. Panoramas are plentiful and peace is guaranteed for a peaceful stroll along the past. Travelers reaching the location through Edinburgh Airport can book Edinburgh Airport transfers to lesser-touristed places like this one.

5. Hallsands, Devon – A Coastal Village Swallowed by the Sea

Hallsands was a bustling fishing community when coastal dredging in the late 19th century compromised its foundations. It was then gutted by a cataclysmic storm in 1917 that razed the village's majority, making its people retreat to the mainlands. Its eroding remnants, literally standing at the cliff's edge, remind everyone starkly of the force of nature.

6. Winchelsea, East Sussex – The Medieval Port Lost to the Sea

Once a significant port in competition with London, Winchelsea was ruined by storms during the 13th century. The town was re-established on higher ground, but the original town fell into the sea. Today, the remaining grid-plan streets and medieval cellars can be seen by visitors, picturing its past maritime glory.

7. St Kilda, Scotland – The Remote Island Community

St Kilda, a far-off North Atlantic archipelago, was home to more than 2,000 years of continuous occupation before it was abandoned by its final residents in 1930, prompted by adverse living conditions. The deserted cleits (huts used for storing food) and stone houses record the existence of an independent, self-reliant community that eventually couldn't withstand modernization.

8. Prypyat, Wales – A Welsh Mining Ghost Town

Not to be confused with Chernobyl's Pripyat, this Welsh village was left deserted in the 1920s when its lead mine shut down. The remains of workers' cottages and mine buildings still stand, giving a glimpse into Wales' industrial heritage.

9. Stanford, Norfolk – A Village Sacrificed for Training

Another victim of military coup, Stanford was evacuated in 1942 for use as a tank training area. Unlike Tyneham and Imber, few buildings still stand, but its past is maintained through guided tours. 

10. Wharram Percy, Yorkshire – The Best-Preserved Medieval Deserted Village

Wharram Percy is Britain's best-known deserted medieval village, abandoned in the 16th century as a result of the adaptation of farming techniques. The remains of its church and peasant dwellings make for an intriguing archaeological site.

Final Thoughts

Britain's ghost towns are eerily lovely, each with its own tale of decline. Whether it is war, industry, or nature, these deserted settlements provide a special travel experience. If you are planning an expedition, take local transport facilities to access these far-flung places easily.

Would you ever go to any of these ghost towns? Leave us a comment below!