How Haunted? Podcast | Horrible Histories, Real Life Ghost Stories, and Paranormal Investigations from Some of the Most Haunt

Rob Kirkup

Welcome to How Haunted? the paranormal podcast where each episode we explore the horrible history, and terrifying ghost stories of one of the most haunted places on planet Earth. I’m Rob Kirkup. Author, paranormal historian, and ghost hunter from the north-east of England. Allow me to be your guide as we dare to investigate in depth the, often dark and troubled, history of each location, and of course, the chilling tales of the ghosts that reside within.

  1. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    August 2026 Patreon Teaser - Ryton Masonic Hall Part 1

    In the 49th Patreon bonus podcast, you join me on a sweltering summer evening in June 2026, as I head to a former Victorian home just outside Gateshead. A building that has stood for more than 150 years, started life as a private residence known as Oakfield House, and for almost a century has served as a meeting place for Freemasons. Tonight, I'm joined once again by John, Tom and Rich as we team up with Spiritus Paranormal to investigate Ryton Masonic Hall. A location where visitors and investigators have reported hearing unexplained voices, footsteps in empty rooms, moving objects, shadowy figures, and even sightings of a mysterious child said to have been captured on camera earlier this year. As Britain basks in record-breaking temperatures, what will we discover inside this intriguing building? Will the stories we've been told stand up to scrutiny? And can a former Victorian home, now hidden behind the symbolism and ceremony of Freemasonry, reveal any evidence that it's haunted? Let's find out. Tonight, join me as we ask...how haunted is Ryton Masonic Hall? Get access to the full episode, which is almost two-hours long, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/howhauntedpod⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you don't wish to subscribe to Patreon, but would still like to hear this episode, all Patreon exclusive episodes are available to be purchased individually for a one off fee of £4.99. Check out the Patreon link to find out more. Find out more about the pod at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can email Rob at rob@how-haunted.com Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠⁠⁠ Music in this episode includes: "Darren Curtis - Demented Nightmare" " HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 7

    Ep 142 - The Isle of Wight Part 4: High Strangeness and Modern Anomalies

    In episode 142 we reach the final part of our journey across the Ghost Island — and now, the stories become stranger still. The Isle of Wight is not only home to hauntings of history and landscape, but to phenomena that defy every category: phantom villages, impossible pubs, figures half formed, landscapes where time behaves unpredictably, forests that watch, ancient stones that seem to remember, and churches where voices sing long after the choirs have fallen silent. And at the very heart of this high strangeness lies one of Britain’s most baffling and unsettling encounters — a being that was not a ghost, not a cryptid, not an alien… and not easily dismissed. A figure so bizarre it has become legend all on its own. So join me, as we step into the island’s deepest mysteries, and confront the questions that haunt its lonely paths, its ancient hills, and its darkest stories. And together, for the final time… let us ask: just how haunted is the Isle of Wight? Support How Haunted? by subscribing and leaving a review. Check out the official merch store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠how-haunted.dashery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and much more. They come in a vast selection of colours and a wide range of sizes.  Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠ Find out more about the pod at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can email Rob at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob@how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can become a Patreon supporter for as little as £1 a month. You can choose from three tiers and get yourself early access to episodes, and exclusive monthly episodes where Rob will conduct ghost hunts and you'll hear the audio from the night.  To sign up, and take advantage of a free seven day trial, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Perhaps you'd rather buy me a coffee to make a one off donation to support the pod, you can do that at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music in this episode includes: Darren Curtis – Lurking Evil: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/3i0aVnpeppw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ " HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/xbjuAGgk5lU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/DQQmmCl8crQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/33RWRtP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jul 31 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 33 - Berwick-upon-Tweed After Dark

    Originally released for Patreons in May 2025 I hope you enjoy this very special episode. In the 33rd Patreon bonus podcast I’m back in the Scottish borders, spending some time in the most northerly English town. This is a place that I have a huge fondness for, so much so, that this is a place I took you on a ghost walk last Halloween. You join me spending time here on a bit of a break, but despite this supposedly being a bit of rest and relaxation I couldn’t resist grabbing my voice recorder and a torch and heading off to some of the spookier parts of this historic town after dark. Especially considering that listeners have made me aware of places here that I didn't even know are said to be haunted. So join me and let us ask, together, just how haunted is Berwick-upon-Tweed?  To get episodes such as this around a year sooner, you can become a Patreon for £3 a month, and get yourself early access to episodes, and more exclusive episodes where Rob will conduct ghost hunts and you'll hear the audio from the night.  To find out more, or take advantage of a seven day free trial, head on over to https://patreon.com/HowHauntedPod If you'd like to hear this episode, but not commit to a monthly subscription? All Patreon episodes can be purchased individually for a one off fee. Perhaps you'd rather buy me a coffee to make a one off donation to support the pod, you can do that at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowHauntedPod Check out the official merch store at how-haunted.dashery.com where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and much more. They come in a vast selection of colours and a wide range of sizes.  Find out more about the pod at https://www.how-haunted.com and you can email Rob at Rob@how-haunted.com Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠ Music in this episode includes: Darren Curtis - Demented Nightmare" https://youtu.be/g_O4kS9FP3k HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link : https://youtu.be/xbjuAGgk5lU SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DQQmmCl8crQ Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/33RWRtP Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 24

    Ep 141 - The Isle of Wight Part 3: Ghosts of Earth & Sea

    In episode 141 our journey across the Ghost Island continues, but now, the hauntings shift from grand houses and grim institutions to something deeper and more unsettling: the landscape itself. On the Isle of Wight, the very ground holds memory. Botanic gardens grown over a sanatorium where countless patients drew their final breath. Tunnels beneath the earth where footsteps still echo long after the workers who heard them have gone. Cliffside inns shaped by smugglers, sailors, and centuries of coastal danger. Ruined hotels where the walls seem to watch. And offshore, ships that sank long ago still appear in the mist, sailing silently against the wind. These are ghosts not tied to a single room or corridor, but to earth, stone, sea, and sky. The island itself becomes the haunted thing. So join me, as we wander deeper into its shadowed valleys and storm battered coast, and ask yet again… just how haunted is the Isle of Wight? Support How Haunted? by subscribing and leaving a review. Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠ Check out the official merch store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠how-haunted.dashery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and much more. They come in a vast selection of colours and a wide range of sizes.  Find out more about the pod at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can email Rob at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob@how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can become a Patreon supporter for as little as £1 a month. You can choose from three tiers and get yourself early access to episodes, and exclusive monthly episodes where Rob will conduct ghost hunts and you'll hear the audio from the night.  To sign up, and take advantage of a free seven day trial, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Perhaps you'd rather buy me a coffee to make a one off donation to support the pod, you can do that at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music in this episode includes: Darren Curtis – Lurking Evil: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/3i0aVnpeppw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ " HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/xbjuAGgk5lU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/DQQmmCl8crQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/33RWRtP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jul 17 ·  Bonus

    July Patreon Teaser - Washington Old Hall Part 2

    In the 48th Patreon bonus podcast, you join me once again right here in Tyne and Wear… on that same windy night back in March 2014… as our investigation inside Washington Old Hall continues. And once again… you’ll be hearing audio from that night that hadn’t been heard by anyone in over twelve years. In Part 1, things had already started to get interesting. There were noises, shadows seen, footsteps heard… and something that I still can’t quite explain touching my head. Tonight, with time running down, we continue our investigation… moving through some of the oldest parts of the Hall… and trying to make sense of whatever it was we experienced earlier in the evening. What else would happen before our time inside Washington Old Hall came to an end? Let’s find out. Join me once again as we ask…just how haunted is Washington Old Hall? Get access to the full episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/howhauntedpod⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you don't wish to subscribe to Patreon, but would still like to hear this episode, all Patreon exclusive episodes are available to be purchased individually for a one off fee of £4.99. Check out the Patreon link to find out more. Find out more about the pod at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can email Rob at rob@how-haunted.com Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠⁠ Music in this episode includes: "Darren Curtis - Demented Nightmare" " HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 10

    Ep 140 - World Cup Special: The Haunted Football Stadiums of the World

    Across living rooms, pubs, and fan zones around the world, people are gathering to watch their nations battle it out for football’s biggest prize. Shirts on, flags draped over shoulders, nerves shredded, hearts pounding....this is the World Cup. But tonight, our attention isn’t on the pitch. Instead, we’re stepping into the quiet places: the tunnels, stands, and forgotten rooms of football’s most intriguing and unsettling stadiums. Grounds where the atmosphere lingers long after the crowds have gone home. Places where footsteps echo when they shouldn’t. Places that remember. So lace up your boots, make your way down the tunnel, and join me on this special journey — because tonight we ask..... Just how haunted are the world’s football stadiums? Support How Haunted? by subscribing and leaving a review. Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠ Check out the official merch store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠how-haunted.dashery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and much more. They come in a vast selection of colours and a wide range of sizes.  Find out more about the pod at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can email Rob at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob@how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can become a Patreon supporter for as little as £1 a month. You can choose from three tiers and get yourself early access to episodes, and exclusive monthly episodes where Rob will conduct ghost hunts and you'll hear the audio from the night.  To sign up, and take advantage of a free seven day trial, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Perhaps you'd rather buy me a coffee to make a one off donation to support the pod, you can do that at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music in this episode includes: Darren Curtis – Lurking Evil: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/3i0aVnpeppw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ " HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/xbjuAGgk5lU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/DQQmmCl8crQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/33RWRtP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jun 26

    Ep 139 - The Isle of Wight Part 2: Justice, Punishment & Power

    In episode 139 we return to the Isle of Wight, but this time, we leave behind the haunted manors and family tragedies of part one, and step into something colder. This island is shaped not only by folklore and legend, but by the long shadow of justice, imprisonment, military power, and war. Across these hills stand places where authority ruled with an iron hand. Inns marked by murder. Castles that held kings captive. Hospitals filled with sorrow. Fortresses built in fear of invasion. Lighthouses scarred by wartime tragedy. And coastal batteries where generations of soldiers kept watch over a hostile sea. These are the stories of punishment, duty, confinement, and lives defined by violence and consequence — echoes that many believe still walk the island today. So join me, as we continue our journey and ask once again… just how haunted is the Isle of Wight? Support How Haunted? by subscribing and leaving a review. Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠ Check out the official merch store at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠how-haunted.dashery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and much more. They come in a vast selection of colours and a wide range of sizes.  Find out more about the pod at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and you can email Rob at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob@how-haunted.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can become a Patreon supporter for as little as £1 a month. You can choose from three tiers and get yourself early access to episodes, and exclusive monthly episodes where Rob will conduct ghost hunts and you'll hear the audio from the night.  To sign up, and take advantage of a free seven day trial, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Perhaps you'd rather buy me a coffee to make a one off donation to support the pod, you can do that at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowHauntedPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music in this episode includes: Darren Curtis – Lurking Evil: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/3i0aVnpeppw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ " HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link :⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/xbjuAGgk5lU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/DQQmmCl8crQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/33RWRtP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ || Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jun 19 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 32 - Middlesbrough Town Hall

    Originally released for Patreons in April 2025 I hope you enjoy this very special episode. In the 32nd Patreon bonus podcast you join me in Teesside at a location which has served the town of Middlesbrough since 1889. An impressive building which has rose to infamy in recent years for its ghostly inhabitants, most famously that of a man who committed suicide while being held prisoner here. But what would happen when John, Tom and I dared to investigate this place, would we encounter the spirits said to lurk here within the darkness? So join me and let us ask, together, just how haunted is Middlesbrough Town Hall?  Join me for a Newcastle After Dark ghost walk. A small-group ghost walk exploring real locations across Newcastle after hours (running June to September 2026). Tickets and more info: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1989225437833?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠ To get episodes such as this around a year sooner, you can become a Patreon for £3 a month, and get yourself early access to episodes, and more exclusive episodes where Rob will conduct ghost hunts and you'll hear the audio from the night.  To find out more, or take advantage of a seven day free trial, head on over to https://patreon.com/HowHauntedPod If you'd like to hear this episode, but not commit to a monthly subscription? All Patreon episodes can be purchased individually for a one off fee. Perhaps you'd rather buy me a coffee to make a one off donation to support the pod, you can do that at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowHauntedPod Check out the official merch store at how-haunted.dashery.com where you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and much more. They come in a vast selection of colours and a wide range of sizes.  Find out more about the pod at https://www.how-haunted.com and you can email Rob at Rob@how-haunted.com Music in this episode includes: Darren Curtis - Demented Nightmare" https://youtu.be/g_O4kS9FP3k HORROR PIANO MUSIC " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link : https://youtu.be/xbjuAGgk5lU SUBSCRIBE us on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DQQmmCl8crQ Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/33RWRtP Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2ImU2JV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About

Welcome to How Haunted? the paranormal podcast where each episode we explore the horrible history, and terrifying ghost stories of one of the most haunted places on planet Earth. I’m Rob Kirkup. Author, paranormal historian, and ghost hunter from the north-east of England. Allow me to be your guide as we dare to investigate in depth the, often dark and troubled, history of each location, and of course, the chilling tales of the ghosts that reside within.

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