The creepiest abandoned buildings in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas

From tunnels to old care homes, we’ve put together a list of some of the creepiest abandoned buildings you can find across the North West. 

There’s something about abandoned buildings that we’re all drawn to. I’m sure we’ll all admit that if we come across a weird out-house on a walk, you can bet all your money you’re poking your head round to see what’s in there.

What are we expecting to see when we look in?

Maybe we just want a glimpse at history perfectly preserved, and in many cases there are beds, books and mirrors left as the ghost of someone’s life.

Each derelict, barely standing up, ghost-ridden (maybe) and mould-covered building has its own beautiful story though. So should we leave them be or take them down? Have a look through these then let us know your thoughts.

Exploring with jake/Youtube

Abandoned Care Home, Radcliffe

Abandoned hospitals are creepy enough but a care home is this whole other additional layer of scary. This one in Bury is actually full of old memories too, including photo albums, magazines and a whole stack of wheelchairs.

Hector Davie

Deserted Cottage, Sarthwaite

This deserted cottage has become pretty famous. It’s sandwiched between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District and to be honest, not much is known about its past life.

The cottage is about 3km from Sedbergh, inside you’ll find a bed and some furniture that will send shivers down your spine.

The building, if not spooky enough, is completely isolated with not even a road accessing it.

Theatres Trust

Hulme Hippodrome

Originally known as the Grand Junction Theatre and Floral Hall, this opened back in 1901 as part of the theatrical empire of Broadhead.

The hippodrome was last used as a theatre in the 1960s and was eventually closed in the late 80s.

The building was bought by Macron Stadium in 2017, and squatters occupied the building and cleaned it up after years of neglect. But just last year it was named on the list of the Top Ten Most Endangered Buildings.

How can a building be endangered, it’s not a species, I hear you cry. I think it’s just terminology, really, to save landmarks across the country. It’s worked as well, with Oxford University Museum and Albert Dock in Liverpool all being saved.

testchamber.net

The Primark Ballroom, Manchester

Obviously Primark is the place to be for a pair of £1 knickers, but the whole ballroom in the roof really bothers me. I bet if you were the only one in there you’d hear the pitter-patter of dancing above you.

It’s been left in pretty good nick, pretty untouched since last century but it’s just weird to think that Primark has a whole floor we don’t see?!

Actually, Primark has two because there’s a whole other basement below what we think is the basement. It even used to have a river in it with gondola rides, now if that’s not WEIRD I don’t know what is?!

28DaysLater

Brinksway Air Raid Shelter, Stockport

What could possibly be creepier than an abandoned air-raid shelter? I honestly don’t know. Brinksway is one of three air raid shelters in Stockport, it’s left to hold a memorial to those that suffered and those that endured the horrendous time.

Now, they’re left cold, empty and lifeless but there are some scribblings on the walls that we daren’t read for fear of a spell.

Exploring with jake/Youtube

Winstanley Hall, Wigan

What is creepier than this guy with three crazy horses in statue form like some sort of spooky Medusa stuff.

The hall was built in the 1560s for the Winstanley family. It trickled down through the families and by 1980s the last occupant moved out.

Since then it was sold in 2000 with 10 acres of land with the intention of developing it into swanky new flats.

It’s still derelict now and getting creepier by the day. You need permission to access this one though so don’t go trespassing now.

Simon Ledingham

High Head Castle, Cumbria

Yes, somebody actually abandoned A CASTLE. There’s a pretty good reason though, in 1956 most of the building was destroyed in a large fire and it’s never been returned to its former glory.

Apparently someone’s got their eye on buying the castle, so hopefully there should be a working moat soon.

Peaked Interest

Aircraft Wreck, Derbyshire

Okay, so this one isn’t quite a building.

The aircraft wreckage is from 1948 when a B-29 Superfortress of the US Air Force crashed in a thick cloud.

More often than not, the wreckage is covered in snow and just as eerie when you can only see the tops of the engines, but in the height of summer, you can see it in all its glory. It’s amazing it hasn’t been cleaned up, really.