The tiny UK island that's 'haunted by ghosts' where locals claim screams can be heard

is home to many . From Lundy in to St Michael's Mount in , there's plenty to choose from when planning a . Another county with its fair share of small islands is . Located just outside , it offers easy access to the .

While there are many beautiful spots to explore, one island in is attracting tourists for a very different reason - its eerie and spooky atmosphere. The island in question is Ray Island, a tiny nature reserve west of in the Blackwater Estuary. It's managed by the and known today as a peaceful haven for birds and rare plant life. But local legends suggest it may also be one of the UK's most haunted places.

Over the years, Ray Island has gained a reputation for spooky folklore. One tale tells of a bear that escaped from a passing ship and attacked a group of fishermen who had landed there.

Another story is even darker - it's said that a drunk man chased his wife and baby into the marshes, only to be drowned by the incoming tide. Locals claim that even today, their screams, the mother's heavy breathing, and the child's cries can still be heard in the wind.

Other legends include sightings of a Roman centurion, and reports of horse hooves echoing across the marshland with no horse in sight.

Though it may sound like something from a novel, Ray Island did in fact help inspire parts of The Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry's gothic novel which was later adapted for TV.

Today, the island is far quieter and mostly off-limits. According to the , there are no public footpaths across Ray Island, and foot access via Bonner's Saltings is restricted and can be dangerous due to flooding.

Visitors must check tide times carefully, wear waterproof clothing, and cross at their own risk between March and August. The rest of the year, the island is only accessible by boat.

Despite the restricted access, Ray Island is a rich conservation area.

According to , it supports a wide range of saltmarsh plants, including golden samphire, sea rush and lax-flowered sea lavender.

Birds such as redshank, shelduck, oystercatcher and large winter flocks of brent geese are regular visitors.

Soay sheep also graze the land, while rare owls and birds of prey are often seen hunting across the grasslands.