From the moment of its creation, a wedding dress bears silent witness to decades of human lives.

“The box moved again. Had it been years already? This time, a man was staring back at me. I recognized him from the wedding. His eyes looked sad. I felt his tears fall and soak into my satin. I could feel his heavy heart. He put the lid back on the box and I felt myself being carried away…”

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

In today’s Flash Fiction Friday episode, we’ll be reading The Wedding Dress by Melissa West, a story originally released on her podcast, The Skylark Bell. Melissa is a French-Canadian writer and musician living in the U.S. The Skylark Bell, which ran from 2021 to 2024 was a labour of love, written, produced and narrated by Melissa, complete with its own soundtrack of original songs. Melissa has also written several episodes for Haunted UK and is co-creator and co-producer here at Haunted UK Fiction. Her influences include Daphne DuMaurier, Wendy Webb, and spooky children’s books from the 1980’s and 1990’s

We truly hope you enjoy this eerie tale touching on lifespans, life paths, and mortality. If you would like to hear more from Melissa, you can find her website at www.theskylarkbell.com and follow her on Instagram @theskylarkbell. All this information can also be found in the show notes or get in touch with her via email [email protected]

If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to [email protected]

Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

Episode Credits:
Story written by Melissa West
Narrated by Steven Holloway and Melissa West
Script prepared by Melissa West
Produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio   

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

When something in the walls begins to spread, escape becomes impossible.

“The small tear in the skirting spread upwards across the mass of black mould, creating an aperture of flickering light. Robert placed his face in the hole, to find a stone opening. It was a natural cave, a passageway of craggy sandstone. Robert balked at the discovery, amazed that he had never found it before. He knew Nottingham had been built atop a sprawling network of subterranean caves, but most had been discovered, mapped out, or else converted to pub basements or tourist attractions. He should have been excited by this startling architectural find, but one detail instead made his skin pallid and cold.There was a single flickering candle, the wax placed upon a sharp shelf of jutting rock. It had been placed here, decoratively, and judging by the length of the candle, recently…” 

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

In today’s episode we’ll be reading Spores which was sent in to us by Lewis Darley. You may remember Lewis from the story he shared in Season 1 – Blasted Heath.  Lewis Darley is a Nottingham-based writer, illustrator, and videographer. With his short fiction, he always looks to combine the everyday with the strange and create unsettling stories with a sense of realism to them. His influences include: Michelle Paver, Russell T Davies, Daphne Du Maurier, Danny Robins, Benjamin Myers, Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Blindboy Boatclub, A.K Blakemore and Rosemary Timperley.  

We truly hope you enjoy this We truly hope you enjoyed this very strange, disturbing tale. If you would like to hear more from Lewis Darley, you can find his short fiction on both his website and his own audio fiction podcast series called "Crooked and Strange”, or get in touch with him using the contact information below:

Social media links: @darleymakesart on Instagram
Website: https://www.lewisdarleyillustration.com/ 
Email contact: [email protected] 

If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to [email protected] next time, stay safe, and take care.

Episode Credits:
Story by Lewis Darley
Narrated by Steven Holloway
Script prepared by Melissa West
Produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

A young couple’s search for a new home takes an unsettling turn...

“Adele passed the Rectory every day on her walk to school. Sometimes she thought she could see a child’s face peeping out from one of the attic windows and one morning she slipped her hand from her mother’s grasp to wave. When asked who she was looking at, Adele couldn’t say and when she glanced back there was nobody there after all. Maybe she had imagined it? Only a very old lady lived in the Rectory. There were no children there…”

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

In today’s episode we’ll be reading Freddie which was sent in to us by Ruth Saberton. Born in London and now living in, and inspired by, Cornwall, Ruth Saberton is the bestselling author of over 30 novels. Ruth has been published by Orion, Harper Collins, Pan Macmillan and Little Black Dress, both under her own name and pen names.

When Ruth isn’t writing, she’s riding her horse, taking walks while listening to podcasts, boating, and spending time with family and friends.We truly hope you enjoy this ghostly tale. If you would like to hear more from Ruth Saberton, her latest book, The First and Last Summer, celebrates friendship, family bonds and second chances at love and life.

You can follow or get in touch with Ruth using the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthsabertonauthor/
Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ruthsaberton.com

If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to [email protected]

Until next time, stay safe, and take care.

Episode Credits:
Story by Ruth Saberton
Narrated by Steven Holloway
Script prepared by Melissa West
Produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio   

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

Ink & Influence – R.L. Stine

Between the stories we tell, there are the stories that shape them. While we prepare for the next season of Haunted UK Fiction, we’re taking a moment to step away from the stories—and into their origins. Ink and Influence is a short-form series from Haunted UK Fiction, exploring the authors, ideas, and moments that gave rise to some of the darkest and most enduring works of fiction.

In this episode, we turn our attention to R.L. Stine, and the ideas that shaped his legacy.

If you enjoy scary stories with an odd and sometimes gory twist, may we suggest the following episodes available on Haunted UK Fiction:

The Retribution of Parson Beelzebub Brown: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s01-episode-14-the-retribution-of-parson-beelzebub-brown-by-jed-vesper--68484280

I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s01-episode-15-i-wish-it-could-be-christmas-every-day-by-willerby--68484290

Episode Credits:
Written by: Melissa West
Narrated by: Steven Holloway
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered by: Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

Ink & Influence – Daphne DuMaurier

Between the stories we tell, there are the stories that shape them. While we prepare for the next season of Haunted UK Fiction, we’re taking a moment to step away from the stories—and into their origins. Ink and Influence is a short-form series from Haunted UK Fiction, exploring the authors, ideas, and moments that gave rise to some of the darkest and most enduring works of fiction.

In this episode, we turn our attention to Daphne DuMaurier, and the ideas that shaped her legacy.

If you enjoy eerie gothic stories, may we suggest the following episodes available on Haunted UK Fiction:


Rattle Chains: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-05-rattle-chains-by-ellen-forkin--68079138

Mother Never Liked Dead Things: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s01-episode-06-mother-never-liked-dead-things-by-s-c-fisher--68134389

The Lady of the Stairs: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s01-episode-13-the-lady-of-the-stairs-by-lj-aldon--68531425

Episode Credits:
Written by: Melissa West
Narrated by: Steven Holloway
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered by: Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

Ink & Influence – Bram Stoker

Between the stories we tell, there are the stories that shape them. While we prepare for the next season of Haunted UK Fiction, we’re taking a moment to step away from the stories—and into their origins. Ink and Influence is a short-form series from Haunted UK Fiction, exploring the authors, ideas, and moments that gave rise to some of the darkest and most enduring works of fiction.

In this episode, we turn our attention to Bram Stoker, and the ideas that shaped his legacy.

If you enjoy stories about vampires, may we suggest the following episodes available on Haunted UK Fiction:

Bloodsuckers: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-07-bloodsuckers-by-james-alderson--68079141

The Overcoat: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s01-episode-09-the-overcoat-by-ld-brown--68141362

Episode Credits:
Written by: Melissa West
Narrated by: Steven Holloway
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered by: Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

CALL FOR SEASON 3 SUBMISSIONS

Hello dear listeners! We’ve come to the end of Season 1 of Haunted UK Fiction, and the start of a new year. We hope you have enjoyed the stories featured here as much as we have loved discovering and sharing them. It’s been wonderful connecting with both writers and listeners over the last few months, and we’re excited about the future of Haunted UK Fiction!

In season 1, we introduced Flash Fiction Friday so our shorter story submissions would have a home. Starting in season 2, we will introduce Serial Sundays, in which longer stories and novellas will be broken down into multiple episodes and released in serial format. Our regular episodes will continue to be released on Wednesdays. With these adjustments, there truly is a place in our show for every story.

All openings for Season 2 have been filled, but we are currently collecting submissions for Season 3 – So if you’ve written a story with paranormal or supernatural themes… whether it’s a ghostly tale, a sci-fi story, something about otherworldly encounters, or a cryptid feature… we want to read it! The most important thing to note is that we are open to story submissions from all writers. Whether you are a published or aspiring author, or someone who casually writes when the fancy strikes and time allows, we want to hear from you! We are simply looking for great, original, captivating stories.

If you’ve written something that you enjoy reading, chances are listeners will enjoy it too! So don’t be afraid – the only scary part should come whilst listening to the episodes! - if you have a tale waiting in the wings, whether it’s in a long-neglected notebook, or something that has been waiting for the perfect time to be freed from the confines of your imagination… why not put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and send your story to [email protected] – that’s [email protected]

What have you got to lose? The next story to be featured on our show… could be yours!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

Join us by the fireplace for a cozy chat with Steve and Melissa of Haunted UK FIction. We discuss how the podcast came about, run through the fantastic stories and the writers who shared them with us (and you amazing listeners!) throughout our first season, and talk about our hopes and goals for the future. It's an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into our process and how we work together to make Haunted UK Fiction the best it can be. Cheers to the new year, everyone!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

Ancient customs and lore haunt visitors to a remote Scottish forest...

'This place gives me the creeps,’ said Ruth, ‘it’s too quiet. It doesn’t seem natural.’She was right of course, the location, time of year and warning from the night before gave the moment an uncanny quality. Ruth wasn’t given to strange notions but for a second, she couldn’t tell if what she was seeing was real or some very convincing simulation… 

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional.

In today’s episode we’ll be reading One Always Comes Back which was sent in to us by Robert McDermott. Robert McDermott lives and works in Dublin. His debut novel, 'Jone$town' was published by Riversong Books in 2019 which was followed in 2022 by a collection of short stories 'The Occulting Light' also with Riversong Books.  His most recent novel is a detective thriller entitled 'The Fifth Shot'. Robert’s stories have been widely published in anthologies both in print and online. When not writing he enjoys listening to podcasts (especially Haunted U.K.) and walking with his cocker spaniel, Alfie.  

We truly hope you enjoy this eerie holiday tale . If you would like to hear more from Robert McDermott, you can find links to their work, social media, and contact information below:

SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/robertmcdermott73author/
EMAIL CONTACT: [email protected]

If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to [email protected] 

Until next time, stay safe, and take care.   

Episode Credits:
Story by Robert McDermott
Narrated by Steven Holloway
Script prepared by Melissa West
Produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.

An eerie story about a Christmas Tree that doesn't want the holiday season to come to an end...

"Christmas was over; an expensive non-drop fir tree standing naked next to the TV, dripping browning needles on the carpet all that was left... Looking at the dead tree, the new year felt like nothing special and the world small, cold and mean. She sighed. “I wish it could be Christmas every day,” she whispered, like a prayer or a spell, and then whispered it again without meaning to… "

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to Haunted UK Fiction – a sister podcast to The Haunted UK which features original flash fiction, short stories, and novellas with paranormal themes. All stories you will hear were written by a collection of talented writers, authors, and storytellers, both independent and professional. 

In today’s episode we’ll be reading I Wish it could be Christmas Every Day, a spine-tingling holiday haunt hailing from the strange town of Willerby. We aren’t sure who, exactly, is behind these stories, or even whether they’re authored by one person, or many. We stumbled upon the Willerby website earlier this year and found a collection of stories about the town’s inhabitants. After agreeing to a number of bizarre conditions, to which we’ve been sworn to secrecy, we were given permission to share some of these stories, including this Christmas tale which made us positively squirm. 

We truly hope you enjoy this unsettling Christmas story from the eerie and mysterious town of Willerby… just be careful what you wish for when you take down your holiday decorations in the coming days! If you would like to read some of these stories for yourself, visit Willerby’s website at WelcomToWillerby.co.uk and follow it on Instagram @WillerbyVillage.  

If you have an original story that would send a chill down our spines, and you would like to submit it for review, simply send it in to [email protected] 

Until next time, stay safe, and take care.   

Episode Credits:
Story by Willerby
Narrated by Steven Holloway
Script prepared by Melissa West
Produced by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/haunted-uk-fiction--6761767/support.