There are some towns across the UK that really do have an eerie energy.
It’s not because of ghost stories or alien abductions, but because of groups with cult-like behaviours operating quietly beneath the surface. These places all have a strange reputation for a reason. Whether or not you believe anything freaky is going on there is up to you, but it might be worth a deeper investigation, if that’s your thing…
1. East Grinstead, West Sussex
This Sussex town has long been labelled one of the UK’s most unusual. It’s home to the British headquarters of the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill Manor, and the presence of multiple spiritual and secretive groups has earned it a reputation as something of a hotspot for fringe belief systems.
Over the years, East Grinstead has attracted other groups like the Rosicrucians and even branches of Opus Dei. While not all are necessarily harmful, the town’s quiet streets have a strange energy that keeps it near the top of any list discussing modern-day cult associations in Britain.
2. Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
This small Welsh town was rocked in the early 2000s by the chilling revelations of a cult led by Colin Batley. Disguised under the banner of a religious group, Batley and his followers committed horrific crimes that stunned the local community.
What made it more disturbing was how long it went unnoticed. Behind ordinary homes and neighbourhood routines was a deeply manipulative group using fear and control. The town has never quite shaken the shadow cast by that chapter.
3. Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth may be best known for beaches and holiday crowds, but it’s also had its fair share of trouble with groups exhibiting cult-like dynamics. Over the years, authorities and locals have raised concerns about smaller spiritual or fringe organisations allegedly targeting vulnerable people.
While not always widely publicised, stories of coercion, financial exploitation, and control have made the rounds. The contrast between the cheerful seaside setting and these darker undercurrents is exactly what makes it so unsettling.
4. Chelmsford, Essex
In 2024, the town made headlines when a group calling themselves the “Federal Postal Court” attempted to kidnap the senior coroner for Essex. The members acted under bizarre legal and ideological beliefs, resulting in jail time and media attention.
The group’s actions were described as cult-like, and the incident highlighted how radical beliefs can spiral into dangerous territory. It was a stark reminder that these kinds of groups can exist anywhere—even in a place as unassuming as Chelmsford.
5. Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Hope City Church, once a thriving megachurch founded in Sheffield, has been called out by former members for controlling behaviour, financial pressure, and manipulative leadership. Allegations suggested the group used emotional and spiritual tactics to keep people loyal and quiet.
Although the church rebranded after public scrutiny, its past continues to spark discussion. It showed how even seemingly mainstream religious spaces can become environments where control and fear are used to maintain power.
6. London
As the UK’s biggest city, London is naturally home to a variety of belief systems—but some groups have raised serious concerns. The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), for instance, has faced repeated scrutiny for controlling tactics, including coercive giving and conversion therapy practices.
Though these organisations often operate legally, their influence over members can feel anything but harmless. In such a big city, it’s easier for troubling behaviour to fly under the radar—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
7. Oxford
Oxford might be known for its prestigious university and academic scene, but it’s also seen its fair share of strange groups. Individuals have reported encounters with organisations masking themselves as wellness or self-improvement collectives, only to reveal controlling and manipulative dynamics underneath.
These groups often use positive messaging and “personal growth” language to lure people in. But behind closed doors, the pressure, guilt, and control ramp up. It’s a good reminder that intelligence and awareness don’t always protect people from being targeted.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh has long attracted spiritual seekers and fringe belief groups, and over time, some of these have veered into cult-like territory. The city’s alternative and mystical leanings make it a natural magnet for charismatic leaders looking to build influence quietly.
Though not tied to any one organisation, Edinburgh’s open-minded vibe and transient population have occasionally allowed more secretive groups to establish themselves without much scrutiny—until something goes wrong.
9. Hordle, Hampshire
Back in the 1800s, Hordle was home to the New Forest Shakers, led by Mary Anne Girling. This small religious sect practised communal living and apocalyptic teachings, eventually being forced off their land after clashing with locals and authorities.
It might be ancient history, but it serves as a reminder that cult-like movements are nothing new in the UK. Even in quiet rural villages, strange belief systems can take root and disrupt entire communities.
10. Crawley, West Sussex
Though not linked to any single group, Crawley often comes up in online conversations about towns with an eerie or unsettling atmosphere. Some residents describe strange encounters and odd community dynamics that feel slightly off-centre.
Whether it’s whispers of fringe religious movements or just an unexplained tension in the air, Crawley has gathered a quiet reputation. It may not be dramatic, but sometimes the most unsettling places are the ones that don’t announce themselves.
