Haunted Hotels and Inns

Paranormal Activity Break at the Premier Queen Hotel, Chester

A spooktacular event not to be missed! This chilling adults-only break will leave you jumping at things that go bump in the night! On this paranormal activity break you will be given a guided tour of the hotel where ghost sightings happen frequently. You'll also enjoy a fantastic 3 course private dinner with a glass of wine, followed by a guided ghost tour of Chester and a psychic gathering with a world famous medium.

Daphne du Maurier's The Jamaica Inn, Launceston, Cornwall

Standing high on Bodmin Moor for over four centuries, The Jamaica inn is often referred to as Cornwall's most famous smuggling inn. What the inn is also famous for is the weird goings on at night... caused by the odd ghost! For an extra special stay, be sure to choose one of the romantic four poster rooms.

The Brocket Arms, Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire

Welcome to the Brocket Arms, a delightful country inn built in the 14th century, oozing with history and charm. Ayot St. Lawrence is one of the loveliest and historic villages in Hertfordshire. The Brocket Arms was originally the monastic quarters for the Norman church until the Reformation. Legend has it that a priest was tried and hanged in the building and that it has been haunted by the affable characterever since.

Churston Court Inn, near Brixham, Devon

Olde Churston Court Inn, nestling beside the ancient church and farm is in a time warp and listed Grade I. This magnificent 12th century manor house has been skilfully restored to blend historic charm with contemporary comfort. The inn has 19 en-suite rooms all finished to a very high standard, some with four poster beds. Have a romantic candlelit dinner by one of the great inglenook log fires. The cuisine has received the highest tributes for its culinary excellence. The Inn is a step back  in time, so full of history it will mesmerise you.

The Fisherman's Cot, Bickleigh, Devon

The Fisherman's Cot enjoys a superb riverside location yet is very conveniently situated with easy access to the M5. There are 21 comfortable en-suite bedrooms. If you hear the merry laughter of a young lady in the bar of The Fisherman's Cot, it just might be the inn's resident ghost. There again it could just as easily be the sound of a fellow guest enjoying the warmly welcoming atmosphere of this charming riverside inn. And should a headless armoured rider clatter across the nearby 14th century Bickleigh Bridge it's not necessarily an after-effect of the local ale!

The George Hotel, Crawley, West Sussex

This former coaching inn is steeped in history.  Located right in Crawley town centre, the hotel staff welcome guests with warmth and hospitality. A former night watchman who died when he drank poisoned wine left out to trap a thief is believed to haunt this former coaching inn, which dates back to 1615. No-one knows whether the watchman, who used to shirk off work and sleep in the broom cupboard, was the thief, or whether he had become thirsty. However, the broom cupboard is often found open after being locked and doors to the bedrooms in the old wing mysteriously open and close.

The Woolpack Inn, Chilham, Kent

Tudor beamed houses surround this cosy inn, which is graced by the Grey Lady, a resident, but friendly, ghost! The Woolpack Inn features a pub restaurant offering British cuisine made with local produce. With exposed beams and original features, the bar offers beverages and snacks, and there is also a terrace with outdoor seating. This lovely old inn sits near the ancient village square at Chilham, probably one of the most picturesque villages in Kent and just 15 minutes drive from Canterbury. 

Larkfield Priory Hotel, Maidstone, Kent

Originally built in 1890, this traditional old character building is four miles from Maidstone town centre and provides easy access to the M20. Situated close to Maidstone, this hotel’s ghost is nicknamed Charlotte. She was apparently a servant girl, who died shortly after a botched abortion when the building was a manor house in the 18th century. She caused so much disturbance in the mid-1980s that the hotel manager called in a clairvoyant, who discovered Charlotte was just one of a number of spirits in the building. Apparentlya gallows were once situated on the site.

The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Northamptonshire

The ghost of Mary Queen of Scots is said to haunt the Elizabethan Talbot Hotel. The oak staircase and other parts of the building were brought from the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle and it was down these steps that Mary walked to her execution. The hotel boasts oak beams, open fires and transomed windows. The intimate restaurant and cosy bar offer traditional British cuisine, fine wines and real ales.

The Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

An outline of spooky incidences to date... The Old Bell Hotel, next to Malmesbury Abbey, has plenty of stories about mysterious goings on, especially as its east wing is built directly on part of the former abbey churchyard. 

There has been some form of inn there since 1220 as Malmesbury was one of the top seats of learning in the country.  Owner Simon Hughes was told by the people he bought the hotel from that there are eight sarcophagi under the bar but he has never checked to see if this is really true!  

The hotel's most famous ghost story concerns an apparition who has reputedly been seen in one of the guest bedrooms, all of which have names.  The Grey Lady, as she is known, has been seen wafting through the James Ody room and is supposed to be the ghost of a woman who was unhappily married in the Abbey.

In another incident, one guest staying in the Danvers room told staff she had seen a glass mysteriously rise up and smash against the bedroom wall.

The most peculiar incident occurred in the Foe room at the front of the hotel.  A guest was trying to get into their bedroom but could not enter as the door had been jammed.  Staff had to get a ladder and break into the window of the room, where they found that a wardrobe had been moved across the door so people could not get in - but there was no-one in the room at the time.

Guests are not the only ones to report strange happenings.  The night porters have told us that when they do their rounds every hour or so, when they walk down the corridor through the salon, it goes stone cold. The hotel has also hosted a visit from paranormal investigators whose machines and readings >picked up strange movements around the hotel at night.

The Holt Hotel, near Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire

Dating back to the 1400s but with all the comforts of a modern hotel, The Holt Hotel is reputed to have a bloody past with numerous executions having taken place on the site. In fact, the famous 17th century highwayman, Claude Duval, was often said to have stayed at the hotel and to this day still haunts its rooms and corridors. Most of the sightings are said to have been in Room 3... check in if you dare!

The Angel Inn, Lymington, Hampshire

Welcome to the Angel Inn, a 17th century former coaching inn in the picturesque yachting centre of Lymington. The Angel is full of charm and character with oak beams and cosy corners, and offers 12 beautifully furnished rooms, good food and fine wine - as well as a resident ghost! The comfortable accommodation includes a four poster room. The Angel is ideally situated in historic Lymington, close to the New Forest.

The Crown Hotel, Alton, Hampshire

If legend is to be believed, then The Crown Hotel is haunted by four ghosts or apparitions. First there is a ghostly dog which can often be found around the fireplace area in the lounge bar. There is also a chap named John Gould (a painting of whom hangs in the lounge bar), as well as Gould's sister who can sometimes be seen in Room 3. Finally, there is a gentleman named Patrick who has been spotted guarding the cellars... apparently he's quite protective of his booze! Featured in the book 'The Haunted Places of Hampshire'.

Macdonald Bear Hotel, Woodstock, Oxfordshire

One of England's original 13th Century coaching inns, The Bear is only 15 minutes from Oxford, handy for the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon. With its ivy clad façade, oak beams, open fireplaces and stone walls, the Bear exudes warmth and cosiness, perfect for a weekend retreat. The Restaurant has 2 A.A. Rosettes. The Hotel has been recently renovated to include 54 en-suite bedrooms and several four-poster suites. Room 16 is said to be haunted by a female apparition who is said to turn the lights on and off.

Brook Red Lion Hotel, Colchester, Essex

Alice, a young girl who was murdered in 1638, is said to haunt rooms 5 and 6 in the hotel and is often seen disappearing into a doorway that was bricked up over two hundred years ago. Other hauntings in the hotel include a monk who sometimes lingers around in the reception area, as well as a young boy who makes his presence felt by appearing in guest's photos!

The Feathers Inn, Wadesmill, Hertfordshire

Welcome to the Feathers Inn, an ivy-clad 17th century former coaching Inn on the A10 Road from London to Cambridge. You will find the Inn with its convivial atmosphere a perfect mix of beautifully conserved buildings and modern facilities. The comfortable accommodation is all en-suite and includes two rooms with four poster beds. The Inn is situated in the pretty Hertfordshire village of Wadesmill.

Saracens Head Inn, Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Rumour has it that two ghosts roam the building; one is alleged to be a young serving wench from the 17th century, the other remains a mystery. The inn itself is steeped in history and character and was build from timbers from old ships. Today the Saracens Head Inn features 12 ensuite rooms (including a four poster room), a restaurant serving freshly prepared food using herbs and vegetables from the inn's own garden, and a bar serving fine wines and realales.

George & Dragon Hotel, West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

This 18th century coaching inn is home to a ghost named Sukie, a former chambermaid at the inn. The story goes that Sukie had won the heart of a local aristocrat, and he had asked her to run away with him to elope. One night, dressed in a white wedding dress, Sukie left the inn and headed to a renezvous point at some local caves. Whilst waiting for her husband-to-be, a few local children appeared and starting taunting her and throwing rocks. Unfortunately one of these rocks hit her Sukie directly on the temple, causing her to fall on the ground where later she died!

The Trooper Inn, Froxfield, Hampshire

The Trooper Inn dates back to the 17th century, and was once a busy stopover on the main road to London. Today the inn features eight en-suite rooms each with their own character, as well as a restaurant which has built an enviable reputation for good quality food and drink. The Trooper Inn also featured a resident ghost dating back to World War One. Local folklore tells that he was once a soldier, and still rides across the fields opposite the inn! 

Brownsover Hall, Rugby, Warwickshire

A member of the Boughton-Leigh family, who had his hand severed at the time of Queen Elizabeth I, is said to haunt the site despite attempts by 12 clergymen in 1755 to exorcise it. The old library once boasted the “sign of the bloody hand” – a reddish stain on the wall that could not be removed or covered up. One-handed Boughton, as he was known, is believed to haunt the grounds, and footsteps, groansand voices can be heard coming from the empty tower.

Hall Garth Golf and Spa, Coatham Mundeville, Co. Durham

This 16th century hotel’s beautiful exterior hides a macabre secret from guests who stay in room two. A terrified nun was buried alive between two walls following her affair with one of the monks living at the house. During the night bathroom taps are known to turn themselves on at the same time.

Maids Head Hotel, Norwich, Norfolk

There have been a number of ghostly sightings at this 13th century hotel in Norwich’s Tombland district, including the ghost of an elderly man believed to be the former mayor of the town, who has been seen vigorously shaking his head in the courtyard. The ghost of a former maid, whose presence can be detected by a musty lavender smell, has also been reported.

Blackwell Grange Hotel, near Darlington

Of all the ghosts said to haunt this hotel, none is as famous or feared as the Tartan Lady. Having plundered her Highland town, the Duke of Cumberland stole her portrait and brought it to Blackwell in 1746. Although the picture was destroyed by fire, the woman’s spirit is still believed to roam the grange and grounds, seeking revenge for the slaughter of her husband and kinsmen at Culloden.