Discover Haunted Hotels in England: Smugglers, Queens, and Medieval Inns
You're in for a treat! England is absolutely brimming with ancient and deeply haunted hotels. Here's a list of some of the most famous and actively haunted, perfect for a spectral getaway:
When planning a stay at any of these locations, it's always worth checking if they run specific ghost tours, haunted rooms, or paranormal investigation packages for an even more immersive experience!
The Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Address: Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. PL15 7TS
Dating back to 1750s and immortalised by Daphne du Maurier, this former coaching inn on Bodmin Moor is famous for tales of smugglers and a restless Revenue Officer. A stay here offers a chance to experience the very location featured in the popular 'Most Haunted' TV series.
Paranormal Summary:
The hotel's own website promotes "Ghost Hunting Weekends" and invites guests to book stays in the "famously haunted rooms" (Rooms 3, 4, 5, and 6). They have their own residential paranormal investigation team.
Specific Ghost Sightings from Guests and Investigators Frequently Report:
- The ghost of a Smuggler seen lurking in the bar area.
- "The Green Lady" and the famous, although sometimes disputed, ghost of a little girl named "Hannah."
- A phantom highwayman and the sound of horses' hooves and carriages on moonlit nights.
- A man in a tricorn hat who walks through solid doors.
- One review mentioned flipping through the "Ghost Visitors' Book," which catalogs supernatural occurrences claimed by guests, including "blasts of cold air, voices in the bar when the pub is shut, lights, TVs and showers coming on in the middle of the night."
Room 4 was famously featured on the TV show 'Most Haunted.'
The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook, Berkshire
A charming, picturesque pub with a gruesome history. In the 17th century, a murderous landlord and his wife allegedly dispatched around 60 wealthy guests using a specially constructed trap door in their bed. Their victims are said to still roam the inn.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- Unexplained noises: Guests frequently report hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, or general disturbances at night.
- Cold spots: Sudden, localized drops in temperature, often accompanied by a sense of presence.
- Feeling watched: A common sentiment, particularly in certain rooms or areas linked to the historical murders.
- Objects moving: Though less frequent than "Ram Inn," some reviews mention small objects shifting or falling.
- "Ghostly presence": A general feeling of not being alone.
The Mermaid Inn, Rye, East Sussex
Address: Mermaid St, Rye TN31 7EY
A historic smuggling inn dating back to the 12th century, with secret passages and a rich, often violent past. Guests report seeing the ghosts of various former residents, including a maid and members of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- Apparitions: Several specific ghost sightings are noted, including a 'lady in white' in Room 17 (the Nutcracker Suite) and a man who walks through walls in the lounge area.
- Unexplained sounds: Footsteps, voices, and rattling noises are frequently reported, especially near the old smuggling routes and secret passages.
- Poltergeist activity: Some guests have reported objects moving on their own, or lights turning on/off.
- Cold spots: Sudden drops in temperature, particularly in certain rooms and hallways.
- Feeling of presence: A strong sense of being watched or not being alone in historic rooms.
- "Ghost hunters welcome": Reviews often highlight its reputation as a haunted spot, drawing those specifically looking for paranormal experiences.
The Langham Hotel, London
Address: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
One of London's grandest hotels, with several distinguished spectral residents. Room 333 is particularly notorious, with guests reporting seeing the ghost of a German prince who committed suicide there, and a Victorian doctor who murdered his wife before taking his own life.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- Specific room hauntings (Room 333): This room is frequently cited in reviews and articles. Guests report apparitions, cold spots, and beds shaking.
- Apparitions: Sightings of ghosts, including a German prince and a Victorian doctor, are often detailed.
- Eerie feelings: A general unsettling atmosphere or a feeling of being watched, especially in the older parts of the hotel.
- Unexplained phenomena: Lights flickering, unusual noises, and subtle disturbances.
- Well-documented history: Many reviews mention its haunted reputation, often referencing celebrity encounters or its appearance on 'Most Haunted'.
The Swan Hotel, Wells, Somerset
Address: 11 Sadler St, Wells BA5 2RX
This charming hotel is home to the ghost of a former Bishop of Bath and Wells. He's often seen standing by the fireplace in the dining room, perhaps overseeing his former domain.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- Bishop's ghost: The most common mention is of a friendly, older gentleman (believed to be a former bishop) seen near the fireplace or library.
- Eerie sensations: Guests report unexplained cold spots or a fleeting sense of presence.
- Gentle hauntings: Unlike some more intense locations, reviews often describe the hauntings as subtle or benign.
- Whispers/footsteps: Occasional reports of disembodied sounds.
The Feathers Hotel, Ludlow, Shropshire
Address: 25 Bull Ring, Ludlow SY8 1AA
A stunning Jacobean building famous for its distinctive timbered façade. It's said to be home to several ghosts, including a woman in white who walks through the car park, and a spectral maid.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- 'White Lady' ghost: Sightings of a female apparition, particularly in the car park area or near the older sections.
- Spectral maid: Reports of a maid's ghost in certain rooms.
- Unexplained cold spots: Sudden temperature drops in specific areas.
- Poltergeist activity: Less common, but some reports of objects moving.
- Creepy atmosphere: A general feeling of historical presence and occasional unease.
The Schooner Hotel, Alnmouth, Northumberland
Address: 8 Northumberland St, Alnmouth, Alnwick NE66 2RS
Boasting a staggering 60 resident spirits, this 17th-century hotel is considered one of the most haunted in Britain. It's a hotspot for paranormal investigations, with many rooms having their own documented activity.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- High activity levels: Guests and ghost hunters frequently confirm its reputation as one of Britain's most haunted.
- Multiple ghosts: Mentions of various entities, including children, soldiers, a 'Lady in White,' and a specific 'cold spot ghost.'
- Poltergeist activity: Objects moving, doors slamming, lights turning on/off, beds shaking.
- Disembodied voices/laughter: Reports of unexplained sounds, often children's laughter.
- Direct communication: Some reviewers claim to have successfully communicated with spirits during vigils.
- Feeling of being touched: Guests report sensations of being brushed or poked.
Samlesbury Hall, Preston, Lancashire
Address: Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP
A magnificent medieval manor house, part of which operates as a hotel. It's famous for its 'White Lady' ghost, Lady Dorothy Southworth, who died of a broken heart after being forbidden to marry her true love.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- 'White Lady' sightings: The ghost of Lady Dorothy Southworth is the most famous, seen wandering the hall and grounds.
- Unexplained noises: Footsteps, whispers, and other sounds from empty areas.
- Cold spots: Common throughout the historic parts of the hall.
- Ghostly children: Reports of child spirits, possibly from its history as a children's home or hospital.
- Paranormal events: Many reviews come from those who participated in ghost tours or investigations and recount their experiences.
The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
Address: Ranelagh St, Liverpool L3 5UL
A grand Victorian hotel in Liverpool with a very active spiritual presence. Guests report seeing various apparitions, including a well-dressed man, a maid, and a young pageboy named George, who was crushed by a lift.
Paranormal Summary:
Reviews often mention:
- Specific ghost sightings: Reports of the pageboy 'George' near the lifts, a gentleman in a bowler hat, and various female apparitions.
- Lift malfunctions: Attributed to George's spirit.
- Unexplained noises: Footsteps in empty corridors, disembodied voices, and shuffling sounds.
- Cold spots: Particularly in the basement areas and certain guest rooms.
- Eerie atmosphere: A general sense of historical activity and a slightly unsettling vibe, especially in less-renovated areas.
The Tudor House Hotel, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Address: 51 High St, Tewkesbury GL20 5BH
Step into a living tapestry of English history at The Tudor House Hotel, where charm meets the enduring echoes of centuries past. Built in 1546, this magnificent timber-framed hotel stands on Tewkesbury's High Street. Its iconic black-and-white façade whispers tales of tumult and grandeur, having witnessed the dramatic ebb and flow of English history for almost 500 years.
What secrets does such this beautifully preserved and ancient hotel hold? Could the spirits of Jacobite soldiers still roam its atmospheric corridors? Are the echoes of long-dead residents, who loved this 'loveliest house,' still tending to their earthly home? Book your stay for a chance to uncover the truth.
Paranormal Summary:
The hotel website reports that "guests at the hotel have reported encounters with a “grey lady,” believed to be the spirit of a maid who met a tragic end, and the haunting rhythm of a phantom drummer boy echoing through the night."
The Talbot Hotel, Peterborough, Northamptonshire
Address: New St, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4EA
This hotel's stonework and staircase are famously linked to Fotheringhay Castle, the execution site of Mary, Queen of Scots. It is claimed that her ghost is a frequent, if tragic, visitor, often seen near the historic stairs.
Paranormal Summary:
Paranormal Reviews:
- The hotel website reports that "guests at the hotel have reported encounters with “Mary's ghost,”
- Feelings of being watched:
- Reviews include reference to a 'profoundly eerie feel'
You might also be interested in our article:
The top 5 most haunted hotels in London
Our list of haunted hotels offer great suggestions of places to stay whether you are interested in the paranormal or simply an overnight stay. Some hotels embrace their haunted heritage and their reputation is heavily based on their supernatural activity, whereas other hotels may not promote this aspect of their premises.
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