It’s an unspoken allure of Britain’s hospitality scene: you check in to experience history and perhaps some local ale—only to find you’re sharing the bar stool or the corridor with someone (or something) from centuries past. From the mist-covered moors to bustling city squares, the UK is a treasure trove of curious apparitions, legendary tales, and unexplained events. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the country’s oldest hotels and pubs, where ghosts are said to roam freely among the living. So, pack your overnight bag—if you dare—and join us on this spine-tingling journey through some of the most haunted stays and watering holes in the land.
The Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
The History
Built in 1750, the Jamaica Inn has long welcomed weary travellers crossing the wild and windy Bodmin Moor. Smugglers, highwaymen, and travellers of questionable repute once warmed themselves by its hearth. Daphne du Maurier famously immortalised it in her 1936 novel Jamaica Inn, placing it firmly on the literary and paranormal map.
The Hauntings
Today, guests and staff report hearing disembodied footsteps in the corridors. Some claim to see the fleeting figure of a man in a tricorne hat, believed to be a wayward smuggler who once frequented these parts. Locals share stories of unexplained whispers in the dead of night, doors that open on their own, and even sightings of spectral horses trotting outside on particularly foggy evenings.
Local Insight
Ask the bar staff about the local legend that a traveller once left the inn late at night and disappeared on the moor, never to be seen again. Some say his restless spirit returns to the bar, pacing anxiously as if waiting for someone—or something.
The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Llanvihangel Crucorney, Wales
The History
Reputedly one of the oldest pubs in Wales, the Skirrid Mountain Inn dates back to the 12th century. Its long and, at times, bloody history involves ties to the Welsh rebellion against the English Crown, with some accounts stating that the notorious Judge Jeffreys once held court (and carried out hangings) on these very premises.
The Hauntings
Guests who brave an overnight stay have reported the chilling sensation of a rope tightening around their neck—a macabre echo of the building’s grisly past. Others have spotted shadowy figures in the pub’s oak-beamed corridors, accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature. Some paranormal investigators claim to have recorded phantom footsteps pacing the upstairs rooms, as though searching for lost souls.
Local Insight
Locals often speak of the ghost of a hanging judge stalking the hallways. The staff are typically more than happy to point out the very spot on the staircase where the gallows were allegedly erected. If you visit, keep an eye on the old oak beams—you may just catch a glimpse of the rope burn that some claim is still visible.
The Mermaid Inn, Rye, East Sussex
The History
The Mermaid Inn looms over the cobbled streets of Rye like a sentinel from another era. Originally built in the 12th century, it has been rebuilt, extended, and refurbished multiple times over the centuries. It was once a notorious meeting place for the Hawkhurst Gang, a group of smugglers who ruled the area’s underworld in the 18th century.
The Hauntings
Legend says that at least five resident spirits drift through the Mermaid Inn’s age-worn hallways. One is believed to be the ghost of a duelling swordsman who appears in the James Room at night. Another mysterious lady in grey has been spotted gliding through walls as though in search of her lost treasure.
Local Insight
If you ask the locals about the inn, they’ll regale you with tales of secret tunnels and hidden passageways used by smugglers to evade the authorities. Rumour has it that some sections of these hidden routes are blocked off, possibly concealing even more eerie stories waiting to be uncovered.
The Langham Hotel, London
The History
Opened in 1865, the Langham Hotel in London was once hailed as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’. With its marble pillars, gilded ceilings, and array of illustrious guests—from royalty to literary greats—it has long been a symbol of opulence in the heart of the capital.
The Hauntings
Despite its luxurious trappings, the Langham is said to harbour a surprisingly active spirit realm. Room 333 is particularly notorious; guests have reported a spectral man with a ghastly wound on his face appearing at the foot of the bed in the early hours. Some say he’s a Victorian doctor who took his own life here. Another tale tells of a German prince who jumped to his death from a high window during the First World War, only to return and roam the corridors on moonlit nights.
Local Insight
Staff at the Langham are famously discreet about the ghostly goings-on. However, if you inquire politely, you might glean a story or two about the strange, unexplained knocks and the sudden chill that descends upon unsuspecting guests.
The George and Pilgrim Hotel, Glastonbury
The History
Nestled in the mystical town of Glastonbury, the George and Pilgrim Hotel dates back to the 15th century. With its turreted façade and Gothic windows, it almost looks like a film set for a medieval drama. Over the centuries, countless pilgrims have rested here on their way to Glastonbury Abbey.
The Hauntings
Unsurprisingly, Glastonbury’s legends of King Arthur and ancient druidic rites have merged seamlessly with the hotel’s history. Visitors report ghostly monks wandering in procession through the corridors, presumably an echo of the monastery that once stood nearby. One particularly popular story involves a ‘woman in white’ seen wandering near the fireplace in the bar area, lamenting a lost lover.
Local Insight
Locals in Glastonbury revel in the town’s mystical vibe. You might hear rumours that the woman in white was once a priestess from the days of Avalon, continuing her search for a sacred chalice. While that part might be more myth than fact, it certainly adds a spectral charm to the already otherworldly atmosphere.
The Red Lion, Avebury
The History
In the heart of Wiltshire lies the village of Avebury, home to one of the world’s largest prehistoric stone circles. The Red Lion pub stands smack in the middle of this ancient site, having served as a coaching inn since the early 1600s.
The Hauntings
With its prime location in one of Britain’s most mystical locations, it’s little wonder that the Red Lion is said to be haunted. The most famous spectre here is the spirit known as ‘Florrie’, believed to be a woman allegedly murdered by her husband in the 17th century, and whose remains he supposedly threw down the pub’s well. Staff say she has a penchant for appearing beside unsuspecting patrons, often near the well that now features as a prominent (and rather chilling) decoration in the dining area.
Local Insight
Don’t be surprised if the locals shrug off Florrie’s antics—it’s all part of Avebury’s peculiar charm. From strange lights flickering among the standing stones to the occasional ritual gathering at dawn, this ancient settlement offers a seamless blend of history, mystery, and the paranormal.
The Golden Fleece, York
The History
York is often touted as one of the most haunted cities in England, and for good reason. Nestled in its winding medieval streets, The Golden Fleece has been quenching thirsts since at least the 16th century. Once a popular lodging for stagecoach travellers, it has borne witness to centuries of turbulence and trade.
The Hauntings
Claimed by some to be York’s most haunted pub, The Golden Fleece is said to be home to at least five resident ghosts. Among them is Lady Alice Peckett, wife of the pub’s former owner, who has been seen gliding gracefully down the stairs. Another frequent apparition is that of a man who appears in 17th-century attire near the bar area, vanishing suddenly when approached.
Local Insight
York’s ghost-tour guides never fail to include The Golden Fleece on their nightly routes. If you pop in for a pint, keep an eye on the ornate mirrors—a favourite haunt, as some claim, for the pub’s ethereal residents who appear in reflective surfaces before evaporating into thin air.
The Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Northamptonshire
The History
The Talbot Hotel in the picturesque market town of Oundle boasts an impressive pedigree, incorporating stonework from nearby Fotheringhay Castle—the place where Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in 1587. This historical connection alone is enough to spark the imagination.
The Hauntings
Legend has it that the ghost of Mary, Queen of Scots, haunts the oak staircase, which was reputedly transferred from Fotheringhay Castle. Staff and guests have reported seeing a sorrowful figure dressed in 16th-century clothing drifting along the corridors. Doors slam inexplicably, and portraits are said to be found askew despite being straightened just moments earlier.
Local Insight
The residents of Oundle are proud of their Tudor and Stuart connections, even if it means sharing the streets with a regal ghost. The presence of Mary, Queen of Scots, is a recurring theme in local lore—an enduring reminder of this quaint town’s storied past.
Ghost Hunting Etiquette and Tips
- Respect the Premises: Whether you’re in a centuries-old inn or a modernised hotel with medieval roots, remember these are businesses. Always respect private areas and follow the house rules.
- Ask Permission: If you’re planning to investigate with gadgets like EMF readers or voice recorders, clear it with the management first. Some places welcome ghost hunters with open arms, while others prefer you keep your detective work low-key.
- Be Sceptical, But Open-Minded: The stories are part of the charm, and half the fun is the possibility of encountering the unexplained. Just remember—old buildings creak and ventilation systems can cause drafts. Not every bump in the night is a restless spirit.
- Embrace Local Folklore: These tales have been passed down for generations and add to the mystique of Britain’s heritage. Engage with staff and villagers; they’re often the gatekeepers of the most intriguing legends.
Planning Your Own Haunted Tour
Whether you’re a dedicated ghost hunter armed with night-vision cameras or just a curious traveller looking for a unique experience, these haunted hotels and pubs offer a chance to connect with the UK’s deeper, darker narrative. From the lonely moorland of Cornwall to the hidden historical nooks of London, each destination weaves history, local lore, and just enough of the unexplained to keep you glancing over your shoulder.
Who knows? You might head to bed with a good story in mind, only to wake up with your very own paranormal encounter to share. At the very least, you’ll leave with an appreciation for Britain’s captivating past—and maybe a newfound respect for things that go bump in the night.