There is no shortage of history in England, with the country’s origins dating back centuries. From ancient castles and battlefield sites to bustling cities and picturesque countryside, the country is home to a vast array of fascinating and often mysterious attractions.
One of the most intriguing aspects of England’s history is its reputation for being haunted. Over the years, numerous tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena at hotels, inns, and other accommodations have made their way into the public consciousness.
Many people believe that England’s tumultuous past, with its wars, political upheavals, and social unrest, has all contributed to its abundance of haunted sites. In this article, we’ll explore some of England’s most haunted hotels, from the eerie corridors of the Mermaid Inn in Rye to the ghostly goings-on at Malmaison in Oxford. If you’re looking for a spooky stay, read on…
Haunted Hotels In England
Mermaid Inn, Rye
The Mermaid Inn in Rye, England, has a long history dating back to the 12th century. Originally a smugglers’ hideaway, the inn became notorious for its secretive activity and has since become known as one of the most haunted inns in England.
Legend has it that rooms were used for storing contraband goods and that tunnels were built to transport them to and from the inn. Many of the smugglers were said to have died or been murdered whilst staying at The Mermaid Inn, which has led to reports of paranormal activity.
Visitors report seeing apparitions of ghostly faces, hearing footsteps and strange noises, and even feeling sudden gusts of cold air. It is also believed that the room known as “The Elizabethan Chamber” is haunted by a “Grey Lady” who appears to guests and is dressed in white. There are also rumours of a ghostly pair of dualists that wander the hotel too. Whatever your beliefs, it’s impossible to deny that The Mermaid Inn has a fascinating history and spooky reputation.
| Date Built | 1420 (Cellars from 12th century) |
| Resident Ghosts | White Lady, Smuggler, Maid, Duelling men, Dog |
| Paranormal Activity | Apparitions, Poltergeist, Cold Spots, Objects moving, Audible |
| Fear Factor | 👻 👻 👻 👻 |
| Ghost Hunt / Overnight Stay | Book here |
Jamaica Inn, Cornwall
The Jamaica Inn in Cornwall is famously featured in Daphne du Maurier’s novel and is known for its ghostly residents. It was originally built in the 1750s as a coaching inn, serving as a popular stop for travellers crossing the moors. However, the inn’s reputation took a dark turn in the 19th century, when it became a notorious centre for smuggling activities.
It is said that many smugglers passed through the inn on their way to deliver contraband goods to local towns and villages. The inn’s association with smugglers and their shady deeds has led to its reputation as a haunted site, with many visitors reporting eerie experiences and ghostly sightings.
Some claim to have seen the ghost of a smuggler. Others have reported strange noises and objects moving inexplicably. There have even been reports of a ghostly coach and horses appearing outside the inn.
Guests staying in rooms 4 and 5 have experienced unexplained cold spots, eerie whispers, and ghostly footsteps. For those who enjoy a spine-chilling experience, Jamaica Inn is worth a visit.
| Date Built | 1750 |
| Resident Ghosts | Hannah (Little Girl), Smuggler, Jack, James Broad, Victorian Girl |
| Paranormal Activity | Apparitions, wet footprints, objects moving, disembodied voices, sound of horse hooves, footsteps, crying baby |
| Fear Factor | 👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 |
| Overnight Stay | Book here |
Golden Fleece, York
Deemed one of the most haunted pubs in York, the Golden Fleece is renowned for its ghostly residents. The inn has been in operation since the early 1500s and it is rumoured to have been the site of a number of tragic deaths,
One of the most famous stories involves a young Canadian airman, Geoff Monroe, who fell to his death from a top floor window during World War II. His presence haunts the Minster Room and guests often encounter an overwhelming feeling of sadness in this area.
Former owner Lady Alice Peckett also roams the corridors of the inn, searching for her long lost husband. The inn’s haunted reputation has attracted many visitors over the years, some of whom claim to have experienced eerie sightings and unexplained occurrences.
Paranormal activity at the Golden Fleece Inn includes unexplained noises, phantom footsteps, electronic voice phenomena and even ghostly apparitions.
| Date Built | 1503 |
| Resident Ghosts | Lady Alice Peckett, Victorian Boy, Geoff Monroe (Canadian Airman), One Eyed Jack, Grumpy Old Man, Roman Soldier |
| Paranormal Activity | Apparitions, Poltergeist, Objects moving, Crying noises |
| Fear Factor | 👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 |
| Overnight Stay | Book here |
Ye Old Kings Head, Chester
The Ye Olde Kings Head in Chester, England, has a history that can be traced back to 1622. Originally constructed as a mediaeval mansion, the building has served as an inn, a meeting place for the court of Chester, a public house and even a brothel over the years.
The pub is widely believed to be haunted, with numerous stories of ghostly sightings and unexplainable phenomena.
Spirits that are often seen include the dark figure of a gentleman and a little boy.
These stories and more contribute to the Ye Old Kings Head’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Chester.
The Schooner Hotel, Northumberland
Recognized as one of the most haunted hotels in the UK, the Schooner Hotel in Alnmouth has over 60 ghosts residing within the walls.
Due to its deep roots in the area’s history, including smuggling and secret tunnels, numerous spooky incidents have occurred. Paranormal activity ranges from ghostly sightings to inexplicable sounds and moving objects.
Eastwell Manor, Kent
Eastwell Manor is a stunning property located in the heart of Kent, England with a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early 16th century. The property was originally built as a country house for the wealthy and influential Sackville family, who lived there for over 200 years.
The manor has been home to many prominent figures throughout its history, including the Duke of Wellington and Queen Victoria’s grandson. Despite its luxurious past, Eastwell Manor has a dark and eerie reputation.
It is believed by many to be haunted by the ghost of a lady, who is believed to be a former resident of the manor. She has been spotted numerous times over the years, wandering the halls and disappearing into thin air. There are also reports of a ghostly apparition of a young boy who was said to have drowned in the swimming pool on the property. Other visitors have witnessed unexplained noises, footsteps and strange unexplainable smells.
These ghostly sightings have helped to establish Eastwell Manor as one of the most haunted places in England and continues to be a popular destination for ghost hunters and enthusiasts alike.
The Langham, London
The Langham, London, England is an iconic hotel that has stood for over 150 years. It opened in 1865 and quickly became known as a luxurious destination for the elite. Throughout the years, the hotel has seen many notable guests including Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, and Lady Gaga.
However, the hotel also has a dark history that has attracted many ghost hunters. During the 19th century, it is said that a man leaped to his death from one of the upper floors, and his ghost is now famously known as the “man in the Victorian evening dress.” Other guests have reported sightings of a ghostly doctor, who is believed to have murdered his wife in one of the guest rooms.
Another popular ghostly sighting is that of a ghostly footman who has been spotted standing in the ballroom. With its rich and fascinating history, it’s no wonder that The Langham is considered one of the most haunted hotels in London. Room 333 is the most haunted room in the hotel, so if you’re looking for a frightening stay we suggest you take residence there.
From unexplained noises to strange apparitions, The Langham offers a lavish stay combined with a taste of the paranormal.
Chillingham Castle, Northumberland
Chillingham Castle in Northumberland is not only an iconic historical site but also known for its haunted happenings. A mediaeval fortress situated in the Northumberland region of England it was originally constructed in the 12th century and the castle has a rich and fascinating history.
Throughout the centuries, it has been home to a number of notable figures, including King Edward I, who used it as a base during his Scottish campaigns. The castle’s dark reputation as one of the most haunted places in England stems from the many stories of ghostly sightings that have been reported over the years.
These sightings include apparitions of a lady in white, a young boy, and a mysterious blue boy. There have also been reports of unexplained noises, screams, and footsteps, leading many to believe that the castle is indeed haunted. Despite the castle being a popular tourist attraction, many visitors have been left feeling spooked and unsettled after their visits, adding to the chilling reputation of this historic landmark.
Malmaison, Oxford
The Malmaison in Oxford Malmaison, nestled in the heart of Oxford, England, has a captivating history intertwined with ghostly tales. Originally constructed in the 11th century as a mediaeval fortress, it evolved over the centuries to serve various purposes, including a royal residence and a prison.
It is believed that the spirits of those who suffered within its walls still linger, making it a notorious haunted site. Countless reports of eerie phenomena have emerged, adding to the allure of Malmaison. Visitors have described encountering shadowy figures wandering the corridors, unexplained whispers echoing through empty rooms, and sudden drops in temperature that send shivers down the spine.
One prominent ghostly story involves the restless soul of a former prisoner who was wrongfully executed, haunting the tower where he was held captive. Another tale tells of a lady in white, believed to be a former resident, who manifests near the grand staircase.
These ghostly sightings and unexplained occurrences continue to fascinate and intrigue visitors, making Malmaison a renowned destination for paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Adelphi, Liverpool
Finally, the Adelphi Hotel in The Adelphi, a prominent landmark nestled in the vibrant city of Liverpool, England, boasts a rich history intertwined with chilling tales of the supernatural. Erected in the early 19th century, the Adelphi Hotel initially served as a luxurious retreat for high society, hosting notable guests such as Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill. However, beneath its opulent façade lies a haunted legacy that has captivated visitors for generations. Numerous ghostly sightings and unexplained occurrences have cemented its reputation as one of England’s most haunted hotels.
Guests have reported encountering spectral figures drifting through the hallways, disembodied voices echoing through empty rooms, and a pervasive feeling of unease that permeates the building. One eerie tale tells of a chambermaid who tragically took her life within the hotel, her spirit forever bound to its corridors.
Another chilling account speaks of a man in Victorian attire who appears fleetingly in the hotel’s mirrors before vanishing into thin air. These spectral encounters continue to intrigue and unsettle those who dare to stay at the Adelphi, making it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts seeking an otherworldly experience.
Fascinating article about haunted hotels in England. It seems like every corner of the country has its own ghost stories.
I agree, it’s interesting to see the different haunted locations and their unique histories.
Yes, the Mermaid Inn and Jamaica Inn have particularly intriguing stories.
I had no idea that so many inns and hotels in England have a haunted reputation. The history behind them adds an extra layer of interest.
It’s amazing how these old buildings still captivate people’s imaginations with their ghostly tales.
The detailed descriptions of paranormal activities at these hotels are fascinating. Makes me curious to visit.
Same here. I’d love to experience these haunted places firsthand, although it sounds a bit scary!
It’s definitely intriguing. Maybe a ghost tour should be on my travel list.
This article provides a great overview of some of England’s most haunted hotels. Really enjoyed reading about their history and ghost stories.