Cornwall has plenty of haunted places to explore. In addition to its picturesque landscapes and rich history, this region has a reputation for being home to numerous haunted locations.
Visitors have reported spine-chilling encounters with the supernatural, from creepy castles to eerie inns and foreboding jails. Here’s our rundown of the most haunted places in Cornwall.
The most haunted places in Cornwall
Jamaica Inn
The Jamaica Inn in Bolventor, Launceston, Cornwall, is a historic coaching inn built in 1750. It gained fame through Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, published in 1936.
Today, the inn is famous for its smuggling stories and alleged paranormal activity and is regarded as one of the most haunted places in Cornwall.
One of the most reported ghost sightings at the Jamaica Inn is Jack, the solitary stranger first observed in 1911. Jack is said to be a man wearing old-fashioned clothes and has often been seen sitting or leaning against the front wall of the inn.
Guests staying in Room 5 have reported seeing the apparition of a woman with her child walking through a wall.
The inn’s connection to Cornwall’s smuggling history and the Trelawney family, two members who served as Governors of Jamaica in the 18th century, adds further intrigue to this haunted location.
Stay the night in the haunted Jamaica Inn
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail, located on the edge of Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor, has a reputation as one of the UK’s most haunted places.
Built-in 1779, this former prison once housed inmates as young as five and witnessed more than 50 executions throughout its dark history (The Guardian).
As the first British prison to hold prisoners in individual cells, Bodmin Jail aimed to be a visionary and forward-thinking institution. A number of its inhabitants still haunt the sprawling prison complex.
One spirit said to haunt Bodmin Gaol is Selina Wadge, who was hanged for the murder of her disabled son in 1887.
She makes her presence felt by any pregnant women visiting this foreboding location and is also said to grab or tug on young children’s clothes.
Visitors and staff often report the feeling of being watched, while disembodied voices and loud footsteps have also been heard echoing through the empty corridors.
Following an £ 8.5 million revamp, the prison now houses a luxury hotel and interactive museum exhibit. Visitors can learn about the captivating tales of crime and punishment in Cornwall from the 1700s to the early 20th century while exploring the jail’s subterranean spaces (The Guardian).
Dare you stay the night at Bodmin Jail?
Pengersick Castle
Pengersick Castle, located near Praa Sands in west Cornwall, is considered one of the most haunted locations in the region. With a history of over 900 years, this castle has accumulated numerous stories and legends regarding its supernatural occurrences.
The Pengersick family lived at the castle since the 12th century, and there is evidence that the site dates back to the Bronze Age, approximately 5000 years ago. The castle’s mystique and tragic history only add to its reputation as a place filled with paranormal activities.
One of the most notorious members of the Pengersick family was Henry Pengersick, known for his murderous behavior and rumoured involvement in necromancy.
The castle is haunted by several spirits, including Henry’s wife, Engrina, who has been reported to roam the master bedroom and gaze upon unsuspecting guests through the window at midnight.
With such a rich and eerie history, it is no surprise that Pengersick Castle is considered one of the most haunted places in Cornwall and throughout England.
Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden, located near Falmouth, is a stunning 26-acre sub-tropical paradise with a rich history. While it is famous for its lush garden landscapes and exotic plants, some believe it is one of the most haunted locations in Cornwall.
Visitors have reported strange experiences at Trebah, including sudden cold spots, ghostly whispers, and the unnerving sense of being watched.
One of the most intriguing tales involves the ghost of the former owner, Donald Healey.
It has been said that Healey, a British car designer, can be seen roaming the gardens in search of his beloved cars. His spirit is believed to be a helpful presence, often guiding lost visitors back to the main paths.
At night, the gardens are said to take on a more sinister atmosphere, with some witnesses claiming to see ghostly figures lurking among the vegetation.
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is a historic site with over 1500 years of history, known for its rich legends and connections to King Arthur. The castle is located on a dramatic cliffside, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline and a unique atmosphere that adds to its eerie presence.
One of the most famous ghost stories relating to Tintagel Castle is that of the spirit of Merlin, the legendary wizard from the tales of King Arthur. His spirit is believed to haunt a cave beneath the castle, now known as “Merlin’s Cave”. Visitors have reported strange occurrences near the cave, such as unexplained voices and otherworldly whispers.
Additionally, the castle is home to several other ghosts and eerie occurrences. Sightings of a ghostly procession of knights and ladies and a mysterious figure in a hooded cloak have been reported by visitors and staff alike.
Tintagel Castle’s mixture of history, legend, and mysterious sightings make it one of the most haunted places in Cornwall.
Pencarrow House
Pencarrow House, located near Bodmin in Cornwall, is a splendid Georgian home set within stunning grounds. Steeped in history, it has a few spine-chilling stories about ghostly sightings and occurrences.
One of the most famous sightings is that of Lady Molesworth, a former house occupier, who is said to haunt the premises. After losing one of her children in a tragic accident, it is believed that her spirit lingers in the corridors and rooms, mourning her loss. Touring guides and visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure roaming the house, often near the staircase where the accident took place.
Another chilling account revolves around unexplained footsteps and the feeling of being watched as visitors wander through the house’s numerous intriguing rooms. The tales of hauntings and paranormal activities continue to draw curious visitors to the house each year, eager to experience its eerie atmosphere firsthand.
Aside from the ghostly legends, Pencarrow House has much to offer its visitors. The beautiful gardens, rich history, and period rooms make it an exciting and enjoyable place to explore during a visit to Cornwall.
