The Mermaid Inn is a historic hotel in the heart of the charming town of Rye, East Sussex.
Once the haunt of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang, the Mermaid Inn is considered one of the oldest and most haunted hotels in Britain.
| 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 |
History of the Mermaid Inn
The Mermaid Inn is one of the best-known inns in southeast England and has a rich history, including a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in the UK.
The cellars are the oldest part of the property and date back to the 12th century when the original building was first constructed.
Originally a notable medieval ale house, the building was later used as a coaching inn, providing accommodation for travelers and their horses. The original Mermaid Inn was destroyed by fire during a French raid in 1377 but was rebuilt in 1420, much as it still stands today, retaining the medieval cellars dating back to 1156.
During the 16th century, the building became the meeting place for a group of notorious smugglers known as the Hawkhurst Gang. They controlled territory from Kent to Dorset from their base at the Oak and the Ivy in Hawkhurst but used the Mermaid as a secondary location.
Over the years, many famous people have visited the Mermaid Inn, including Queen Elizabeth I, who is said to have stayed at the hotel on several occasions. The hotel has also been a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the BBC series “Doctor Who.”
Mermaid Inn Ghosts and Hauntings
The Mermaid Inn boasts many spectral residents and has even been spotlighted on the television series “Most Haunted.”
The hotel is home to at least 12 ghosts, with some reports claiming that there may be even more.
One such ghostly resident is believed to be a lady, typically described as dressed in grey or white. She is often seen sitting near the fireplace in Room 1, known as The James, before disappearing through the wall.
The Mermaid is also said to be haunted by the spirit of a maid who was romantically involved with a member of the infamous Hawkhurst Gang, notorious smugglers of the time. Her life was tragically cut short by the smuggler’s comrades, who feared she held dangerous knowledge that could potentially expose their illicit activities.
Room 16, known as the Elizabethan room, is reportedly the site of a mysterious duel between two men dressed in 16th-century attire. The confrontation purportedly spilled into nearby rooms, ending with one man’s death. The room has been associated with numerous unexplained light disturbances in the middle of the night and the audible phenomena of metal clinking.
Poltergeist activity has also been experienced in Room 16. An employee was attending to the fireplace when all the bottles on a shelf at the other end of the room inexplicably fell off, leading to the staff member’s resignation.
A phantom coach and horses have been heard galloping outside the building, and the ghost of a former smuggler who is said to haunt the inn’s medieval cellars.
Many visitors to the Mermaid Inn have reported experiencing strange occurrences during their stay. These include unexplained noises, objects moving independently, and doors opening and closing themselves.
Visiting the Mermaid Inn
Each room at the Mermaid Inn exudes a unique charm, boasting features such as antique wooden paneling or intricately carved beds. All rooms come equipped with a TV and an en-suite bathroom. Some offer stunning views of the surrounding town of Rye.
The inn’s award-winning restaurant is celebrated for its exquisite French and British cuisine, earning it two AA Rosettes. Once a popular haunt for local smugglers, the lounge bar showcases a sizeable wooden beam resting on stone pillars, adding to its historic charm.
Dare you to stay the night at The Mermaid Inn?
Featured Image: Jimnix (Flickr) CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
