Britain's Top Ten Haunted Hotels

Why stay in a haunted hotel?

Day trips to supposedly haunted locations can only take you so far. If you want to experience something unexplained, staying overnight is the logical next step. That is when most reported activity tends to occur.

Britain has no shortage of old buildings with strange reputations, and many of them happen to be hotels, inns and guesthouses. Whether you are a serious paranormal enthusiast or simply fancy an unusual weekend away, these properties have built up histories that make them worth considering.

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Historic inns with long memories

The Kirkstone Pass Inn in Cumbria sits at roughly 1,500 feet above sea level, placing it among England's highest pubs. The building dates back to the 15th century, and the surrounding Lake District landscape inspired Wordsworth. Over the centuries, travellers have reported various sightings here.

Some believe the ghosts are those of people who died attempting the dangerous mountain crossing in harsher times. Staff and guests have described seeing a woman said to have killed her own child, and a 17th century coachman. One photograph taken by a visiting family in 1993 appeared to show an unexplained figure. According to local accounts, this particular spirit followed them home.

The Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire is another property with a formidable reputation. Parts of the building date to the 12th century, and it sits on what was once a pagan burial site. Former owners have reported shadow figures, objects moving and unusual sounds throughout the property.

Ye Olde Bell Hotel in Nottinghamshire claims origins in the 17th century. Staff have reported cold spots in certain rooms and occasional sightings of a woman in period dress. The hotel operates as a normal establishment, so guests can judge for themselves.

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Grand hotels and their resident ghosts

Larger hotels have their share of stories too. The Langham Hotel in London, which opened in 1865, has accumulated numerous reported incidents over the years. Room 333 has gained particular notoriety. Reports claim sightings of a Victorian gentleman and, on separate occasions, a figure in military dress. These accounts date back decades, though their origins remain difficult to verify.

Ettington Park Hotel in Warwickshire occupies a Gothic Revival mansion with parts dating to medieval times. The building has been the subject of several paranormal investigations, and guests have reported hearing children's voices and seeing a grey lady on the grounds.

In Scotland, Comlongon Castle near Dumfries has a tragic history. Lady Marion Carruthers died there in 1570. Historical records suggest she fell from the castle's lookout tower, though whether this was suicide, murder or accident has never been established. Visitors over the years have reported seeing her ghost, usually described as a green lady, in and around the castle. Note that the castle's availability for overnight stays should be confirmed before planning a visit, as its operating status has changed in recent years.

The Mermaid Inn in Rye, East Sussex, dates to the 15th century and has strong connections to smuggling gangs who used the town's cellars and tunnels. Several rooms are associated with specific ghosts, including a woman who reportedly sits in a chair and a man in period clothing said to walk through walls.

What to expect from a haunted hotel stay

Most of these properties function as ordinary hotels or guesthouses. You can book a room, have dinner and sleep in a normal bed. The haunted reputation adds atmosphere, but nobody can promise you will see anything unusual.

Some hotels lean into their reputations more than others. A few offer ghost tours or themed weekends. Others prefer to let guests discover the history for themselves. If you have a specific interest, it is worth contacting the hotel directly to ask what they offer.

Prices vary considerably. A room at a country inn will cost less than a night in a central London hotel with a famous ghost story. Check booking sites or the hotel's own website for current rates.

If you are seriously interested in paranormal investigation, several UK organisations run structured ghost hunting events at various locations. These typically involve equipment, group activities and access to areas not normally open to the public. They are distinct from simply booking a hotel room.

For those who just want an interesting place to stay with genuine history, any of these hotels can provide that. Whether you experience anything unusual is another matter entirely. Most guests sleep soundly and leave with nothing more than a good story about where they spent the night.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Haunted Location Finder lets you search for reported haunted sites near a UK postcode or town. Try it now →