The Most Haunted Pubs in the UK
Attractions | Historic | Pub Accommodation | Uk Pubs | Posted 2024.10.22
The UK is renowned for its ancient inns and pubs, steeped in history, tradition and tales. Among the thousands of charming establishments scattered across the countryside and cities, a few stand out for their bone-chilling ghost stories, eerie encounters and mysterious events.
These haunted pubs have earned a reputation for being some of the spookiest places to enjoy a pint – if you are brave enough! Let’s explore some of the most haunted pubs in the UK, where spirits of another kind seem to be on the menu.
The Golden Fleece, York, North Yorkshire
York is often referred to as one of the most haunted cities in the UK and The Golden Fleece is at the heart of its ghostly reputation. This 16th-century inn, located in the centre of York, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted pubs in the country. Its crooked structure, creaking floorboards and ancient atmosphere set the stage for ghostly activity.
The inn is said to be home to several restless spirits. Among them is Lady Alice Peckett, the wife of a former owner who has been seen walking the corridors and descending the staircase. There is also the spirit of a Canadian airman who met his untimely death at the inn during World War II. Guests and staff have reported seeing apparitions, experiencing sudden cold spots and hearing disembodied footsteps when no one else is around.
The Black Swan, Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Helmsley, a quaint market town in North Yorkshire, is home to The Black Swan, another pub with haunted history. This 16th-century inn blends traditional English charm with an unsettling paranormal presence. The Black Swan is famous for its resident ghost, a young womanin a flowing white dress. Guests reported seeing her walking across the room before disappearing into thin air.
Another common sighting at The Black Swan is the figure of a man in a bowler hat. He is often seen sitting in the corner of the room, quietly watching the patrons, only to vanish without a trace. Guests have also reported hearing a child crying and unexplained footsteps echoing through the building.
Book your stay here: The Black Swan
Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Cornwall
Nestled high on Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn is perhaps one of the most famous haunted pubs in the UK. Its chilling reputation is enhanced by its isolated location and history tied to smuggling, danger and death. The inn, dating back to 1750 was once a stopping point for smuggles and a meeting place for less than reputable characters who conducted their dark dealings under cover of night.
Ghostly apparitions are common at Jamaica Inn. Guests have reported hearing mysterious footsteps in the corridors, muffled voices in the dead of night and ghostly figures wandering the grounds. One of the most famous stories involves the ghost of a smuggler who has allegedly killed outside the inn. His spirit is said to still roam the halls, forever in search of something or someone he lost.
Book your stay here: Jamaica Inn
The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook, Berkshire
Dating back to the 12th century, The Ostrich Inn in Colnbrook is a pub with a particularly grim past. It was once a favoured stop for travellers along the old London to Bath Road. However, during the 17th century, its landlord Jarman and his wife had more sinister intentions. It is said they installed a trapdoor under a bed in one of the rooms. Unlucky travellers who checked in for the night would find themselves falling into a vat of boiling liquid beneath, where they were robbed and murdered.
This history of cold-blooded murder had left an imprint on the inn, with many claiming that the spirits of Jarman’s victims haunt the establishment. People have reported hearing strange knocking sounds, the feeling of being watched and on occasion even the ghost of a man falling through a trapdoor.
Book your stay here: The Ostrich Inn
The Mermaid Inn, Rye, East Sussex
Stepping into The Mermaid Inn is like stepping back in time. This 600-year-old establishment has a long and tumultuous history, once being a popular haunt for smugglers, particularly the notorious Hawkshurst Gang in the 18th century. The inn’s historic charm is matched only by its paranormal reputation.
One of the inn’s most famous ghostly occurrences is the duel between two men in the upper rooms. According to legend, one of the men was killed, and both spirits are said to reenact their fight, with guests witnessing ghostly swordplay or feeling an eerie presence in the room. Rooms 16 and 17 are particularly notorious with guests reporting everything from moving objects to sightings of ghostly figures. The feeling of being watched, cold spots and strange noises are all part of the experience at The Mermaid Inn.
Book your stay here: The Mermaid Inn
Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply a fan of the old-world charm, a night spent in one of these locations is sure to be unforgettable—whether you encounter a ghost or not.
Many of these pubs are not only rich in history but also offer accommodations, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere. Picture yourself enjoying a pint by a roaring fire, listening to centuries-old ghost stories, and then retiring to a room where spirits may still linger. For the brave, it’s the perfect combination of history, hospitality, and hauntings.
Written by Lucille Skinner