Haunted Trails and Pub Stays: Spooky Walks Inspired by the National Trust
Historic | Outdoor Activities | Pub Accommodation | Short Break | Staycation | Walking | Posted 2024.01.11
Taking inspiration from a selection of spooky walks curated by the National Trust, we have cherry-picked a list of haunted trails and pub stays that have been thoughtfully mapped out across the country. We delve into the history of these walks whilst also providing recommendations on atmospheric pubs for a cosy stay after your supernatural adventure!
Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl, Surrey
Whether you seek a casual stroll or a lengthier hike, find the perfect walking trail for your winter exploration at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
In 1786, a savage murder unfolded at Hindhead Commons. While traveling from London to Portsmouth docks, a sailor met a tragic end at the hands of three individuals he had befriended in a nearby pub. Navigate through the woodland, ascend to the summit of Gibbet Hill, and encounter the stone that commemorates the location of this unfortunate incident.
Whatever the time of year, this walk is truly spectacular – whether you like ghost stories or not! Embark on a journey through the expansive heathland, age-old woodland, and uncover the myths and legends that enshroud the Punch Bowl on your adventure.
After your walk, put your feet up and enjoy some tasty pub grub at one of our recommended pubs below:
The Swan Inn, Chiddingfold, Surrey
The Merry Harriers, Hambledon, Surrey
Lydford Gorge, Devon
Nestled into the western edge of Dartmoor, this river gorge with its steep sides has captivated visitors seeking the allure of its picturesque waterfall since the Victorian era. At every twist and turn, the River Lyd cascades, tumbles, swirls, and serenely meanders through ancient oak woodland, teeming with abundant wildlife.
However, if you are looking for something a bit spooky along your walk, follow the path to Whitelady Waterfall, where it is said that a ghostly figure of a lady is said to appear nearby. If that doesn’t creep you out enough, it is said that within the same area a notorious outlaw band called the Gubbins were alleged to have made their home there.
If you’re feeling like you need a comforting drink after this haunting walk, head to one of these beautiful pubs situated nearby:
The Dartmoor Inn, Lydford, Devon
Blickling Great Wood, Norfolk
The history behind Blickling Great Wood is centred around the Boleyn family and the grizzly fates of both Ann Boleyn and her brother. Blickling, the ancestral residence of the Boleyn family, is rumoured to be haunted by Sir Thomas Boleyn, father of Anne Boleyn. Legend has it that he bears a curse for his inability to prevent the execution of both Anne and her brother by Henry VIII. It is said that Anne herself makes an appearance on the woodlands and grounds every 19th of May, commemorating the anniversary of her tragic execution. The creepiest route through the woodlands at Blickling winds through Great Wood to the Mausoleum, which was built in 1793 to commemorate the 2nd Earl of Buckingham.
After exploring these rather eerie woods, hunker down in one of these lovely pubs nearby:
The Cliftonville, Cromer, Norfolk
The Two Lifeboats, Sheringham, Norfolk
Wenlock Edge, Shropshire
Navigating through the twisted and contorted tree trunks of Wenlock Edge, one might easily envision encountering the ghost of Ippikin, a 13th-century highwayman who once dwelled in the woods. Alternatively, you could cross paths with Major Smallman, who bravely rode his horse off the Edge to elude capture during the English Civil War. Although he survived the formidable 200-foot plunge, folklore suggests that his spirit found its way back to this haunting locale after his passing.
Wenlock Edge is over 19 miles long and is popular among cyclists, mountain bikers and walkers. If after a day of hiking you need a bite to eat or somewhere to rest your head for the night, check out our recommended pubs below:
The Riverside Inn, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
The Hundred House, Telford, Shropshire
The Lion and Pheasant, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Maidenhead Thicket, Berkshire
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the stretch of the Bath Road passing through Maidenhead Thicket gained notoriety for its frequent encounters with highwaymen. The dense vegetation provided perfect cover for them to emerge suddenly, rob unsuspecting travellers, and seamlessly retreat into the shadows. Captain James Hind was probably one of the most famous highwaymen who operated in the Thicket, and he became known for various exploits, including an unsuccessful attempt to rob Oliver Cromwell and his seven bodyguards. So, what happened to him? He was caught when one of his associated revealed him to the authorities. He was charged with high treason and met a grisly end by being hanged, drawn, and quartered in 1652.After a day of rambling through these ghostly woods, treat yourself to some delicious pub grub at one of these local gems:
The Chequers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The Winning Post, Winkfield, Berkshire
Bel & The Dragon, Cookham, Berkshire
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
In 1612, a group of women faced charges of witchcraft in one of the most renowned witch trials in English history. The alleged ‘witchcraft’ led to the agonising and enigmatic deaths of ten villagers, with ten out of the twelve accused witches ultimately being convicted and hanged. The eerie aftermath lingers at Gallows Hill, where you can explore the site of their grim executions.
This unsettling past has left Pendle Hill with a reputation for numerous haunted sightings, with shadowy figures reportedly darting around the hill in the darkness.
Following a day of exploration of Pendle Hill, hunker down in one of these recommended pubs:
The Forest, Burnley, Lancashire
The Pendle Inn, Burnley, Lancashire
The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley, Lancashire
Wychwood Forest, Oxfordshire
While this petite woodland in the Cotswolds might appear ideal for a tranquil and picturesque stroll, ominous tales abound at every turn. Some visitors have recounted sensing hands on their shoulders or hearing the sounds of weeping children while traversing through the woods.
The most renowned ghostly story associated with this forest involves Amy Robsart, the wife of the Earl of Leicester. In 1560, officials discovered Amy lifeless in her home, attributing her demise to a fall down the stairs. However, local speculation painted a different picture, suggesting that the Earl of Leicester had murdered his wife. According to legend, Amy’s ghost confronted the Earl in the forest, cursing him to perish within ten days—a fate he allegedly met.
For recommendations on places to eat and stay after a day of spooky exploration, check out our suggested pubs:
The Royal Oak, Ramsden, Oxfordshire
The Swan, Ascott under Wychwood, Oxfordshire
The Crown Inn, Church Enstone, Oxfordshire
If you like our blog on Haunted Trails and Pub Stays, check out the National Trust’s full article on spooky walks around the country here. Alternatively for more information on walks in the UK, visit here.
Written by Melanie Phipps
PR & Marketing Manager
