LifecanbetoffBritain is absolutely abundant with history so it comes as no surprise that you may occasionally find yourself staying at one of its many haunted hotels.
The South West of England in particular enjoys a rich history. The area was apparently heavily populated during the Neolithic Era, Bronze Age and Iron Age with plenty of evidence by way of monuments, tools and money left behind giving us an insight into the way of life back then.
The South West was also heavily populated during the Roman era, with the Roman Baths quite possibly one of its more famous historical places of interest, after Stonehenge of course!
Would there even be an England if it weren’t for Alfred the Great who hid in the area of Wessex from the Danes?
Let us not forget King Arthur who frequented Glastonbury long before festival goers did…!
The history of this beautiful region is a major part of its identity, bringing many a tourist and history hunter with it.
Ghostly History
Whether you are a believer or not, with such vast history there has to come the odd spooky resident too!
During a recent tour of a Tudor property in Wiltshire, the owner told stories of her son having trouble sleeping in one of the rooms of the property, claiming that a lady was stroking his hair. Upon further investigation it had become apparent that this lady might have been a previous tenant who had never had children of her own but had always done much for the children in the neighbourhood.
Despite this reassuring fact, the son never did sleep in the room again and still refuses to go in there!
Whilst you’d be unable to stay overnight at this property, the South West has a number of haunted hotels that you can book a night in.
Top 5 Haunted Hotels in the South West of England
Here is a list of my top 5 Haunted Hotels in the South West. The Shining eat your heart out!
Jamaica Inn, Bodmin, Cornwall
Quite possibly the most famous Smuggling Inn, situated on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and the inspiration behind Daphne Du Maurier’s novel, Jamaica Inn after a few nights spent at the Inn and learning about it’s legendary history.
(I managed to pick up two copies of this book recently and still haven’t read it!)
Built in 1725, the Inn welcomed many a weary traveller, using the turnpike between Launceston and Bodmin, they would stay at the Inn after crossing the wild and treacherous moor. Not all of the travellers were respectable and a lot of trouble occurred at the Inn.
It is thought the name Jamaica Inn comes from it being used to store rum that had been smuggled into the country from Jamaica.
Jamaica Inn now opens up to ghost hunters for weekends and late night investigations. Following many years of stories of ghostly goings on at the Inn it is now a popular spot for ghost hunters.
Rooms 3,4,5 or 6 apparently the famous haunted rooms at the Inn and can be available for “paranormal investigations”.
Featured on the TV Programme “Most Haunted” Jamaica Inn paranormal activity is not for the faint hearted!
Now where is my copy of Daphne’s book!
The Black Swan, Devizes, Wiltshire
Built in the 18th Century and overlooking the Market Place in the centre of Devizes in Wiltshire, the Black Swan is a traditional Inn and Hotel.
There are stories of a young woman wearing a long flowing dress who sits and stares out of the window before disappearing back through the wall.
Reports also include that of ghosts in the cellar where paranormal investigators saw a face coming through the cellar wall.
The Black Swan is beautifully decorated retaining its character!
It is ideally located to explore Wiltshire, being close by to Avebury, the White Horse or a short drive to Stonehenge.
Get a proper history fix when you stay here!
The Ragged Cot, Minchinampton, Gloucestershire
A beautiful boutique 17th-century coaching inn backing onto 600 acres of National Trust land in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. The Ragged Cot has an extensive history with stories of highwaymen and pilferage.
The Ragged Cot is apparently haunted by the spirits of a mother and child who died at the property.
The story goes that one night a former landlord of the inn had decided to rob a stagecoach heading to London.
His wife tried to stop him and went after him, holding their baby in her arms. As the man pushed her aside, both his wife and child fell down the stairs to their deaths.
He was arrested for the robbery but as he was led away by the police, it was said the ghosts of his wife and child were seen walking up the stairs.
The Ragged Cot offers romantic weekend breaks to family meals in it’s lovingly refurbished country idyll.
The Fisherman’s Cot, Bickleigh, Devon
Perched on the banks of the River Ex near Bickleigh in Devon, the Fisherman’s Cot is an incredibly picturesque Inn.
A giggling young woman is the reported ghostly guest – giggling perhaps because of a fantastic stay at the Inn?
The village of Bickleigh itself is steeped in history, boasting a castle and also mentioned in the Doomsday book. Rumour has it there is a headless horseman that rides over the nearby 14th century bridge.
The Inn now under the ownership of Marston’s has retained the historic charm of the building and offers food and dining.
The Old Bell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
The Old Bell in Malmesbury is purported to be England’s oldest hotel. A Grade 1 listed building situated next to the spectacular 12th Century Malmesbury Abbey.
At our Christmas Party here last year we didn’t experience any ghostly goings on, just lots of gin and good food!
However, a mysterious Grey Lady who frequents the James Ody room has been seen many a time by residents.
In true Beetlejuice style if you call out her name in the room three times she apparently appears.
There are reports of spooky goings on in other rooms too with odd sounds and cold spots.
Dating back to 1220 though, it would come as no surprise for it to have some kind of spiritual history.
It is an amazingly beautiful hotel and ideally placed for exploring the lovely town of Malmesbury and the surrounding countryside.
Are you brave enough?!
There are many more spooky stays available across the South West and the UK, this is just my suggestion on places you might want to check out on your travels.
Have you experienced a spooky hotel? Tell me in the comments – I’d love to hear all about it!
Peace out!
Jangles x
