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A Terrifying Tour: Britain's Spookiest Hotel Stays

If you're a fan of the supernatural and want to take your travels to the next level, look no further than Britain's most haunted hotels. From ancient inns to grand seaside resorts, there are plenty of spine-tingling stays to choose from. In this guide, we'll explore some of the spookiest hotels in the UK, so buckle up and prepare for a journey into the unknown.

Echoes from the Past: The Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire

Located in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, the Ancient Ram Inn is an eerie 12th-century inn that's believed to be one of the most haunted places in Britain. With its dark and twisted history, it's no wonder why visitors are often left feeling spooked by the supernatural activity they experience there.

Legend has it that the inn was built on an ancient pagan burial ground, and that the spirits of the dead still haunt the property to this day. The building has been used for many sinister purposes over the centuries, including as a courthouse, a pub, and even a brothel.

The Ancient Ram Inn is home to a variety of ghosts and spirits, with many visitors reporting sightings of full-body apparitions, unexplained cold spots, and strange noises. One of the most famous ghosts is that of a witch who was allegedly burned at the stake on the property. Other ghosts include a cavalier, a monk, and even the spirit of a young girl who was murdered in one of the rooms.

Despite its spooky reputation, the Ancient Ram Inn is a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts from around the world. Many brave souls have spent the night there, hoping to capture evidence of the supernatural on camera or tape recorders. If you're feeling brave enough, the inn offers overnight stays for those who want to experience the chills and thrills for themselves. Just be prepared for a sleepless night and some unexplainable encounters.

Silent Screams: The Mermaid Inn, East Sussex

The Mermaid Inn, a 15th-century pub located in the charming town of Rye, East Sussex, is steeped in history and ghostly tales. The inn is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits, including the ghost of a murdered chambermaid who wanders the halls, and the ghost of a highwayman who was killed during a shootout in the inn's courtyard.

The Mermaid Inn has a long and fascinating history. It was originally built in the 12th century as a smugglers' hideout, and later became a meeting place for notorious smugglers such as the Hawkhurst Gang. The inn's many secret passageways and hidden rooms played a key role in the smugglers' operations, and it's said that some of their loot may still be hidden somewhere within the inn's walls.

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In addition to its association with smugglers, the Mermaid Inn has played host to many famous figures over the centuries, including Elizabeth I, who is said to have stayed there on her way to visit the nearby Rye Harbour.

Despite its rich history, the Mermaid Inn is perhaps best known for its ghosts. Guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, seeing doors open and close on their own, and feeling cold spots throughout the building. Some have even claimed to have seen the ghostly apparitions of the inn's former inhabitants.

If you're feeling brave enough to spend a night at the Mermaid Inn, you can book a room in one of the inn's haunted chambers. Just be warned – you may not be alone during your stay.

Tragedy and Hauntings: The Schooner Hotel, Alnmouth

Located in the picturesque coastal town of Alnmouth in Northumberland, The Schooner Hotel is a 17th-century coaching inn that has a tragic history and a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in Britain. Legend has it that the hotel is haunted by several ghosts, including the ghost of a bride who died on her wedding day and is said to roam the halls of the hotel in her wedding dress. The hotel's tragic history also includes the death of a young woman who is said to have thrown herself from a window after being abandoned by her lover.

In addition to these ghostly tales, guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling cold spots throughout the building. Some have even reported feeling an unseen presence in their rooms. The hotel's eerie atmosphere and mysterious occurrences have attracted paranormal investigators from around the world.

Plan your stay

Despite its spooky reputation, The Schooner Hotel offers a warm and welcoming stay to its guests. With its charming interior and beautiful coastal surroundings, it's the perfect destination for those seeking a mix of history, relaxation, and the supernatural. Just be prepared for a few spooky surprises during your stay.

An Unsettling Journey: Chillingham Castle, Northumberland

Chillingham Castle, located in Northumberland, dates back to the 12th century and is considered to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country. The castle has a dark and sinister history, with tales of torture, murder, and supernatural activity that continue to intrigue visitors today.

One of the most notorious ghosts at the castle is the Blue Boy, a young boy who was allegedly murdered by a member of the family who owned the castle. The Blue Boy's ghost has been seen and heard throughout the castle, and is said to emit an eerie blue glow.

Other ghosts at the castle include a ghostly lady in white who haunts the chapel, and a royal apparition who appears in the courtyard on occasion. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained noises, feeling cold spots, and even encountering apparitions during their stays at the castle.

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For those who are brave enough to spend a night at Chillingham Castle, overnight stays are available in the castle's haunted chambers. But be warned – this is not for the faint of heart. Many who have stayed at the castle have reported experiencing unexplainable phenomena and feeling a sense of unease throughout their stay.

Chillingham Castle is not just a destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts – it's also a fascinating historical site. The castle has been the site of many battles and political intrigues over the centuries, and visitors can explore the castle's many rooms, dungeons, and secret passageways to learn more about its rich and fascinating history.

Mysteries of the Moor: The Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor

Located on the hauntingly beautiful Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn is a 17th-century coaching inn that was once a notorious hub for smugglers. The moor itself is also steeped in mystery, with stories of unexplained phenomena and supernatural activity. Visitors to the Jamaica Inn have reported hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling a sense of unease throughout the building. The inn's many secret passageways and hidden rooms only add to the eerie atmosphere.

Legend has it that the inn is haunted by the ghosts of smugglers and highwaymen who once frequented the place. One of the most famous ghosts is that of a highwayman who was killed on the premises and is said to haunt the inn's bar. Other ghosts include the ghost of a smuggler who was caught and hanged, and the ghost of a young girl who is said to have died in one of the inn's rooms.

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Despite its spooky reputation, the Jamaica Inn is a warm and welcoming place to stay. The inn has a cosy interior, with low ceilings, open fires, and rustic decor that harks back to its history as a coaching inn. The surrounding countryside is also stunning, with rolling hills, rugged moors, and a sense of mystery that's hard to ignore. Whether you're a history buff, a ghost hunter, or simply looking for a unique and memorable stay, the Jamaica Inn and Bodmin Moor offer a fascinating journey into the unknown.

The Sinister Seafront: The Grand Hotel, Brighton

Located on Brighton's famous seafront, the Grand Hotel is a striking Victorian building that's been a favourite of royalty and celebrities since it opened its doors in 1864. However, behind its grand facade lies a dark and sinister past, with stories of murder, suicide, and unexplained phenomena that continue to intrigue guests and staff to this day.

One of the most famous ghosts at the Grand Hotel is that of a chambermaid who was murdered by her lover in one of the rooms. Guests and staff have reported seeing her ghostly apparition, and some have even claimed to have felt her ghostly touch. Another ghost that's said to haunt the hotel is that of a woman who committed suicide by jumping from one of the hotel's balconies. Her ghost has been seen walking along the hotel's corridors, her long white dress trailing behind her.

Plan your stay

In addition to these ghostly tales, guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained noises, seeing doors open and close on their own, and feeling cold spots throughout the building. The hotel's eerie atmosphere and mysterious occurrences have attracted paranormal investigators from around the world.

Despite its spooky reputation, the Grand Hotel offers a luxurious and welcoming stay to its guests. The hotel's elegant interiors and stunning sea views provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and indulgent break. Whether you're a history buff, a ghost hunter, or simply looking for a unique and memorable stay, the Grand Hotel in Brighton offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's haunted past.

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