WIGGLESWORTH, SKIPTON, NORTH YORKSHIRE  The Plough Inn   - haunted inn

English Country Inns - Spooky Breaks If you aren’t of too nervous a disposition and are curious to experience ‘strange happenings’ then why not book a stay at our lovely Country Inn. Built in 1720, the Plough Inn is situated in the small, rural village of Wigglesworth, surrounded by the wonderful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland. A number of strange happenings have been reported at The Plough Inn over the years, many of which are attributed to the ghosts of Landlady, Mrs Gladys Saxton, and 17 year old maid, Margaret Harrison, whose lives were lost in a fire at the Inn in the early hours of March 1945. One couple were woken in the night by someone ‘plumping up’ the pillows on their bed. Another guest found his car key had mysteriously bent double during the night of his stay. A number of guests, at different times, have seen a woman in long black clothes patrolling the upstairs corridor. Guests have been woken in the middle of the night by a fellow guest screaming that she had seen the figure of a highway man standing at her bedroom doorway. The 4yr old daughter of one of the Inn’s staff refused to enter one of the bedrooms saying “I don’t like it. It doesn’t feel nice. It’s scaring me”. One couple saw ‘orbs’ of light in their room during the early hours.  Comments are often made by staff and guests of the feeling of a ‘presence’ or of their name being called out when there is no one there. In December 2004 we had a visit from a group of Ghost Hunters. They stayed awake throughout the night and spent time in various rooms in the Inn. They photographed ‘orbs’, saw ghosts in the attic, sensed names and detected unusual ‘electrical’ activity. Their verdict in the morning was that they had never visited a building where there was so much paranormal activity. A number of recent guests have captured images of ‘orbs’ on their digital cameras. We have copies of a number of these photographs which our guests are welcome to study. Some of these ‘happenings’ may be able to be put down to an over-indulgence of great food, fine wines and real ales, but even the most sceptical and doubting amongst us cannot easily dismiss all of the stories. We now believe that we must be the most haunted Inn in the North of England! Come and experience it for yourselves – if you dare! Join us for a night of Ghost Hunting, hosted by Investigators from the Gateshead Paranormal Group. Friday 31st October 2008 Saturday 1st November 2008 £125.00 per person (this price is for 2 people sharing a twin/double en-suite room and is inclusive of dinner, bed & breakfast) The evening will start at 7.30pm with an informal 3 course buffet dinner followed by a presentation and discussion on how paranormal investigations are conducted, the type of equipment used and the ‘things’ that may be experienced. From 11.30 pm, in the company of other guests and an Investigator, you will spend time in various parts of Inn where ‘happenings’ have been experienced. Before retiring to bed at 3.00 am there will be a chance to discuss anything that you have seen, felt or heard with the rest of the guests and the Investigators. A full Yorkshire breakfast will be served at 8.45 am during which the Investigators will summarise the night’s events. For more details, contact Sue on 01729 840243  or sue@ploughinn.info or visit our website ( www.ploughinn.info/haunted )

                CHURSTON, Near BRIXHAM   Churston Court Inn   - ghost of a monk in the old kitchen  

Olde Churston Court Inn, nestling beside the ancient church and farm is in a time warp and listed Grade 1. This is a historic gem with original staircases, stone windows, and oak panelling and flagstone floors. The inn has 20 en-suite rooms all finished to a very high standard, some with four poster beds. Have a romantic candlelit dinner by one of the great inglenook log fires. The cuisine has received the highest tributes for its culinary excellence. All the produce used is purchased fresh each day with the fish from our local Brixham fishing fleet. The Inn is a step back in time, so full of history it will mesmerise you. Check availability and book on-line

                BICKLEIGH Near TIVERTON, DEVON   The Fisherman's Cot    - haunted hotel, resident ghost

The Fisherman's Cot enjoys a superb riverside location yet is very conveniently situated with easy access to the M5. This attractive inn offers a warm welcome with its beamed ceilings, open fires and beautiful river views from the Waterside Bar. The restaurant and carvery serve excellent food all day from 12 until 10pm. There are 21 comfortable en-suite bedrooms. If you hear the merry laughter of a young lady in the bar of The Fisherman's Cot, it just might be the inn's resident ghost. There again it could just as easily be the sound of a fellow guest enjoying the warmly welcoming atmosphere of this charming riverside inn. And should a headless armoured rider clatter across the nearby 14th century Bickleigh Bridge it's not necessarily an after-effect of the local ale!

                RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT   Ryde Castle Hotel   - mischievous - but friendly ! - spirit

A stay at The Ryde Castle is something to remember. The majestic Castle building overlooks Ryde Esplanade and the harbour, with views across the Solent. The Castle is believed to have been commissioned by Henry VIII about 1540 to defend against the threat of a Spanish invasion and is reputed to be haunted by a mischievous, but friendly, spirit! The hotel offers delicious bar meals and snacks, and a full a la carte menu from the Brasserie. Of the 21 comfortable bedrooms, some have four-poster beds and most have fantastic sea views. The hotel is situated on the esplanade overlooking the sea, and is an ideal base for exploring the Island.

                CRAWLEY, NEAR GATWICK, WEST SUSSEX   The George Hotel   - mysterious goings-on 

This former coaching inn is steeped in history.  Located right in Crawley town centre, the hotel staff welcome guests with warmth and hospitality.  The George Hotel is also close to the M23 and Gatwick Airport. A former night watchman who died when he drank poisoned wine left out to trap a thief is believed to haunt this former coaching inn, which dates back to 1615. No-one knows whether the watchman, who used to shirk off work and sleep in the broom cupboard, was the thief, or whether he had become thirsty. However, the broom cupboard is often found open after being locked and doors to the bedrooms in the old wing mysteriously open and close by themselves Check availability and book on-line

                MAIDSTONE, KENT   Larkfield Priory Hotel    - reputedly haunted by a servant girl        

Originally built in 1890, this traditional old character building is four miles from Maidstone town centre and provides easy access to the M20 to see the surrounding area. Situated close to Maidstone, this hotel’s ghost is nicknamed Charlotte. She was apparently a servant girl, who died shortly after a botched abortion when the building was a manor house in the 18th century. She caused so much disturbance in the mid-1980s that the hotel manager called in a clairvoyant, who discovered Charlotte was just one of a number of spirits in the building. Apparently a gallows was once situated on the site Check availability and book on-line

                OUNDLE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE   The Talbot  Hotel    - reputedly haunted by Mary Queen of Scots       

The ghost of Mary Queen of Scots is said to haunt the Elizabethan Talbot Hotel. The oak staircase and other parts of the building were brought from the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle and it was down these steps that Mary walked to her execution. This historic hotel boasts oak beams, open fires and transomed windows. The intimate restaurant and cosy bar offer traditional British cuisine, fine wines and real ales. The Talbot has recently been fully refurbished, keeping its charm and character while bringing the facilities bang up to date. The Talbot Hotel  has 35 en-suite bedrooms including 4 beautiful feature rooms. Licensed for civil marriages. Peterborough 10 miles.

                MALMESBURY, WILTSHIRE (SOUTHERN COTSWOLDS)  The Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant  - spooky incidents

This beautiful period property is steeped in character with log fires, paintings, stone walls and period furniture. It is reputed to be England's oldest hotel, adjacent to the famous Abbey in the historic town of Malmesbury, on the edge of the Cotswolds. Dine in Edwardian splendour in the award winning restaurant. This ideal location, 5 minutes from Junction 17 of the M4 motorway, makes a perfect base to explore the Cotswolds, Westonbirt Arboretum and many other attractions in the area. Cirencester, Chippenham and Swindon are a short drive away and so are the Roman city of Bath and Bristol. An outline of spooky incidences to date..........The Old Bell Hotel, next to Malmesbury Abbey, has plenty of stories about mysterious goings on, especially as its east wing is built directly on part of the former abbey churchyard.  There has been some form of inn there since 1220 as Malmesbury was one of the top seats of learning in the country.  Owner Simon Hughes was told by the people he bought the hotel from that there are eight sarcophagi under the bar but he has never checked to see if this is really true!   The hotel's most famous ghost story concerns an apparition who has reputedly been seen in one of the guest bedrooms, all of which have names.  The Grey Lady, as she is known, has been seen wafting through the James Ody room and is supposed to be the ghost of a woman who was unhappily married in the Abbey. In another incident, one guest staying in the Danvers room told staff she had seen a glass mysteriously rise up and smash against the bedroom wall. The most peculiar incident occurred in the Foe room at the front of the hotel.  A guest was trying to get into their bedroom but could not enter as the door had been jammed.  Staff had to get a ladder and break into the window of the room, where they found that a wardrobe had been moved across the door so people could not get in - but there was no-one in the room at the time. Guests are not the only ones to report strange happenings.  The night porters have told us that when they do their rounds every hour or so, when they walk down the corridor through the salon, it goes stone cold. The hotel has also hosted a visit from paranormal investigators whose machines and readings picked up strange movements around the hotel at night.

                CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE     Hotel de la Bere    - said to be haunted by a resident ghost   

This is a lovely 15th century Tudor manor house set in grounds with a tree lined drive, sweeping lawns and views over Cheltenham Racecourse. It also boasts leisure facilities and refurbished bedrooms This 15th century Tudor manor house, which was once a school for girls, is said to be haunted by a former matron and nanny, who was found hanging in her bedroom, which is now situated over the bar. She is renowned for pacing the corridors, checking that the girls are behaving. Check availability and book

                Near STEEPLE ASTON, OXFORDSHIRE    The Holt Hotel        

The Holt is a beautifully refurbished traditional coaching inn dating back to the 15th century with all the comforts of a modern hotel. Nestling on the edge of the Cotswolds in picturesque Oxfordshire, ideally situated close to the M40 and to many local attractions such as the city of Oxford, Blenheim Palace and Bicester Designer Outlet Shopping Village. With accommodation varying from single rooms to four-poster bedrooms with Jacuzzi, the Holt's facilities will satisfy the most demanding traveller. Serving the warmest hospitality since 1475, from its early days as a coaching inn, the Holt has been one of the most popular hotels in Oxfordshire and not always with the most honourable clientele. Notorious highwayman Claude Duval often frequented the inn, spending his ill-gotten gains from the road, and is said to haunt the hotel to this day. Check availability and book on-line

                LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE    The Angel Inn   - resident ghost      

Welcome to the Angel Inn, a 17th century former coaching inn in the picturesque yachting centre of Lymington. The Angel is full of charm and character with oak beams and cosy corners, and offers 12 beautifully furnished rooms, good food and fine wine - as well as a resident ghost! The comfortable accommodation includes a four poster room. The Angel is ideally situated in historic Lymington, close to the New Forest.

                WOODSTOCK, OXFORDSHIRE     The Bear Hotel    - reputed to have two haunted rooms 

One of England's original 13th Century coaching inns, The Bear is only 15 minutes from Oxford, handy for the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon. With its ivy clad façade, oak beams, open fireplaces and stone walls, the Bear exudes warmth and cosiness, perfect for a weekend retreat. The Restaurant has 2 A.A. Rosettes and 2 RAC Dining Awards. The Hotel has been recently renovated to include 53 en-suite bedrooms and several four-poster suites Check availability and book on-line

                COLCHESTER, ESSEX    The Red Lion Hotel   - reputed to be haunted by two apparitions, a young girl and a monk      

The Red Lion Hotel is an historical Grade 1 listed building (1465) located in the town centre of historic Colchester. The hotel is one of the oldest inns in East Anglia and has been described as 'a fine example of Tudor England'. The hotel is located in the town centre and has excellent transport links to the M11, M25, Stansted Airport, Cambridge and Harwich. A quiet retreat from the modern world outside, the hotel's Tudor features and warm red and gold fabrics provide a luxurious and relaxing environment in which to enjoy your stay. The old Banqueting Hall, which is now the Parliament Restaurant, has a remarkable beamed ceiling. The bedrooms are individually furnished with antiques and have a wealth of original exposed beams and wattle and daub walls. Check availability and book on-line

                CHILHAM, near CANTERBURY, KENT    The Wool Pack Inn   - resident ghost 'The Grey Lady '        

Tudor beamed houses surround this cosy inn, which is graced by the Grey Lady, a resident but friendly, ghost! Probably one of the cosiest inns in Kent, if not in England, with a well kept cellar! A lovely old inn near the ancient village square at Chilham in the heart of the garden of England - Kent. This is probably one of the most picturesque villages in Kent. Check availability and book on-line

                WADESMILL, WARE, HERTFORDSHIRE   The Feathers Inn     - rinn eputed to be haunted by a young girl      

Welcome to the Feathers Inn, an ivy-clad 17th century former coaching Inn on the A10 Road from London to Cambridge. You will find the Inn with its convivial atmosphere a perfect mix of beautifully conserved buildings & modern facilities. The comfortable accommodation is all en-suite and includes two rooms with four poster beds. The Inn is situated in the pretty Hertfordshire village of Wadesmill. Check availability and book on-line

 

And from our sister site Historic UK  www.historic-uk.com, some haunted hotels......

 

Brownsover Hall, Rugby, Warwickshire    MORE INFO  A member of the Boughton-Leigh family, who had his hand severed at the time of Queen Elizabeth I, is said to haunt the site despite attempts by 12 clergymen in 1755 to exorcise it.  The old library once boasted the “sign of the bloody hand” – a reddish stain on the wall that could not be removed or covered up.  One-handed Boughton, as he was known, is believed to haunt the grounds, and footsteps, groans and voices can be heard coming from the empty tower Check availability and book on-line

 

Hall Garth Golf and Country Club,  Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, Co. Durham  MORE INFO This 16th century hotel’s beautiful exterior hides a macabre secret from guests who stay in room two. A terrified nun was buried alive between two walls following her affair with one of the monks living at the house. During the night bathroom taps are known to turn themselves on at the same time Check availability and book on-line

 

Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk    MORE INFO There have been a number of ghostly sightings at this 13th century hotel in Norwich’s Tombland district, including the ghost of an elderly man believed to be the former mayor of the town, who has been seen vigorously shaking his head in the courtyard. The ghost of a former maid, whose presence can be detected by a musty lavender smell, has also been reported. Check availability and book on-line

 

Blackwell Grange Hotel, Blackwell Grange, Darlington   MORE INFO Of all the ghosts said to haunt this hotel, none is as famous or feared as the Tartan Lady. Having plundered her Highland town, the Duke of Cumberland stole her portrait and brought it to Blackwell in 1746. Although the picture was destroyed by fire, the woman’s spirit is still believed to roam the grange and grounds, seeking revenge for the slaughter of her husband and kinsmen at Culloden. Check availability and book on-line

 

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland  - The Most Haunted Castle in Britain    MORE INFO We have a number of ghosts. The most famous is the "blue boy" who as midnight rang out would cry and moan in agony or maybe fear. The noises could be traced to a spot near a passage cut through a ten foot wall. When the bloodcurdling wails die away a soft halo of light appears around an old four poster bed. Anyone sleeping there, even today, can see the figure of a young boy dressed in blue, and surrounded by light. Behind the wall the bones of a young boy and fragments of blue clothing were discovered. Another ghost, Lady Mary Berkeley, searches for her husband, who ran off with her sister. Lady Mary, desolate and broken hearted lived in the castle by herself with only her baby girl as a companion. The rustle of her dress can be heard as she passes you by in the turret stairs. And there are more!

 

More haunted hotels and inns.... Haunted Inns of Surrey, Roger Long Haunted Inns of Sussex, Roger Long Haunted Inns of Hampshire, Roger Long

 

Please do not forget to mention English Country Inns when contacting the hotel of your choice!

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