There’s just an unlucky 13 days left until All Hallow’s Eve – but plenty of time to book a room in one of these haunted hotels for Halloween recommended by britainsfinest.co.uk.
The collection of luxury hotels, inns and B&Bs have a number with resident spooks: spectres of nuns, monks and children and even Sir Walter Raleigh have been spotted at these five-star getaways.
Here are their top ten haunted hotels
Lumley Castle Hotel
There are said to be a number of ghosts at Lumley, with the main one being that of the 14th century lady of the manor, Lilly. She was allegedly murdered by priests when she refused to become a Catholic and her spirit is said to haunt corridors and rooms. Black Jack is another – no one knows his origins but he is said to play mischievous tricks on guests. Screaming and laughter is often heard on the top floor.
Chillingham Castle
There’s a real chill in Chillingham (above) thanks to a spook of ghosts, including the Blue Boy who can be heard in the Pink Room where a child’s bones were discovered in the 1920s. There is also Lady Mary, a white ghost in the panty and disembodied voices in the chapel. The hotel also runs ghost tours.
Ettington Park
You know a hotel is spooky when it’s featured as a haunted house in a film. Ettington starred in the 1963 horror The Haunting and activity is said to be rife. People have reported the click of billiard balls and male voices coming from the library when it’s empty, while others have said to have met the ghost of Mary, a servant girl who died from a fall
The Old Bell Hotel
The east wing of this pretty hotel, one of the oldest in England, was built on an adjacent ruined abbey’s graveyard, which might account for why there have been so many hair-raising incidents reported, such as a grey lady who makes a regular appearance in the James Ody room. Guests have also had belongings thrown across their room, bedclothes removed in the middle of the night and even a heavy wardrobe being wedged behind a door.
Eastwell Manor Hotel
You’d expect a hotel that dates back to the Norman Conquest is to have a few ghosts and ghouls and this grand former royal residence is no exception. A horseman riding towards the house and then veering off and disappearing into a nearby lake is one regular sighting, a white lady, eerily appearing before porters on the night shift, is another unexpected guest.
Amberley Castle
This 900-year-old Relais & Chateaux Medieval castle is said to be haunted by Emily, a young girl who jumped to her death from the battlements after falling pregnant by the resident bishop. Apparently the spooky vibes are strongest in the castle’s Herstmonceux Room, which has access to the battlements.
Coombe Abbey Hotel
There are so many ghosts at this beautiful 12th century former monastery, that it hosts a monthly ghost walk and supper event, which includes a tour, stories and two-course dinner and wine in the Stuart Room. The most famous ghost at Coombe is Abbott Geoffrey, a hooded monk who has been seen gliding around the grounds and was allegedly murdered there in 1345.
Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
This 700-year-old mansion house is the setting for a tragic love story. Lucette, a French governess was wooed one Christmas then jilted by a dashing army officer. Unable to get over him, she threw herself off a bridge into a river. Lucette has been spotted all over the hotel and she’s even said to have shown up in photographs.
The Haycock
It’s claimed that Mary, Queen of Scots has been spotted at this charming hotel, which overlooks a bridge crossing the River Nene. Why would she be haunting a 16th century former coaching inn? Records show she stayed here en route to her execution at Fotheringhay Castle.
ABode Exeter
The ABode is built on the site of Sir Walter Raleigh’s father’s house and the noises guests occasionally hear in empty rooms are supposedly made by the ghost of the famous explorer. In addition there are reports of spectres of a nun and monk outside the cathedral and music emanating from the building (even when it’s locked and dark).
