With Halloween fast-approaching who's got the guts to sleep in one of the UK's creepiest, eeriest and most haunted inns and hotels?
Skirrid Mountain Inn in Monmouthshire holds the title of the oldest pub in Wales, and is one of the oldest in Great Britain. This alone is enough to get the ghost hunters gathering and the inn has regular lovers of the paranormal visiting. An old landlady is one of the souls reported to haunt the inhabitants; other strange goings on include moving objects and strange noises.
The Skirrid Pub
Legend has it that prisoners were once treated to an overnight stay and then swiftly executed in this old-fashioned inn. The block where their bodies were laid can still be seen today. Around 180 people are said to have been hung here and some visitors have reported feeling the grip of the noose themselves...
The Angel dates back to the 13th century and is reported to be home to at least six spirits – it's one of Britain's spookiest inns. Locals say one ghoul is a tall seaman who frequents the bar area, and another is a coachman who sits in the kitchen.
Lymington, Hampshire (Shutterstock)
Ghoulish-goings-on include footsteps in the night and the sound of a piano playing... Even though there's no piano anywhere at the inn. Freaky.
This 12th-century inn has been the focus of many paranormal investigations and has appeared on television a lot. The inn was built in 1145 and is a former priest's residence.
Skeletal remains have reportedly been found here, as well as evidence of satanic rituals. The paranormal goings on have attracted many visitors and some have reportedly seen the ghosts. It's rumoured that people who have previously visited have needed to be exorcised. Stay if you dare!
Contact the owner John Humphries (01453 842598) if you wish to stay or organise a tour.
Regular ghost hunts are conducted at this Yorkshire pub – it dates back to 1503, and has a history of hauntings.
Golden Fleece exterior (Shutterstock)
Geoff Monroe, a Canadian airman who stayed at the Golden Fleece in 1945, killed himself by jumping out of one of the windows. Visitors have reported being woken by Mr Monroe in full uniform and have felt his chilling touch. Footsteps can also be heard pacing up and down the dark hallways in the dead of night.
Records of ghost sightings in this hotel date back to the 19th century. A woman’s ghost is said to haunt this hotel; stay in room 15 if you want to encounter her, which is allegedly where her presence has been most often found.
The Swan, Lavenham (Dreamstime)
Locals say the woman was a housekeeper and took her life by hanging herself; her ghost has been seen by many guests so be prepared to be scared.
This Victorian mansion looks every part the haunted hotel – in fact, it was deemed spooky enough to be featured in the classic horror film The Haunting. The ghosts of a dog and a man have been spotted on numerous occasions, as well as a woman in a white gown.
The hotel is also said to be frequented by the mysterious ghosts of monks and servants. There is an abundance of history in the area – but be warned, it is extremely popular with tourists as well as ghouls so booking is essential.
Situated in one of the most haunted locations in the United Kingdom is the Prince Rupert Hotel. The centuries-old Tudor building is found along the cobbled streets of Shrewsbury, which are apparently busy with spirits.
Prince Rupert Hotel (Dreamstime)
Stay in a Tudor suite for the best chance of making contact with the 'other side', and don't forget your camera: according to hotel staff, some of the ghosts have been captured by quick-fingered photographers. Now that's a photo album we'd like to see.
This 15th century tower is positioned in a magnificently macabre setting. The ocean provides a powerful backdrop and the isolation of the tower is enough to send a shiver down even the most skeptical spine.
Dating all the way back to 1476, the tower was once owned by the Keith family who battled with the rival Gunn family for many years. Legend says that Helen Gunn was abducted and trapped in the tower and died when she tried to escape. She is now said to walk the land of Ackergill Tower.
