Public houses and inns have been a part of the UK for over a thousand years. Many of today’s pubs are in buildings that are centuries old. It’s no surprise that many of these pubs are considered some of the most haunted places in the UK, each with its own spooky history.
10. The Spaniards Inn: Dick Turpin’s Hideout
The Spaniards Inn, located in Hampstead Heath, North London, is known for being haunted by the famous highwayman Dick Turpin. Turpin’s father was once the landlord, and Turpin supposedly used the pub as a hideout. Many claim to have seen Turpin’s ghost roaming the upper floors, while others report seeing his horse in the parking lot.
Before Turpin, the Spaniards Inn had a dark past. Opened in 1585 by two Spanish brothers, Francesco and Juan Porero, trouble began when they both fell in love with the same woman. They dueled, Juan was killed, and Francesco buried him on the pub’s grounds. People claim to see Juan’s ghost wandering the area. Staff members have also reported being touched by unseen hands.
9. The Grenadier: London’s Haunted Hotspot
The Grenadier in Wilton Mews is one of the most haunted pubs in London and the UK. Paranormal activity peaks in September, supposedly because a soldier was beaten to death there after cheating at cards. He was thrown down the stairs and died in the pub.
Staff and customers have heard footsteps and seen furniture moving on its own. Disturbing cries are often heard from the cellar, even when empty. Rooms suddenly become icy cold. Some have reported seeing smoke appear and vanish without explanation.
8. The Volunteer: Built on Tragedy
The Volunteer on Baker Street in London is built on the site of the Neville family home, which burned down in 1654, killing the family. After the pub was built, people reported seeing a “well-dressed man” in the cellar, believed to be Rupert Neville, a wealthy businessman.
Other strange events at The Volunteer include flickering lights and unsettling sounds. The pub also served as a recruiting post during both World Wars, adding to its atmosphere of sadness and fear.
7. The Drovers Inn: Echoes of the Past
The Drovers Inn in Loch Lomond, Scotland, has a history filled with horrific events, contributing to its ghostly reputation. One ghost is that of a young girl who drowned in a nearby river. Her body was brought to the pub and laid in a room until her family arrived. People staying in the room have reported seeing the girl and feeling a sudden drop in temperature.
Another ghost is said to be Angus, a cattle drover hanged by rivals near the pub. His spirit is often seen roaming the grounds and inside the pub.
6. The Ostrich Inn: Murders and Mayhem
The Ostrich Inn in Berkshire, England, is one of the oldest pubs in the UK, dating back to 1106. It has a history of murders, including those committed by a former landlord in the 17th century, Mr. Jarman, who killed wealthy guests with his wife to steal their money.
Dick Turpin also supposedly frequented this pub. Legend says he shot the landlord after an argument before escaping through a window.
Many people report feeling a strange presence and being pushed by unseen hands in the building.
5. The Golden Fleece: A Host of Spirits
The Golden Fleece in York, dating back to 1503, is considered the most haunted pub in the city, with over a dozen spirits. One is Lady Anne Peckett, the wife of a former York mayor, John Peckett. People have heard her walking around the building, especially at night, and some claim to have seen her in the corridors.
There’s also a grumpy old man seen in one bar and a young boy in another. One-Eyed Jack, a spirit carrying an old pistol, is another frequent sighting. Strange figures and chilling noises are common at the Golden Fleece.
4. The Snickleway Inn: A Gathering of Ghosts
The Snickleway Inn in York dates back to the 15th century, and at least five different spirits have been reported there. A sinister old man in the cellar makes people feel uneasy, and some have had tools thrown at them.
A young girl is often seen on the stairs, disappearing quickly. Mrs. Tulliver, a former resident, is another well-known spirit. Customers and staff have felt her cat brush against them out of nowhere.
3. Ye Olde Man and Scythe: Captured on Camera
Ye Olde Man and Scythe in Bolton, dating back to 1251, is one of England’s oldest pubs. Several spirits have been seen, including a young girl and a woman hanged outside the pub. One notable spirit is James Stanley, the seventh Earl of Derby, a Royalist officer held at the pub before his execution in 1651. He was executed for his part in a massacre outside the pub in 1644. The chair he sat in while awaiting execution is still in the pub.
In 2014, security cameras captured a shadowy figure believed to be Stanley. The landlord found broken glasses and checked the footage, revealing a faint figure near the bar at 6:18 am. The video stopped inexplicably and was widely shared online.
2. The Ancient Ram Inn: Pagan Ground of Spirits
The Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire, built on an ancient Pagan burial ground in 1145, is said to have over 20 different spirits. One is a young girl named Rosie, who was supposedly murdered at the pub. People have seen her moving furniture and felt her cold hand. Some claim to hear her screams.
Another entity is said to be a demonic being. Many have felt watched and some have been pushed by this entity.
1. The Flask: Ghosts Revealed by Renovations
The Flask in London is home to several spirits. Dating back to 1663, renovations, especially in modern times, have stirred up ghostly activity. When the old cellar was turned into a seating area, customers began seeing a strange woman in old clothing walking through the area before disappearing. Some felt cold breath on their necks.
The spirit is said to be a young Spanish barmaid who hanged herself in the cellar after the landlord ended their relationship.
A soldier in Cavalier uniform is also seen briefly in the main room before disappearing behind a pillar.
Have you ever visited a haunted pub? Share your spooky experiences in the comments below!
