Don’t you just love it when you sit down to research haunted pubs whilst watching a haunted programme? I’m watching The Haunting of Bly Manor, in case you were wondering.
I always pride myself on being British. We like to moan about the weather, and I don’t know about you, but especially in October, rainy weather contributes to spooky vibes. The UK has a lot of history… you get where I’m going with this? No, me neither!
There are a ton of haunted pubs in the UK. The majority are still on my bucket list, but here are some for yours!
1. The Black Bull, Haworth
I had to put this on here first. It was my favourite pub to go to before lockdown turned me into a hermit. There are many haunted pubs in Haworth; the village of the Bronte Sisters. Aside from The Black Bull you’re likely to find activity in neighbouring pubs. In fact, if you do a ‘pub crawl’ on Main Street, lets just say after a few beers the atmosphere might become a little but more busier than normal. You can read about the other pubs over on Spooky Isles.
At the Black Bull, you might be greeted by the spirit of the Bronte Brother, Branwell. He frequented this pub prior to his passing, and even had his own chair here, which you can find today. The pub is in a short walking distance to the family home at The Parsonage. Personally, I’ve never met Branwell, but I’ve had a few nights where I’ve been solo in the toilets talking to him (after a few gins, of course).
2. Ye Olde Salutation Inn, Nottingham
Once upon a time there was a little girl called Rosie. Rosie enjoyed selling flowers up until the age of 5 when she was hit by a carriage at the front of ‘Ye Olde Salutation Inn’. In an attempt to save her life, the landlord took little Rosie to the caves beneath the inn whilst the pair awaited the arrival of a doctor. Sadly, the doctor took too long and Rosie passed away.
A few years following her death, punters would complain of scratches that would often appear on their bodies. The landlord at the time knew about Rosie so he took her the present of a doll. The scratches stopped appearing immediately. Rosie is said to haunt the premises along with 3 landlords, a pirate, and a highwayman.
3. The Hatchet Inn, Bristol
This one is really interesting if you’re fascinated by Serial Killers, like me. According to Bristol Live, this pub, built in 1606, is haunted by a fair few spirits; some being pirates like Blackbeard. The news listing also claims that if you were to dismantle the front door, you shouldn’t be surprised if you come across human skin. Freaky, right? I love it! (don’t judge me).
4. The Black Horse, Whitby
I’m so pleased to say that I’ve found a haunted pub in Whitby! I recently discussed my desires to visit Whitby in a recent blog post, and you all know I’m a sucker for all things haunted.
Rumour has it that there’s only actually one ghost said to haunt The Black Horse, and she appears at the top of the stairwell. I find that hard to believe considering the place used to be a funeral directors. It also used to be a brothel, but unless that lead to deadly accidents, I can’t see it being much of a contribution.
5. The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook
It’s time to get your detective goggles out because this is where it gets interesting! Sorry, case is already solved but hey ho.
When I was researching haunted pubs I wasn’t expecting to literally come across a serial killer’s pub! The Ostrich Inn was built in 1106; back in the 17th century it was owned by a man called ‘Jarman’ who together with his wife would go on to murder a total of around SIXTY people. They did this via a special trap door bed contraption, where they would take pins out of the guests beds whilst they slept and drop their bodies in a boiling liquid. They would then dispose of their bodies in the River Colne.
There hasn’t been any documented hauntings online. But, I mean, there were 60 people murdered here, so there’s bound to be something, right?
6. The Folly, Napton-on-the-Hill
Okay, I might be cheating a bit with this one but I had to put it in here. When I was 17 I visited the pub on a canal boat trip with my family, it’s been bugging me what this place was called and I’ve finally found it on Google Maps! I can’t find much on the history of the place, or that it is haunted.
However, I did find that there is a church within the village called St Lawrence’s; there have known to be some sightings of two ‘Grey Ladies’ who present themselves at the front of the church, dressed in Elizabethan-style clothing.
Going back to The Folly, which is formerly known as The Bull and Butcher. The pub was once a village farmhouse and it dates back, as far as I can find, to 1819. There are records of a “Winkless” licensing the property in 1851. There was another landlord who licensed the pub in the 1880’s under the name of “Neal“. The pub was closed for a long period following the World War II in the 1940’s but reopened in the early nineties and has proven a very popular regular for canal goers. Personally, I got really sea sick on the boat trip, but I hope to return by other means one day.
7. Regency Tavern, Brighton
Upon first researching this pub, I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed by the decor. It appears that the owners have put their full effort in to retain the appearance of high class 1920’s decor; at least that’s my opinion anyway – I certainly wouldn’t turn up in jeans and a t-shirt… but then again, I’ve never been.
Legend has it that once upon a time there was a shoemakers located next door to the tavern. It is here where the shoemakers disabled daughter was locked in her bedroom one day and she took the decision to jump from the window, ultimately resulting in death. In the 1930’s the pub was extended to contain the shoemakers. Punters now believe to see the girl around the area where the old shop would’ve been. It is also said that the cellar is haunted; one worker experienced an apparition move through him on a shift.
8. The Golden Fleece, York
I wanted to spread out all the pubs in the UK and not stick to just Yorkshire (where I’m based) but I tried my best! However, with the known history in York, I just had to include the most haunted pub here.
The Fleece, that dates back to 1503, is said to be haunted by 15 spirits, the most notable of the group is of Lady Alice Peckett. So far, I can’t find any record as to when or how Alice died, but her spirit seems to be attached to The Fleece because she loved it so much. Back in the early 1700’s, Alice’s husband, John Peckett owned the pub and inn, as well as being the mayor of York. Alice is seen walking the corridors and is said to be a very friendly ghost who has a room and the backyard named after her.
Over on their Tripadvisor page, a customer who claimed to stay at the inn recalls their paranormal experience. As a sceptic, they decided to challenge the spirit. Through the night they towered up a 10-12 coins on a table in the room. Through the night they claim to have been woken up to the sound of coins hitting the wall. They claim in the morning when they awoke, there was just 2 coins on the table!
9. The Banshee Labrinth, Edinburgh
Ok, I’m going to Edinburgh! I didn’t see this place listed anywhere so I decided to search up Edinburgh specifically. This place looks awesome though; it even has a bloody cinema!
According to the website, parts of the pub were once used as a prison, holding many dangerous criminals who ultimately met their demise in the basement. It is also said that a Lord Nichol Edwards resided next door. Edwards was known to beat his wife; and on top of that, had a collection of suspected witches held at ransom in his personal torture chamber.
10. Ten Bells, London
I had to include one from London – don’t ask me why, I just did. Also, me and Ryan have been doing a lot of research on Jack the Ripper lately for an up and coming project. So, I thought I’d combine the two and find a pub in London that is haunted by one of the Ripper’s victims, Annie Chapman. Rumour has it that this is the last place Annie drank at before her life was taken from her on that fateful night.
Have I missed your favourite Haunted Pub?
So, there we have it! Here are my top 10 haunted pubs in the UK. I’m going to try and visit them possibly in 2021 if we’re all allowed outside again. If I do end up doing so, make sure to check them out on my channel.
Don’t forget to leave your suggestions in the comments, and until next time…
Stay Spooky x
Featured Image Source: Photo by Chris F from Pexels
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