Haunted Pubs in the UK Where Spirits Come with Your Drink
Booze and Boos: A Very British Combo
If there’s one thing the UK does well, it’s pubs — and where there’s old timber, creaky floorboards, and centuries of patrons? There’s bound to be a few ghosts hanging about.
From London to Yorkshire, we’re exploring some of the most haunted pubs in the UK, each one with a pint in one hand and a poltergeist in the other.
Fancy a drink with the dead? Let’s go…
The Ten Bells – London
84 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LY
Visit Website
Step inside The Ten Bells, and you’re walking into a chilling chapter of London’s most infamous unsolved mystery: the Jack the Ripper murders.
Situated in the heart of Spitalfields, this historic pub dates back to at least the mid-18th century, though some records suggest a drinking establishment has stood here since 1752. But it wasn’t until the late 19th century that it became linked to one of the darkest legends in the city’s history.
The Ripper Connection
The Ten Bells is forever associated with Jack the Ripper, the elusive serial killer who terrorised London’s East End in 1888. Two of his known victims had strong connections to the pub:
- Annie Chapman, the Ripper’s second canonical victim, was reportedly seen drinking here shortly before her murder on 8 September 1888.
- Mary Jane Kelly, considered the Ripper’s final and most brutally mutilated victim, is believed to have solicited clients in and around the Ten Bells. She was murdered on 9 November 1888 in nearby Miller’s Court, just a short walk from the pub.
For a time, the pub even changed its name to “The Jack the Ripper” in the 1970s to capitalise on its grim association. Public backlash from local residents and women’s rights groups eventually led to it being restored to The Ten Bells in the 1980s.
Paranormal Activity
Beyond the true crime lore, The Ten Bells has a reputation for ghostly goings-on. Staff and patrons have reported a number of eerie experiences over the years, including:
- A mysterious old man in Victorian attire seen in the upper floors, only to vanish moments later.
- Cold spots, flickering lights, and a heavy atmosphere, particularly around the staircase and upper rooms — where some claim Annie Chapman’s spirit lingers.
- Furniture moving on its own, unexplained footsteps, and whispers after hours.
Some paranormal investigators believe the trauma of the Ripper murders has left a psychic imprint on the building, forever echoing the fear and sorrow of 1888.
Victorian Vibes & Vintage Décor
Even without the ghost stories, The Ten Bells oozes vintage charm. From its original Victorian tiling to faded murals and creaky floorboards, the pub feels like a portal to the past in the best (and creepiest) way.
If you’re planning a visit, we suggest heading upstairs to the historic dining room, where you can enjoy a pint beneath chandeliers and shadowy tales.
Want to Explore More Ripper Lore?
If you’re fascinated by Jack the Ripper and the haunted East End, check out these Amazon finds:
The Complete Jack the Ripper by Donald Rumbelow – Amazon UK
EMF Meter for Ghost Hunting – Amazon UK
Paranormal Investigation Logbook – Amazon UK
The Skirrid Mountain Inn – Wales
Llanvihangel Crucorney, Abergavenny NP7 8DH Visit Website
Tucked at the foot of the Skirrid Mountain in the charming village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, the Skirrid Mountain Inn is more than just your average countryside pub. This place claims to be the oldest pub in Wales, with a blood-curdling reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in the UK.
With a history dating back over 900 years, this historic coaching inn has been a sanctuary for travellers, a military rallying point, and, most chillingly, a place of execution. If its ancient stone walls could talk… they’d probably scream.
A History Etched in Blood (and Ale)
The Skirrid Mountain Inn is believed to have been established in the 12th century, around the time of the Norman Conquest. Its name comes from the nearby Skirrid Fawr mountain, whose dramatic split peak is steeped in myth — said to have broken at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion.
But the inn’s history is more gruesome than biblical.
During the 17th century, the upper floor of the inn was used as a makeshift courtroom during the turbulent era of the Welsh Revolts and later the Monmouth Rebellion. It’s said that over 180 people were tried, sentenced, and hanged right here.
In fact, a sturdy oak beam still hangs above the stairwell, bearing the visible notch marks from the rope used to execute the condemned. Some say you can still feel the chill of death if you stand beneath it too long…
Ghosts of Justice Past
Wherever there’s a gallows, ghosts are never far behind — and the Skirrid Inn is a paranormal hotspot.
The Hanging Judge
The spirit of the notorious Judge Jeffreys, known as the “Hanging Judge” for his brutal rulings during the Bloody Assizes in the late 1600s, is said to haunt the upper floor. Though historians debate whether he ever presided here, locals swear they’ve heard the sound of his disembodied voice reading verdicts and footsteps pacing the floorboards.
The Condemned Souls
Visitors often report a heavy presence on the stairs, sudden cold spots, and even feeling an invisible noose tightening around their necks. One particularly chilling incident involved a guest who woke up with red rope burns around their throat after spending the night in one of the upper rooms.
The Lady in White
A sorrowful figure often spotted near the fireplace is believed to be a woman mourning her son, who was hanged at the inn. She’s been seen drifting through walls and vanishing into thin air — and she doesn’t seem too fond of guests.
Paranormal Investigations
The inn has been featured on several ghost-hunting TV shows, including:
- “Most Haunted” (UK)
- “Ghost Hunters International”
- And countless YouTube paranormal investigations
EMF readings, EVP sessions, and spirit box recordings have all reported anomalies, including eerie voices, whispers, and unexplained knocking.
Staying (and Sleeping?) at the Skirrid
The inn is still fully operational, offering hearty pub meals, local ales, and even overnight stays — if you dare. Each of the rooms maintains their antique charm, complete with creaky floorboards and candlelit ambiance.
Want to book a haunted stay? Check out their official site — or call them, if the spirits haven’t taken the line.
Gear Up for Ghost Hunting
Want to try capturing some activity for yourself? Here’s some beginner ghost-hunting gear to pack — all from Amazon UK:
KII EMF Meter – Amazon UK
EVP Recorder with Noise Reduction – Amazon UK Ghost Hunting Journal & Logbook – Amazon UK
The Ancient Ram Inn – Gloucestershire
Potters Pond, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7HF Official Facebook Page
Okay, so The Ancient Ram Inn isn’t technically serving pints anymore — but it once was an inn, and it’s so haunted that leaving it off this list would be paranormal blasphemy.
Built in 1145, this sinister-looking timber-framed house in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, is considered by many to be the most haunted building in Britain. And we’re not talking about a ghost or two floating around. We’re talking poltergeists, demonic forces, witchcraft, and even alleged portals to hell.
Yep. Welcome to the Ancient Ram Inn — the place that ghost hunters love to fear.
A History Steeped in Darkness
The Ancient Ram Inn was originally constructed to house the masons and workers building the nearby St. Mary’s Church. Later, it became a vicarage, an inn, and eventually a private home. But from the very beginning, the land it sits on was believed to be cursed.
Why?
- It’s said to be built on an ancient pagan burial ground.
- Ley lines — those mysterious alignments of ancient sites — are believed to intersect right under the building.
- Some even claim a Saxon church once stood here, possibly giving way to ritualistic activity long before the inn was even built.
In short: it’s old. It’s weird. And it’s probably got more ghosts than living visitors.
Who (or what) Haunts the Ancient Ram?
Owner John Humphries, who lived in the building from 1968 until his death in 2017, claimed he encountered violent supernatural forces the very first night he stayed there. He slept in a chair that night, as something unseen dragged him from his bed.
The Witch’s Room
One of the most infamous rooms is said to be haunted by a woman accused of witchcraft during the 16th-century witch trials. She allegedly hid here before being caught and burned at the stake. Her spirit is known as the Witch, and she’s said to cause cold spots, nausea, and a feeling of being watched.
The Bishop’s Room
Even more terrifying is the Bishop’s Room, where guests (brave enough to stay the night) have reported:
- Disembodied voices
- Shadows darting across the room
- A mounted figure on horseback appearing through the wall
This room has been so active, some visitors have refused to stay even ten minutes inside.
Demonic Entities
Yes — demonic. Visitors and ghost hunting teams (including Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures) have reported being scratched, pushed, and even momentarily possessed. Some believe the inn is home to a succubus — a demonic female spirit that attacks male visitors in their sleep.
Paranormal Investigations
The Ancient Ram Inn has been featured on:
- Most Haunted
- Ghost Adventures
- Ghost Hunters International
- Countless YouTube explorations and documentaries
EVP recordings have caught chilling voices such as “Get out!” and “You’re not welcome here.” EMF meters go off wildly. And brave visitors frequently report an intense sense of dread.
Can You Stay Overnight?
Yes — if you dare.
Though not a hotel or pub anymore, the building is open for private bookings and ghost hunts, run by John Humphries’ daughter, Caroline. You can explore the rooms, set up paranormal equipment, or just try to survive the night. No bar. No breakfast. Just fear.
Book directly through their Facebook page or search for ghost hunt events hosted by UK paranormal groups.
Paranormal Gear to Bring
If you’re going ghost hunting at the Ram, don’t go unprepared. Here’s your essential gear list:
Infrared Night Vision Camcorder – Amazon UK
Spirit Box SB7 – Amazon UK Ghost Hunter’s Field Notes Journal – Amazon UK
Final Frights
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the menacing energy that hangs over the Ancient Ram Inn. Some say it’s the most haunted building in England. Others say it’s cursed. Either way — it’s not for the faint of heart.
So… would you spend the night?
The Mermaid Inn – Rye, East Sussex
Mermaid St, Rye TN31 7EY, UK Official Website
You know a place is seriously haunted when even the staff refuse to enter certain rooms alone — and that’s exactly the case at The Mermaid Inn, a picturesque 12th-century coaching inn located in the storybook town of Rye, East Sussex.
Behind its charming Tudor façade lies a dark and dramatic history filled with smugglers, sword fights, and supernatural sightings. And if that doesn’t sell you on a visit, just wait until you hear about the phantom footsteps, ghostly duels, and chairs that rock on their own…
A History as Twisted as Its Staircases
Originally built in 1156, The Mermaid Inn has been welcoming guests for nearly 900 years, though the current building dates from 1420 after the original structure was rebuilt following a fire. Its cellars, however, are original Norman stonework and still very much in use (and haunted).
But what really brought this place its spooky fame? One word: smugglers.
In the 18th century, the inn served as a headquarters for the notorious Hawkhurst Gang, a band of ruthless smugglers who operated along the south coast. These weren’t your charming pirates — they were known for murder, torture, and intimidation. Secret passageways, priest holes, and escape tunnels still crisscross the building to this day.
Haunted Happenings at The Mermaid Inn
Today, the inn is famed not just for its fine dining and ancient architecture, but for its frequent paranormal activity. Many rooms are said to be haunted, but a few are especially notorious…
Room 1: The Nutcracker Suite
Guests who stay here report the rocking chair moving on its own, even when there’s no breeze. Some have even said it creaked rhythmically as though someone invisible were sitting in it.
Room 10: The Haunted Duel
A guest once saw two ghostly figures in 18th-century dress sword fighting, one of whom was run through and then vanished into the wall. That particular wall is known to conceal a hidden passageway — because, of course it does.
Room 17: Lady in White
Arguably the inn’s most famous ghost, a lady in white has been seen gliding through walls in this room. She’s believed to be a former innkeeper’s wife — or possibly a smuggler’s lover — who met a violent end and now lingers in sorrow.
Staff claim that if you leave clothes on a certain chair overnight, they’ll be soaked through by morning, as if doused in phantom water.
Paranormal Activity Caught on Camera
The Mermaid Inn has been featured on:
Most Haunted- Great British Ghosts
- Paranormal: Caught on Camera
Visitors regularly post eerie photos and EVPs online, and ghost hunters report EMF spikes, temperature drops, and an overwhelming sense of being watched — especially near the fireplace in the bar.
Food, Fireplaces, and Frights
Despite its terrifying reputation, The Mermaid Inn is a fully functioning luxury hotel and restaurant, blending high-end service with medieval ambience. Expect:
- Creaky floorboards
- Oak-beamed rooms
- Secret staircases
- And a 16th-century Giant’s Fireplace that looks like it came straight from a Dracula film set
You can even dine where smugglers once plotted their next crime — and raise a glass to the ghosts that never left.
Check availability & book a stay
Ghost-Hunting Gear for Your Stay
Planning a paranormal sleepover? Here’s some handy kit you can pack from Amazon UK:
EVP Digital Voice Recorder – Amazon UK
Full Spectrum Ghost Hunting Camera – Amazon UK
Haunted Journal for Investigators – Amazon UK
Visit (And Maybe Never Leave…)
The Mermaid Inn
Mermaid Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7EY
View on Google Maps Official Website
Final Sips from the Spirit World
The Mermaid Inn is the perfect blend of historical charm and unholy terror. Whether you’re in it for the five-star stay, the frightening folklore, or just to say you survived a night with smugglers’ ghosts, it belongs on every haunted travel bucket list.
So, would you book a night? Just don’t blame us if you find someone else sleeping in your bed… who died 300 years ago.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – Nottingham
1 Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham NG1 6AD Official Website
Tucked into the sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem proudly claims to be England’s oldest inn, dating back to 1189 AD — the same year Richard the Lionheart began his journey on the Third Crusade. And while it may be a haven for history buffs and ale lovers, it’s also crawling with ghosts.
Visitors and staff alike report phantom figures, cursed objects, and a general air of the uncanny. This isn’t just a pub — it’s an ancient time capsule of dark legends and things that go bump in the cellar.
A Brief Boozy History
The pub’s name, “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem,” uses the archaic meaning of “trip” as a stopover — and indeed, legend has it that crusaders heading to the Holy Land would drink here before departing (possibly for the last time).
Built into the sandstone rock beneath Nottingham Castle, the pub’s network of caves and tunnels has served as:
- A brewery for the castle
- A tavern for weary travellers
- And now, a haunted hotspot filled with centuries of lore
While the exact date of construction is debated, records confirm the pub has been serving pints since at least the 12th century, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in England.
Paranormal Happenings & Cursed Relics
Ye Olde Trip isn’t short on ghost stories. In fact, it’s got some of the creepiest haunted objects of any UK pub — and it’s not shy about showing them off.
The Cursed Galleon
Perhaps the most infamous artifact here is the cursed model ship, displayed behind glass in one of the pub’s rooms. Legend says anyone who touches the ship dies mysteriously soon after.
Seriously.
According to former landlords, three people who handled the ship died shortly after, leading staff to encase it — and it hasn’t been touched since. The ship is said to be a naval relic brought back during the pub’s time as a favourite haunt of soldiers and sailors.
Ghostly Activity in the Cellars
The cellars — once part of Nottingham Castle’s brewing caves — are some of the most paranormally active areas. Staff report:
- Sudden drops in temperature
- Shadowy figures darting past
- Beer casks mysteriously moved
- Disembodied whispers and groans
Some believe the caves were once used as a dungeon during medieval times, and the spirits of imprisoned souls may still linger.
The Haunted Toilets (Yes, Really)
Ladies using the upstairs toilets often report:
- The eerie feeling of being watched
- Doors opening and closing by themselves
- Taps turning on with no one nearby
There are stories of a lady in Victorian dress seen vanishing into the walls, as well as ghostly footsteps following unsuspecting patrons.
Featured On…
Ye Olde Trip has appeared in:
- Most Haunted
- Great British Ghosts
- And various documentaries on historic pubs and paranormal hotspots
Even Travel Channel dubbed it one of the UK’s most haunted pubs — and they weren’t just there for the beer.
Have a Pint with the Paranormal
Despite its creepy rep, this pub is very much alive with charm. Expect:
- Cosy low-beamed ceilings
- A roaring fire
- Ancient stone walls
- And of course, real ale brewed on site
Be sure to ask the staff for a tour of the caves and cursed objects — they’ve got more ghost stories than pints on tap.
Ghost-Hunting Essentials for Brave Visitors
If you plan to explore the haunted depths, don’t forget to pack your paranormal gear:
K-II EMF Meter – Amazon UK EVP Recorder with Noise Reduction – Amazon UK Ghost-Hunting Journal – Amazon UK
Final Toast from the Other Side
Whether you’re drawn by the centuries-old beer tradition, the stone-carved tunnels, or the very real chance of encountering a ghost in the loo, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a must-visit for any paranormal enthusiast.
Just don’t touch the ship. Seriously.
The Grenadier – London
18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR Official Website
Tucked down a quiet cobbled mews in Belgravia, The Grenadier looks like something straight out of a Dickens novel — all red brick, black iron lanterns, and timeless British charm. But behind its polished facade lies a dark military history and some very persistent paranormal guests…
Built in 1720, The Grenadier was originally the officers’ mess for the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards — now known as the Grenadier Guards. It officially became a pub in 1818, but its ghost stories started long before then…
A Pub with a Military Past
The building was first part of a grand estate called The Duke of Westminster’s barracks, and served as a drinking den for soldiers of Wellington’s army. After the Napoleonic Wars, the mess was converted into a public house and soon became known as The Grenadier in honour of the regiment’s bravery at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
You’ll still find the pub filled with military memorabilia, including muskets, bearskins, and historic photos lining the low ceilings and narrow halls.
But it’s not just the décor that echoes with the past — it’s the resident ghost too…
The Ghost of the Cheating Grenadier
Legend has it that a young soldier, known only as Cedric, met a violent end in the pub after he was caught cheating at cards. His fellow officers — enraged by the dishonour — beat him to death in the basement. That very cellar is still used today… and it’s said Cedric never left.
Visitors and staff have reported:
- Mysterious footsteps pacing in empty rooms
- Moaning sounds coming from the cellar
- Chairs moving on their own
- Unexplained cold spots
- Shadowy figures near the fireplace
The pub leans into its haunted history — and even encourages patrons to leave money pinned to the ceiling as a way of repaying Cedric’s debt. Look up when you visit — you’ll see dozens of notes fluttering above the bar.
A Star on Screen
The Grenadier has featured on several paranormal TV specials, including:
- “Most Haunted”
- “Haunted History of Britain”
- And ghost tours throughout London
It’s also reportedly a favourite haunt (pun intended) of Prince William, Madonna, and David Beckham, all of whom have visited for a pint — ghosts or not!
A Cosy Spot with a Creepy Twist
Despite the ghostly goings-on, The Grenadier remains one of the most charming pubs in London, especially in autumn when its ivy-clad walls turn fiery red. Inside, it’s all wooden beams, flickering candles, and barely enough room for 30 people — which only makes the ghostly atmosphere feel closer.
Try one of their classic ales or British fare like steak and ale pie — and maybe bring some spare change for Cedric, just in case.
See their menu and booking info here
Ghost-Hunting Essentials (Affiliate Picks)
Feeling brave enough to do some ghost-spotting of your own? Here’s what you might want to bring along:
K2 EMF Detector – Amazon UK Digital Voice Recorder for EVPs – Amazon UK
Paranormal Investigation Logbook – Amazon UK
Just don’t bring a deck of cards… or at least don’t cheat.
Plan Your Visit
The Grenadier
18 Wilton Row, Belgravia, London SW1X 7NR View on Google Maps Official Website
Open year-round, but it’s especially eerie around Halloween. Try to visit in the early evening for the full atmosphere — and maybe some ghostly footsteps on the cobblestones outside.
Final Toast from the Other Side
The Grenadier isn’t just a pub — it’s a living piece of London’s haunted history. Whether you’re here for the military stories, the dark legend of Cedric, or just a really good pint in a snug corner, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
So raise a glass to the guards of the past… and watch your back on the way to the loo. 
Want to Visit These Haunted Pubs?
If you’re brave enough for a paranormal pub crawl, here are a few tips:
- Go at off-peak times for a quieter (and creepier) experience
- Ask the staff — they usually have the best ghost stories
- Take a small ghost hunting kit or just use your phone’s audio recorder
And of course, be respectful. These spirits were here long before you — and they’ll be here long after.
Final Pour
The UK’s haunted pubs are more than just great places for a pint — they’re living pieces of history, packed with local legend, eerie encounters, and a few regulars who never left. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories or just looking for a unique night out, these pubs are guaranteed to give you spirits with your spirits.
Have you been to any of these haunted haunts? Let us know your experience in the comments below!
