Greene King’s most haunted: UK pubs with ghosts to visit this Halloween
Looking for a pint with a side of the supernatural?
Calling all thrill-seekers, trick or treaters and paranormal investigators! Halloween is just around the corner, and we’ve a bone-chilling tale to tell. Whether you’re a firm believer in all things ghastly and ghoulish, or you wear your “sceptic” badge with pride, we think there’s no better combination than a perfectly poured pint and a great story.
So, in the “spirit” of all things supernatural, we’ve rounded up our favourite UK pubs where ghostly goings-on are all par for the course.... that’s right: we’re talking haunted Greene King pubs.
Why we love haunted pubs
Believer or otherwise, there’s no denying that palpable sense of spookiness when you cross the threshold of a haunted pub. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up, a chill runs down your spine, and you just can’t shake that feeling of being watched… oh, and the pints are scarily good. And if you’re having none of that paranormal “nonsense”? Well, it’s all a bit of fun, isn’t it?
Here at Greene King, we love that so many of our pubs have a rich, colourful history, often peppered with tall tales and unexplained occurrences. From cursed galleons to headless horsemen, there are plenty of mysterious stories to uncover.
Frightfully good pub fare
Come for the atmosphere, stay for a bite to eat. After all, you’ll need to fuel up for all that ghost-hunting! Not only are our haunted pubs great for immersing yourself in history, but the grub is pretty spook-tacular, too. Whether you’re after something comforting and familiar to calm your nerves or craving a taste of the unexpected, there’s a dish for every intrepid ghostbuster.
Ghost hunting at our haunted pubs
Feeling curious? Ready to scope out some spectres? Grab your Proton Packs and drink up, because you’ll need some liquid courage for a good old-fashioned ghost hunt! Oh yes, many of our haunted pubs host regular ghost hunting events, such as the Falstaff Experience Ghost Hunt at the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham.
Perfect for seasoned spiritualists and paranormal naysayers alike, a ghost hunt allows you to step back in time as the ghoulish host regales you with tales of restless souls and pesky poltergeists. And the best part? You can reward yourself with another pint afterwards for being brave.
Ghastly galleons and lingering landlords
Ye Olde Trip to Jersualem, Nottingham
Claiming to be the oldest pub in England, the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has seen a lot of gaffers come and go. Though one in particular hasn’t, in fact, gone! George Henry Ward (‘Yorkey’ to regulars), was the landlord of the pub between 1894 and 1914. The story goes that he loved his job so much that he never really retired, and continues to hang around, haunting the pub and playing tricks on both staff and customers.
But that’s not the only connection this centuries-old inn has to the spiritual realm. If you head up into the Rock Lounge on the second floor, you’ll see a glass case with a galleon inside that looks like it needs a bit of a clean. However, don’t be tempted! Legend has it, whoever touches the cursed ship meets an untimely end.
A flint-fronted pub with resident ghosts
Named after a druid stone circle that existed nearby, this 16th century building is brimming with history. Believed to be one of the most haunted pubs in Sussex, the Druid’s Head is a great Halloween spot for ghost hunters. Staff and customers alike have reported supernatural activity, from bottles, glasses and even picture frames flying around to mirrors suddenly misting over.
One ghostly resident is ‘the Blue Nun’, who can be spotted haunting the pub’s cellar – but has also been seen wandering The Lanes (maybe looking for a vintage shop bargain?). Visitors and landlords have also reported cold spots and sudden drops in temperature. But if you visit on a Sunday, you may enjoy a drink with the Lady in Red – who can sometimes be seen waiting to place an order at the bar.
A place to ‘paws’ for a spooky drink
Ye Olde Starre Inne, Yorkshire
Built in the 1600s, the Ye Olde Starre Inne may be the oldest public house in Yorkshire – but it’s not always been a boozer! In fact, it was used as a hospital (and mortuary) during the English Civil War, so don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of the ghostly shadows of soldiers if you pop in for a drink this Halloween.
Although this Grade II pub boasts its fair share of spectral residents, including the ghost of an older woman said to be seen dressed all in black descending the stairs, some may only be visible to our four-legged friends. If you bring your pup in for a pint, don’t be surprised if they’re a little suspicious of one particular spot of the pub. Patrons have also reported dogs growling, barking and even leaping towards the pillar – so it might be worth bringing a packet of treats if you visit this haunted pub.
From DNA to ESP
When a pub’s been pouring pints since 1667, it’s bound to have more than a few stories within its walls — quite literally! During World War II, RAF and American airmen stationed at nearby bases used the Eagle as their local. They would burn their names and squadron numbers on the ceiling in the RAF bar using lighters, candles, and lipstick. To this day, the historic graffiti remains.
The Eagle’s also got a rather interesting clause on its lease. Legend has it that if a window above the beer garden ever closes, then strange and unusual things start to happen. So, if you’re visiting some haunted pubs this Halloween and feeling a little chilly, you’re probably best off just putting your jumper on.
Not your average London cab
A pub with a very appropriate name – since this Mayfair pub has its own resident driver. During the 1770s, the inn was a place of rest for locals and travellers alike, and a coach and horses was not an unfamiliar sight.
Though one account tells a story of a more unusual coach driver altogether – witnesses reported seeing a headless horseman, driving a black coach driven by four pure white horses. It’s certainly one way to get home after a night out – but you’re probably better off sticking to a black cab, Halloween or not.
Haunted by an infamous highwayman?
The Chequers in Bromley – and its ghost – are so well-known that they’ve made their way into more than a few UK guides to haunted buildings and the paranormal. Several decades ago, a barmaid claimed to have seen the ghost of none other than infamous outlaw, Dick Turpin! According to some, he haunts this 16th-century pub – so keep your wallet close when you go to order.
Elsewhere in the pub, there have been reports of a mischievous poltergeist, a French police officer, and a woman whose footsteps can be heard prowling through the halls. So even if you haven’t brought a friend, you’re never eating or drinking alone at the Chequers.
Grave encounters in the Grassmarket
Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation as the haunted capital of the UK, and it’s easy to see why! Due to its dark and storied history spanning thousands of years, this Scottish city is a hotbed for paranormal activity. As one of Edinburgh’s oldest inns with records dating back to 1516, the White Hart is said to be home to numerous mischievous spirits, with the cellar being a focal point of supernatural phenomena. What do you mean, “the barrel needs changing?” — we’re not going down there!
If that wasn’t spooky enough, the White Hart is said to have once been the drinking hole of notorious 19th-century graverobbers, Burke and Hare, who may have used the pub as a hunting ground for fresh victims. Consider our timbers thoroughly shivered.
Brave the paranormal at a haunted Greene King pub
Ready to turn the lights back on? If this blog has left you hungry for a ghost hunt (and some tasty pub grub), why not choose a haunted pub and conduct your own investigation? We can’t guarantee you’ll spot one of our resident ghosts, but we can guarantee a hauntingly good time.