With Halloween around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore some of the most haunted places in East Sussex.
From a ruined castle haunted by the ghost of a little boy to hotels where spirits are said to watch over sleeping guests, here are five of the spookiest spots in the area.
1. The Shelleys Hotel, Lewes
The Shelleys Hotel is a historic building dating back to the 16th century that carries a long and mysterious past.
It was used as a military hospital during the first world war and has since become known for its ghostly legends.
Locals and guests have reported seeing the spirits of soldiers wandering the halls, and one visitor even claimed to have encountered the ghost of a cavalier from the English civil war on the staircase.
In 1978, reports of poltergeist activity added to the hotel’s reputation, beginning when a lawyer swore that his bed rose three inches off the floor during the night.
Since then, unexplained events such as moving objects and flickering lights have continued to fuel rumours that the Shelleys Hotel is haunted.
You can find the Shelleys Hotel at 135-136 High Street, Lewes.
2. Preston Manor, Brighton
Preston Manor was originally built in the 13th century and is now a Grade II listed building shrouded in mystery and legends.
Sightings of a ghostly figure dressed in white date back centuries. One guest claimed to have spoken with the White Lady, as she is known, who revealed that she had once been a nun during the manor’s time as a monastery in the 1500s.
Not long after this account, builders unearthed the skeleton of a middle-aged woman on the property, with the remains dated to the 16th century…
You can find Preston Manor at Preston Drove, Brighton.
3. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge
Built in 1385 to defend southeast England from French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War, Bodiam Castle is one of the country’s most picturesque medieval fortresses. Though it never saw battle, the castle is said to be haunted by several restless spirits.
Travelers passing the castle at night have reported eerie sounds echoing through the halls, such as ghostly music, strange mutterings, and songs in an unrecognisable language.
Some visitors have seen a mysterious Red Lady staring from a tower window. Others have witnessed a young Dickensian-era boy.
In 1994, one visitor reportedly saw the boy running toward the gate before vanishing halfway across the bridge, which led some to believe he drowned in the moat centuries ago.
You can find Bodiam Castle at Bodiam, Robertsbridge.
4. Pevensey Castle, Pevensey
Pevensey Castle dates to the Roman occupation of Britain and was built around 290 AD. After the fall of the Romans, it fell into disrepair until the Normans renovated it in 1066. It was then abandoned again in the 16th century and lay in ruins for centuries before coming under the care of the local authority in the 1920s.
Over its history, Pevensey Castle has been home to numerous ghostly tales. The most famous involves the apparition of a woman who reportedly appeared to a group of campers near the castle.
They described her as drifting silently toward the ancient walls, looking sad and lost. When a few of the campers followed, they quickly realised she was not walking but gliding just above the ground.
Several witnesses have also claimed to hear a phantom army marching toward the fortress, echoing through the night as though the castle’s defenders still stand ready for battle.
You can find Pevensey Castle on Castle Road, Pevensey.
5. The Mermaid Inn, Rye
The Mermaid Inn is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 15th century and is one of England’s most famously haunted hotels. With tales of spirits occupying nearly every room, guests are warned that they might not spend the night entirely alone.
One room is said to be haunted by the spirit of a lady who sits silently by the fireplace, keeping watch as guests sleep. In that same room, many visitors have reported waking to find their clothes and belongings soaked through.
Another room was the site of a duel fought within the inn’s walls, which only ended when one of the fighters was killed and his body thrown into the dungeon below. His ghost is said to linger there still and spooks anyone brave enough to enter. One unfortunate employee even resigned after encountering the spirit while tending the basement fireplace.
These are just a few of the many phantoms said to roam The Mermaid Inn. If you’re eager to experience its supernatural side firsthand, the inn is open for bookings.
You can find the Mermaid Inn on Mermaid Street, Rye.
Get in touch
Our team of independent financial advisers in Lewes is here to support you in building a financial plan that ensures your fears are kept at bay.
To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at financial@barwells-wealth.co.uk or by phone on 01273 086 311.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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