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Image by Marcus Loke

HAUNTED LOCATIONS

Bournemouth

Bournemouth, a seaside town on the south coast of England, is known for its beautiful beaches, gardens, and Victorian architecture. However, beneath its charming exterior, some locations are steeped in darker, more mysterious tales.

Top Haunted Locations

Bournemouth Town Hall

Built in the early 20th century, Bournemouth Town Hall is an architectural gem in the heart of the town. Completed in 1908, it was designed as a symbol of Bournemouth’s growing importance and its move from a small village to a bustling resort town.

The building is grand, with its stunning facade, tall clock tower, and impressive council chambers. It quickly became the center for municipal activities, hosting meetings and civic functions.

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However, beneath the town hall’s stately exterior lies a history of tragedy and mystery. One of the most chilling aspects of the building’s past involves the tragic death of a young woman in the early 1900s. Rumor has it that she took her life within the walls of the town hall after a romantic betrayal. Since then, paranormal reports have surfaced from those who have spent time in the building.

Staff and visitors alike have reported sightings of a shadowy figure, often described as a woman in a Victorian dress, lingering in the hallways. Others have felt cold spots, heard inexplicable footsteps echoing in empty rooms, or experienced strange feelings of being watched.

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The town hall’s upper floors are particularly notorious for unexplained occurrences, with reports of doors creaking open on their own and eerie whispers drifting through the empty corridors. These paranormal events continue to fuel the town hall’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Bournemouth.

Pavilion Theatre

The Pavilion Theatre, located on the seafront in Bournemouth, is one of the town's most iconic landmarks. It opened in 1929 as a grand venue for musical performances, films, and live entertainment. With its beautiful art deco design and ornate features, the Pavilion Theatre has played host to countless performances over the years. Yet, with all the glamour of its past, it also carries the ghostly presence of a former star.

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The most famous haunting associated with the Pavilion Theatre is that of a performer who died tragically on stage during a production in the 1930s. It is believed that her spirit has never left the theatre, and reports of her ghostly presence have been a part of the venue’s history ever since.

Witnesses have described seeing a woman in vintage stage clothing, her apparition appearing backstage or in the wings of the stage during quiet moments. Some claim to have seen her in the auditorium as well, where she seems to watch performances from the shadows.

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Other paranormal activity includes unexplained noises, such as the sound of a piano playing on its own or the faint echo of footsteps when no one is around. Several staff members have reported feeling a cold breeze brushing past them when working in the dark, empty theater late at night. Whether these occurrences are linked to the theatre’s former star or are simply the lingering echoes of decades of entertainment, the Pavilion Theatre remains one of Bournemouth's most haunted locations.

Langtry Manor Hotel

Langtry Manor, a beautiful Victorian mansion nestled in the heart of Bournemouth, is known not only for its stunning architecture but also for its royal connection. The house was originally built in 1877 for the famous actress Lillie Langtry, who was the mistress of the future King Edward VII. Langtry, who was renowned for her beauty and her association with the royal family, spent several years at the estate, which she made her residence.

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The manor has since been transformed into a hotel, but it is still said to be haunted by the spirit of Lillie Langtry herself. Guests and staff alike have reported seeing her apparition, often described as a beautiful woman in a long gown, wandering through the manor’s halls. Some say she is looking for something—perhaps a reminder of her past or a lost love. There are also reports of strange, unexplained events, such as objects moving on their own, lights flickering, and the unmistakable scent of flowers filling the air at unexpected moments.

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One of the most eerie encounters was reported by a guest who woke in the middle of the night to see the ghostly figure of Lillie Langtry standing at the foot of their bed, staring out of the window. When the guest blinked, the figure vanished, leaving only the sensation of a cold, oppressive presence in the room. Whether the spirit of Lillie Langtry haunts Langtry Manor because of her connection to the royal family or because she simply loved the house, the manor remains a mysterious and haunted place.

Gulliver’s Tavern, Kinson

Tucked away in the quieter area of Kinson, just outside the heart of Bournemouth, is Gulliver’s Tavern, a traditional English pub with a history that dates back over 200 years. While the pub is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it also has a darker side—one filled with ghost stories and paranormal activity.

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Gulliver’s Tavern has long been a place of both local gathering and local lore. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of strange phenomena. The most famous haunting involves the spirit of a former landlord who tragically died in the pub under mysterious circumstances. His apparition is often seen near the bar, where he was said to have spent much of his time in life. Patrons have reported seeing his figure, often dressed in old-fashioned clothing, watching them from the shadows.

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Other paranormal experiences include glasses being moved or thrown off shelves by unseen hands, the sounds of footsteps in empty rooms, and cold drafts that seem to appear out of nowhere. Some visitors claim to feel an unnerving sensation of being watched, even when they are alone in the pub. The eerie atmosphere has made Gulliver’s Tavern a popular stop for those interested in Bournemouth’s ghostly history, and it’s said that the ghost of the old landlord still lingers, keeping a watchful eye over his establishment.

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