HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Gloucestershire
Nestled in the heart of England, Gloucestershire is a county steeped in rich history, where ancient structures and picturesque landscapes hide stories of mystery and the supernatural. From medieval castles to centuries-old inns, many of the area’s landmarks are believed to be haunted, with ghostly tales that have been passed down through generations.
The Ancient Ram Inn
The Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge dates back to the early 12th century and is famously known as one of the oldest and most haunted inns in England. Built during the time of the Norman Conquest, the property was initially a home for monks before being transformed into an inn during the 15th century. Its location, situated on an ancient pagan burial ground, is believed to contribute to its ominous atmosphere.
The building’s long history includes serving as a guesthouse for travelers during the coaching days, and its foundations are said to have been built using stones taken from a nearby ancient site. Over the years, it has been the scene of numerous strange events and tragic tales, contributing to its notoriety as a paranormal hotspot.
The Ancient Ram Inn has been the subject of numerous ghost stories and paranormal investigations. The most well-known entity is the ghost of a woman in white, believed to be the spirit of a former resident who died under mysterious circumstances. Paranormal investigators have reported cold spots, moving objects, and poltergeist activity, including objects being thrown across rooms. One of the more disturbing tales involves a priest who was found murdered in the inn, with his ghost still said to haunt the premises.
Visitors also report hearing the sounds of footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and a feeling of being watched by unseen forces.
The inn’s deep connection to pagan rituals and burial grounds is often cited as a source of the heightened supernatural activity.
Woodchester Mansion
Woodchester Mansion, located in the Gloucestershire countryside near Stroud, began construction in 1854 by the Hatherley family, who intended to build a grand Gothic-style mansion. However, due to financial difficulties, the construction was never completed, and the mansion was left abandoned for many years.
The house remains incomplete to this day, with many of its walls and ceilings left exposed, contributing to the eerie and unfinished appearance.
Despite its halted construction, Woodchester Mansion has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a private residence, a sanctuary, and a public attraction. Its history is filled with tales of tragedy and mystery, from the loss of the fortune that would have completed the mansion to the unsettling atmosphere of its abandoned state.
Woodchester Mansion is famed for its paranormal activity, with numerous sightings and reports of ghostly encounters. The building’s incomplete nature seems to amplify the energy, with many visitors reporting shadowy figures, cold spots, and unexplained noises.
One of the most commonly encountered spirits is that of a Victorian woman dressed in white, believed to be connected to the house’s construction. Others have seen shadowy figures lurking in dark corners, and strange sounds such as footsteps and whispers are often heard, even when the house is completely empty.
The mansion’s haunted reputation is also enhanced by its history of unfinished business, with many attributing the restless spirits to the halted construction and the tragic stories of those who worked on the house.
HM Prison Gloucester
HM Prison Gloucester, established in 1791, is one of the oldest prisons in the UK.
The prison was built on the site of a former medieval abbey and has a dark and bloody history. It has housed some of the most notorious criminals of its time, including members of the infamous Kray twins’ criminal syndicate. The prison also saw the execution of several prisoners by hanging, with the last execution taking place in 1904. The site has had a turbulent past, with reports of poor conditions, overcrowding, and various riots. The prison remained operational until its closure in 2013, after which it was opened for tours and heritage events.
HM Prison Gloucester is notorious for its paranormal activity. Many believe the spirits of the former prisoners, particularly those who were executed, still haunt the prison.
The most prominent ghost is said to be that of a man who was hanged for his crimes, often seen in the execution chamber, which is now a museum.
Visitors and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, the sounds of chains dragging on the floor, and heavy doors slamming shut. Some also claim to have witnessed shadowy figures lurking in the dark cells, and others have felt a chilling presence when walking through the corridors.
Many paranormal investigators have been drawn to the site due to its grim history, with several documenting ghostly activity throughout the prison.
St. Briavels Castle, Lydney
St. Briavels Castle in Lydney, Gloucestershire, dates back to the 11th century and was originally constructed by the Normans as a defensive fortress. The castle later became a royal hunting lodge, where kings and nobles would stay during their hunting expeditions in the nearby Forest of Dean. In the 13th century, it was converted into a prison and court, housing numerous prisoners over the centuries.
The castle has had various roles, including that of a garrison, a prison, and a tourist attraction, and it remains a historical landmark today.
St. Briavels Castle is one of the most haunted locations in Gloucestershire, with a wealth of ghost stories and reported paranormal activity. The most famous spirit believed to haunt the castle is that of a woman dressed in a medieval gown, thought to be a prisoner who died in the castle under mysterious circumstances. Other reported phenomena include the sounds of footsteps echoing through the stone corridors, doors opening and closing on their own, and cold spots in certain areas of the castle.
Some visitors have also reported seeing a ghostly figure in the chapel, and others claim to have heard ghostly whispers. The castle’s long and tumultuous history is thought to be the source of its paranormal energy.
Clearwell Caves, Coleford
Clearwell Caves, located in the Forest of Dean, are ancient limestone caves that have been used for mining since Roman times. The caves were primarily known for their iron ore deposits, and mining continued in the area until the early 20th century. After the mines closed, the caves were opened to the public as a tourist attraction. The caves have a rich history, having been used by locals for various purposes, from mining to storing supplies during times of war.
Clearwell Caves are famous for their eerie atmosphere and have been the site of numerous reported ghost sightings. The caves are believed to be haunted by the spirits of miners who perished in accidents during the height of mining activity.
Visitors often hear strange sounds, including the clanging of picks and the sounds of footsteps echoing through the tunnels. Some have reported seeing shadowy figures moving in the darkness, and others have felt an overwhelming sense of dread. The caves’ deep, dark history, filled with the suffering of workers, is thought to be the cause of the restless spirits that haunt the site.
Littledean Jail
Littledean Jail, located in the Forest of Dean, was built in the early 19th century and operated as a prison until 2004. The jail housed a variety of prisoners, including notorious criminals and political detainees. Over the years, the jail gained a grim reputation for its harsh conditions and brutal punishments.
The site also became known for the executions of prisoners, adding to its dark history. Since its closure, the building has been converted into a museum, but it retains much of its original structure.
Littledean Jail is known for its chilling paranormal activity. Numerous visitors and staff have reported hearing the sounds of chains dragging along the floor, echoing footsteps, and the clanging of prison doors. One of the most common ghostly sightings is that of a former warden who is said to haunt the corridors. Others have reported seeing shadowy figures, including former prisoners, moving through the cells.
Cold spots, disembodied voices, and feelings of unease are often felt throughout the building, adding to its reputation as a haunted location. The jail's dark and violent past, particularly its association with executions, is thought to be a key factor in its ongoing paranormal activity.
Tudor House Hotel, Tewkesbury
The Tudor House Hotel in Tewkesbury is a beautiful 15th-century building that has long served as a guesthouse for travelers. Its Tudor-style architecture, with its exposed beams and charming details, hides a darker history. Over the centuries, the building has been home to several prominent families and has witnessed both prosperity and tragedy. The hotel’s location near the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury, fought in 1471, also ties it to significant historical events.
The Tudor House Hotel is known for its paranormal activity, with multiple reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained noises. One of the most well-known spirits is a woman in a white gown, believed to be a former resident who died tragically in the house.
Guests often report hearing footsteps, the sound of doors creaking open and closed, and a general feeling of unease. Some have seen the figure of the woman, and others have experienced items being moved mysteriously. The hotel's long history, marked by both joy and sorrow, seems to have left behind a lingering supernatural presence.
Berkeley Castle, Berkeley
Berkeley Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress, has stood in Gloucestershire for over 800 years. The castle was built in the 11th century by the de Berkeley family, who held the land from the Normans. It played a key role in various historical events, particularly during the Wars of the Roses. One of the most infamous events in its history was the murder of King Edward II in 1327, who was imprisoned in the castle and later killed under mysterious circumstances, making the castle a focal point of English royal intrigue.
Berkeley Castle is one of Gloucestershire’s most haunted locations, with numerous reported sightings and ghost stories. The ghost of Edward II is perhaps the most famous spirit said to haunt the castle.
Visitors often report seeing his ghostly figure, sometimes as a shadowy form or as a glowing apparition. Other paranormal occurrences include the sound of footsteps echoing through the castle's stone halls, cold spots, and unexplained sounds.
The castle’s long history of violence and intrigue, particularly surrounding the king’s death, is believed to contribute to the spiritual unrest within its walls.
Garden Reach, Cheltenham
Garden Reach is a grand 19th-century house in Cheltenham, set amidst lush gardens and rolling hills. Built in the early 1800s, it was originally a private residence, home to several prominent families. The estate was renowned for its extensive grounds, which included formal gardens, orchards, and a large ornamental pond. As time passed, the property was used for various purposes, including as a school and later as a private residence again. Its rich history, steeped in the grandiosity and turbulence of Victorian society, has contributed to its enigmatic atmosphere.
Garden Reach has earned a reputation for its haunting presence, with multiple ghost sightings reported over the years. Visitors and staff have claimed to hear the sounds of children’s laughter echoing in empty rooms, believed to be the spirits of former residents. Additionally, unexplained cold spots and strange noises are often experienced throughout the property, especially in the old garden areas.
A particularly eerie sighting involves a lady dressed in Victorian clothing, thought to be the ghost of a past resident who passed away at the house. Her apparition has been seen walking along the garden paths, often near the pond, with her movements slow and deliberate. The house’s long history, filled with personal tragedies and mysterious deaths, seems to have left a lingering energy behind.
Chavenage Manor, Tetbury
Chavenage Manor, located near Tetbury, is a 16th-century Tudor manor house with a rich and intriguing history.
Built during the reign of Henry VIII, the house is one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in Gloucestershire. Over the centuries, Chavenage Manor has been home to numerous influential families, and it is known for its role in local history. The manor was also used as a filming location for the popular TV series "Poldark," which added to its fame. The house's long history includes both prosperity and hardship, and it is reputed to have been the site of numerous dramatic events.
Chavenage Manor is widely regarded as one of Gloucestershire's most haunted properties. Among the most commonly reported sightings is that of a woman in a white dress, who is said to wander the halls of the manor. Her identity is unclear, but some believe she is the spirit of a former lady of the house who died tragically.
Other paranormal occurrences include the sounds of doors opening and closing by themselves, footsteps in empty rooms, and inexplicable cold drafts. The most disturbing encounter occurred when a group of paranormal investigators captured strange voices and shadowy figures on camera.
The manor’s deep historical ties, coupled with tales of sorrow and loss, have made it a frequent location for ghost hunters and those seeking to experience its haunting energy.
The Ragged Cot Inn, Minchinhampton
The Ragged Cot Inn in Minchinhampton dates back to the 16th century and is nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds. Originally a simple coaching inn, it has served travelers and locals for centuries. The inn's location, overlooking a quiet valley, adds to its charm, but its history is far from peaceful. Over the centuries, the inn has experienced numerous changes in ownership and function, including being a home for local workers and a gathering place for those traveling along the nearby Roman roads. Its long-standing role as a resting place for weary travelers has lent it a reputation for hosting spirits from both the past and the afterlife.
The Ragged Cot Inn is famously haunted, with several ghostly tales and paranormal incidents connected to it. The most well-known apparition is that of a monk, believed to have been murdered near the inn. His ghost is often seen walking the corridors or standing at the windows.
In addition to this apparition, guests have reported hearing strange whispers, the sounds of footsteps in empty rooms, and even the feeling of being touched by an unseen presence.
Some have also experienced sudden drops in temperature and unexplained noises from behind closed doors. The inn’s long and tumultuous history, combined with its association with death and tragedy, seems to have created a rich environment for paranormal activity.
The Black Horse, Cirencester
The Black Horse pub in Cirencester is another ancient establishment dating back to the 15th century. Known for its role as a tavern during the medieval and Tudor periods, it has long been a place of refuge for travelers passing through the market town. Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations, yet it retains much of its original charm.
The pub's location on the main thoroughfare, coupled with its age, means it has been witness to countless events throughout history, including the rise and fall of local families, political upheaval, and perhaps even some criminal activity.
The Black Horse is home to a range of paranormal activity. One of the most frequently reported phenomena is the apparition of a former landlord, believed to have died under mysterious circumstances. Patrons and staff have often reported seeing a tall figure dressed in old-fashioned clothing, with the distinct impression of someone watching them.
Other reports include the sounds of footsteps when no one is around, glasses mysteriously being moved or shattered on their own, and a cold, oppressive atmosphere in certain areas of the building. Guests have also experienced strange electrical malfunctions, with lights flickering and electronic devices malfunctioning for no apparent reason. These unsettling experiences have made the Black Horse a must-visit spot for ghost hunters and those intrigued by its dark past.
Chavenage House, Beverston
Chavenage House, located in Beverston, Gloucestershire, is a historic Tudor house that dates back to the 16th century. Like its sister property, Chavenage Manor, Chavenage House has witnessed centuries of history, including the rise of powerful families and the turbulence of both the English Civil War and subsequent periods. The house has been passed down through generations, and its walls are steeped in local lore.
Its beautiful grounds and well-preserved interiors make it a popular spot for tours, but its history is far from ordinary, as the estate has been home to several generations of the same family who have experienced both prosperity and personal tragedy.
Chavenage House is renowned for its ghostly activity. One of the most commonly reported sightings is that of a woman in a flowing gown, often seen near the staircase or in the main hall. Her identity is uncertain, but she is believed to be a former resident or visitor to the house.
Paranormal investigators have also captured strange sounds on audio equipment, including the sounds of footsteps and voices that seem to come from empty rooms.
The property’s long history of both joy and sorrow has left an indelible mark on the estate, with some claiming that the spirits of the house's past inhabitants still roam the halls, keeping a watchful eye on visitors and residents alike. These strange occurrences have contributed to Chavenage House’s reputation as a place where the past and present collide in the most unsettling ways.
The Old Prison in Northleach
The Old Prison in Northleach, Gloucestershire, has a rich and eerie history. Built in 1792, it was a response to the abysmal conditions of pre-reform prisons in England. Prior to reform, crime was often punishable by death or deportation, and those incarcerated faced overcrowded, filthy conditions. Philanthropist John Howard's 1777 report led to the Penitentiary Act of 1779, urging better prison conditions.
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1783: Construction of the Old Prison
Designed by William Blackburn, the Old Prison opened in 1792 to improve security and provide better living conditions, including separate cells and fresh air. It segregated prisoners by class and gender, aiming to offer humane treatment. Overcrowding, however, remained an issue, and harsher punishments, like the treadmill, were introduced in the 1820s.
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1857: Closure and Transformation
The prison closed in 1857 due to the rise of railways and was repurposed as a Petty Sessions Court. In 1859, it became a police station until 1973 when it was abandoned. In the 1930s, parts of the building were demolished, leaving only a few structures, which were later sold in 2013 to the Friends of the Cotswolds.
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The Old Prison is known for its paranormal activity, attracting ghost hunters and curious visitors. Many report eerie sensations, particularly in the former cells, where the energy feels heavy. Unexplained footsteps, door creaks, and shadowy figures have been observed. The Keeper’s House is also haunted, with some witnessing a ghostly figure of the former prison keeper. The women’s ward is another hotspot for strange occurrences, with cold spots and ghostly tugs on visitors' clothing. The treadmill room, once used for hard labor, is said to echo with the sounds of unseen footsteps.
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