HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Plymouth
Plymouth, located on Devon’s south coast between the rivers Plym and Tamar, is a bustling port city and unitary authority in South West England. With a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, it played a pivotal role in events such as the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers to the New World in 1620.
Today, Plymouth maintains strong maritime connections and hosts HMNB Devonport, the largest operational naval base in Western Europe.
The Elizabethan House in Plymouth is a rare survivor of the city’s history and has witnessed over 400 years of history. Its first known recorded owner dates back to 1631, and the last recorded owner relinquished their deeds in 1926. The house was saved from demolition and opened as a visitor attraction in 1930.
In 1983, an archaeologist from the Plymouth Museum arrived early to set up for an evening lecture. As he entered an upper floor room, he noticed a small wooden child’s cradle rocking on its own. Despite initial skepticism, the cradle continued to sway mysteriously, leaving both the archaeologist and his arriving guests astonished.
When you look up at the first-floor room window during both day and night, you might catch sight of an outline—a young girl wearing a white cap and apron—gazing back at you. Numerous others have shared similar sightings.
Devil’s Point has been a significant location for naval activity for centuries.
Families would bid farewell to their loved ones as Royal Navy ships departed from this point.
The area holds memories of sailors and their journeys across the seas. The site has played an important military role with the former reservoir supplying the iconic Royal William Yard next door and Second Word War defences still visible.
According to local lore, at Devil’s Point in Plymouth Hoe, Sir Francis Drake enlisted the help of a coven of witches to conjure a storm and thwart the Spanish Armada.
Even today, on blustery nights, some claim to hear their ancient incantations echoing across the windswept landscape.
Another legend revolves around Drake’s Drum, which accompanied Sir Francis Drake during his global circumnavigation.
This drum became an enduring symbol of England, as Drake achieved national hero status.
As he lay dying, Drake instructed that the drum be taken to Buckland Abbey, near Yelverton.
The belief persists that Drake will return to England when the drum is beaten—but only in times of peril.
When war threatens England, the rhythmic beat of his drum supposedly resonates through settlements across Devon.
Plymouth Gin Distillery
The Plymouth Gin Distillery, also known as the Black Friars Distillery, is located on The Barbican.
The distillery was established in 1793 and is the oldest operating distillery in Britain. The original building opens onto what is now Southside Street. Local tradition suggests that it was once a Dominican Order monastery built in 1431.
Legend has it that some of the Pilgrim Fathers may have stayed at the distillery while the Mayflower was in the harbor for repairs before setting sail to North America. The ship depicted on the company label is thought to have originated from this connection.
The building had various uses over the years, including serving as a merchant’s house, a gaol, and a Congregational meeting house. In 1793, it was remodeled and extended as a gin distillery when Coates joined forces with the established business of Fox & Williamson.
The historic distillery building, dating back to the early 1400s, hosts more than one ghostly inhabitant. Within its walls, a spirit named ‘Charles,’ who supposedly worked there, is known for pinching women. Visitors have also glimpsed him on the upper gantry, casually flicking a cigarette butt.
Additionally, sightings include a little girl in a period dress and a mysterious hooded figure. The ladies’ restroom, now occupying a space with a tragic past, is reportedly haunted. It was here that a lady met a brutal end, stabbed to death. Visitors often describe feeling an intense sense of dread in that specific area.
Royal William Yard
Originally known as the Royal William Victualling Yard, it was established in the Stonehouse area of Plymouth. This complex served as a major victualling depot for the Royal Navy and played a crucial role in supplying food and provisions to ships and personnel overseas.
Between 1826 and 1835, architect Sir John Rennie designed and built the yard. It was named after King William IV.
In 1992, the yard ceased naval operations and was sold into private ownership. Remarkably, it remained largely unaltered from its early days and was considered one of the most magnificent industrial monuments by English Heritage.
The Royal William Yard, once a 19th-century naval base and now a tourist attraction, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of sailors who perished in shipwrecks. Visitors have reported hearing their wailing from below, and some unfortunate guests claim to smell what resembles death.
Drakes Island
The island was initially known as “St. Michael’s” after a chapel erected there in 1135.
Later, it was rededicated to St. Nicholas, and the island adopted the same name.
From the late 16th century, it occasionally became known as “Drake’s Island” after Sir Francis Drake, the English privateer who used Plymouth as his home port.
The island was fortified starting in 1549 to defend against French and Spanish threats, with barracks for 300 men built in the late 16th century.
For over 400 years, Drake’s Island played a crucial role in defending the three original towns that would become modern Plymouth.
Notably, Leveller Robert Lilburne died imprisoned on the island in 1665, and John Lambert, a former general of the New Model Army, also died there in 1683.
In 1774, the first recorded submarine fatality occurred north of the island when a carpenter named John Day perished while testing a wooden diving chamber attached to a sloop.
There are rumors of up to 15 active spirits on the island. Countless stories exist about unexplained events, eerie noises, and ghostly sightings. Some visitors report strange feelings and sensations while exploring the island.
Reel Cinema
Built on the site of the Theatre Royal, the Royal Cinema opened in 1938. It featured a well-detailed Art Deco design and even had a Compton organ—a highlight for ABC cinemas at the time. Live stage shows were held here during the 1960s.
Over two centuries ago, the area between Derry’s Cross and The Crescent—including the former site of the Westward Television studios—served as a burial ground for the Royal Naval Hospital at Stonehouse.
Historical records mention sailors and marines interred there. During this time, significant events unfolded, including Lord Nelson’s pivotal victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Interestingly, there are suggestions that some of those buried in this cemetery were Napoleonic-era prisoners of war.
Reel Cinema is said to be haunted by several ghosts. One of the most famous is ‘Emily,’ a former actress who allegedly took her own life in one of the old theatre’s dressing rooms. Visitors have reported encountering her presence, particularly in ‘screen two.’
The Minerva Inn
The Minerva Inn is Plymouth's oldest and most haunted pub.
In the 17th century, the Minerva Inn was home to the notorious Press Gang. Legends persist of secret tunnels and doorways within its timber walls. A small stairway peephole allowed the Press Gang to spot potential sailors entering the establishment. If an unsuspecting patron drank beer with a hidden “King’s shilling,” they were unwittingly conscripted into the navy. Those who resisted were forcibly taken. The pub’s timber frame even includes wood salvaged from the Spanish Armada Fleet.
Over the years, visitors have reported ghostly encounters, including levitating spoons, cellar gas mysteriously turning off, and unexplained jukebox activity.