CANTERBURY DISTRICT
HAUNTED HOSTELRIES
A directory of public houses, taverns, old coaching inns, tap and beer houses, cafes, tearooms, restaurants, hotels, and B&Bs in the Canterbury District that have paranormal stories attached to them.
There are locations in this district where you can enjoy a getaway steeped in haunted history while exploring the surrounding haunted areas.
Some establishments in Kent even feature paranormal events and investigations; check out the Events in Kent page for more information.
CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO VISIT THE BUSINESS WEBSITES OR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES
GofEPS is not affiliated with these businesses; we are simply sharing information. If you have any questions regarding bookings, please get in touch with the establishments directly.
IF YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE ABOUT A HOSTELRY IN THIS DISTRICT, OR IF YOU KNOW OF ONE THAT IS NOT LISTED, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
1. THE BISHOPS FINGER
St. Dunstans Street, Canterbury, CT2
Bar & Restaurant
''Whether you’re looking for an exciting venue showing the football, or a cosy local to enjoy a romantic meal in, Bishops Finger is your pub''.
**HISTORY**
Take a step back in time to the warm, yeasty aroma of freshly-baked bread that drifts through the air, mingling with the smoky scent of burning logs in the hearth. The soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of tankards create a cosy ambience, inviting you to the inn's bustling 17th-century world.
The inn is a fascinating blend of two old cottages. It was first recorded in the 1692 Licensing List as the ‘George,’ and a year later, it provided billeting for four soldiers, highlighting its historical significance.
An article in the Canterbury Journal on Friday, July 25, 1823, reported that a young man of respectable appearance, dressed in a blue coat with gilt buttons, a figured silk waistcoat, and blue pantaloons, died at the inn. He was observed by a fellow traveller who shared his room, drinking from a phial that resembled wine before retiring for the night. A doctor was called, and upon examining him, he found the man in a dying state and bled him of three ounces of blood. He searched the man’s pockets and found a pledge ticket for a watch in the name of George Lowe, as well as a phial containing laudanum. The doctor subsequently administered three emetics, but the man passed away shortly after. A post-mortem examination revealed that his stomach contained poison, which was confirmed as the cause of death. A pawnbroker later stated that the man had indicated he was from Derbyshire and had come to Canterbury to find work. The jury returned a verdict of felo-de-se (a euphemism for suicide).
In the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser on Tuesday, June 12, 1849, it was mentioned that the inn was up for auction with other inns. Lot 2 highlighted the "George and Dragon" at Westgate, which had been without a leasehold under Hind’s charity for 17 years, and the lease was still unexpired. To provide a clearer picture of the economic stakes at play during this auction, it might interest readers to know that typical annual earnings for such an establishment during the mid-19th century were around £100 to £150, a substantial sum at the time. Additionally, the lease for a prosperous inn could command a considerable value, often equating to several years' worth of profits, making the auction a significant financial event.
In 1852, Richard Wellard at the George & Dragon had his license suspended, along with nine others in the Canterbury area. After facing intense criticism for irregular conduct, they appeared before the licensing committee. They had their licenses reinstated, but with a strong warning that further complaints would result in revocation. Richard was also brought before the magistrates for refusing to admit militiamen, while two years later, George Wellard was fined £5 and £10 in costs for keeping his house open for the sale of liquor at one o’clock on Sunday morning.
Throughout the centuries, the inn has been a cornerstone of the local community, welcoming numerous licensees and serving as a hub for social interaction and regional events. At the rear of the pub, you will find one of the most extensive beer gardens in Canterbury.
In “The Inns of Canterbury” by Edward Wilmot, published in 1988, a circa 1945 document describes the pub’s clientele as “artisans, some miners, and visitors.” In 1969, it was renamed the “Bishop’s Finger” to celebrate Shepherd Neame’s strong ale.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
The story goes that a woman named Ellen Blean, who was a housekeeper for a Canon in Canterbury, discovered he was having an affair with a younger woman. According to local rumor, in a fit of rage, she poisoned both of them with a meat pie and then disappeared. Legend has it that her body was later found walled up in a house near a local pub, and it is said that she was buried alive. Every Friday night, her ghost allegedly wanders the street before manifesting in one of the inn’s front rooms. Witnesses have described her as a plain-faced, plump woman wearing a mop cap and a long, wide skirt.
However, I have questions about this tale. If we look into The Sun Hotel and The Little Inn, which recount the full story of the Canon’s housekeeper, we see that the skeleton found was that of a young girl. Meanwhile, the ghost is described as a woman. There is also an eight-minute walk between these pubs. At the same time, the Old Weaver house is only a five-minute walk away. It features a grey lady apparition, though no further details are provided. This could suggest that the ghost is a worker returning home, since that area was also converted from two cottages. It might be a resident who died in one of them or perhaps the wife of a publican who passed away on the property.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
2. THE CHERRY TREE
10 White Horse Lane Canterbury CT1
Bar & Restaurant
''A small welcoming pub in the heart of Canterbury. We have the largest selection of products on tap with a total of 20 different beers, ciders and ales. Perfect little place to escape! Free WIFI - Outdoor Seating - Food served daily''
**HISTORY**
During the reign of Edward II (1307 to 1327), White Horse Lane was part of Jewry Lane. This was the principal residence of the Jews, who had a school here. By 1803, the road was divided. It was then called White Horse Lane, named after the public house of that name adjoining Jewry Lane.
Step inside to find the creaking timber floors of the inn, evoking a sense of history that whispers from every corner. The smoky scent of the hearth mingles with the air, while the cobbled threshold serves as a reminder of the footsteps that have crossed it for centuries. This medieval corner inn, potentially one of the oldest buildings in Canterbury, dates back to 1372.
It was known as the ‘Fleur de Lis Tap’, situated behind the 13th-century Fleur de Lis Hotel, which provided stabling. It is recorded that Charles Dickens stayed there. The hotel was eventually demolished in 1958.
It was a place that held inquests, the first I located in the Kentish Gazette, Tuesday 13 September 1842, was 72-year-old John McGowen, a former Pavier in the city. He had felt unwell, gone to bed, and died. The inquest recorded it as death by a visitation from God. This verdict highlights the 19th-century belief systems, where sudden, unexplained deaths were sometimes interpreted through a religious lens. During this period, medical knowledge was limited, and many people leaned on theological explanations for unexpected events. Often, if no medical cause could be identified, such deaths were attributed to divine will, providing some cultural context to the classification of sudden deaths.
In 1858, it underwent a significant transformation. The following year, it became a coaching taphouse, possibly because it stood next to a stable that may have once been home to a riding school. The school in White Horse Lane opened in 1810 under the patronage of their royal highnesses: the Prince of Wales (George, later King George IV), Frederick Augustus (Duke of York and Albany, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army), and the rest of the Royal Family. That area was later owned by a coachman who eventually went bankrupt. This gave the taphouse and Hotel owner an opportunity to buy it and incorporate it into the business.
The premises changed name to Cherry Tree in 1949, when it was bought by Charringtons Brewery. By that time, the coaching area had become a car park.
Charringtons sold it in 2012, and it became a Freehouse.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
**People say a ghost called Gilbert haunts the inn. He was a traveller, beaten to death here. Later, five men were hanged for his murder. During my investigation, I delved into various historical archives; however, I have been unable to find any newspaper evidence related to this information.
Another report features a phantom cat that rubs against customers’ legs, emitting faint mewling sounds.
Another ghostly presence is that of a young female. Her apparition was seen looking sorrowful outside the pub. Could it be 15-year-old Mary Hooper, who, in February 1843. She had been a live-in servant at the Taphouse for two months. Her days began early, tending to the chores that ensured the comfort of the inn's guests; she fetched water and polished silverware. She was found by her mistress, Mrs. Gambier, when she hadn't appeared in the morning, and found her hanging by the neck in an outhouse adjoining the tap room. Her inquest was held at the Taphouse the following day. There was no evidence that any quarrel had occurred between her and anyone else, and she was described as a steady, good-tempered girl. After a lengthy consultation, the jury returned a verdict that the deceased destroyed herself while in a fit of temporary insanity.
3. WHITE HART INN
Worthgate Place, Dane John Mews, Canterbury CT1
Bar & Restaurant
''Soak up the leafy and secluded garden or sit by our roaring fire whilst enjoying real ales, handpicked British and International wines, gins, ciders and specialty cocktails.
Oh... and we love dogs. You're welcome to bring your furry friends and we will make sure that they are well looked after''.
**HISTORY**
Even now, the stones remember the dead who never left. The establishment sits on the ruins of St. Mary de Castro Church. The small car park next to the White Hart was once a graveyard. Tombstones from that period now line one wall of the White Hart, casting an eerie shadow. When you step into the beer cellar, once a mortuary, the air thickens with a persistent chill that seeps into the bones. It mingles with the faint metallic scent, reminiscent of aged stone and forgotten secrets. Rough, uneven bricks brush against your fingertips. Each touch sparks a memory of the past. The cellar's chute, descending from ground level, stands as a silent witness to its dark history. It was used as a place to store bodies for the dead. On the other side of the White Hart lies an old Roman burial ground. Centuries later, during the English Civil War, many bodies were reportedly dumped where the cellar now sits. This contributes to the eerie atmosphere, which may have given rise to tales of ghosts.
The area was previously referred to as Chapel Churchyard and Castle Row.
The building dates to the early 1800s. In 1806, its first recorded licensee, Mr Howard, ran it as the Old Castle Yard in Castle Row, Wincheap Street. Around 1836, it was renamed The White Hart Inn with Mr Radley as landlord.
The White Hart served as a community hub. In 1840, the inn hosted a celebration for Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert. Flags were displayed throughout Canterbury, businesses were partially closed, and cathedral bells rang, followed by other church bells. The evening at the White Hart was spent with cordial company, among those loyal to the crown. Local schoolchildren were treated to a roast dinner, plum pudding, and ale in the Corn Market room and the Green Market beneath. Nearly 1,200 children reportedly enjoyed the festivities, with a full meal and time away from school likely adding to their delight.
It was also a place where Tithes were collected, farmers auctioned off stock, and inquests were held. One such inquest occurred in December 1853, involving 46-year-old Thomas Fuller. He was employed as a drayman by George Ash, a Brewer. While working, he was unable to stop his horse and cart, fell under the wheel, and sustained fatal injuries. The verdict was accidental death.
Some licensees flouted the rules and sold their intoxicating liquor outside of hours. Notably, on Sunday, 17th September 1882, a widow named Harriett Holmes was caught keeping the White Hart Inn open at 10.30am. She stood in court for an infringement of the Licensing Act and was fined 5s and court costs.
On Friday, 22 August 1888, patrons were shocked to hear of the sudden death of landlord William Richards, aged 69. He had risen at five thirty in the morning and prepared to go downstairs for breakfast. His son heard a thud and went to his father's room to find him on the floor, dead. Earlier that year, William lost his wife, Elizabeth, age 59, on 31 May. They had been together for 41 years and had 12 children. Their youngest daughter was 16 when both parents died.
By 1945, the pub's clientele included artisans and miners. After World War II, it became a gathering place for patrons adapting to post-war economic shifts. Men returning from military service mingled with local workers as they faced mine closures and a changing peacetime industry.
In 2011, the White Hart underwent refurbishment, embracing a modern atmosphere. While the structure adopted a fresh appearance, echoes of its storied past persisted, creating a contrast between its present vibrancy and lingering history. Today, patrons crossing the threshold of the White Hart step between two worlds, where tales of death and legend remain woven into the modern setting.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Employees and landlords have reported hearing moaning sounds. They have also seen strange, dark shapes resembling figures throughout the premises. These shapes are believed to be the spirits of the dead who once lay there. The figures are often seen wandering, especially in the early hours of the morning. Sightings usually happen during the quietest times of the day. Do the witnesses react to the eerie stillness, low lighting, or to stories they have heard? Could these natural factors explain their experiences, or is something supernatural at play? Stories of resilience and adaptation linger at the White Hart, grounding the reported ghostly figures in a distinct historical context.
Witnesses describe apparitions of men and women in Victorian clothing—suits, dresses, or grey shrouds. In one account, a boy working in the cellar tragically died after being buried alive among bodies sent down the chute. It is said that his unsettled spirit still haunts the basement.
4. TRAVELODGE CANTERBURY CHAUCER CENTRAL
63 Ivy Lane, Canterbury CT1​
Accommodation, Bar Cafe & Restaurant
"The delights of this cathedral city are right on your doorstep."
**HISTORY**
Previously known as Ivy Lane House, it was a private residence owned by John Aris, an influential Alderman and Magistrate from 1865 until his death in 1878. John Aris was well-regarded in the local community and often hosted meetings for the town council in his spacious drawing room. His involvement in civic life made Ivy Lane House a notable venue for discussions on local governance and community matters. After John's passing, his widow, Susanna Philidephia, continued to live there with his sister, Catherine Pilbrow, until she died in 1900.
By the time of the 1901 census, the house was occupied by G.P. Hopcraft (occ: Head Brewer). He was a member of The Institute of Brewing & Distilling, as noted in the 1902 Journal.
Dartford-born George Streatfield Morley (1856 - 1928) was posted to the Indian Public Works Department in 1877 after passing the engineer examination. He retired in 1907, and by the time of the 1911 Census, he owned the house, which was named Inglenook.
Subsequently, in 1921, the house was occupied by John Coombs, a house painter, and his wife, Mary Ann, their daughter, Bessie Mary, and her husband, Alfred Adams, a tailor's assistant.
On 21st December 1934, another notable change occurred: The Bakers Temperance Hotel at 31 St George Street closed and moved to 63 Ivy Lane, opening its doors to the public on 31st December 1934, under the management of Charles Stilwell.
Later, in the 1960s, it was renamed ‘Chaucer Hotel,’ presumably after Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
Several decades after the 1960s, on April 21, 2011, Travelodge reopened it as Canterbury Chaucer Central.**
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
According to local folklore, the site of what is now known as the Canterbury Chaucer Central has long been a focal point for ghostly tales. Legend has it that centuries ago, the area was home to a wise woman who was both feared and revered by local villagers. Her knowledge of herbs and healing, passed down through generations, was said to be accompanied by a mysterious spiritual presence that lent an eerie aura to her practices.
The Mary Tourtel Room is said to be haunted by the spirit of an elderly lady. Some claim it is Mary Tourtel herself. She was a children's book illustrator, famous for Rupert Bear, and lived at Bakers Hotel during the final years of her life. She was a resident there in 1939. Mary lived most of her life in different hotels and never found a fixed home. She preferred the freedom of travel. She passed away at Kent & Canterbury Hospital from a brain tumor on 15 March 1948, after collapsing in Canterbury High Street. Others believe the specter is actually the spirit of the wise woman. They say her spiritual legacy remains intertwined with the building.
Visitors staying at the hotel often describe being gripped unexpectedly by cold, invisible hands or feeling a sudden shove, leaving them breathless and unnerved. Others share that unsettling messages, etched in mist on their bathroom mirrors, appear to them in the dead of night. Many feel a lingering presence in their rooms and whisper that these restless spirits are desperately trying to reach out from the shadows, longing for a connection to the living.
The adjoining building, used as staff accommodation, has also had reports of activity. Staff members have reported hearing ghostly footsteps. Some say sheets have been pulled off them while they sleep. Others have heard crying sounds at night.
5. CASTLE HOUSE HOTEL
28 Castle Street Canterbury CT1
Accommodation B&B
''Just a few minutes walk from the main city, Cathedral and a wealth of bars and restaurants, with Canterbury West Train Station close by.The hotel is one of the few in Canterbury with free off road parking. Situated opposite Canterbury's Norman Castle it has a pretty walled garden, making it an ideal city escape''.
**HISTORY**
The site of the Castle House Hotel has a long and storied history, reflecting continuous human presence and architectural evolution. Previously known as “Canterbury Castle House,”
Over centuries, Castle Street became a main route for travellers and pilgrims on the road to Ashford. In the 1730s, the building was constructed as a private residence named 'Old Castle House.' Later, it served as a guest house. It was built into the Norman city walls and the Roman Northgate, and it features the only remaining part of the original city moat. This continuity, from Roman times through to the 18th century, highlights the location’s enduring strategic importance.
Around 1862, the residence was converted into the Victoria Inn at what became 30 Castle Street. At its busiest, the inn bustled with activity: horse-drawn coaches rattled along cobbled streets late into the night, and lantern-lit entrances welcomed travelers seeking respite. Inside, laughter and the clinking of glasses created a lively, thriving atmosphere.
Between 1950 and 1960, the neighbouring Castle Inn and Castle Hotel were purchased from Truman, Hanbury, Buxton, and Co. Ltd. (then located by the Ring Road and subject to compulsory purchase). These properties were closed and later demolished, along with neighboring buildings, during the development of the new ring-road scheme, and Old Castle House number changed to 28.
Today, stepping outside the hotel takes you straight into centuries of history. The cobblestone streets echo the medieval era, each winding path revealing stories from the past. The romantic ruins of the Castle and historic city walls are nearby, as is the magnificent Cathedral. Once, the city gallows stood adjacent to the hotel; now, that site is a roundabout—a vivid reminder of the many layers of the location's history.
The sunken window in the older part of the hotel was once the hangman's guardroom. The city guard, standing by the window, would wave to the crowd as a signal that an execution was taking place. His hand might have trembled with the weight of the moment. Or it may have held a sense of triumph, as the atmosphere thickened with apprehension and finality.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Guests have reported seeing the apparition of a 16th-century city guard at night. He is often seen gazing from the window. This sighting is connected with the folklore of a guard executed in the early 16th century. The guard is said to appear in ghostly form to visitors who wander the grounds. One notable account was recorded in a local history journal in 1972. A visitor described seeing the guard in traditional attire, staring solemnly into the night. This story continues to captivate guests and serves as a compelling link to the location's haunted past.
6. THE CATHEDRAL GATE HOTEL
36, Burgate, Canterbury, CT1
Accommodation B&B
''We provide an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience. We offer a romantic setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you''.
**HISTORY**
Imagine the distant echo of cathedral bells mingling with the faint scent of ancient oak. The scene is steeped in centuries of history. Feel the cool touch of worn stone as flickering torchlight dances across time-worn walls. These details invite you to step into the past.
The Cathedral Gate Hotel is a venerable Grade II-listed building in the vibrant heart of Canterbury. Its origins stretch back to the shadowy reign of Ethelred the Unready, who ruled from 978 to 1016. These origins appear in Anglo-Saxon deeds, underscoring the hotel's significance in the waning days of the Saxon era. The building has remained an enduring possession of Canterbury Cathedral for at least a millennium. In 1438, during the colourful late medieval period, the Priory raised the Sonne hospice on this storied site. Later, between 1510 and 1517, during the reign of Henry VIII, the imposing Christchurch Gate (also known as the Cathedral Gate) was built. At that time, it incorporated part of the hotel's sturdy back wall for buttressing, leading to striking architectural changes at the building's western end.
This longstanding association with hospitality continued seamlessly in 1539 during the Tudor period. At that time, the Priory monks of the Cathedral leased the Sonne hospice to a private individual, Mr. Thomas Gylham, for a rate of 13 shillings and 4 pence per annum. Gylham was more than a prosperous cloth merchant. He was reputed to have a keen eye for opportunity and an unmatched flair for storytelling. It was said that he could often be found in the common room, weaving tales of his trade routes along the bustling markets of Kent. He captivated pilgrims who gathered around the hearth. Pilgrims, weary from their arduous journeys and seeking solace in the revered halls of Canterbury, would find respite at Gylham's hospice. Among them was a humble cobbler from London, who, upon reaching the site, would often express his gratitude by mending the shoes of fellow travellers. The hospice thus became not just a resting place but a community of shared stories and renewed spirits. It has remained a place of accommodation for travellers to Canterbury ever since.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
While immersed in the storied walls of the hotel, some guests have whispered tales of the paranormal. On the first and second floors, rooms connected to the ancient Christchurch gateway are reportedly haunted. Accounts range from traditional folklore to contemporary reports. Guests describe a mysterious presence standing by their beds at night. Though no formal investigation has verified these occurrences, the tales have become part of the hotel's intriguing narrative. Some witnesses have also reported hearing doors slamming. At times, guests in adjacent rooms heard nothing. Adding to the mystery, a staff member once heard chanting from behind the gateway wall while in a first-floor room. These stories, whether authentic or embellished through the years, only enhance the allure of this historic site.
7. THE PARROT
1-9 Church Ln, St Radigunds St, Canterbury CT1
Restaurant & Functions
''One of the best dining pubs in Canterbury. The Parrot provides an atmospheric backdrop to fine food and drink. For ale aficionados, there’s up to six real ales at the bar, and for foodies, an array of marvellous morsels await.The Parrot has a menu to suit all''
**HISTORY**
Tucked away on a picturesque cobbled street, The Parrot is not only the oldest pub in Canterbury but also one of the city's oldest buildings. It was constructed on Roman foundations in 1370, just inside the Roman City Wall.
On the terrace's east side is a 15th-century Roman staircase framed by distinctive Flemish bricks, once traded by merchants. The terrace and rear also reveal Roman bricks, triangular structures, and 15th-century chimneys, emphasizing the building’s layered history.
The first floor displays oak knees shaped like ship ribs, futtocks resembling hull bones, and three crown posts like a strong bridge's spine. These features highlight medieval craftsmanship and the Wealden Hall House style.
Before the 1870s, the building served as cottages, including meeting rooms for monks from St. Radgund Church. The monks used the spaces for reflection and for planning charitable activities. As urbanisation grew in the nineteenth century, the cottages were transformed. It became the Cock Pub. Later, it became a private dwelling and then The Parrot Inn. These changes reflect Canterbury’s evolving needs.
By 1871, the building lay empty and derelict. At that time, a city architect decided to transform the pubs into cottages for residents. Sometime after this, the cottages were combined into a single building. It was then renamed St. Radigund's Hall, after the monks of St. Radigund's in Bradsole near Dover. These monks owned property here in the 13th century and had established the church.
In 1937, St. Radigund's Hall was in poor condition and on the verge of demolition. It was condemned as unfit for human habitation. The air was tense as the demolition crew gathered, sledgehammers poised to strike the ancient walls. With each swing, dust filled the air. Suddenly, a hollow echo reverberated through the rubble. Silence followed as workers paused, sensing something unexpected. Underneath the layers of neglect, they discovered seven tenements—secrets of the building's past. This explained why the pub's postal address was listed as 3-9 Church Lane. A crew member then stumbled upon original architectural details. Demolition was halted. What was set to vanish was reborn as efforts to restore the building began, saving it from oblivion.
During restoration, the building revealed many fine 14th-century features. It reopened in 1938 as the St. Radigund's Girls' Club. Former members recall it as a lively community hub. It was filled with laughter and learning, a place of empowerment.
Between 1950 and 1960, it was known as the St. Radigund's Social Club and St. Andrew's Youth Club. In the 1960s, it hosted the Department of Dress & Textiles, a part of Canterbury College. By 1970, it had transformed into Radigund's Restaurant. The restaurant eventually closed in the mid-1980s.
In 1987, Mike Patten acquired the establishment and planned to rename it Simple Simons. It grew popular for real ales and cosy bars. Its busy upstairs restaurant drew locals and visitors alike. The spirit of community continued, linking the building’s long history with modern patrons.
In 2008, Young & Co. Brewery PLC purchased the pub, renovated it, and renamed it The Parrot, inspired by local legends of a vibrant parrot once owned by a prominent townsman. The new name honors local lore and invites visitors to discover more while enjoying their visit.
Enterprise Inns later took ownership. In 2016, Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, acquired 13 alehouses in two deals worth £13.4 million. They purchased eight pubs, including The Parrot, from Enterprise Inns.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
During the initial weeks of a renovation, the sharp clang of a hammer shook the dusty rafters, echoing through the chaos of the site. Workers whispered of strange occurrences as tools mysteriously vanished, only to reappear in unexpected places. On one occasion, a carpenter lost his saw and later found it in the attic, which had since been converted into a kitchen area.
After the conversion was completed, the new residents had unsettling experiences of their own, echoing the earlier tales from the builders. The building, once a 13th-century priory, seemed to hold onto its mysterious past. They reported being woken by a grey-cloaked ghost descending the stairs, shouting in Latin, possibly a monk involved in past meetings at the location.
On several nights, the residents claimed to have seen a nun with no eyes, dressed in a white tutu and surrounded by a blue haze, silently staring at the foot of their bed. Whether she was mourning or warning remained unanswered, but this single question echoed in hushed conversations, raising doubts and curiosity alike as residents speculated on the true nature of these eerie encounters.
A year later, the stories continued when the owner's sister and her husband spent their honeymoon night at the hotel. The husband awoke after feeling a cold wind in the room. He checked all the windows and found them securely closed. Then, he saw what he described as a shadowy figure dressed in a grey robe, reminiscent of a monk with his head covered by a cowl. The monk reportedly entered through a closed window that had once been a doorway, passing directly by the bed where his wife lay, wide awake and frightened, before moving toward what is now the kitchen area.
Some witnesses believe they have seen a female spirit in the void above the kitchen, referred to as the "Blue Lady," possibly the same nun seen in earlier accounts, suggesting that the mysteries haunting the priory persist.
8. SUN HOTEL AND THE LITTLE INN
Sun Street Canterbury CT1
Accommodation, Tapas Bar & Restaurant
''The Sun Hotel offers a warm welcome combining traditional architecture with contemporary design''
**HISTORY**
As you step onto the cobbled streets, the echo of centuries-old footsteps whispers past. They draw you toward one of the city's most recognizable buildings. This 15th-century hotel sits just a few meters from Canterbury Cathedral, between Sun Street and the Butter Market. It was built in 1480, despite the plaque outside stating 1503.
After its construction in the 15th century, the building housed unmarried members of the Cathedral and St. Saviour's Priory staff. It later appeared as Mr. Micawber's 'Little Inn' in David Copperfield, and over the years, its history was marked by notable guests, including Charles Dickens, who stayed in 1841. Originally, numbers 6–7 were the Sun Inn and number 8 the Sun Hotel.
Then, in 1865, the Great Fire swept through Sun Street, consuming many of its timber-framed buildings. Yet, this hotel endured, a testament to its resilience. While others were lost to the blaze, this building stands as a rare surviving artifact, offering heritage travelers a tangible connection to the past.
The hotel's story continued in 1906, when it was renovated, and the buildings were merged into the Sun Hotel.
Many years later, after being vacant for 40 years, the Tudor structure was brought back to life and restored in 1992 by Debenhams. The hotel then underwent another extensive renovation in 2006, transforming it back into the stylish hotel it is today.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
The hotel is rumored to have a resident spirit from the 17th century. As evening shadows deepen, guests sometimes report hearing soft, lingering footsteps in silent corridors. Charles Dickens claimed that the spirit of a 17-year-old girl visited him most evenings. Victorian guests recounted tales of a mysterious girl entering their rooms, tucking them in, and gently stroking their hair. The spirit is believed to be Ellen Bean, who went missing in 1523.
Ellen's story appears in the Ingoldsby Legends by Richard Harris Barham, published in 1837. In the tale, she was a cook at St. Saviour's for the Canon, who called her Nelly Cook and praised her excellent cooking, which won her affection.
The Canon's niece arrived from France for a visit. Ellen noted the Canon's surprising hospitality. She saw glances exchanged and felt suspicion. That evening, she placed fire tongs under the niece's bed. The next morning, they lay untouched. Alarmed, she peeked through the Canon's door. She saw them together in bed.
Disturbed, Ellen visited a local friend skilled in apothecary. That evening, she served the friar and his niece game pie laced with a potion. The next morning, the Canon did not appear for prayer. Friars found him and his niece deceased in the same bed. To avoid scandal, both were buried in the undercroft. Ellen disappeared.
In 1848, workers repairing a loose flagstone in the Dark Entry found the skeleton of a young girl, believed to be Ellen Bean. Could the spirit haunting the hotel be Nelly, the cook? Visit and experience echoes of the past and the mysteries they hold. Let the whispers of history guide your stay. Perhaps, you'll find your own story amidst these ancient walls.
9. THE OLD WEAVERS HOUSE RESTAURANT
1-3 St Peter's St, Canterbury CT1
Licensed Restaurant
The Old Weavers Restaurant offers an extensive range of food to suit all preferences, including lunchtime specials, Weavers' pies, house specials, traditional roasts, and a wide selection of beverages.
**HISTORY**
The Old Weavers' House sits at numbers 1-3. No. 1, a charming half-timbered structure, stands beside the River Stour. Beneath creaking beams, foundation stones were laid during King Stephen's reign. The sign on the building dates to 1500, yet the foundations are believed to go back to the 12th century.
In the years that followed, the building saw numerous restorations and alterations. At one point in its later history, a Weaver's Centre was established on the premises.
Weaver rooms were first established in Canterbury during the 16th century. At that time, Flemish and Huguenot weavers fled from France to escape religious persecution. Among them was the Dupont family. They arrived in Canterbury with a cherished family loom, a symbol of their craft and resilience. The families were welcomed by Elizabeth I. She granted them the right to trade in Canterbury and gave them a special place of worship in the Cathedral. A Huguenot chapel still exists there today.
In the 1690s, these newcomers were known as 'the strangers.' They established their workplaces along the River Stour and soon had their looms weaving 'Bayes', 'Grograines', and many other fabrics. However, the weaving industry began to decline due to increased imports. John Callaway, Master of the City Silk Weavers, then introduced Canterbury muslin. This revived the industry. Despite this, changing fashion trends and the eventual decline of the industry in the 19th century led to the conversion of the third part of the building into the Golden Lion Inn.
Eventually, all three buildings were used for other trades. Most were laundry services, fruit and vegetable sales, and dairy products. The weaving industry had a resurgence in the late 19th century. Two women established a weaving school for women and young girls in need of work. In 1899, they moved into numbers 1-2 and named it 'Canterbury Weavers.' The legacy of craft and reinvention continued into modern times, and the name remained until 1914.
For more than 80 years, No. 3 has been a restaurant. Today, all three buildings form a single restaurant. The name keeps memories of the past alive.
At the rear of the Old Weavers' House is a medieval ducking stool that extends over the river. This stool was used to punish 'scolds', women accused by their husbands of being too outspoken. It may also have been a harsher punishment for suspected witches. Such humiliations reveal the perilous tightrope that outspoken women walked in medieval Canterbury. These acts highlight the harshness of the era's gender norms and the stark contrast with modern ideas of justice and progress.
Adding to the site's present-day features, Canterbury's Historic River Tour company offers regular punt tours along the river, departing from a small landing behind the Old Weavers' Restaurant.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
On certain nights, an eerie silence envelops the Old Weavers' House, interrupted only by a faint creak, as though the air itself tenses in anticipation. The chill of a sudden breeze grazes your skin, carrying the soft tread of unseen footsteps on the aged staircase. In these moments, reports of a paranormal presence arise, describing a grey lady seen ascending the staircase. Could she be one of the women who managed the school, or perhaps another who worked there during the height of the weaving industry?
10. TINY TIM TEAROOMS
34 St Margaret's St, Canterbury CT1
Licensed Restaurant
''The Quintessential English Tearoom in Canterbury.
Our tearoom and coffee shop also serves delicious breakfast and light lunches
for our customers''.
**HISTORY**
Visitors to the tearoom are first greeted by the soft creaking of old wooden floors. A faint but persistent aroma of aged oak fills the historic three-story building, constructed in the 1600s. Part of a group that includes buildings numbered 27-36 and St. Margaret's Church, it stands along the Pilgrims' Way—a route used by travellers from London to Canterbury. It also lies on the pilgrimage path to Thomas Becket. The structure features numerous nooks and crannies. Low beams add to its charm.
The tearoom's history extends beyond its original construction. Building on its medical origins in the 1800s, the location once housed surgeon-dentists and later general practitioners. After this period, it was transformed into a large tea warehouse and later into a clothing and outfitters store. Today, this layered past culminates in its role as a traditional English tearoom, featuring a courtyard for visitors to enjoy pleasant weather.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
The top floor features a "Ghost Room" that is open to the public, serving as the gateway to the building's mysterious legacy. As visitors enter, the floorboards, worn with age, creak softly beneath their feet, contributing to the room's eerie atmosphere. Imagine the dim glow from antique lanterns casting long shadows that dance across the walls, as it draws you into the room's spectral history. This room provides information about the ghosts' history and details the building's complete restoration in the 1980s.
It is within this spectral setting that tales of haunting emerge: the tearoom is reputed to be the most haunted building in Canterbury, owing to the reported presence of three child ghosts. Legend has it that during the restoration, workers discovered teeth and ringlets of hair, along with the names, birth dates, and dates of death of each child's skeleton, which were found behind the wall panelling. Following this discovery, workers began reporting hearing children playing on the staircase.
Strange noises are often heard in the attic, including whispers from youngsters in the panelled room, deepening the building's haunting reputation. Could the disturbance of these items have awakened the children's ghosts? Both staff and customers have reported seeing children appear and then suddenly disappear. Additionally, there have been reports of moving objects, taps turning on and off, and occasional whispers heard by visitors.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
11. THE BLACK ROBIN
Covet Ln, Kingston, Canterbury CT4
Bar & Restaurant
''We serve the best Kentish ales, a carefully selected wine list which includes many award winning English wines, and a freshly cooked menu of British classics and seasonal favorites, all made from the very best locally sourced produce''.
**HISTORY**
In 1740, a weary traveler approached Kingston as coach wheels echoed across the Downs. The Black Robin's lantern beckoned with warmth at dusk. That year, the pub became the area's first inn, held by the Pilcher family for over two centuries until 1933.
The name "Black Robin" likely replaced its original, "Black Robber," for respectability. The first signboard read "Black Robber," nodding to a local legend of a notorious highwayman who used the Downs as a hideout to rob travelers and shoot coachmen. His reign ended at Barham Cross Roads gallows, though no records confirm the tale. A life-sized Black Robin effigy remains in the lounge bar.
Additionally, the term "Black Robin" is believed to be an old Kentish slang expression for a smuggler. Between approximately 1820 and 1826, a network of smuggling gangs operated in the Elham Valley, with the most notorious being the Aldington gang, commonly known as "The Blues." The Black Robin was one of many pubs where these gangs would deposit their contraband, which they would then sell to locals at lower prices to avoid heavy taxes and duties. It was also a popular gathering place and watering hole for gang members.
In the Black Robin's dim light, camaraderie mixed with tension among gang members. One night, a deadly fight broke out; one man was dragged outside and murdered. Law enforcement caught the smugglers, and the leader, George Ransley, was sent to Australia, where he farmed until his death in 1856.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
The pub is said to be haunted by the ghost of the daughter of a former proprietor. She was attacked nearby and sustained serious injuries. She later died after being brought back to the Black Robin. Reports of her ghost have surfaced on several occasions. Witnesses often hear her sob. There are no newspaper reports about this incident, as the archives only date back to the 1800s. The event may have occurred earlier.
Inside the inn, the glow of the fireplace casts a cozy warmth, wrapping patrons in comfort. Yet you may step outside, and find the air turns crisp as a chilling groan slices through the night, as locals have also claimed that on certain nights, the sound of a male groaning can be heard outside the pub, possibly representing the spirit of the gang member who was killed during the earlier fight. A stark reminder of the dark history that lingers. If you dare, step through the Black Robin’s door yourself. Experience the echoes of history that linger in its corridors and judge for yourself where myth ends, and reality begins. Perhaps you'll find your own story to tell from the shadows of the past.
12. THE HOWFIELDS MANOR HOTEL
Chartham Hatch, Canterbury CT4
Accommodation & Restaurant
''Offering quality accommodation near Canterbury, come and relax and unwind in one of our 15 Bedrooms. Set in lovely gardens, Howfield Manor, offers a range of facilities,including free parking, 24 hour reception, free wifi and flat screen televisions''.
**HISTORY**
Howfield Manor dates back to 1181 and was initially known as Haghfeide or Hughvelde. Envision the early morning when the manor came to life: the deep, resonant tolling of a bell echoed across the fog-laden fields, summoning the monks to their daily prayers. The air was filled with the earthy scent of curdling milk as the monks meticulously tended their dairy duties, a scene that depicted the manor's integral connection to St. Gregory's Priory in Canterbury. The priory, held by Archbishop Lambert, who died in 1206, relied on the manor, which may have functioned as a working dairy, until the reign of Henry VIII.
After the dissolution of the monasteries, the manor was passed on to Sir Christopher Hales, the Master of the Rolls. Hales was a significant figure in Henry VIII's reforms. He was instrumental in the legal aspects of the monarch's efforts to consolidate power. Thus, his acquisition of the manor symbolizes a pivotal transfer that mirrored the political shifts of the era. The property later went to his daughter, who married Alexander Culpepper. This couple subsequently sold it to the Duchess of Westmorland. She then sold it to Sir William Man.
Although many original features have been lost, some glimpses of the chapel remain. In the early 17th century, the manor underwent extensive rebuilding, including the addition of a north-western wing. As stories suggest, the first visitors to this new wing were awestruck by its grandeur and the skilful blend of old and new architecture. They often remarked on how the sunlight would filter through the newly glazed windows and cast vibrant patterns across the room. This period of transformation preceded its sale to John Denew. After the sale, the manor remained in his family for over 100 years. In 1796, the manor changed hands again when it was sold to George Gipps, the Member of Parliament for Canterbury.
In more recent times, Howfield Manor has operated as a hotel, a role it has held since the early 1970s. Archaeological work conducted at the site in the late 1990s yielded little along Howfield Lane. However, "fire pits" believed to be around 4,000 years old were discovered on the opposite side of the road, where Brownhills Motorhomes is now located. Modern renovations have since been made. These include relocating the original outdoor well to the small lounge area next to the reception.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Visitors have reported hearing monks chanting. There is a tale of a monk who became trapped inside a building during a fire. When another monk entered to rescue him, he suffered severe burns and eventually died from his injuries. It is said that the ghost of this monk now haunts the building.
13. THE PIG HOTEL
Bourne Park Road, Canterbury, CT4
Accommodation, Bar & Restaurant
''The restaurant is filled with signature PIG touches – eclectic finds, mismatched crockery, antique furniture and a wall of Kitchen Garden pickling jars''
''Our rooms have heaps of homely charm''
**HISTORY**
Imagine the rhythmic clatter of Roman legions' sandals on the cobblestones of Watling Street, a road that has borne witness to countless journeys. In later centuries, the thunderous roll of stagecoaches echoed along this ancient route, connecting Dover to London. The village of Bridge, nestled on this historic road, grew around a manor once belonging to an old abbey, the site now marked by a church. Over time, the manor—originally known as the Manor of Blackmanbury, later as Bridge Place Country Club—became known as Bridge Place around 1650.
In 1638, Arnold Braemes, a Dutchman and the first manager of the Dover Harbour Board, purchased the manor. As a contemporary of Samuel Pepys, Braemes accompanied him during the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. During this tumultuous era, Braemes was captured at the Battle of Naseby while tending his mortally wounded son, managed to escape to Holland, and later joined Charles II in exile.
Following Cromwell's death, Charles II returned to England and stayed at the manor, rewarding Braemes' loyalty by knighting him. With this royal visit, the manor began a new chapter as a host to illustrious guests. Over the years, figures such as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton are said to have visited, offering a romantic dimension to its history. The 1970s brought a dramatic shift, with Led Zeppelin holding concerts there, marking the manor's embrace of rock and roll. This progression—from royalty, through romance, to rock—highlights the manor's evolving identity and enduring appeal.
Years later, Queen guitarist Brian May expressed interest in purchasing the house while it was on the market, but the owner's son moved in instead. Subsequently, the manor transitioned to new uses, opening as a hotel and an over-30s nightclub.
In February 2018, the manor was sold and renamed 'The Pig Hotel'. Under Home Grown Hotels new ownership,with CEO Robin Hutson,significant renovations followed with Judy Hutson responsible for the style. This included a linked coach house with ten bedrooms and seven 'hop pickers' huts made from reclaimed materials sourced from an island in the grounds. Plans were also set to restore the gatehouse and add two more bedrooms. With the refurbishment of the main house's seven newly added bedrooms, the total would rise to 26. Meanwhile, potting sheds were converted into a tranquil treatment centre for guest rejuvenation.
**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Reports have surfaced of a ghostly maid appearing in one of the bedrooms, believed to be linked to Edward Taylor, Sir Arnold's great-grandson. After an illicit affair, the maid is said either to have been killed or to have died following the birth of an unwanted baby. Adding to the unsettling atmosphere, some have reported hearing an infant's cries from behind the fireplace.
Alongside the maid's tragic tale, a ghostly cavalier—possibly Sir Arnold himself—has been spotted around the site. This juxtaposition of the cavalier's stately presence and the maid's sorrowful figure weaves together a haunting narrative of power and loss, reflecting the class and gender divides that have marked the manor's history for centuries.
14. THE DIVER ARMS
66 Central Parade, Herne Bay CT6
Bar & Restaurant
''A traditional pub treasured by locals''
**HISTORY**
The inn was opened by an ex-smuggler named William Hooper Wood, who was known as one of the town's colourful characters. In April 1830, he was sentenced to penal servitude and transported to Australia for his involvement in smuggling. This period was marked by economic hardship for many in early-19th-century Kent, where increased taxes and stringent trade regulations forced individuals like Wood to seek alternative sources of income. As a result, smuggling became a widespread underground industry. According to various accounts, Woods managed to return—some suggest he escaped during the voyage to Botany Bay—and spent four years wandering through the wilderness before returning to England, possibly on a Dutch whaling ship. Upon his return, he used the proceeds from his earlier smuggling runs to become a deep-sea diver and joined a local salvage and diving business. Later, after hearing a legend about a shipwreck laden with silver off the Copeland Islands, Wood and a group of diving friends sailed from Whitstable to Donaghadee. On arrival, they found that the wrecked vessel was reportedly involved in the slave trade and carried a large number of slaves and a significant amount of silver dollars. The wreck became known after someone saw human legs protruding from the water. The people on board had tried to escape, filling their shirt-sleeves with dollars, but many drowned when the weight kept their heads under water. The site had remained undisturbed until Wood and his companions recovered about twenty-five thousand silver dollars, which amounted to a considerable sum in English currency. Wood kept one of the coins as a memento, inscribed: On one side, Carolus iiij. Dei Oratia. 1797. Hispan et Ind Bex MSB. FM. The coin is about the size of an old five-shilling piece.
In 1847, Wood used his findings to build the "Divers Arms" public house. This continued a family tradition, as his father and grandfather had also run inns in the Herne Bay area. He incorporated panelling from an old sailing ship into the pub's walls.
A decade after opening the inn, in 1857, Woods applied for a spirit license. Although he had maintained his establishment as a beerhouse and there were no objections to his conduct, the application was refused because Herne Bay already had seven public houses and eight beer shops, with eleven of each in the parish, which the bench considered sufficient. Wood continued applying and was finally granted the license in 1860.
In 1865, Wood retired from the pub trade and moved to Market Place. By 1871, he was working as a Mariner for the merchant service when he died on 10th August, aged 65, leaving his widow, Selina, £100 in his will.
In 1869-70, several years after Wood's death, the pub became part of the tea consortium, which promoted tea as an alternative to alcohol amid increased competition from local grocers pivoting to beer and wine sales. This change, driven by shifting consumer preferences, put pressure on traditional drinking establishments. By joining the tea consortium, places like the Divers Arms supported temperance values and sought to reclaim social spaces, highlighting tensions between business opportunism and the preservation of traditional gathering places.
Afterwards, in 1874, William Holness became the licensee. He had moved from the Royal Oak in Park Road/Salts Lane, which he had taken over after his parents' deaths. Holness also expanded the establishment, turning it into a hotel for visitors.
During Holness's tenure, boatmen would hold their annual dinner at the Divers Arms, hosted by the Captain.
On 30th March 1901, William Holness retired, and the Divers Arms, along with a cottage at the rear, was again put up for auction. The event attracted a very large attendance, including representatives from many major East Kent brewing firms as well as numerous local speculators. Eventually, Messrs. Bushell and Co., Limited, of Westerham, Kent—owners of the Druids Head—purchased the property for £5,000.
It has seen many more licensees and landlords over the years, but the name The Divers Arms has remained in Honour of the man who first built it.
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**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
A paranormal investigation by the Ghost Search team claims that four ghosts haunt the Divers Arms. Among them is Mr Alfred Potter, described as a portly man in a black suit. He was a former bank manager in Herne Bay. He has been identified as a previous patron of this pub.
Two child ghosts, a boy and a girl, are often described as running inside the Divers Arms. Observers believe they died in an accident at the pub or a nearby house. Witnesses have reported faint giggles and sudden cold drafts as the children dart around. Occasionally, toy-like objects are found displaced after their appearance. When approached, the children stare before vanishing.
A short woman in a long black Victorian-style dress and bonnet is also reportedly seen at the pub. Some believe she is the mother or grandmother of the two children. Locals have linked her to regional folklore and call her a 'guardian spirit.' She is said to watch over lost souls. Others propose that she is the familiar 'mourning widow' motif, a recurring figure in local tales. This figure is always searching for loved ones. This link to folklore adds to the mysterious allure of the Divers Arms and reinforces its place in Herne Bay's traditions.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.