HAUNTED HOSTELRIES

1. THE ROYAL NORFOLK HOTEL

7 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT2

Accommodation, Bar & Restaurant

The Ship Inn (not to be confused with the other Ship Inn further along the High Street) was established here around 1804. 
In 1805, the landlord, Edward Hopper, was fined for giving short measures.
An incident took place in 1825 when the landlord was Richard Roberts. There was a fight in which Thomas Page received a fatal stab wound. John Burton was convicted of his manslaughter and died himself soon afterwards. However, before his death, Thomas Page confessed that it had been his fault and that he forgave John Burton. 
In 1869-70, the pub was part of a consortium that advertised its goods, such as tea, in response to grocers' selling beer and wine. 
The Royal Norfolk Hotel took its current name around 1874, after an extended stay of the then Duchess of Norfolk and her young son.  Arrangements for her stay were somewhat hurried after the proprietor of the nearby Royal Pavilion hotel instructed the landlord of the Ship to "clear out his guests to make room for the Duchess" as his hotel was filled. Understandably, the management was reluctant to get rid of their regular customers, and it was only after some last-minute negotiation that the Duchess came to stay. 
The Prince of Teck also visited in the 1890s, and even Queen Victoria herself reputedly stopped at the hotel.
**HAUNTINGS**
Following the unfortunate deaths of Thomas and John, the inn gained a reputation for ghostly and strange happenings. It was even left empty for considerable periods. 
It was only when the building was pulled down in 1901 that the paranormal events were said to have ended. 
The current hotel was rebuilt on the land, 
But it seems that maybe the ghosts of the past did not leave when the previous building was demolished.
A story in Paul Harris' 'Shepway Ghosts' is related to a waitress working there - she was rushing to and fro from the kitchen to the bar when she noticed a young boy in brown ragged clothing "like an urchin of Dickens' time" sitting on the stairs. Twice, she passed the boy who seemed unnaturally still and quiet. He was still there when she returned from delivering an order; she asked if he was alright. "He started to cry and looked at me with tears rolling down his cheeks; his eyes were bright blue, and then he just vanished, right there in front of my eyes," said the waitress.
A review on TripAdvisor in 2012, as follows:
​"Ghost in Room 22 - It was a perfect place to be for a weekend as a family. We spent only one night, and thank God for that. My boys spent the night in room 22, where some ghostly figure kept appearing through the wall, waving its arm on the wall and hanging before the TV. I was shocked at what my teenage boys had to gp through that night. The younger boy is completely upset, and worse still, the following morning, the ghost appeared again, this time on the wall next to a cupboard, and like a whirlwind, disappeared through the wall". 

3. THE GEORGE INN

Stone Street Stelling Minnis  CT4

UPDATE 16/3/25: It is currently closed! Taken from the website: ''We are very sorry to report that Michael is recovering from a serious accident, and in the meantime, the George Inn will be closed.'' I will keep checking on it.

Bar & Restaurant

Records for this inn date back to 1816. The landlord was John Church, who lost his son that year, aged 8. Very little other history has been located (more research is needed, and a visit is required).
Where it stands in Stone Street was the Roman road that went between Lympne and Canterbury, a route for pilgrims and travellers. 
The Knights, Reginald FitzUrse, William de Tracey, Hugh de Morville and Richard le Bretonmay may have used this route to Canterbury on the night they assassinated Thomas Beckett.
**HAUNTINGS**
People have heard the sound of muffled galloping hooves outside, in the dead of the night; could it be those four Knights on their way to murder the Archbishop? 
A ghost has also been reported, dressed in 18th-century clothing, seen in the bar, sitting next to a ghostly black dog, perhaps an old landlord, not ready to call time yet, or a local with his dog, who would regularly visit, even after death.

4. THE SHIP INN

65 Sandgate High St, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20

Bar & Restaurant

The Ship Inn is a Grade II listed building (March 1975) situated in the heart of Romney Marsh in Sandgate. It is a narrow corner pub that fronts onto the High Street and backs onto the beach. It has a front bar, a back room, and a restaurant with sea views. Upstairs, there is a top deck for drinkers, with some original features, such as the brick fireplace. 
The original Ship Inn was built mainly of ship timber from the old port of New Romney. 
The first recorded keeper was said to be Thomas Banne, described as an "ostler" of the Romney parish. 
The Inn was mentioned in the will of Samual Dunstare in 1579. 
It is recorded that the Inn underwent extensive alteration in 1662. The old thatch, wattle, and daub were removed in part and replaced with tiles and bricks. 
The present facade is said to have been erected in 1728. 
At the height of the mid-to-late eighteenth-century coaching era, the Inn was an established coach stop. It was situated on the central Rye to Dover route, a compulsory stop in the timetable of 1802. 
Along this street, supplies came in for the 1st Light infantry in the eighteenth century. 
In 1798, the troops were based at Shornecliffe Camp, which had been built in 1794 in preparation for the Napoleonic Wars. 
The Ship was also as popular at this time and during the Crimean War when the British German Legion was raised and camped nearby. 
An inquest was held Saturday, 25 November 1848, at the Inn upon the body of Mrs T. B. Richardson, wife of the landlord of the Inn, who expired after a few hours of illness on Saturday morning. The deceased was well till nine o'clock on Friday evening when a fit suddenly seized her - Verdict - "Died by the visitation of God."
More recently, in the 20th century, the cellar was also said to be used as a public air-raid shelter in World War II
It closed its restaurant in February 2023 and reopened in October 2023 as a bustling community pub and restaurant.
**HAUNTINGS**
The Inn is reputed to have a resident ghost called "The Fish Lady," who is said to pester customers she doesn't care for. It is believed she is a former landlady and, as the pub, used also to house fishmongers. (maybe Mrs Richardson, as discussed above, who died at the Inn) 
Another ghost having been seen is a soldier in Victorian uniform, possibly from the Crimean War camp.
A former barperson reports that, while cashing up the till at night, he saw someone on the CCTV monitor above the bar till standing outside the kitchen in the corridor. He left his colleague to watch the monitor while investigating and found no one in the corridor. As he proceeded towards the kitchen,  he heard his colleague scream; thinking an intruder had entered the bar area, he rushed back to the bar where she was standing, looking very pale.  She told him that she watched the CCTV monitor and witnessed him walk straight through the person standing in the corridor.

5. THE BRITISH LION

The Bayle Folkestone Kent  CT20

Bar & Restaurant 

UPDATE 16/3/25 Unable to find any website or official social media to connect to, all links found take me elsewhere, so will call them. 

The Inn has a sign hanging  'Ale House since 1460', but records can only be traced back to 1782 with the name the "British Lion." The oldest part of the building is the large beam that runs through the bar area and into the building next door. It was carbon-dated in the early 2000s as being 460 years old, making its installation in the mid-1500s. 
In 1995, local historian Eamonn Rooney discovered that a large portion of one of the still-standing walls was once part of a late medieval priory.
A building in the same area called the "Angel" operated as a public house between 1606 and 1646, so this may have been the same building. It was mentioned in the Town Records of 1605, "Item: for win (sic) at the Angel" when the Mayor was chosen, the wine was supplied at a cost of 14s."
Widow Judith Angel is thought to have owned the house and was recorded as being issued three score tuns of beer and one tun of wine. William Angel was recorded as an inn-holder and victualler between 1640 and 46.
The building was known as the "Priory Arms," which links it to the area's past as part of a priory. Some of the monks and nuns of olde did like to brew a tipple.
It was advertised in a local Kent paper on 07 September 1819 to sell in an auction labelled as "valuable brewery free public houses and other Estates"  by Mrs White  Lot 30. "A Messuage, the 'British Lion,' with the washhouse, granary, garden, land, and appurtenances, situate near the Bail, in the town of Folkestone aforesaid, and now in the occupation of Ann Formage, widow".  It had been in the hands of the Fromage family for around 8 years. 
It was Charles Dickens's favourite resort between 1857 and 63 and has its own Dickens Room. No doubt, Edward Haste and other gents who explored our countryside walks or travelled through may have stopped off to quench their thirst along the way, along with a few smugglers and highwaymen looking for their next unsuspecting victim. 
**HAUNTINGS**
In an area known for its stories of activity and the history of the place, it is no surprise it has its own stories of the supernatural.
A  pub proprietor reported that glasses placed on shelves had suddenly fallen across the bar into the public area, which was physically impossible for falling glass. A barmaid working there on one occasion said a glass shot out of her hand. 
Other mysterious paranormal activity has been reported in the Bayle area. Check out  The Parish Church stories in  RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS & AREAS and OUTSIDE AREAS

6. THE CLIFTON 

1-6 Clifton Gardens, The Leas, Folkestone CT20

Hotel, Wedding & Functions Venue, Bar & Restaurant

The Clifton Hotel is a Victorian building with a Hotel dating back to 1864. It was situated in the centre of the famous Leas and offered spectacular views of the English Channel.
It was part of the Best Western Group hotels and underwent a renovation in 2017 and boasted, ''A comfortably furnished restaurant, overlooking the adjoining garden, is the ideal venue for a leisurely luncheon or dinner. The boutique bar and lounge—Ocean Bleu—provides a warm and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a drink or you could try the Costa Coffee lounge.'' 
It has now had another exciting refurbishment and has been renamed ''Voco The Clifton,'' an IHG Hotel. From the website: "Whether you wish to relax in comfort in our individual rooms, enjoy a coffee in our lounge, sip an original cocktail in the Coral Bar, or indulge in some fabulous food at our renowned Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Voco The Clifton Folkestone takes pride in being one of the most historic hotels in Folkestone. We are waiting to welcome you!''"
Now, with uniquely styled rooms and an eclectic mix of modern and traditional interiors, it provides a comfortable and glamorous stay. There is a choice of King and Queen en-suites, family rooms, or cosy one-bedrooms.
**HAUNTINGS**
One sad story reported is that of Jane Doe, who was said to have taken her own life after a fight with her lover. It is said she haunts the Clifton Hotel in the very room where she committed suicide. Her ghost is described as wearing a nightgown and emitting great sadness, sorrow and misery.

7. THE SOUTHCLIFF HOTEL

22-26 The Leas, Folkestone CT20

Hotel & Bar & Restaurant

The Southcliff Hotel is situated on the famous Leas. It offers a variety of room types, from single rooms to Balcony Doubles, with stunning views of the French coastline. The 'Blue Martini' is a bright open bar "offering a great atmosphere." 
It has undergone many changes over the years, starting as five townhouses in 1861, then two Hotels in the 1930s, and finally a 68-bedroom Hotel in 1974. 
Patrick Dubus bought the hotel in 2002 and retired in 2018, after 16 years, Christie + Co. put it for sale for £999k. The listing states that it comprises 72 bedrooms, guest lounges, function spaces and The Blue Martini, dubbed one of the best music bars in town. The owner's accommodation is on the basement level, comprising two en suite bedrooms and a mini kitchen.
All rooms are en-suite and equipped with flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee facilities. All areas have free high-speed WiFi.
The current proprietor now is James Hyham.
**HAUNTINGS**
The Ghost believed to be haunting the building is a former owner, a soldier who frequents the right-hand side of the site. No other information was found, so further research is needed. 

8. GRAND BURSTIN HOTEL

The Harbour, Marine Parade, Folkestone CT20

Hotel, Bar & Restaurants

It began in 1843 as a smaller, more modest Hotel called the Pavilion Hotel. After a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it gained the prefix 'Royal' and became The Royal Pavillion. 
A scandal ensued in July 1856, when Augustus Hastier, the manager of the "Pavilion Hotel," was brought up in the custody of Sergeant Fleet, charged with having absconded from the hotel and having stolen certain monies to the value of £1600. The property was the property of a gentleman named Alfred De la Motte, who was staying at the hotel. It was committed to Dover Court on August 1856, and after a lengthy trial, the verdict was guilty. Although the Judge had the power to sentence him to 15 years of transportation on the recommendation of mercy by the jury and Mr Breach, he passed a comparatively lenient one, 3 years imprisonment, with hard labour, much to the shock of the prisoner and witnesses.
In 1899, the building was pulled down, and a much grander one was built. This was perfect timing for the influx of tourists arriving at Folkestone. 
Famous visitors are said to have included Charles Dickens and Thackeray, the Punch cartoonist John Leach, Prince Albert, the Duke of Wellington, and the King of Sardinia. Motyl Burstin first stayed at the hotel in the 1930s. 
During the Second World War, the hotel was used as a hospital with a Mortuary for the injured at Dunkirk. One of the wards is still laid out in the basement, as is the Mortuary, and one man who worked at the hotel until recently said, "Even now, the mortuary is deathly cold and still has the smell of death." Post-war, it was used for soldiers and their families.
In 1955, the council used it as a residential home and a retreat for people in need. 
Motyl Burstin underwent the buying of the building. After years of broken plans and other failings, his final plan was to pull half of it down and rebuild his dream hotel in the shape of a ship. Demolition finally started in 1980, and it was named the 'Hotel Burstin'' The Victorian Dining area is in the old part that wasn't destroyed, so it still has the old feel, with dark wood, high ceilings and Chandeliers.
**HAUNTINGS**
There is also a story recorded by an employee who was night manager in 2003. The night porter, who has been at the new hotel since it opened, has reported seeing two ghosts, and they even chased one together. The first ghost is that of a woman, said to be called Mary, a waitress in the Royal Pavillion. She refused the romantic advances of one of the hotel chefs, and in a fit of rage, he stabbed her to death with a kitchen knife. He is then said to have dragged her body through the hotel and locked it in the cellar, where she lay undiscovered for several months afterwards. Today, she often appears in the Victorian restaurant, where she runs across the room and disappears into the Greenroom, now an overflowing restaurant that used to be the main entrance to the old hotel. Many have felt her presence; some have even had her run through them. More often, she is only ever seen in reflection – either in a mirror or the windows. 
Those sightings are apparent (not just an outline) enough to describe her as having long, flowing, curly black hair and wearing a white dress.
The second ghost is said to be not so well known, although he has been seen clearly by the people mentioned above on two separate occasions. He is described as a young man in his teens with short blond hair,  wearing a black suit, which is thought possibly to be a battle dress. The manager and porter saw the young man run across the foyer towards the ballroom. They both chased him, thinking that he was intent on mischief. Still, when they got to the ballroom, the cleaners in the room stated that nobody had entered, even though both men had seen the doors open. With no other way out, in that part of the hotel, a search in the toilets failed to find anyone.
In a 2015 Tripadvisor review, a reviewer wrote: "I swear on my life, someone was in the other bed in my twin room."The following day, I looked over to the other bed, but it had not been slept in, but I know what I saw''.  

12. THE WARREN INN

Dymchurch Rd, New Romney TN28

Bar & Restaurant
The Warren Inn is a traditional country pub. It was owned by the Shepherd Neame Brewery. It is now a privately owned

It is said to have been first licensed in around 1860 and retains its Victorian interior. 
It is a cosy and welcoming pub with a lovely log-burning open fire, a wood-burning stove, and a garden overlooking the fields that run down to the sea. Throughout the centuries, life on the Marsh was centred around sheep, smuggling, and defending it from invasion, so I'm sure this pub has some stories to tell.
The Warren takes its name from the fenced area behind it, which is named after a Roman expression for an enclosure.
**HAUNTINGS**
One business website boasted of a resident ghost called Old Sid! He is said to be an old landlord from the 1950s who sadly committed suicide in an upstairs room when he fell on hard times financially. He is said to be blamed for the paranormal activity that occurs there. Witnesses have reported temperatures suddenly dropping, objects being moved or going missing, exploding light bulbs, phantom footsteps, and objects thrown by an unseen source. 
Another haunting event was witnessed by a barmaid, who saw the apparition of a huge black dog standing in the pub.b.

Accommodation, Bar & Restaurant

The George Hotel was built around 1620 on part of an older building, as parts of it are said to have a history dating from 1420. It is a Grade II Listed building (November 1950) and has seen many activities during its past centuries, including the use as a meeting point for famous smuggling gangs, the keeping of prisoners before trial, the staging post for London Coaches, and, of course, as an Inn and Hotel.
During 'The Battle of Brookland' between smugglers and revenue men long ago, John McKenzie, a young officer, was seriously wounded by one of the Aldington Gang, who locals knew as the Blues. He was taken to the Pub, where he died.  The leader of the Blues, Cephas Quested, was captured, and according to some accounts, the smugglers' leader was found after the battle, lying dead drunk on his back in the marsh. When his case came to court, one piece of evidence against him was particularly damning and probably sealed his fate on the gallows. In the thick of the battle, he mistook a blockade man for a smuggler and handed him a pistol, suggesting that the man should 'blow an officer's brains out'. The other man arrested claimed to have been an innocent bystander. He attributed the gunpowder stains on his skin to a rook-shooting trip. The gullible (or terrified) Jury believed this alibi, and he was acquitted. Cephus was found guilty and hanged in July 1821 for obstructing Customs. 
**HAUNTINGS**
Occupants and Witnesses in the hotel, some without knowing the past, have all reported hearing strange sounds over the years, especially at night, like creaking noises, floors vibrating, eerie whispering, doors slamming of their own accord, without explanation and phantom footsteps. (most of these can probably be explained nowadays as natural explanations, old floorboards shrinking and swelling, unknown gusts of wind) but there have been many similar experiences in certain parts of the hotel. 
The hotel taps have turned on and off on their own accord. So is it the ghost of John McKenzie that is said to haunt the George Hotel or another fateful tragedy that has left its ghostly trail behind?  
It is also said to have a resident ghost cat in one of the bedrooms. The cat likes to jump on sleeping guests and will send any dog that comes across it fleeing. 

14. THE PILOT INN