on 09/10/2023
It's no wonder Cornwall has so many stories and tales of ghost sightings and paranormal activity, considering it’s rich history and folklore dating back centuries. Beyond the picturesque landscape and charming villages, there are darker stories and a supernatural side to be explored. This blog will take you through the must visit destinations for a spooky tour of Cornwall, where some of the most infamous ghostly apparitions and phenomena have been reported. Get booking your Autumn staycation and delve in to Cornish history.
Recently transformed in to a luxurious, boutique hotel, Bodmin Jail is infamous for hosting 55 executions in Cornwall, the most recent hanging being 1909. The jail is an ominous structure that housed criminals in the 18th and 19th century. There is a chilling energy within the walls and with a past so dark, ghostly sightings and experiences are common here. Paranormal investigators and curious tourists flock here due to the inexplainable sightings of ghostly children in corridors and eerie noises.
Kennal Vale is a valley nestled in Ponsanooth in the Cornish countryside between Redruth and Falmouth. Once home to one of the largest gunpowder works to be found anywhere in Britain, producing explosives for use nearby mines. The ruins of mills create a charged atmosphere and information boards detail an appalling accident that occurred in 1838 when five mill buildings blew up in succession. Part of a roof was found a mile from the premises and one man died of his injuries, leaving a widow and ten children. He is reported to haunt the area.
Jamaica Inn is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Cornwall, made famous by Daphne du Murier’s novel. The Inn dates back to the 18th century and is known for housing smugglers and sailors and is commonly referred to as one of the most haunted spots in the whole of the UK. Visitors report phantom footsteps, ghostly whispers and often encounter a woman dressed in white. If you’re brave enough, you are able to dine and stay here on the eerie Bodmin Moors.
Tintagel is said to be haunted by King Arthur’s mentor, Merlin. Merlin is said to haunt the caves underneath the 12th century castle and is heard speaking in an ancient/ foreign language. The nearby Camelot Hotel has plenty of paranormal activity too, where ghosts play mischief on the guests. Three ghosts are known to haunt the hotel, knocking paintings from walls and tipping bins over, to attempting to give people a bed bath in the middle of the night.
On the beautiful Fal Estuary in Falmouth lies Pendennis Castle, built during Henry VIII’s reign. The structure overlooks the water and has witnessed centuries of conflict during wartime. It is said to be haunted by long-departed soldiers, many of whom were held captive here during famous 1646 seige. Royalists were trapped inside and forced to eat their horses and dogs before surrendering. Footsteps on a non-existent staircase are heard and the cries of a kitchen maid who reportedly fell to her death. Apparitions and more have been reported at Pendennis Castle and many leave after saying they felt as if they are being watched.
This Cornish castle dates back to the 12th century. Having witnessed so many centuries, it is said to be inhabited by several restless spirits. The most famous is said to be that of a white lady who still roams the castle’s halls. Visitors have reported strange voices, unexplained cold spots and experience encounters with shadowy figures. The castle’s eerie beauty make it a must visit when in Cornwall.
Boscastle is infamous for the devastating floods of 2004, but the 17th century old coaching inn are where the paranormal stories lie. Staff and guests have reported seeing three different ghosts at The Wellington Hotel including a coachman who walks through the hotel halls, a little girl and an older lady who walks through walls and closed doors. Room number 9 of the hotel is said to be the most haunted section. A recent visitor described a paralysing encounter whilst staying in room number 9 which got nationwide attention from paranormal investigators.
Cornwall’s haunting beauty goes far beyond landscapes and scenery. These haunted locations offer a glimse in to the fascinating and mysterious past of the Cornish coast and offer a different experience when on holiday in the region.
