Kent, often called the 'Garden of England,' also harbours a deep and chilling reputation as one of the nation's most haunted counties. Its history stretches back to Roman times, with ancient roads like Watling Street and fortifications such as Richborough Roman Fort, and it formed the heart of the early Saxon Kingdom of Kent, the first to convert to Christianity in Britain. This long and often turbulent past, marked by invasions, pivotal battles (like the Battle of Medway), profound religious significance (Canterbury and St. Augustine), and extensive maritime exploits, has imbued its diverse landscape with countless ghostly legends. The county's spectral tapestry is woven with threads from significant historical periods: the endless stream of medieval pilgrims to Canterbury Cathedral (leaving tales like Nell Cook in the Dark Entry), the sieges and royal intrigues within its formidable castles like Dover (haunted by Napoleonic drummers and a lady in white), Leeds (with its ominous Black Dog and spectral Lady Baillie), and Hever (Anne Boleyn's childhood home and eternal sorrowful haunt). The fierce clashes of the English Civil War, such as the Battle of Maidstone (whose echoes are felt at Larkfield Priory), and the notorious smuggling operations along its extensive coastline have also contributed to its ghostly populace. From the famously dubbed 'most haunted village in England,' Pluckley, with its myriad of spectres including a screaming man and a phantom coach, to the historic city of Canterbury, haunted by monks and tragic figures, and the eerie mists of Blue Bell Hill concealing its phantom hitchhiker, Kent is rich with stories. Spectral knights, wronged noblewomen like Anne Boleyn, sorrowful monks from dissolved priories (as at Eastwell Manor or The Shurland Hotel), and the restless spirits of soldiers (The Chequers Inn, Smarden) and smugglers are said to roam its ancient manors, venerable inns like The Woolpack Inn in Chilham, and imposing castles. Many of these hauntings are directly linked to documented historical events and figures – from royal tragedies and religious martyrdom to local skirmishes and maritime disasters – lending a compelling authenticity to the paranormal encounters reported. The sheer density of ancient sites – from Roman ruins and medieval castles to centuries-old inns and lonely marshlands, each with tales of spectral residents – makes Kent a premier destination for those seeking to connect with England's haunted heritage.
8 operating hotels
Available for booking
Unexplained phenomena & supernatural locations
Boughton Lees, Kent
Eastwell Manor is haunted by a phantom horseman, believed to be Richard Plantagenet, son of Richard III, who gallops acr...
Larkfield, Kent
The hotel is reputedly haunted by 'Charlotte', the ghost of a 19th-century maid. Her sorrowful sobbing and mischievous p...
Hever, Kent
Hever Castle is famously haunted by the tragic ghost of Anne Boleyn, who returns to her beloved childhood home, often si...
Maidstone, Kent
Leeds Castle is most notoriously haunted by the 'Black Dog', a phantom hound whose appearance, according to legend, serv...
Dartford, Kent
The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel is home to three distinct supernatural residents, each with well-documented histories sp...
Smarden, Kent
The Chequers Inn is legendary for its 'haunted room,' reputedly occupied by the ghost of a Napoleonic-era soldier murder...
Eastchurch, Kent
The Shurland Hotel is known for an unseen prankster entity, nicknamed Fred by staff, that enjoys tampering with lights, ...
Chilham, Kent
The Woolpack Inn is famously home to a resident 'Grey Lady' ghost, a gentle and benign spirit often seen wandering the i...
Discover 319 documented paranormal locations throughout Kent, including ghost sightings, UFO encounters, unexplained phenomena, and supernatural occurrences.
Devil's Kneading Trough, Wye
Deep in the Kentish countryside, the Devil's Kneading Trough, a natural spring and rock formation, has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. This ancient site is steeped in local legend, with tales of the devil himself making an appearance to those brave - or foolhardy - enough to test the legend. The story goes that if you walk around the trough seven times and then drink from the spring, you'll catch a glimpse of the devil. It's a claim that's likely to raise a few eyebrows, but one that's been passed down through the generations, adding to the allure of this enigmatic spot.
Building along Hawks Road, Canterbury
On Hawks Road in Canterbury, a rather sinister tale unfolds. Abigail, a poor soul, was brutally beaten by her husband for years. Eventually, she'd had enough and took her own life. But in a twist of fate, her death was mistaken for murder, and her husband was found guilty and hanged. They say Abigail's spirit still lingers in the upper part of the building, a haunting presence that refuses to fade away.
Sholdean Hall, Deal
Sholdean Hall in Deal, Kent, is home to a rather mischievous presence. The hall is said to be haunted by the ghost of an admiral who once lived there. His identity remains a mystery but his penchant for making his presence known is very much alive. Strange knocks and taps echo through the halls and rooms, leaving residents and visitors alike to wonder if they're just experiencing a spot of bad luck or something more sinister.
Guildhall, Rochester
Rochester Guildhall is home to a most intriguing haunting, that of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell. This decorated building has borne witness to the ghostly apparition of the admiral himself, clad in full uniform, wandering the corridors. It's said that Shovell's personal investment in the guildhall's ornate plaster ceilings may be the reason for his lingering presence. The ceilings, a testament to his taste and generosity, seem to have bound his spirit to this place.
Divers Arms Public House, Herne Bay
The Divers Arms Public House in Herne Bay, Kent, is home to a number of ghostly residents. In 2006, the Ghost Search UK team investigated the premises and detected four entities. One of these was identified as Alfred Potter, a former banker. The presence of multiple spirits has led to speculation about the pub's history and possible connections between the entities. While the exact nature of their presence is unclear, it is evident that the Divers Arms is a hub of paranormal activity.
Dering Woods, Ashford
Dering Woods in Ashford, Kent, is a place where the sounds of amorous foxes have been mistaken for paranormal activity. The Woodland Trust, which manages the woods, has denied reports of a gypsy who accidentally burnt herself to death or a headmaster who committed suicide. Instead, they attribute the strange noises to the nocturnal activities of foxes. It's not hard to see why people might get excited, though - the woods can be a spooky place, especially at night. The Trust has even spent six thousand pounds on clearing up the damage caused by overzealous ghost hunters.
Plan a haunted hotel tour across Kent with 8 unique locations to choose from.
Each hotel comes with centuries of documented paranormal activity and fascinating historical background.
Experience the supernatural without sacrificing comfort - all hotels provide excellent modern amenities.