The village of Smarden, home to the haunted Chequers Inn, is an excellent base for exploring some of Kent's most famous ghostly locations.

Pluckley Village (approx. 8 miles): A must-visit for any ghost enthusiast. Pluckley offers a wealth of hauntings, including the Screaming Woods, the phantom coach and horses at Elvey Farm, the Red Lady at St Nicholas's Church, and the prankster ghosts at The Black Horse pub. Guided ghost walks are often available in Pluckley.

Smarden Village: Besides The Chequers Inn, Smarden Church is said to have its own 'Green Lady' ghost drifting among the tombstones. The village's history as a smugglers' haven in the 1700s adds a layer of intrigue to local tales.

Tenterden (nearby town): The White Lion Hotel in Tenterden also has its own ghost stories.

Leeds Castle (approx. 12 miles): Features legends of ghostly black dogs and other apparitions.

This guide would further explore these locations with detailed accounts of their specific hauntings, historical backgrounds, and practical advice for visitors. [Further detailed historical accounts, specific ghost stories, visitor information, and investigation findings for each site would form the bulk of an 800-1000 word guide. This extended content is not fully available from the provided input but would be researched and included here.]