Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire
The Ostrich Inn is considered one of England's most haunted pubs due to its grisly history of mass murder. The most prominent spirits are believed to be victims of John Jarman and his wife, who operated a 17th-century murder scheme using a trap-door bed that dropped sleeping guests into a vat of boiling liquid below. Over 60 people allegedly died this way before the couple were caught and hanged. The ghosts of these murder victims are said to haunt the inn, particularly in what was once known as the 'Blue Room' or Room 11, where the trap-door was located. Mrs. Jarman's spirit has also been reported, appearing in the clothes she wore to her execution. Additionally, the ghost of Dick Turpin, the famous highwayman who used the inn as a hideout, has been sighted. The spirits manifest through temperature drops, mysterious sounds, ghostly figures, and feelings of despair and oppression throughout the building.
Multiple spirits including victims of the Jarman murders, Mrs. Jarman herself, Dick Turpin, and various unidentified entities
Over 60 travelers who were brutally murdered by innkeeper John Jarman and his wife using a trap-door bed mechanism. Their restless spirits continue to haunt the inn seeking justice.
The ghost of Mrs. Jarman, wife of serial killer John Jarman, appears wearing the clothes she was executed in, still searching the inn where she committed dozens of murders.
Built circa 1106 (though some sources suggest 16th century)
Medieval hospice and coaching inn on the London to Bath road
The Ostrich Inn claims to be England's third or fourth oldest inn, with documented history dating back to at least 1165. Originally known as 'The Hospice,' it served as a crucial stopover on the main stagecoach route between London and Bath. The inn's most infamous chapter occurred in the 17th century under the ownership of John Jarman and his wife, who allegedly murdered over 60 guests using an ingenious but horrific trap-door mechanism. The inn has hosted numerous historical figures, including King John (who supposedly stopped here en route to signing the Magna Carta in 1215) and the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, who used it as a hideout. The building survived centuries of use and remains largely intact with original features, making it a significant example of medieval hospitality architecture.
Medieval coaching inn with 17th-century features including original timber framing, exposed beams, low ceilings, and a cobbled courtyard. The interior retains period paneling and staircases while incorporating modern comfort and safety features.
The inn experiences a wide range of paranormal phenomena including sudden temperature drops throughout the building, particularly in the Blue Room and areas associated with the original murders. Staff and guests report hearing unexplained creaking, footsteps, and voices when the building is otherwise empty. Objects move on their own, doors open and close without cause, and electrical equipment malfunctions frequently. Guests often report disturbing dreams and feelings of oppression or despair, particularly in rooms above the original kitchen area where the murders took place. The sound of dripping liquid is sometimes heard from areas where no plumbing exists, possibly echoing the boiling vat used in the murders. Cold spots appear suddenly and move through rooms, and some witnesses report seeing dark shadows moving through walls and closed doors.
Room 11 (the Blue Room) is the most active location, as it contains the site of the original trap-door bed. The area above the former kitchen, where the murder mechanism was located, shows intense paranormal activity. The main bar and reception areas experience frequent supernatural encounters, particularly during evening hours. The staircase and corridors connecting these areas are common sites for apparition sightings and unexplained sounds. The cellar areas, where bodies may have been disposed of, also show heightened paranormal activity.
Former manager Mark Bourne, initially a skeptic, became convinced of the haunting after experiencing numerous unexplained phenomena. Staff members have reported seeing figures in period dress, experiencing equipment malfunctions, and feeling oppressive presences. Guests have documented encounters in online reviews, describing disturbed sleep, apparition sightings, and feelings of dread. During the 2002 'Most Haunted' investigation, medium Derek Acorah claimed to be possessed by one of the murder victims. Multiple independent witnesses have described seeing the same apparitions in consistent locations, lending credibility to the reports.
The Ostrich Inn was featured on the popular TV show 'Most Haunted' in July 2002, where investigators claimed to document significant paranormal activity. The investigation team, including Yvette Fielding and Derek Acorah, explored the murder sites and reportedly made contact with spirits of the victims. Various paranormal groups have since investigated the inn, using EMF detectors, digital voice recorders, and other equipment. In 2003, a paranormal group claimed to make contact with a ghost named 'John' from the Elizabethan era. The inn's reputation as one of England's most haunted locations has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal investigators.
📅 Sample dates:2025-06-06 to 2025-06-08 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms room 11 (the blue room) is the most active location for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
High Street, Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire SL3 0JZ
Phone: +44 1753 682628
Status: Operating (historic pub/restaurant with accommodation)
The inn is known for its history and serves food and real ales. While specific 'ghost hunting packages' aren't consistently advertised, its haunted reputation attracts visitors. They host functions and private dining.
The building is historic (dating to 1106) with features like crooked stairs. While they aim to be inclusive and have an accessible toilet following a 2024 refurbishment, wheelchair access has challenges but may be possible with assistance. It's best to call ahead for specific accessibility needs.
Besides The Ostrich Inn itself (reputedly haunted by victims of the Jarman murders, Mrs. Jarman, and Thomas Cole), other nearby haunted locations include: Windsor Castle (numerous ghosts including Queen Elizabeth I and King George III). The site of the old Toll House in Colnbrook (ghost of John Pearce, a former keeper shot by Dick Turpin). Upton Court in Slough (ghost of a woman in a bloodstained nightdress). Baylis House (ghostly lady whose appearance is a bad omen). Almshouses in Langley (haunted by a former resident, Mrs. Briggs).
Book your stay and experience The Jarman Murder Victims and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.