Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire
The Ostrich Inn experiences extensive documented paranormal activity that has made it one of England's most investigated haunted locations. The inn is famous for the legendary Jarman murder story, though modern research reveals this originates from Thomas Deloney's 1598 novel 'Thomas of Reading' rather than historical fact. Despite the fictional nature of this tale, current staff and guests report consistent supernatural encounters including apparitions in period dress, temperature anomalies, electrical disturbances, and physical sensations. Manager Sarah Morgan documents regular paranormal activity over 12 years of experience. Witnesses report a Victorian lady, child spirits, figures in white, and various entities throughout the building. The inn was featured on 'Most Haunted' in 2002, with investigators claiming contact with spirits including one named 'John' from the Elizabethan era. Multiple paranormal groups have investigated using modern equipment.
Multiple spirits including victims of the Jarman murders, Mrs. Jarman herself, Dick Turpin, and various unidentified entities
Current manager Sarah Morgan reports extensive paranormal activity throughout her 12-year tenure, including figures in white clothing, sensations of being prodded in the cellar, and electrical equipment operating independently. Staff member Hayley Hearn described seeing 'a floating lady in a long old fashioned white nighty and shoulder-length dark hair.' Room 11 (the legendary Blue Room) experiences significant activity with guests reporting temperature drops, feelings of being watched, and sounds from empty wardrobes. Morgan stayed in Room 3 and reported seeing a figure walk through her peripheral vision. The ladies' toilet downstairs has notable cold spots, whilst kitchen doors open and close automatically followed by unexplained thuds. Multiple guests report disturbing sleep, pictures' eyes seeming to move, weight sensations in beds, and old-fashioned sounds including horses and carts. A Victorian lady in period dress appears in corridors, and child spirits manifest playfully throughout the building. The 2002 'Most Haunted' investigation documented significant phenomena and claimed contact with an Elizabethan spirit named 'John.'
Over 60 travellers 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.
Multiple independent spirits including a Victorian lady and child who manifest throughout the inn, separate from the Jarman murder legend.
Built circa 1106 (though some sources suggest 16th century)
Medieval hospice and coaching inn on the London to Bath road
The Ostrich Inn stands as England's third oldest inn, founded in 1106 by Milo Crispin as 'The Hospice' during Henry I's reign. This Grade II* listed building served as a crucial medieval hospice and later as a premier coaching inn on the London to Bath road. Colnbrook had ten coaching inns by 1577, making it one of England's most important coaching centres. The inn allegedly hosted King John en route to signing the Magna Carta in 1215 and served as a hideout for highwayman Dick Turpin. The building features exceptional Tudor timber framing with 17th-century panelling and original architectural elements. Its nine centuries of continuous operation represent one of England's most remarkable examples of hospitality heritage, surviving religious upheavals, coaching era decline, and modern development whilst maintaining its essential medieval character.
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.
Current manager Sarah Morgan provides detailed testimony of paranormal encounters across 12 years of experience, stating 'You learn to live with it, there are footsteps and noises that you just tell yourself well that will be someone upstairs.' Staff member Hayley Hearn's sighting of a woman in white matches traditional descriptions from local folklore. Former manager Mark Bourne, initially skeptical, became convinced after experiencing phenomena firsthand. A guest staying a week covered all mirrors with towels, claiming 'the picture's eyes were moving and watching her.' Multiple guests report feeling additional weight in beds and hearing horse-and-cart sounds. Online reviews consistently document disturbed sleep, temperature anomalies, and apparition sightings. Independent witnesses across decades describe similar phenomena in consistent locations, creating credible testimony patterns that transcend any single ghost story's origins.
The Ostrich Inn was featured on 'Most Haunted' in July 2002 (Season 1, Episode 6), where investigators including Yvette Fielding and Derek Acorah documented paranormal phenomena and claimed contact with spirits, including one identifying as 'John' from the Elizabethan era, unrelated to the fictional Jarman narrative. Multiple paranormal groups have investigated using EMF detectors, digital voice recorders, and thermal imaging equipment. The Sussex Paranormal Research Group has conducted investigations. Current staff provide ongoing documentation of supernatural activity, with manager Sarah Morgan's 12-year testimonial representing one of the most comprehensive witness accounts. The inn's reputation attracts researchers interested in separating documented contemporary phenomena from historical legends, making it valuable for studying how fictional stories interact with genuine paranormal activity.
Ready to witness the paranormal activity firsthand? Book your stay and join the ranks of guests who've encountered the supernatural.
Check Availability & Rates
📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
💰 Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a commission from some bookings at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure
Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near 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.
Help others discover this haunted hotel
12 haunted sites and 5 attractions within 10-15 miles
Click a map pin to view details
Book your stay at The Ostrich Inn and explore 12 haunted locations within walking or short driving distance.
Book Your Paranormal AdventureBook your stay and experience The Jarman Murder Victims and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.