Hungerford, on Berkshire-Wiltshire border
Littlecote House is renowned as England's third most haunted building, with a dark history centered on the legend of Wild Darrell and the murdered infant. The most famous ghost story involves William Darrell, who allegedly ordered the murder of a newborn baby born from his affair with a married woman in 1575. Mother Barnes, the midwife summoned to assist with the birth, witnessed Darrell throw the infant into the fire to destroy evidence of his indiscretion. The child's ghost is said to have appeared to Darrell while hunting, causing his horse to bolt and resulting in his death at a location still known as 'Darrell's Stile.' The Grey Lady, believed to be the infant's mother, searches eternally for her lost child. A large black dog sits on the Jerusalem Staircase, and when approached, hands pass straight through it. The house is also haunted by Mother Barnes herself and various other spirits from its long and tumultuous history.
William 'Wild' Darrell (former owner), Mother Barnes (the midwife), the Grey Lady (believed to be the murdered infant's mother), phantom black dog, and various other spirits
William 'Wild' Darrell, the last Darrell owner of Littlecote, allegedly murdered a newborn infant in 1575 and was later killed by the child's vengeful ghost while hunting.
Mother Barnes, the midwife who witnessed William Darrell murder the newborn infant, haunts Littlecote House as a shadowy figure searching for justice for the murdered child.
The Grey Lady is believed to be the mother of the murdered infant, eternally searching Littlecote House for her lost child who was killed by William Darrell.
A large black dog that appears solid sitting on the Jerusalem Staircase at Littlecote House, but hands pass straight through it when touched.
Current Elizabethan mansion built 1592, original house from 13th century
Medieval manor house, later Tudor mansion and country estate
Littlecote House has over 800 years of documented history, with the original 13th-century manor belonging to the de Calstone family. The current Elizabethan mansion was built by Sir John Popham in 1592 after he acquired the estate following the death of William Darrell in 1589. The house is infamous for the legend of Wild Darrell and the murdered infant, a tale involving infanticide and ghostly revenge that has made it one of England's most notorious haunted houses. During WWII, it served as headquarters for the US 101st Airborne Division, with D-Day landings planned in its library. The house has hosted royalty including King Henry VIII (who courted Jane Seymore here), James I, Charles II, and William of Orange. It contains the last remaining Cromwellian Chapel in a private house and sits atop a Roman villa site with preserved mosaics.
Elizabethan brick mansion with Tudor and Georgian elements. Features include the Great Hall, Long Gallery, distinctive architectural details, original fireplaces, and period rooms. The building incorporates elements from different eras while maintaining its primary Elizabethan character.
Guests and staff experience a wide range of paranormal phenomena including sudden temperature drops (particularly in the most haunted bedroom), unexplained sounds of babies crying when no children are present, footsteps in empty corridors, and doors opening and closing on their own. The Jerusalem Staircase is a hotspot for the phantom dog sightings and cold spots. Electronic equipment fails regularly in certain areas, particularly the Long Gallery where camera equipment stops working without explanation. Guests report feeling watched, experiencing disturbed sleep, and seeing apparitions in period dress. Objects move without explanation, and some visitors report being touched by unseen presences. The most dramatic phenomena occur during organized ghost tours and paranormal investigations.
The most haunted bedroom (location of séances and intense activity) is the epicenter of paranormal activity. The Jerusalem Staircase where the phantom black dog appears is highly active. The Long Gallery, where camera equipment malfunctions and apparitions are seen, shows frequent supernatural activity. The grounds near Darrell's Stile, where William Darrell died, experience sightings of his ghost. The areas of the house dating to the original Tudor structure show the most consistent paranormal activity.
Numerous guests have documented their experiences in reviews and testimonials. A 2007 paranormal investigation team reported that 'ghosts outnumbered the living' during their visit. Staff members openly acknowledge the supernatural activity, with housekeeping reporting objects moved overnight and maintenance staff experiencing equipment failures in specific locations. Guests staying in the historic rooms report consistent experiences including disturbed sleep, apparition sightings, and unexplained phenomena. Warner Hotels acknowledges the property's haunted reputation and includes it as part of the hotel's character and history.
Littlecote House has been investigated by numerous paranormal teams, including a notable 2007 investigation by Paranormal Site Investigators (PSI) from Swindon, who reported extensive supernatural activity. The house has been featured in various paranormal documentaries and books about Britain's most haunted locations. Warner Hotels has embraced the property's reputation and occasionally offers ghost tours to guests. The building's status as the third most haunted in England has made it a regular destination for serious paranormal researchers and ghost hunting groups.
📅 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 the most haunted bedroom (location of séances and intense activity) is the epicenter of paranormal activity. the jerusalem staircase where the phantom black dog appears is highly active. the long gallery for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
B4192, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0SU
Phone: +44 1488 682509
Status: Operating (Warner Leisure Hotels - adults only resort)
Warner Leisure Hotels are known for their all-inclusive style breaks for adults, featuring dining, live music, activities (archery, rifle shooting, bowls, quizzes, spa treatments), and themed breaks (e.g., Star Breaks with headline acts, seasonal packages like Christmas and New Year). Ghost tours are sometimes offered given the house's reputation.
Warner Leisure Hotels generally cater well for accessibility. Littlecote House has accessible rooms and lodges, often on the ground floor with features like walk-in showers. It is advisable to discuss specific needs when booking. The historic nature of parts of the main house may present some limitations, but newer accommodation blocks are built with accessibility in mind.
Besides Littlecote House itself (Wild Darrell, Mother Barnes, Grey Lady, phantom black dog), other haunted sites in the broader Berkshire/Wiltshire area include: Avebury Stone Circles (various spirits, phantom barber-surgeon). The Red Lion pub in Avebury (said to be one of England's most haunted pubs, haunted by a spirit named Florrie). Longleat House (Grey Lady/Lady Louisa Carteret). Devizes (Bear Hotel - numerous ghosts, Black Swan Hotel - lady in black). Salisbury (various historic buildings and pubs with ghost stories).
Book your stay and experience William 'Wild' Darrell and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.