Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
A multi-layered haunting featuring Dick Turpin as the most famous spirit, the literary ghost of Daniel Defoe by the fireplace, a mysterious Lady in Grey wandering the corridors, and ongoing poltergeist activity throughout the inn.
Dick Turpin (Intelligent Haunting), Daniel Defoe (Residual Haunting), Lady in Grey (Intelligent Haunting), Poltergeist Activity
Dick Turpin's ghost appears as a dark figure at the foot of beds, particularly after a 1962 incident when a new landlord reported strange atmosphere and spontaneous fires in his former room. Daniel Defoe's spirit is seen by the reception fireplace, calmly smoking a clay pipe in period attire, appearing as a peaceful residual haunting of his living habits. The Lady in Grey drifts silently through corridors in elegant period dress, her identity unknown but her familiarity with the building suggesting a deep historical connection. Poltergeist activity includes equipment moving or disappearing from bar and kitchen areas, only to reappear days later in different locations. Staff report feeling constantly watched and seeing shadowy figures in peripheral vision. The restaurant houses a 'cursed table' associated with unusual accidents and reportedly three customer deaths.
The spirit of Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, continues to frequent The Bell Inn where he was once a regular guest. Witnesses describe seeing him seated by the grand fireplace, peacefully smoking his clay pipe as he did in life.
The legendary highwayman Dick Turpin is said to haunt The Bell Inn in Stilton, a place he reputedly used as a hideout for nine weeks. His ghost is seen as a dark figure at the foot of beds and is associated with phantom hoofbeats and mysterious fires.
A mysterious woman in period clothing drifts silently through The Bell Inn's corridors. Her identity remains unknown, but her elegant presence and timeless wanderings suggest a soul forever connected to this historic coaching inn.
Beyond the famous individual spirits, The Bell Inn experiences ongoing poltergeist activity and harbours a supposedly cursed table in the restaurant. Discover the mischievous paranormal forces and dark coincidences that continue to perplex staff and guests.
Former 16th century coaching inn, thought to date back to 1500, with possible origins as early as 1437 based on records of a local innkeeper
Coaching inn on the Great North Road
Historic coaching inn on the Great North Road, famously linked to highwayman Dick Turpin who reportedly hid here for nine weeks while being hunted by the law. Also notable as a regular stop for writer Daniel Defoe between 1697-1701, who wrote about Stilton cheese in his 1724 treatise. The inn helped popularize Stilton cheese, adding to its culinary legacy.
Historic coaching inn with ivy-clad stone walls and timber beams
Dick Turpin's apparition at bedsides, Daniel Defoe smoking by the fireplace, Lady in Grey wandering corridors, poltergeist activity moving objects in bar/kitchen, staff feeling constantly watched, shadowy peripheral figures, equipment disappearing and reappearing, unusual accidents around cursed restaurant table.
Guest bedrooms (particularly Turpin sightings), reception fireplace area (Defoe's ghost), upstairs corridors (Lady in Grey), bar and kitchen areas (poltergeist activity), restaurant (cursed table), main staircase and hallways (general paranormal activity).
Staff and guests report consistent sightings of Daniel Defoe smoking by the fireplace, the Lady in Grey in period dress moving through corridors, and Dick Turpin as a dark figure at bedsides. The 1962 landlord reported strange atmosphere and spontaneous fires in Turpin's former room. Kitchen and bar staff document equipment regularly disappearing and reappearing in different locations days later, with an overwhelming sense of being watched throughout their work shifts.
The Bell Inn’s hauntings have been featured in TV and magazine articles on haunted hotels. Ghost hunting groups have conducted overnight investigations; in one case, a team claimed to record an EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) saying “Stand and deliver,” Turpin’s famed hold-up phrase, though skeptics question the authenticity. The inn embraces its ghostly fame to a degree – around Halloween, it sometimes offers ghost-story nights for guests. To date, Dick Turpin’s ghost remains an enduring legend that draws curious visitors from afar.
Ready to witness the paranormal activity firsthand? Book your stay and join the ranks of guests who've encountered the supernatural.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near guest bedrooms (particularly turpin sightings) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Wedding packages available. Sometimes offers ghost-story nights around Halloween.
Offers a Double Room with Disability Access / Accessible Double Room with en-suite wetroom. Disabled access for wedding venue.
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3 haunted sites and 6 attractions within 10-15 miles
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Book your stay at Bell Inn Stilton and explore 3 haunted locations within walking or short driving distance.
Book Your Paranormal AdventureBook your stay and experience Daniel Defoe - The Literary Ghost and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.