Queen Mary's Phantom Coach
The Royal Castle Hotel is haunted by the sounds of a phantom horse-drawn carriage, believed to be a spectral reenactment of Queen Mary's departure from the hotel in 1688.
Dartmouth, Devon
The hotel is most famous for Queen Mary's phantom coach haunting, a spectral reenactment of her 1688 departure. At 2 am during autumn months, the sounds of horses, carriage doors, whip cracks, and an invisible clock chiming twice mark this recurring phenomenon. Additional reported activity includes a robed figure seen in one of the bedrooms and sounds of two people fighting in the courtyard. The hotel appears on the British Tourist Authority's official 'reputed to be haunted' list.
Queen Mary's Phantom Coach, Robed Figure, Fighting Spirits
Queen Mary's Phantom Coach: The most documented paranormal phenomenon involves the spectral reenactment of Queen Mary's 1688 departure. Beginning around 2 am, particularly during autumn months, witnesses report hearing horses' hooves clattering across cobblestones, followed by carriage springs creaking as invisible passengers board. Carriage doors open and close with definitive bangs, accompanied by the rustle of period clothing. The departure sequence includes the sharp crack of a coachman's whip, horses whinnying, and the coach thundering away, always concluded by an invisible clock chiming twice from the street behind the hotel. Additional Phenomena: Reports also describe a robed figure appearing in one of the bedrooms, though details remain limited. Sounds of two people fighting have been heard in the courtyard area. Given the hotel's role housing Charles II's mistresses during the volatile Restoration period, when honour disputes and courtyard confrontations were common at such establishments, these phantom conflicts may echo genuine historical tensions, though specific incidents remain undocumented. These secondary manifestations lack the historical specificity of the phantom coach but contribute to the hotel's overall supernatural atmosphere.
The Royal Castle Hotel is haunted by the sounds of a phantom horse-drawn carriage, believed to be a spectral reenactment of Queen Mary's departure from the hotel in 1688.
Built in 1639 (17th century), with evidence of earlier inn on site.
Inn and hotel.
A Grade II* listed hotel built in 1639, with evidence suggesting an earlier inn on the site where Sir Francis Drake reportedly stayed. The hotel has strong royal connections: many mistresses of Charles II stayed here, and in 1688, Queen Mary awaited William III at the hotel. Other famous guests include Queen Victoria, Edward VII, Cary Grant, and Agatha Christie. Features include a great winding wooden staircase and 46 antique spring bells.
17th-century historic hotel architecture, Grade II* listed. Notable for its winding wooden staircase and period features reflecting its long history overlooking Dartmouth Harbour.
Horse hooves crossing cobblestones at 2 am, carriage door sounds, whip cracking, horses whinnying, invisible clock chiming twice, robed figure sightings in bedrooms, sounds of fighting in courtyard. Activity peaks during autumn months.
Hotel courtyard, entrance area, unnamed bedroom (robed figure), courtyard (fighting sounds).
Consistent reports from guests and staff spanning centuries, with phenomena occurring regularly enough to earn inclusion on official haunted location lists. Staff working night shifts report seasonal predictability of the phantom coach manifestation.
Listed on British Tourist Authority's 'reputed to be haunted' roster. The hotel's supernatural reputation has attracted paranormal researchers interested in its well-documented historical connections to the haunting phenomena.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near hotel courtyard for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Three-star AA rated. Dog Friendly.
All rooms are only accessible by stairs, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
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