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Royal Castle Hotel

Dartmouth, Devon

Built in 1639 (17th century), with evidence of earlier inn on site. Historic Hotel (17th century, Grade II* listed) 24 Rooms 1 Ghost

The Resident Spirits

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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.

Known Ghosts:

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.

Meet Each Spirit

Queen Mary's Phantom Coach

Residual Haunting 1688

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.

Most Active Areas:

Hotel courtyard Entrance area
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Historical Background

Building Age

Built in 1639 (17th century), with evidence of earlier inn on site.

Original Purpose

Inn and hotel.

Historical Significance

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.

Architecture

17th-century historic hotel architecture, Grade II* listed. Notable for its winding wooden staircase and period features reflecting its long history overlooking Dartmouth Harbour.

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

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.

Most Active Areas

Hotel courtyard, entrance area, unnamed bedroom (robed figure), courtyard (fighting sounds).

Witness Accounts

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.

Paranormal Investigations

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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Price Range: £125-£220 per night
Rooms: 24
Spirits: 1 Ghost

📅 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 hotel courtyard for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
The Quay, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9PS

Phone: +44 1803 833033

Status: Operating

Special Packages

Three-star AA rated. Dog Friendly.

Accessibility

All rooms are only accessible by stairs, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

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Royal Castle Hotel & Surroundings Legend

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