Skip to main content
Hero image of The Old Church House Inn

The Old Church House Inn

Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon

13th century, with some parts dating back to 700 AD. Historic Inn (13th century, parts from 700 AD) 11 Rooms 2 Ghosts

The Resident Spirits

View All County Ghosts

The inn is known for extensive paranormal activity, including sightings of a dark monk-like figure and a disembodied arm pointing towards the nearby church. Other phenomena include faces in wood panelling, self-relighting candles, and poltergeist activity.

Known Ghosts:

The Phantom Monk, The Pointing Spirit (disembodied arm)

The Phantom Monk: A dark figure in religious robes, resembling a monk, is frequently reported. This spirit materializes in the main bar area, lounge, and throughout the inn, including hallways and rooms, suggesting a connection to the inn's ancient and religious past.

The Pointing Spirit: A more unusual phenomenon is the appearance of a disembodied arm, which is seen pointing towards the nearby church. This has been reported in Room 1 and other guest rooms, possibly indicating the secret tunnel or emphasizing the inn's historical ties to the ecclesiastical site.

Other Phenomena: Faces are said to appear in the ancient Spanish Armada wood panelling. Candles have been observed relighting themselves after being extinguished. Lights flicker, cold spots are common, and the rattling of keys on unseen chains is heard. A dark figure has also been seen descending stairs that were removed years ago, and poltergeist activity has been noted in the lounge.

Meet Each Spirit

The Phantom Monk

Intelligent Haunting Medieval period (speculated)

A dark, monk-like figure in religious robes is frequently reported at The Old Church House Inn, possibly linked to its ancient religious connections and tunnel to the church.

Most Active Areas:

Main bar area Lounge Hallways +1 more
Read Full Story

The Pointing Spirit

Intelligent Haunting Unknown

A mysterious disembodied arm is reported at The Old Church House Inn, often seen pointing towards the nearby church, particularly in Room 1.

Most Active Areas:

Room 1 Other guest roo...
Read Full Story

Historical Background

Building Age

13th century, with some parts dating back to 700 AD.

Original Purpose

Inn, possibly with earlier religious connections given its construction by church builders and proximity to the church.

Historical Significance

Dates back to the 13th century, with elements from 700 AD. Built by the same men who constructed the adjacent parish church, to which it's connected by a secret underground tunnel. Believed to have hosted Henry VIII. Linked to Bertram Fletcher Robinson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Features one of England's oldest bread ovens and Spanish Armada ship panelling.

Architecture

Ancient inn with features spanning centuries, including medieval elements, Tudor-era panelling (from Spanish Armada ships), and evidence of early construction (700 AD parts).

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

Faces appearing in Spanish Armada wood panelling, candles relighting themselves, lights flickering, cold spots, keys rattling on unseen chains, dark figure on removed stairs, poltergeist activity in lounge, disembodied footsteps and voices, apparition of a monk, disembodied pointing arm.

Most Active Areas

Main bar area, lounge, Room 1, other guest rooms, hallways, site of former stairs.

Witness Accounts

The source details a wide range of reported activities, implying numerous witness accounts over time, though no specific individual testimonies are provided.

Paranormal Investigations

No specific paranormal investigation history provided in the source material, but the range of activity suggests it would be a site of interest.

Book Your Stay

Price Range: £110-£150 per night
Rooms: 11
Spirits: 2 Ghosts

📅 Sample dates:2025-06-06 to 2025-06-08 • 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. Learn more

Paranormal Tip: Book rooms main bar area for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
Torbryan, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 5UR

Phone: 01803 812372

Status: Operating

Special Packages

Multiple themeed rooms. Dog friendly (Max. 2 dogs)

Accessibility

There are multiple steps throughout the inn, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Other Haunted Sites Nearby

The adjacent parish church, connected by a secret tunnel, is a key related site.

Ready to Meet Our Ghosts?

Book your stay and experience The Phantom Monk and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.