The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset
The Resident Spirits
The Acorn Inn is home to one of Dorset's most enduring paranormal legends - the ghost of a murdered highwayman who met his violent end centuries ago. This spectral figure has been witnessed by guests and staff throughout the inn's long history, appearing as a shadowy presence that moves through the ancient corridors and staircases of the 16th-century building. The phantom highwayman is described as a dark, imposing figure who seems to patrol the inn as if still watching for potential targets or perhaps seeking justice for his untimely death. Witnesses report seeing this apparition most frequently on the main staircase, where his heavy footsteps have been heard echoing through the night long after all guests have retired. The ghost appears to be tied to the inn's history as a coaching house, when highwaymen would have frequented such establishments, either as guests seeking anonymity or as predators watching for wealthy travellers. The atmosphere becomes notably colder in areas where the highwayman has been sighted, and some guests have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of being watched or followed through the building's narrow corridors. The intensity of these encounters varies, from brief glimpses of a cloaked figure to more prolonged manifestations where witnesses describe feeling the presence's malevolent energy.
Known Ghosts:
The Phantom Highwayman, The Murdered Highwayman
The most compelling accounts of the phantom highwayman come from guests who have encountered him during overnight stays at The Acorn Inn. Staff members report that Room 7 and the rooms along the main corridor seem to experience the highest level of supernatural activity, with guests frequently reporting unexplained sounds and sightings during the early hours of the morning. One particularly detailed account describes a guest being awakened by the sound of heavy boots on the wooden floorboards outside their room, followed by what appeared to be someone trying the door handle. Upon investigation, the corridor was found to be empty, yet the sound of retreating footsteps could still be heard echoing down the passage. Another witness described seeing a tall, cloaked figure standing at the top of the main staircase, silhouetted against the dim light filtering through the ancient windows. The apparition appeared to be watching the bar area below before dissolving into shadow when approached. Staff have also reported cold spots in specific areas of the inn, particularly near the main staircase and along the upstairs corridor, accompanied by an oppressive atmosphere that seems to intensify during the winter months. The phantom highwayman's presence appears to be strongest during stormy weather, leading some to speculate that atmospheric conditions somehow amplify the supernatural energy within the building. Guests have also reported the unmistakable sound of spurs jangling in empty corridors, and some have described catching glimpses of a dark figure moving swiftly past windows when viewed from outside the building.
Historical Background
Building Age
16th century (built circa 1550)
Original Purpose
Coaching inn and tavern
Historical Significance
The Acorn Inn stands as one of Dorset's most historically significant coaching inns, originally known as the Kings Arms when it first welcomed travellers in the 16th century. Built from honey-coloured local stone, the inn served as a vital stopping point on the coaching routes that connected London to the West Country. The building has retained its original Tudor character with oak panelling, flagstone floors, low beamed ceilings, and roaring open fires that have welcomed weary travellers for over 400 years. The inn once brewed its own ales using pure water drawn from the source of the River Frome, establishing itself as a centre of local commerce and hospitality. During its heyday as a coaching inn, The Acorn Inn would have bustled with activity as horse-drawn coaches arrived and departed, passengers seeking refreshment, and locals gathering for ale and conversation. The building's thick walls and sturdy construction have weathered centuries of use, from the Tudor period through the Georgian era and into modern times. Thomas Hardy immortalised the inn in his novel 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles', where he referred to it as 'The Sow & Acorn' in the fictional village of 'Evershed' (Evershot). Hardy's intimate knowledge of the inn and village reflects his deep connection to this corner of Dorset, and the literary association has added another layer to the building's rich heritage. The inn's role as one of six public houses in the village during its prime speaks to Evershot's former importance as a market town and coaching stop.
Architecture
Tudor coaching inn with honey-coloured local stone, original oak beams, flagstone floors, and period features
What Guests Experience
Reported Activity
Dark apparitions, heavy footsteps on stairs, door handles turning, cold spots, oppressive atmosphere, sounds of spurs, shadowy figures in corridors
Most Active Areas
Main staircase, upstairs corridor, Room 7 area, bar entrance from staircase
Witness Accounts
Multiple guest testimonials of encounters with cloaked figure on staircase, staff reports of unexplained sounds and cold spots, overnight guests experiencing door handle rattling and footsteps in corridors during early morning hours
Paranormal Investigations
The inn has been documented in paranormal databases as an active haunting location, with the phantom highwayman listed as one of Dorset's notable supernatural residents
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📅 Sample dates:2025-10-18 to 2025-10-20 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near main staircase for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Contact Details
Special Packages
Thomas Hardy themed rooms, dog-friendly accommodation, dining packages
Accessibility
Limited accessibility due to 16th-century building constraints, parking available
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