St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex
The Royal Victoria Hotel harbours a tragic tale of supernatural presence that has captivated guests and staff for generations. The primary spirit is known as the 'Man in Grey', believed to be the ghost of a former hotel manager who perished in a devastating fire that swept through part of the building in the late Victorian or early Edwardian period. This spectral figure, always appearing in a grey suit typical of the era, has been witnessed wandering the corridors where he once conducted his daily rounds, checking on guests and overseeing the hotel's operations. His loyal canine companion also died in the same tragic blaze, and the phantom dog has been reported running through the hallways, particularly on the upper floors where the manager's quarters would have been located. While sightings have become less frequent in recent years, the atmosphere of melancholy and dedication remains palpable in certain areas of the hotel. Modern guests have reported unexplained phenomena including lights turning on and off during the night, bathroom doors closing of their own accord despite no windows being present to create drafts, and the distinct sound of footsteps pacing the corridors during the small hours. Children seem particularly sensitive to the presence, with one young guest reportedly seeing a man in their room and asking why people walk around at night.
The Man in Grey, The Phantom Dog
The most compelling accounts of the Man in Grey come from staff members who have worked night shifts at the hotel. One long-serving night porter reported seeing a distinguished-looking gentleman in a grey suit walking purposefully down the main corridor around 2 AM, only to vanish when approached. The figure appeared solid and real, dressed in period clothing with a formal waistcoat and pocket watch chain visible. Another encounter involved a chambermaid who was preparing a room for late arrivals when she heard the distinct sound of a dog's claws clicking on the wooden flooring in the hallway. Upon investigation, she found nothing but noticed a sudden drop in temperature and the lingering scent of pipe tobacco - something the manager was known to enjoy. In 2023, a family staying in one of the upper floor rooms experienced a series of unexplained events over three nights. The six-year-old daughter claimed to see a man standing by the window watching the sea, describing him in detail including his 'funny old clothes' and 'sad face'. The parents initially dismissed this until they themselves heard footsteps pacing outside their door and found their bathroom door repeatedly closing despite being wedged open. The electrical disturbances seem to follow a pattern - lights flickering or turning on specifically between 2 AM and 4 AM, possibly corresponding to the time when the fatal fire occurred. The hidden room discovered in 1951, which hadn't been accessed for decades, added another layer of mystery to the hotel's supernatural reputation. Located near where the original tap room would have been, this space retained an atmosphere that staff described as 'heavy' and 'watchful'.
The ghost of a dedicated hotel manager who perished in a fire continues his eternal rounds through the Royal Victoria Hotel. Dressed in his grey suit, he maintains his watch over the establishment he loved.
A faithful dog who perished alongside his master in a hotel fire continues to run through the corridors. This loyal spirit maintains its eternal watch, forever searching for its beloved owner.
19th century (built 1828)
Seaside resort hotel
The Royal Victoria Hotel stands as one of the most historically significant buildings in St Leonards-on-Sea, originally opening its doors on 26th October 1828 as the St Leonards Hotel. Designed by the renowned architect James Burton as the centrepiece of his ambitious new seaside resort development, the hotel was strategically positioned at the heart of what would become one of England's most fashionable Victorian coastal destinations. The foundation stone was ceremoniously laid by John Ward on 1st March 1828, with coins placed beneath for prosperity. The construction faced unique challenges as the site was formerly Bullrush Pond, requiring innovative engineering solutions. The hotel received its Royal Charter after Princess Victoria's visit in 1834, and subsequently hosted an extraordinary array of distinguished guests including Queen Victoria herself, King George V, Prince Albert, Edward VII, Prime Ministers Gladstone and Palmerston, and the celebrated poet Alfred Tennyson. Following the French Revolution of 1848, Louis Philippe resided here for a period, receiving visits from prominent French statesmen Guizot and Thiers. The hotel's prestigious guest book contains over 500 distinguished signatures, making it a remarkable historical document in its own right.
Georgian/Regency with Victorian additions, featuring Grade II listed marble staircase
Lights turning on and off at night, bathroom doors closing independently, footsteps in corridors, apparition of man in grey suit, phantom dog running in hallways, sudden temperature drops, smell of pipe tobacco, children seeing figures, electrical malfunctions between 2-4 AM
Upper floor corridors, rooms facing the seafront, main staircase area, vicinity of the discovered hidden room, former manager's quarters location
Recent TripAdvisor reviews document ongoing paranormal experiences, with guests reporting that while they enjoyed their stay, unexplained occurrences made them question whether the hotel might be haunted. Staff members generally acknowledge the presence but describe it as benign, more melancholy than malevolent. Night shift workers are most likely to encounter phenomena, particularly during the winter months when the hotel is quieter.
While no formal paranormal investigations have been publicly documented, the hotel's reputation in local ghost hunting circles is well established. The discovery of the hidden room in 1951 and the network of underground tunnels connecting to the beach and the Masonic Lodge behind the hotel have added to its mystique among paranormal enthusiasts. Local historians have attempted to trace records of the fire that killed the manager but exact dates remain elusive, possibly due to records being lost during World War II bombing raids on Hastings.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-10-18 to 2025-10-20 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near upper floor corridors for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Historic tours, afternoon tea experiences, seafront packages
Limited wheelchair access due to historic nature, parking available nearby, lift to upper floors
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Book Your Paranormal AdventureExplore the rich Victorian heritage and maritime history of St Leonards-on-Sea and Hastings. From James Burton's elegant resort to ancient caves and castle ruins, discover the fascinating stories that shaped this historic coastline.
Read GuideThe remarkable story of how architect James Burton transformed Sussex farmland into one of England's most elegant seaside resorts. From royal patronage to architectural innovation, discover the vision that created St Leonards and the Royal Victoria Hotel.
Read HistoryBook your stay and experience The Man in Grey and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.