Larkfield, Kent
The hotel is reputedly haunted by 'Charlotte', the ghost of a 19th-century maid. Her sorrowful sobbing and mischievous poltergeist-like antics, such as smashing glasses or moving objects, are frequently reported by guests and staff, particularly when changes occur at the hotel. There are also suggestions of other restless spirits linked to the site’s historically violent past, including battles and executions on the grounds. These combined phenomena create an atmosphere ripe for paranormal experiences, making it a point of interest for ghost enthusiasts.
Primary spirit is 'Charlotte', a 19th-century maid (Apparition, Poltergeist). Possible other restless spirits from the site's tumultuous past.
Charlotte is the primary apparition at Larkfield Priory, believed to be a young maid who died tragically in the late 19th century. She is known for her sorrowful sobbing and poltergeist-like tantrums, such as smashing glasses, especially when disturbed by changes or noise in the hotel. Her presence is a key part of the hotel's haunted lore.
Beyond Charlotte, some guests report an unidentified male presence, possibly linked to the Civil War's Battle of Maidstone or the former gallows on the grounds. This entity is typically sensed as a heavy atmosphere or as disembodied footsteps in otherwise empty halls.
Circa 1890, rebuilt on an earlier 18th-century house site.
Originally a private country house known as Larkfield Farmhouse. It served as a residence before its conversion into a hotel, reflecting the area's rural gentry history.
The site has a rich history, with evidence of Roman villas found nearby. It is also noted for its connection to the 1648 Battle of Maidstone, a significant Civil War conflict. Furthermore, historical records indicate that gallows stood on the grounds prior to the 18th century, adding a grim layer to its past. The land itself has witnessed centuries of change, from ancient settlements to periods of conflict and execution, before the current structure was established. This multifaceted history contributes to local lore and the hotel's atmospheric appeal.
The building is a Victorian country manor, significantly rebuilt after a fire in 1890. It features characteristics typical of late Victorian architecture, with subsequent additions and modernizations to adapt it for hotel use. The style reflects its origins as a substantial private residence of that era, likely with period detailing appropriate for a country estate, though specifics of original features versus later changes would require detailed architectural survey. It retains a sense of historical charm despite alterations over time.
Paranormal activity includes phantom crying, especially at night, and poltergeist-like actions such as glasses smashing and objects being moved by unseen forces. Sudden cold spots are frequently reported, along with lights turning on and off by themselves. Disembodied weeping and dragging sounds are often heard in the early hours of the morning. Doors have been known to unlock themselves, and lights flicker in hallways and on the grand staircase. During renovations, the bar area experienced notable poltergeist activity, particularly with glass-smashing, attributed to the main spirit's displeasure with the changes.
The older wing of the hotel, particularly rooms 1, 2, and 7, which are believed to be part of the original house structure, exhibits the most paranormal activity. Hallways throughout the hotel and the grand staircase are also known for flickering lights and doors mysteriously unlocking themselves. The bar area has been a site of poltergeist-like disturbances, such as glasses smashing, especially noted during periods of renovation. These specific locations are where guests and staff most frequently report encounters and unexplained phenomena.
Multiple guests have reportedly fled the hotel in the middle of the night after hearing a woman sobbing uncontrollably in what was confirmed to be an empty adjacent room. Hotel staff, including housekeepers, have attested to witnessing lights and door locks operating on their own accord on numerous occasions. A notable account from a TripAdvisor reviewer mentioned experiencing “strange loud noises of dragging furniture” occurring around 1 am nightly during their stay, corroborating other reports of auditory phenomena linked to the ghost of Charlotte.
The hotel's reputation for being haunted has attracted various local paranormal investigation groups. Some of these groups have conducted overnight vigils, reportedly capturing Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) of crying sounds. The popular paranormal website Spooky Isles featured Larkfield Priory’s hauntings in a 2019 article, further documenting the recurring phenomena and witness testimonies. While there are no known televised paranormal investigations of the hotel to date, it remains a popular location for privately organized Halloween ghost hunts and amateur paranormal research due to its persistent ghostly tales.
📅 Sample dates:2025-06-06 to 2025-06-08 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms the older wing of the hotel for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
802 London Road, Larkfield, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6HJ, England
Phone: +44 1732 843135
Status: Open. Part of Hamlet Hotels. Formerly known as Larkfield Priory Hotel, now operating as Hamlet Hotel Maidstone, offering accommodation and event spaces.
The hotel may offer occasional Halloween night packages or murder mystery dinners. However, there is no permanent ‘ghost package’ available year-round for paranormal enthusiasts.
Accessibility is limited due to the building's historic nature. The ground floor is accessible via ramps, catering to guests with some mobility needs. However, there is no elevator (lift) to the upper floors where guest rooms are located. This may pose challenges for individuals with significant mobility impairments. Prospective guests with specific accessibility requirements should contact the hotel directly to discuss their needs prior to booking to ensure a comfortable stay.
Nearby haunted locations include Blue Bell Hill, known for its phantom hitchhiker, approximately 8 miles away. Leeds Castle, with its own ghostly legends, is about 10 miles from the hotel. The village of Pluckley, famously dubbed 'England’s most haunted village', is roughly 20 miles distant and offers numerous ghostly tales and sites for exploration. These sites provide further paranormal interest for guests staying at the hotel.
Book your stay and experience “Charlotte” (Maidservant Ghost) and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.