Dartford, Kent
The hotel is renowned for its mischievous resident ghost, 'Winifred', the spirit of an 8-year-old girl who reportedly died of tuberculosis on the premises. Her ghost is said to throw tantrums by smashing glasses. Other reported phantoms include a cigar-smoking male figure, thought to be a Cavalier-era gentleman or possibly Richard Trevithick, and a phantom black dog that roams the corridors, sometimes felt brushing against legs or jumping on beds.
Winifred (Child Spirit, Poltergeist), Cigar-smoking Cavalier/Gentleman (Apparition), Phantom Black Dog (Apparition).
Winifred, the spirit of an 8-year-old girl, is the hotel's most famous ghost. Dressed in an old-fashioned frock, she's known for her playful yet temperamental nature, hiding items and smashing glasses if ignored. Staff treat her as part of the family, and her portrait is said to calm her.
A tall male ghost, often seen in a frilled shirt, cape, and boots, or as an early 1800s gentleman. Distinguished by the strong smell of cigar or pipe tobacco that heralds his presence. Generally benign, he might be linked to the Civil War or Richard Trevithick. He sometimes tips his hat or raises an ethereal glass.
A ghostly black dog, often Labrador-sized, roams the halls. It nudges people, brushes past legs, or is felt jumping on beds. Unlike some black dog omens, this one seems friendly, possibly an echo of a beloved inn dog from Victorian times or a companion to the Cavalier ghost.
Established in the 14th century as the Bull Inn; the current building is largely 18th-century Georgian.
Originally a coaching inn on the vital London-Dover road, serving travelers, stagecoach passengers, and providing stabling for horses.
The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel is an important historical inn with a rich past. It was notably visited by Queen Victoria in 1836, which led to the addition of 'Royal' to its name. The famed engineer Richard Trevithick, a pioneer of steam locomotion, also lived and tragically died at the inn in 1833. Having served as a lodging spot since medieval times, it was one of the primary stagecoach stopovers in Kent, playing a crucial role in the region's transport and social history for centuries.
The hotel exhibits a Georgian coaching inn architectural style, characterised by its brick facade, sash windows, and multiple gables. While much renovated over the centuries to incorporate modern amenities, the interior still retains some period charm, including wooden beams and original fireplaces in certain areas. The building represents a blend of historical character, reflecting its long history, and basic modern inn accommodations, typical of its current operational status.
Paranormal activity includes poltergeist phenomena attributed to 'Winifred', such as smashing glasses, moving small objects, and tugging on clothes. Childish giggles and wails are heard. The scent of cigar smoke appears inexplicably, linked to a male apparition. A phantom black dog is felt brushing against legs or jumping on beds. Shadow figures and unexplained noises are also reported. Lights flickering and cold spots are common occurrences in certain areas.
Winifred’s pranks are concentrated in the bar and restaurant areas, particularly near where her portrait hangs. Glasses behind the bar have been known to fall. The function room and old cellar (now storage) are also hotspots, where faint child laughter has reportedly been recorded. The Cavalier ghost is often encountered on the main staircase and the second-floor landing, usually as a fleeting figure or a lingering tobacco smell. The phantom dog is most frequently reported in several guest rooms on the first floor, with Room 12 being specifically mentioned for the sensation of a dog jumping onto the bed.
Staff members have shared numerous anecdotes. For instance, a manager once entered the bar in the morning to find a dozen pint glasses neatly placed on the floor, despite them being secured the night before; CCTV reportedly showed no human activity, only a flicker of light. Guests often mention Winifred in reviews, with one describing how their slippers were hidden, only to reappear folded at the foot of the bed. Another witness felt a child hug them from behind in an empty hallway. A skeptical guest became a 'believer' after feeling the distinct weight and warmth of a dog on his feet at night while alone in a locked room.
The hotel’s ghosts have been featured on paranormal blogs and were part of a local ghost walk event in 2018. A Kent-based ghost hunting team conducted an overnight lockdown, reporting a small shadow figure on thermal camera near Winifred’s portrait and capturing EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that sounded like a child saying “play.” The Royal Victoria & Bull embraces its haunted reputation modestly, having named a cocktail “Winifred’s Revenge” and occasionally hosting charity ghost nights. Management may allow off-hours access for serious investigators with prior permission.
📅 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 winifred’s pranks are concentrated in the bar and restaurant areas for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
1 High Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1DJ, England
Phone: +44 1322 224415
Status: Open. A historic coaching inn, part of South Coast Inns, offering budget-friendly accommodation and pub services in Dartford town centre.
No official ghost-hunter package is offered. However, during Halloween, the Royal Victoria & Bull sometimes provides a 'Spooky Stay' special, which might include a room, dinner, and a ghost story session. They occasionally decorate Winifred’s corner with toys and sweets.
Accessibility is limited due to the building's age. There is no lift (elevator), and access to rooms involves narrow staircases. The bar and restaurant are on the ground floor and are generally accessible for those with limited mobility, but the lodging accommodations are not wheelchair accessible. Nearby parking can be arranged for guests. Prospective guests with specific needs should inquire directly.
Nearby sites include Bluewater Shopping Centre, built over a quarry with its own ghost rumors. Pluckley village is approximately 30 miles away for those seeking more intense paranormal experiences. Within Dartford, locals whisper about a haunted Dartford Library and the site of the nearby 16th-century Pirate’s Cove pub. Dover Castle, a famously haunted site, is a feasible day trip (around 50 miles).
Book your stay and experience Winifred (Ghost Girl) and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.