The Shurland Hotel

Eastchurch, Kent

Built in the early 19th century (circa 1830s), likely on the site of an older inn. 3 Star. Village hotel with a local reputation. 17 Rooms 2 Ghosts

The Resident Spirits

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The Shurland Hotel is known for an unseen prankster entity, nicknamed “Fred” by staff, that enjoys tampering with lights, door locks, and electronics, particularly in Room 1 and Room 2 of the older wing. There are also rare reports of a monk apparition, possibly linked to nearby ruined priory history, and a general eerie atmosphere in certain parts of the hotel, suggesting residual energies from past patrons or events.

Known Ghosts:

“Fred” (Unseen Prankster Entity, Poltergeist-like), Hooded Monk (Apparition, Residual).

The most consistently documented paranormal occurrences at The Shurland Hotel revolve around mysterious electrical disturbances and pranks. Lights in Room 1 are notorious for turning themselves back on shortly after being switched off and the room locked. The housekeeper has recounted numerous instances of this, leading to the conclusion that a mischievous entity is at play. In Room 2, the door lock itself has been reported to unlock and open on its own, even after being firmly secured, with guests waking to find their previously locked door slightly ajar. These pranks, attributed to a spirit nicknamed “Fred,” have been occurring for years. Some speculate “Fred” is a former staff member who enjoyed jokes. Adding another layer to the hotel's haunting is a shadowy monk figure, reportedly glimpsed near the back stairwell at dusk, possibly connected to local Benedictine monastic history. This figure is described as a fleeting, residual image in a hooded robe. Finally, small objects like keys or cleaning supplies sometimes disappear and reappear elsewhere, mischief also blamed on “Fred.”

Meet Each Spirit

"Fred" the Prankster

Poltergeist Uncertain (Possibly mid-20th Century or older)

"Fred" is the nickname for the unseen entity causing electrical and door disturbances at The Shurland Hotel. Not an apparition, Fred is known by his playful but persistent deeds, like flipping light switches and unlocking doors, especially in Rooms 1 and 2. Staff sometimes politely ask Fred to stop, suggesting an intelligent haunt.

Most Active Areas:

Room 1 (light s... Room 2 (door lo... Older wing of t... +2 more

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The Hooded Monk

Residual Haunting Medieval (Pre-Dissolution)

A rarely sighted apparition of a figure in a dark, hooded robe, seen for a few seconds near the back stairs of The Shurland Hotel. Believed to be a residual haunting, possibly linked to Eastchurch's medieval priory history. This monk does not interact and is considered a fleeting, atmospheric presence.

Most Active Areas:

Back stairwell Staircase to th... Dimly lit corri... +1 more

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Historical Background

Building Age

Built in the early 19th century (circa 1830s), likely on the site of an older inn.

Original Purpose

Established as a village inn and hotel for Eastchurch, named after the nearby historic Shurland Hall.

Historical Significance

The Shurland Hotel has served as the primary hostelry in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey for over 180 years. It notably served RAF aviators from the nearby Eastchurch airfield during World War I; Eastchurch is recognized as a birthplace of British aviation. The building has changed hands multiple times, including a period as a pub known as the Shurland Bar. Its history is intertwined with local military heritage and smuggling lore, as the Isle of Sheppey was rife with smugglers in past centuries. This varied past contributes to its character and paranormal tales.

Architecture

The hotel presents a Georgian/Victorian inn style at its front facade, with some modern extensions added over time. It is a brick building with sash windows facing the High Street. While the interior has been remodeled to suit modern hotel standards, it retains a few older features, such as a cellar and thick original walls, hinting at its 19th-century origins and earlier iterations on the site.

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

Primary paranormal activity includes electrical disturbances, such as lights in Room 1 turning on by themselves after being switched off. Door locks, particularly in Room 2, inexplicably unlock and open. Small objects like keys or cleaning supplies disappear and reappear. A shadowy monk figure has been sighted. Cold spots are felt on the 2nd-floor landing. The reception area occasionally experiences phone calls from vacant rooms or the sound of someone walking in the empty lobby.

Most Active Areas

The older part of the hotel, specifically Rooms 1 through 7, is considered most active. Room 1 is known for its self-activating light, and Room 2 for its self-unlocking door. The 2nd-floor landing often has a cold spot and a feeling of being watched, particularly near an old mirror. The staircase leading to the cellar/gym area is where the monk silhouette was reportedly seen. The reception area has also experienced unexplained phenomena like phantom phone calls.

Witness Accounts

A long-time housekeeper, Tracy, documented experiences of lights in Room 1 repeatedly turning back on after she switched them off and locked the room, exclaiming, “I swear to god this place is haunted, stupid light!” She also personally witnessed Room 2's door unlocking itself moments after she had secured it. Guests have commented on review sites about “odd noises in the night,” and one claimed their laptop started up on its own at 3 am. Another TripAdvisor guest noted feeling “a presence” and an inexplicable cold breeze in an otherwise warm room. A bartender once heard someone whisper “hello” when he was closing up alone.

Paranormal Investigations

The Shurland Hotel, while not widely publicized as haunted, holds local intrigue. In 2014, a small paranormal team conducted a night investigation, reportedly experiencing the light phenomenon in Room 1 firsthand and capturing an audio recording of a door slam with no apparent cause. They also claimed a spirit box session yielded the name “Edward.” The hotel once maintained a log of strange occurrences, showing clusters of incidents, often in winter. After a temporary closure in 2019, reports upon reopening suggested “Fred” was still active. Management is aware but treats the phenomena casually.

Quick Ghost Access

"Fred" the Prankster

Poltergeist

The Hooded Monk

Residual Haunting

Book Your Stay

Price Range: Approximately £70–£110 per night, varying by room type (standard vs. suites) and whether spa access is included.

Rooms: 17

Spirits: 2 Ghosts

📅 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 part of the hotel for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
79-81 High Street, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, ME12 4EH

Phone: +44 1795 881100

Status: Open. A village hotel on the Isle of Sheppey, offering accommodation, a bar, and sometimes spa/gym facilities. Known for its local hauntings.

Special Packages

The hotel does not offer specific ghost packages. It primarily markets itself with spa and weekend getaway deals. Around Halloween, they have previously hosted fancy dress parties, which naturally encourage ghost story swapping among attendees.

Accessibility

The hotel has some ground-floor accessible rooms and a ramp at the entrance, benefiting from modern refurbishments. Upper floors are accessible by stairs only (no elevator/lift). The spa facility is located on the ground level. Compared to older inns, it offers relatively good accessibility in parts, given its partial modern construction. Guests with specific needs should inquire directly.

Other Haunted Sites Nearby

On the Isle of Sheppey itself, the ruins of Shurland Hall, just down the road, are said to be haunted by a 'White Lady' maid. Elmsley Tavern in Leysdown also has its own ghost story. Off-island, The Red Lion pub in Sittingbourne (approx. 15 miles) is another famously haunted establishment. For a more extensive ghostly itinerary, Pluckley village is about 40 miles away.

Ready to Meet Our Ghosts?

Book your stay and experience "Fred" the Prankster and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.

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