Thetford, Norfolk
The Bell Hotel is considered by many paranormal experts to be one of the most haunted inns in England, with a reputation that draws investigators from around the world. The primary spirit is a hooded monk, likely connected to the nearby Thetford Priory and the area's strong religious heritage from when Thetford was a major religious center. This benevolent figure appears throughout the hotel but is most commonly encountered in the main suite bedroom. The second major spirit is that of a former landlady from the 18th century, whose presence is felt throughout the building. Guests frequently report the feeling of being watched, unexplained perfume scents, sudden temperature drops, and phantom footsteps.
A hooded monk (believed to be connected to nearby Thetford Priory), Betty Radcliffe (18th-century landlady), a young girl in white gown, and various other spirits including a phantom dog
Betty Radcliffe - The Caring Landlady: Betty Radcliffe served as landlady during the 18th century (recorded from 1775) until she was tragically killed by her lover in 1750 following a heated argument. Her spirit continues to care for guests, manifesting through the scent of period perfume, gentle protective touches, and appearances in the drawing room. She is seen checking on rooms and ensuring guest comfort, often unlocking doors for struggling guests or providing unexpected warmth in cold rooms. The Hooded Monk: This peaceful spirit appears in brown religious robes and is believed connected to nearby Thetford Priory. Most frequently encountered in the main suite bedroom, guests report waking to see the hooded figure standing at the foot of their bed before slowly fading away. His presence radiates tranquillity and blessing rather than fear. The Young Girl in White: Room 29 (formerly numbered 10 and 12) is haunted by a young girl aged 12-13 wearing a long white gown with puffed sleeves and a garland around her neck. She appears solid and self-illuminating, has been seen sitting on beds (causing mattress movement), and demonstrates conscious interaction including making eye contact with witnesses. Electronic equipment malfunctions in her presence. Other Spirits: A phantom dog is reported sleeping by the original fireplace in the bar area, disappearing when people attempt to pet it. Children's voices are heard playing in empty rooms, keys rattle in locks without cause, and a white haze has been observed floating through walls in various rooms.
A peaceful hooded monk spirit, believed to be connected to nearby Thetford Priory, who watches over guests at the Bell Hotel. His presence is felt throughout the building but he most commonly appears in the main suite bedroom.
The spirit of Betty Radcliffe, an 18th-century landlady of the Bell Hotel, continues to care for guests and staff more than two centuries after her death. Known for her exceptional hospitality during the inn's golden age as a coaching house, her presence manifests through period perfumes and protective maternal care.
A young girl aged 12-13 years manifests in Room 29 of the Bell Hotel, appearing in a long white gown with puffed sleeves and a garland around her neck. Her self-illuminating form has been witnessed by multiple guests, creating one of the most compelling ghost encounters in Norfolk.
15th century origins (over 500 years old), with documented inn existence since 1493
Coaching inn on the London to Norwich mail coach route
The Bell Hotel has served as an inn since 1493, making it one of England's oldest continuously operating hostelries. It served as a principal coaching inn on the crucial London-Norwich mail coach route, hosting countless travellers over the centuries. The building features remarkable original architectural elements including 'Wattle & Daub' walls, Samson's post, Elizabethan wall paintings, a priest's hole, and original secret passages. With the arrival of railway connections to Thetford and wider Norfolk, the inn transformed into a hotel while maintaining its historic character.
15th-century timber-framed structure with later Georgian and Victorian additions. The two-storey timber framed building facing King Street represents the oldest part. Features include exposed oak beams, original wattle and daub construction, Tudor and Elizabethan period details, and a maze of interconnected historic rooms.
Guests and staff regularly experience unexplained phenomena including the sensation of being watched, particularly in the older parts of the building. Cold spots appear suddenly and inexplicably, often accompanied by the feeling of 'icy breath' on the neck or face. Phantom footsteps are heard throughout the night in empty corridors, and doors are found open in the morning despite being securely locked. Objects are occasionally moved overnight, and electrical equipment sometimes malfunctions without explanation. The scent of period perfumes appears suddenly in empty rooms, and guests report feeling gentle touches or the sensation of someone sitting on their bed.
Room 29 (formerly Room 10 and 12) is the most haunted guest room, where the young girl in white is frequently encountered. The main suite bedroom is where the hooded monk most commonly appears. The drawing room on the ground floor is Betty Radcliffe's primary manifestation area. The original 15th-century section experiences the highest activity, particularly corridors with exposed timber beams. The bar area (original fireplace) where the phantom dog appears. Former Rooms 6 and 8 have witnessed white haze manifestations. The priest hole and secret passage areas are noted for sudden temperature drops.
Paranormal investigators have documented extensive activity during overnight investigations, with many considering the Bell Hotel one of their most active investigation sites. Guests regularly report encounters to staff, with many choosing to request specific rooms hoping for supernatural experiences. TripAdvisor reviews occasionally reference the hotel's haunted reputation, with some guests sharing their own unexplained experiences. Local paranormal groups have conducted multiple investigations and consistently report significant activity.
The Bell Hotel is renowned among paranormal investigators as one of the most active haunted locations in England. Multiple paranormal investigation teams visit regularly, and the hotel welcomes overnight ghost hunts and investigations. The building has been featured in various ghost hunting publications and is regularly cited in books about England's most haunted locations. The hotel management is supportive of paranormal investigations and often shares local ghost lore with interested guests.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near room 29 (formerly room 10 and 12) is the most haunted guest room for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
King Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2AZ
Phone: +44 1842 754455
Status: Operating (Greene King Inns)
While no official ghost packages are offered, the hotel welcomes paranormal enthusiasts and can arrange for guests interested in the supernatural to stay in the most active rooms. Dog-friendly rooms available for those exploring Thetford Forest with pets.
Limited accessibility due to the 15th-century building structure. No elevator access, with steep narrow stairs typical of Tudor architecture. Ground floor areas may be accessible for dining, but guest accommodation requires stair access.
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