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) and an ex-landlady from the 18th century
The Former Landlady: Dating to the 18th century, this female spirit is believed to be a former landlady who was deeply devoted to the inn. Her presence is felt throughout the building, often manifesting as the sudden appearance of unexplained perfume, particularly rose or lavender scents. Staff and guests report feeling watched by a benevolent female presence, and some have glimpsed a woman in period dress in their peripheral vision. She seems to continue caring for the inn and its guests even in death.
Other Phenomena: The hotel experiences a wide range of paranormal activity including phantom footsteps in empty corridors, the feeling of invisible presences, sudden temperature drops (described as 'icy breath'), doors opening and closing on their own, and objects being moved overnight. The building's numerous secret passages and priest holes seem to amplify the supernatural activity.
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 an 18th-century landlady who was so devoted to the Bell Hotel that she continues to care for guests and staff even after death. Her presence is felt through unexplained perfumes and a sense of maternal care.
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 travelers 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.
The main suite bedroom is considered the most haunted room, where the hooded monk is most frequently encountered. The original 15th-century section of the building experiences the highest level of activity, particularly the corridors with exposed timber beams. The priest hole and secret passage areas are noted for sudden temperature drops and feelings of unease. The main staircase and landing areas are common locations for phantom footsteps and unexplained sounds. Guest rooms in the oldest wing consistently report the most supernatural encounters.
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.
📅 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 main suite bedroom is considered the most haunted 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.
Thetford is rich with paranormal activity. Thetford Priory ruins (0.5 miles) - haunted by ghostly monks heard chanting in Latin since the 1930s; Thetford Warren Lodge (3 miles) - haunted by a faceless man believed to be a former leper or warrener; Ancient House Museum - various historical spirits; Thetford Forest offers atmospheric walks among some of England's most haunted woodland.
Book your stay and experience The Hooded Monk of the Bell Hotel and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.