Scole, Norfolk
The Scole Inn is home to two distinct supernatural presences tied to violent historical events. The primary ghost is Emma, a young woman who was brutally murdered by her jealous husband in the 1750s after he accused her of having an affair with a highwayman staying at the inn. Emma was innocent of the accusations, making her death particularly tragic. She now manifests as the 'White Lady of Scole,' most commonly seen on the main staircase and in the first-floor room known as 'Emma's Room.' The second haunting involves a phantom highwayman whose galloping horse can be heard throughout the inn as he attempts to escape from authorities, a supernatural echo of the dangerous times when the inn provided refuge to outlaws.
Emma (murdered wife) and a phantom highwayman with his horse
The Phantom Highwayman: This supernatural presence manifests primarily through sound - the thundering of horse hooves galloping through the inn as the phantom rider attempts to escape pursuit. The ghostly horse and rider represent the dangerous period when the Scole Inn served as a refuge for outlaws traveling the treacherous roads between London and Norwich. Guests report hearing the distinct sound of galloping hooves, often accompanied by the feeling that someone is desperately trying to escape from unseen pursuers.
Recent Encounters: Ghost hunters staying in Emma's room have reported beds shaking violently after lights out, as though someone was at the foot of the bed trying to get attention. The activity suggests Emma's spirit is still trying to communicate her innocence or seeking justice for her wrongful death.
Emma, brutally murdered by her jealous husband in the 1750s after false accusations of adultery, appears as the White Lady of Scole, still seeking to prove her innocence and find peace.
The supernatural echo of a highwayman who used the Scole Inn as refuge, whose desperate escape attempts continue to reverberate through the building as phantom horse hooves galloping through the night.
Built in 1655 (17th century coaching inn)
17th-century coaching inn serving travelers between London and Norwich
The Scole Inn was built in 1655 by wealthy merchant John Peck as a coaching inn on the major route between London and Norwich. The building has retained many of its original features including hand-carved staircases, hand-painted sundials, fireplaces, and luxurious four-poster beds. Historical records show King Charles II stayed at the hotel, cementing its reputation as a premier establishment. The inn also has connections to highwaymen who used it as refuge, with a gate reportedly placed across the staircase to prevent a particular highwayman from bringing his horse inside. The building survived centuries of use and various ownership changes while maintaining its historic character.
17th-century timber-framed coaching inn architecture with original Tudor and Stuart period features. The building showcases hand-carved wooden staircases, exposed oak beams, original fireplaces, and period four-poster beds. Many original structural elements including hand-painted sundials and period decorative features remain intact.
The most common supernatural experiences at the Scole Inn include bed disturbances in Emma's Room, where guests report violent shaking of the bed after lights out, as if someone is desperately trying to get their attention. Phantom footsteps are heard on the main staircase, often accompanied by cold spots and the sensation of an unseen presence. The sound of galloping horse hooves echoes through the building, particularly at night, representing the phantom highwayman's eternal flight. Doors open and close on their own, objects move without explanation, and guests report feeling watched or sensing sadness in certain areas of the inn. The overall atmosphere is one of unresolved tragedy rather than malevolence.
Emma's Room on the first floor is the epicenter of supernatural activity, where guests experience the most intense encounters including bed disturbances and direct spiritual contact. The main hand-carved staircase is Emma's primary manifestation area, where she appears as the White Lady searching eternally for resolution. The ground floor areas where the galloping sounds are most frequently heard represent the highwayman's desperate escape routes. Period rooms with four-poster beds seem particularly active, suggesting the spirits are drawn to the inn's most historically authentic spaces.
Recent paranormal investigators and guests have documented significant activity, particularly in Emma's Room. In 2022, new ownership under the Verve Hotels group brought fresh attention to the inn's supernatural reputation. Ghost hunters specifically requesting Emma's Room have reported dramatic bed shaking incidents that occur consistently after lights out. The current management acknowledges the inn's reputation and the 'friendly ghost called Emma' as part of the property's character. Multiple independent witnesses over the years have described identical encounters, lending credibility to the haunting claims.
The Scole Inn has attracted paranormal investigators for decades, with Emma's Room being a particular focus of investigation. The inn's management is welcoming to paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters, often accommodating special requests to stay in the most active areas. The building's well-documented history combined with consistent supernatural reports has made it a favorite among paranormal researchers studying historic coaching inn hauntings. The recent change in ownership has brought renewed interest in properly documenting and preserving the inn's supernatural heritage.
📅 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 emma's room on the first floor is the epicenter of supernatural activity for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
Norwich Road, Scole, Diss, Norfolk IP21 4DR
Phone: +44 1379 740481
Status: Operating (Verve Hotels group)
Character rooms featuring original fireplaces and four-poster beds available. While no specific ghost packages are advertised, the hotel welcomes paranormal enthusiasts and can arrange accommodation in Emma's Room for those seeking supernatural experiences.
Limited accessibility due to 17th-century building structure. The historic nature of the building with original staircases and period features means limited wheelchair access. Ground floor areas may be accessible for dining.
The Scole area and surrounding Norfolk-Suffolk border region has several haunted locations. Nearby Diss has its own collection of ghostly sites. The inn's location near the ancient Peddars Way and other historic routes means the area is rich with supernatural folklore. Scole itself has connections to various historical events that have left their supernatural mark on the region.
Book your stay and experience Emma - The White Lady of Scole and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.