King's Lynn, Norfolk
The Duke's Head Hotel is reputedly haunted by several spirits, the most prominent being the Red Lady - a woman who committed suicide over complications involving two lovers. This tragic figure has been seen walking the corridors and climbing staircases, dressed in red clothing that gives her the distinctive name. The hotel also has supernatural activity in Room 18, which was once haunted by the spirit of a man who was brought to the suite after an attempted suicide resulted in his death. His ghostly moaning once drove people away from the room, though this particular haunting has reportedly faded over time. The hauntings reflect the hotel's long history as a place where people experienced both joy and tragedy.
The Red Lady (woman who killed herself over two lovers) and spirits from Room 18 (connected to a failed suicide attempt)
Room 18 Haunting: This room once experienced significant supernatural activity related to a man who was brought there after a failed suicide attempt resulted in his death. Guests reported hearing ghostly moaning emanating from the room, which was so distressing that people would avoid staying there. However, this particular haunting appears to have faded over time, suggesting that whatever spiritual energy was attached to this tragedy has found peace or moved on.
General Supernatural Activity: Beyond these specific spirits, the Duke's Head experiences the typical range of phenomena associated with haunted historic hotels, including unexplained sounds, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched.
A woman who committed suicide over romantic complications involving two lovers, now eternally walks the corridors and staircases of the Duke's Head Hotel, identifiable by her distinctive red clothing.
Built between 1683-1689 (Georgian era)
Built as a coaching inn by Sir John Turner MP, designed to accommodate visitors to his Merchants' Exchange (now the Custom House)
The Duke's Head was built by Sir John Turner MP, a local wine merchant and three-time mayor of King's Lynn, between 1683 and 1689. Designed by the renowned King's Lynn architect Henry Bell (who also designed the town's Custom House), it stands as a magnificent example of Georgian architecture. The hotel overlooks the historic Tuesday Market Place and has been a cornerstone of King's Lynn's hospitality for over 300 years. It stands on the site of an ancient inn called the Gryffin and has witnessed centuries of the town's maritime trading history. The building was noted in the 1930s for its excellent English cuisine and continues to serve as a landmark hotel in the heart of this historic port town.
Georgian brick architecture with a striking powder-blue facade designed by Henry Bell. The building features symmetrical Georgian proportions, sash windows, and elegant stonework typical of late 17th-century civic architecture. The interior combines period features with modern luxury accommodations.
The most commonly reported supernatural activity involves sightings of the Red Lady walking through corridors and climbing staircases, always dressed in her distinctive red clothing. Staff and guests occasionally report unexplained cold spots in various areas of the hotel, particularly in the older sections of the building. The supernatural activity seems to center around the emotional trauma of past guests, with most encounters relating to feelings of sadness or unresolved personal conflicts rather than malevolent presences.
The corridors and staircases throughout the hotel are where the Red Lady is most frequently encountered, as she appears to endlessly walk these areas in search of something or someone. Room 18 was historically the most active location, though the supernatural activity there has reportedly diminished over time. The older sections of the Georgian building tend to experience more supernatural phenomena than the modern additions.
Hotel staff and guests have reported encounters with the Red Lady over many years, with descriptions remaining remarkably consistent regarding her appearance in red clothing and her behavior of walking through corridors and climbing stairs. Former guests of Room 18 documented the distressing moaning sounds that once plagued that particular accommodation. The hotel's management acknowledges the supernatural reputation while maintaining that the spirits are generally benign.
While not subjected to major television investigations, the Duke's Head's supernatural reputation is well-established among local paranormal enthusiasts and ghost tour operators in King's Lynn. The hotel's inclusion in local ghost walks and supernatural tourism reflects its accepted status as one of the town's haunted locations.
📅 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 corridors and staircases throughout the hotel are where the red lady is most frequently encountered for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JS
Phone: +44 1553 774996
Status: Operating (Surya Hotels)
The hotel offers dinner, bed & breakfast packages, romantic escapes with prosecco and three-course dinners, and wedding celebration packages. While no specific ghost tours are offered, the hotel's location makes it ideal for exploring King's Lynn's haunted heritage.
The Georgian building has some accessibility features, though as a historic property built in the 1680s, full accessibility may be limited. The hotel provides assistance where possible and has made efforts to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
King's Lynn is rich with supernatural locations. Tuesday Market Place (directly outside) - former site of witch executions; True's Yard Fisherfolk Museum (0.2 miles) - home to almost 40 ghosts including a poltergeist called Henry; Tudor Rose Hotel (0.3 miles) - haunted by a murdered bride; Red Mount Chapel (0.5 miles) - connected to medieval ghost stories; St. Nicholas Chapel (0.2 miles) - site of medieval exorcisms.
Book your stay and experience The Red Lady and other supernatural activity firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.