Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Ranked among Britain’s famous haunted hotels. The most cited spirit is Mrs. Goodhew, a 19th-century landlady, whose benevolent presence is felt throughout. Unexplained footsteps and knocking sounds are heard from the underground bar area, especially when empty. Mrs. Goodhew is described as a kindly, matronly figure.
Mrs. Goodhew (former landlady), 'Cellar Specter'
Mrs. Goodhew is believed to be the spirit of a 19th-century landlady who lovingly watches over The Angel Hotel. She manifests as unexplained sounds, gentle knocks, and occasional brief sightings.
An unseen presence, possibly distinct from Mrs. Goodhew, is said to haunt the cellar bar of The Angel Hotel, making its presence known through sounds and shadowy movements.
Parts date to early 1400s (around 1452)
Coaching inn
A landmark hotel in Bury’s medieval core. Charles Dickens stayed here and mentioned it in The Pickwick Papers. Hosted countless 18th–19th century travelers. Local legend claims a notorious highwayman once frequented it. Reputedly used as an officers’ mess during WWII.
Eclectic mix – timber-framed medieval core with a Georgian front. Features creaking oak beams, winding corridors, antique furnishings, and an old cellar bar (Wingspan).
Footsteps in empty cellars, knocking sounds, doors opening by themselves, cold drafts, scent of lavender, bedsheets being tugged, a whispering woman in the cellar bar.
The cellar bar (Wingspan Bar), the grand staircase, and certain front-facing rooms overlooking Angel Hill.
A former night porter saw a grey-haired woman in old clothing near the kitchens who vanished. TripAdvisor reviews mention mysterious footsteps and a feeling of being watched. Actors staying for local productions have joked about a friendly ghost tucking them in.
The Angel has been a stop on Bury St Edmunds’ Ghost Trail, especially around Halloween. Local paranormal groups have held small vigils in the cellar, with one group reporting EVP recordings of faint feminine murmurs in 2019. Hauntings are considered benign.
📅 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 cellar bar (wingspan bar) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Occasionally offers specials around Halloween, including tickets to the Bury Ghost Walk and themed cocktails. Standard stay packages available.
Has a lift to some floors, but not all rooms are wheelchair accessible due to the building's age. Restaurant and lounge are on the ground floor.
Abbey Ruins of Bury St Edmunds (5-minute walk, haunted by monks). The Nutshell pub (Britain’s smallest pub, nearby, has a boy ghost and cursed mummified cat).
Book your stay and experience Mrs. Goodhew and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.