Long Melford, Suffolk
Carries a quiet reputation for being haunted, with tales of a 'Lady in White' seen in upstairs corridors, the scent of phantom pipe smoke in the bar, and unexplained noises or minor pranks attributed to friendly spirits.
The Lady in White, Gentleman Smoker Ghost, Playful Spirit
A serene apparition of a woman in a white or light grey flowing gown is sometimes seen in the upstairs corridors of The Black Lion, adding to its gentle haunted reputation.
An unseen presence at The Black Lion makes itself known through the distinct aroma of pipe or cigar smoke in the bar area, long after closing and when no smokers are present.
Minor, harmless pranks like moved items or mysteriously filled bathtubs at The Black Lion are attributed to a playful, unseen spirit, adding a touch of whimsy to its hauntings.
15th-century building (c. 1460s), later an inn.
Originally a timber-framed hall house, refashioned in Georgian times into an inn.
Grade II* listed. Catered to wealthier travelers. Beatrix Potter supposedly stayed here in 1899. Parts requisitioned by military officers during WWII. Rumored secret tunnel to Melford Hall. Owned by a benevolent woman in the 1700s, a rarity.
Georgian-fronted exterior (pale yellow facade) with a late medieval core. Interior blends modern boutique flair with heritage features like exposed beams. Elegant lounge, chic Orangery restaurant, cozy bar. Overlooks the village green and Holy Trinity Church.
Apparition of a lady in white/grey, phantom pipe/cigar smoke, beds appearing sat on, mobile phones turning on, bathtubs filling, feeling of not being alone, general non-threatening presence.
Upstairs corridors (especially near Room 5), bar area (phantom smoke), certain guest rooms (Room 4 mentioned for odd feelings).
A TripAdvisor reviewer noted their room was 'haunted, but no ghost showed up.' A local villager saw a woman's silhouette in an upstairs window late at night when the inn was dark. A chef heard footsteps in the empty dining room. Staff cheerfully tell guests about 'her' (the Lady in White).
No widely publicized paranormal investigations. Hauntings are more anecdotal and part of local lore. Any ghost hunting is discreet and personal by guests. The inn is on 'Haunted Suffolk' lists, attracting those in the know.
📅 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 upstairs corridors (especially near room 5) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
The Green, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9DN
Phone: +44 1787 312356
Status: Operating
Focus on luxury stays and fine dining. No specific ghost packages.
Limited due to age. Rooms upstairs, may have creaky floors. Staff can advise on suitable rooms for mobility concerns.
Holy Trinity Church (across the green, ghostly monk legend). Melford Hall (across the green, Lady in Grey ghost). The Bull Hotel (10-minute walk, famous hauntings). Kentwell Hall (nearby, very haunted). Sudbury's Red Lion pub (jester ghost).
Book your stay and experience The Lady in White and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.