Babergh District, Suffolk
Often cited as Suffolk’s most haunted hotel. The best-known spirit is the 'Grey Lady', a tragic 19th-century maid or housekeeper who died of heartbreak. She roams the halls, particularly Room 15. Other phenomena include a foot-tickling ghost and the sound of a child.
The Grey Lady of Lavenham, Mischievous Maid (Foot-Tickler), Unseen Child
The Swan Hotel's most famous phantom is the Grey Lady, believed to be a heartbroken 19th-century housekeeper who died tragically. She haunts Room 15 and the older wings of the hotel.
A peculiar and playful ghostly manifestation at The Swan involves guests reporting their feet being tickled in the night, an act attributed to a mischievous spirit, possibly the Grey Lady.
Some staff at The Swan have reported hearing the faint sound of a child giggling or running in hallways when no children were present, suggesting a possible child spirit.
Parts date to circa 1390 (over 600 years old)
Guildhall for wealthy wool traders, later an inn.
One of Britain’s oldest continually running hotels. Consists of three merged medieval buildings. Hosted visiting nobility in Tudor times. Served as a billet for American airmen in WWII (USAAF 487th Bombardment Group). The Gallery Restaurant features ship timbers, some rumored from the Spanish Armada.
Showcase of medieval timber-frame architecture. Features mullioned windows, inglenook fireplaces, ancient brick floors. The Gallery Restaurant has a high timbered ceiling. Georgian and Victorian refurbishments added wings while maintaining original style.
Apparition of a woman in grey/white, foot-tickling, cold spots (especially top floor corridor), sobbing sounds, faint music, poltergeist-lite activity (moving items, lights, curtains).
Room 15 (the 'Haunted Chamber'), the Gallery dining hall (balcony and minstrel's gallery), top floor corridor, old courtyard (now part of the spa).
A honeymooning bride in 2004 saw a woman in grey by the fireplace who 'melted away'. A former receptionist recounted a guest demanding a room change after seeing an 'unknown lady' in his mirror. Cleaning crew in Room 15 sometimes speak aloud to appease the ghost.
Featured on TV's 'Most Haunted'. A paranormal group in 2019 reported EMF spikes in Room 15 and an EVP of a faint sob. The hotel quietly acknowledges these findings to 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 room 15 (the 'haunted chamber') for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
No specific ghost packages, but hotel is known for luxury stays. Sells a booklet on its history including 'The Lady in Grey'.
Limited due to age and quirky levels. Some ground-floor rooms available. No elevator. Discuss needs with staff.
Lavenham Guildhall, The Angel Hotel (Lavenham), Lavenham Priory, Little Hall Museum. Kentwell Hall in Long Melford (4 miles, hosts Scaresville event).
Book your stay and experience The Grey Lady of Lavenham and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.