Babergh District, Suffolk
Often cited as Suffolk's most haunted hotel. The best-known spirit is the Room 15 Housekeeper, a tragic 19th-century woman who committed suicide after being jilted at the altar whilst pregnant. She appears in Room 15 and throughout the older wings. The same spirit is also known as the Grey Lady and is responsible for the famous foot-tickling incident involving a visiting nun.
The Room 15 Housekeeper, The Grey Lady of Lavenham, The Housekeeper's Playful Side (Foot-Tickler), Unseen Child
The Room 15 Housekeeper appears as a woman in Victorian dress, often described as wearing grey or white clothing appropriate to a domestic servant. She is most commonly seen in Room 15, standing at the foot of beds or by windows with a melancholic expression. Her most famous encounter involved a nun staying in Room 15 who was awakened by the sensation of someone tickling her feet. Security guards have reported frightening encounters during night rounds. Multiple guests have seen her standing in Room 15 during the night.
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.
An unusual manifestation of The Swan's housekeeper ghost involves the tickling of guests' feet, most famously experienced by a visiting nun in Room 15.
The most documented ghost at The Swan Hotel is the spirit of a 19th-century housekeeper who committed suicide in what is now Room 15, after being jilted at the altar whilst pregnant.
Staff at The Swan have reported hearing the soft laughter and footsteps of a child, believed to be connected to the building's time as the Railway Women's Convalescent Home from 1911-1963.
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 Victorian woman in servant's dress, foot-tickling sensations (particularly the nun incident), cold spots and temperature drops, feeling of being watched, melancholic atmosphere in Room 15, occasional sounds of distress or weeping.
Room 15 (the 'Haunted Chamber' - former servants' quarters), corridors in the older wing, areas that were once part of the coaching inn's staff accommodation, the Gallery dining hall.
The most famous account involves a nun who felt someone tickling her feet while staying in Room 15. Security guards have reported being frightened during encounters while doing night rounds. Multiple guests have reported seeing her standing in Room 15 at night. Hotel staff acknowledge the hauntings and sometimes speak aloud to the spirit when working in Room 15.
Featured on TV's 'Most Haunted' programme. Multiple paranormal groups have investigated, with several recording electromagnetic anomalies and temperature fluctuations in Room 15. The phenomena are well-documented and on multiple ghost hunting websites. The hotel maintains a measured approach, neither heavily promoting nor dismissing the hauntings.
Ready to witness the paranormal activity firsthand? Book your stay and join the ranks of guests who've encountered the supernatural.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near room 15 (the 'haunted chamber' - former servants' quarters) 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.
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12 haunted sites and 1 attractions within 10-15 miles
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