Haunted Holidays

Strange, ghostly and macabre tales are never far from the surface from our haunted holidays in historic 1066 Country. Rye’s historic half-timbered buildings and winding cobble streets are home to many things that go bump in the night.

Invasions, battles, pirates, smuggling and murders — not many places have had such a dramatic history as ours. It’s little wonder that long after they passed away the spirits of 1066 Country remain.

As you explore the relics and ruins of 1066 Country don’t be surprised to hear the eerie sounds of footsteps behind you or come face to face with a ghostly Norman knight, for some 1066 Country is a place they don’t want to leave!

The medieval citadel of Rye is teeming with ghosts, which is not surprising due to the long and bloody history of this ancient Cinque Port, with its tales of murder, smuggling, pirates and slaughter.

It should come as no surprise that the most haunted pub in the UK can be found here. The Mermaid Inn dates back to 1156 and was notorious for being the haunt of smugglers, including the infamous ‘Hawkhurst Gang’.

There have been many sightings here of spirits that you could fill a book with, but, the most alarming report is that of a pair of phantom duellers fighting with swords. The duel ends with one of the ghosts being run through with a sword and the body dropped through a trapdoor!

This haunted Inn appeared on the first-ever series of TV’s ‘Most Haunted’

So if you are brave enough to visit one of these haunted inns don’t be surprised to find that alcohol isn’t the only spirit there!

A visit to the Rye Heritage Centre will give you a unique opportunity to visit the sites of Rye’s hauntings, ghost sightings, paranormal activities and the unexplained with one of their ghost tours.

Creepy Castles

If you wander through the many castles dotted around our coast and countryside on our haunted holidays, don’t be surprised if you come face to face with any number of ghosts. At the fairy tale-like Bodiam Castle there have been reports of a lady in red who is often seen looking out from one of the towers on a moonlight night. Also, keep your eyes open for a young boy who has been spotted running onto the bridge before disappearing into thin air!

Visiting the site of the Battle of Hastings is a spine-tingling experience. Spooky sightings of Harold’s doomed Saxon army and a phantom mounted Norman knight galloping across Senlac Ridge have all been reported. Legend also has it that the blood of the battle’s victims runs from this field when it rains.

Standing on the spot of King Harold’s last stand, you can almost hear the hiss of the Norman arrows and the thunder of hooves as the Norman knights closed in on the stricken king. The hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you hear the voices of the ghosts of those that died on that tumultuous day.

The Abbey here is reputedly haunted by phantom monks, a lady in red and a Norman knight. Monks’ Walk in the Abbey grounds is locally known as Ghosts’ Walk and for good reason!

Are you brave enough to book one of our Haunted Holidays?