1 Avebury, with its stone circles dating back millennia, is a favourite destination for those who believe such sites retain psychic traces of the ancients for whom they were both home and places of worship. Whatever one’s belief, it doesn’t take too much imagination to be awed on walking among the stones. Avebury is also home to the Red Lion pub, which often crops up on lists of Britain’s most haunted places. A phantom carriage, ghostly children and the spectres of a woman and her lover, murdered centuries ago by a vengeful husband, are said to be among the non-liquid spirits.
2 Lydiard House - www.lydiardpark.org.uk - is often described as the jewel in the crown of publicly-owned buildings in Swindon. Set in gorgeous, publicly-accessible parkland and stuffed with treasures reflecting its long history, the Grade I Listed building was in the possession of the St John family for hundreds of years before being bought by the old Swindon Corporation. According to several psychic investigators and others who claim sensitivity in such matters, some of the St Johns are still there, notably Sir John St John who lost three sons in the English Civil War.
3 The Ridgeway is an ancient trading route which stretches for 80 miles and is easy to access from Barbury Castle. Walking a stretch of it at any time of day gives a sense of its history - but be sure to keep an eye out for a white cat. According to various sources including the excellent Haunted Wiltshire website, the dishevelled and sinister-looking creature is fond of following travellers for miles, but turns into a hissing bundle of fury if approached.
4 In 2016 two Swindon paranormal investigators, Pauline Green and Darren Clark, reported - and photographed - an odd white mist rising from the ground one night in Lawn Woods. According to Pauline, she felt suddenly compelled to visit the woods on the evening in question, and asked Darren to accompany her. Looking at their pictures afterwards, they said they believed one showed a woman being carried by two men.
5 Pubs and inns, especially old ones, tend to be prominent on lists of supposedly haunted locations. Perhaps it’s because they have historically been at the heart of communities, and the venue for thousands of momentous personal milestones ranging from christenings to wakes, and from joyful reunions to melancholy farewells. The Bear Hotel in Devizes is distinguished among haunted pubs in that it is supposed to be home to none other than Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, who is said to have first visited while still flesh and blood.
6 The Freke Arms at Swanborough, near Highworth, is named in honour of the prominent Freke family, who built nearby Hannington Hall in the 17th century. As might be expected of any inn which has been operating for 200 years or so, the Freke Arms has a resident spectre. Sightings of a Victorian lady have been reported, and some say she wears neat blue ankle boots.
7 Warners Littlecote House Hotel - www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/hotels/littlecote-house-hotel - is a 16th Century manor house ideal for relaxing or activity-filled getaways. Parts of it is supposedly haunted by spectres including those of a black dog and a mother whose child was murdered centuries ago.
8 Malmesbury’s Old Bell Hotel - it is near the ruins of the abbey - is said to be the oldest in Britain, with origins stretching as far back as the 13th century. As might be expected, a number of paranormal events have been claimed there over the years, but one of the most frequently reported is the silent grey lady said to linger in one of its rooms. In best urban legend tradition, uttering the words ‘grey lady’ three times is said to summon her.
9 Westwood Manor in Bradford-on-Avon - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/westwood-manor - is reportedly haunted. Its unearthly residents are said to include one who originally haunted Littlecote House, mentioned earlier in this list, but seemingly migrated when Littlecote tapestries were brought to the 15 century stately home. A headless ghost has also been reported.
10 The Ancient Ram Inn at Wotton-under-Edge - call 01453 548449 - is no longer a guest house, but is said to be one of the most haunted places in Britain and is frequently the venue for ghost-spotting events.
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