The Garden of Eerie: Kent’s Most Haunted Experiences
This Halloween, the county becomes a spooktacular location for family fun, grown-up ghostly activities and seasonal thrills and chills. Here, Charlie Bond, explores the county’s most haunted locations, plus how you can visit them for yourself…
Pluckley
England’s Most Haunted Village
The village of Pluckley, situated five miles from Ashford, boasts the title of ‘England’s most haunted village’ – and even has a Guinness World Record to prove it.
The village is alleged to have more than 12 ghosts, with sightings including a ‘red lady’ who haunts the churchyard, and a highwayman who’s seen on horseback before he inexplicably vanishes.
Pluckley’s so famous for its eerie inhabitants, it’s featured on episodes of a number of TV shows, making an appearance on everything from Most Haunted to Top Gear, where the presenters had to spend the night in the Screaming Woods filming a car review.
The village itself dates back to the Domesday Book, created in 1086. And, with almost 1,000 years of history, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of spooky stories, myths and legends that have become part of Pluckley’s past.
Halloween Event: Want to experience Pluckley’s ghostly goings on for yourself? This Halloween, take part in one of the village’s spooky ghost walks, where you’ll learn all about the myths and legends that make this haunted spot so special. For those who like things extra eerie, there’s the ‘extreme extended experience’, which is described as ‘an intense and often frightening walking tour’ – it’s not for the faint hearted!
Rochester Castle
Where Charles Dickens’ Spirit is Said to Roam
Rochester Castle is famed for being the tallest surviving great tower of its type in Europe, and for its siege and capture by King John in 1215. But, it’s also known for its ghostly goings on, including from a very famous resident…
Writer Charles Dickens was well known for his connections to Kent – he grew up in Chatham, lived near to Rochester in later life and died in the county too. Several of his works also include references to Kent, such as Pickwick Papers and Great Expectations.
To this day, visitors to Rochester Castle are said to catch a glimpse of the famed author at Rochester Castle, as his spirit is said to ‘roam’ around the moat and nearby graveyard. It’s believed that Dickens, who died in 1870, wanted to be buried at Rochester Castle, but was instead interred in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner.
Charles Dickens isn’t the only ghostly sighting at Rochester Castle. The ghost of Lady Blanche de Warenne is said to haunt the building. During a siege she was killed by an arrow to a chest, and those who’ve seen her ghost suggest she can be seen ‘staggering’ with the arrow protruding from her.
Chislehurst Caves
Underground Tunnels Said to be Haunted by Many Ghosts and Even Has a ‘Haunted Pool’
They may be called ‘caves’ but Chislehurst Caves are actually man-made underground tunnels, covering more than 22 miles. Dating as far back as Saxon times, they were also used during World War II as the largest deep air-raid shelter outside London, protecting over 15,000 people every night during the Blitz.
Now a tourist attraction, the caves are said to be haunted by a number of ghosts. One of the most prolific is the ‘White Lady’ – believed to be a bride betrayed or drowned, she’s said to manifest near an underground pool, sometimes accompanied by splashes or a sudden coldness. Her remains were reportedly discovered in the 1940s close to the pool she’s sighted at.
Another common ghostly sighting is that of a young girl. She’s believed to have been killed during a partial collapse of a cave in 1939, and visitors have reported hearing laughter, crying, or playful sounds in the tunnels.
Halloween Event: Lamp-lit guided tours are available every Wednesday – Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and they’re suitable for adults and children, although under 3s may find the caves intimidating.
Hever Castle
The Childhood Home of Anne Boleyn, Said To Be Haunted by the Former Queen
Hever Castle has a rich royal history, but it’s perhaps most notably the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife who was beheaded in 1536.
The ghost of the former queen is said to wander the castle grounds, and has been spotted in various locations including near to the ancient yew tree, and crossing the bridge across the River Eden.
Anne Boleyn isn’t the only ghostly being believed to haunt the castle – her father, Thomas Boleyn has also been sighted, riding in a spectral carriage.
Blue Bell Hill
A Phantom Hitchhiker is Well Known on This Road
Another of Kent’s most notorious haunted locations is Blue Bell Hill – the stretch of road that links Maidstone and Rochester.
In 1965, there was a tragic collision between two cars, which resulted in three out of four women being killed. One of those was Suzanne Browne, a 22 year old who was returning from her hen do, and was due to wed the following day. She, and her two friends died – one at the scene, and Suzanne Browne and another friend a few days later in hospital.
Since then, there have been numerous sightings of a ‘ghost bride’ on the stretch of road where the accident occurred. Several motorists have reported hitting a girl who ‘jumps’ in front of vehicles, only to realise there’s nobody there when they get out to check. Others have reported picking up a female hitchhiker, but when turning around, they discover she’s vanished and is no longer on the back seat.
Mote Park
Visitors Say the Ghost of a Girl Haunts This Popular Park
Maidstone’s 450-acre park is known for being a popular place for families to visit and dog walkers to frequent, but it’s also got a spookier side.
Mote Park was once a country estate, converted into landscape park land at the end of the 18th century. It includes the former stately home, Mote House, and there have been several reports from people living local to the area of seeing a little girl dressed in white, running through the trees at night.
The girl’s identity is unknown but witnesses say she appears as a glowing white light before taking the form of a young girl in a white dress.
Leeds Castle
Two Ghostly Black Dogs Are Thought to Roam Here
Leeds Castle is perhaps Kent’s most iconic castle – but aesthetics and family-friendly days out aside, it’s also home to plenty of spooky tales (and tails!).
The most prolific is the ‘Legend of the Black Dogs’. It’s believed there are two ghosts; one that brings good fortune, and one that foretells danger or even death. Legend has it that one person was saved after spotting a black ‘retriever-like’ dog, moments before danger occurred.
The person was sitting in a bay window seat in the now known Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. A black dog appeared barking excessively. After disappearing then coming back several times, it was clear the dog was desperately trying to get their attention. The moment after the person stood to tend to the dog’s barking, the window to which they were sitting suddenly fell into the moat. The dog is said to have saved them from falling.
However, sightings of the other black dog are not believed to be so fortuitous; it is said when the dog was spotted in passageways and rooms, a death or tragedy would occur.
Halloween Event: Until 2 November, take part in a haunted Halloween quest, where young adventurers become spell seekers on a thrilling interactive journey through the mystical Leeds Castle estate. Entry is included with your ticket.
Spooky Stays
Where to Stay to Experience Kent’s Supernatural Scene
- Leeds Castle, Maidstone – stay in the new Knights Retreat and enjoy spooky family fun, or opt to stay in the castle itself.
Eastwell Manor, Ashford – the country hotel is reputedly haunted by a lady in white, and a phantom horseman seen galloping across the grounds before vanishing by the lake.
Hamlet Hotels, Maidstone – formerly Larkfield Priory, this accommodation is alleged to be haunted by a ghost named Charlotte, a maid who’s believed to have died in a fire in 1892, and is known for her sobbing, smashing glasses and flickering lights.
Elvey Farm, Pluckley – given that Pluckley is England’s most haunted village, it’s no surprise that it’s also home to one of Kent’s most haunted hotels. Elvey Farm is made up of stylish, modern B&B suites, and a stay there is a must if you’re in the area seeking spooky sightings.
The Woolpack Inn, Chilham – this 600 year old inn is believed to be home to The Grey Lady – a ghost who has been seen wandering the hotel’s corridors.
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