Ghostly Cornwall: Exploring Haunted Castles and Historic Sites

With its windswept landscape and dramatic history, it’s not surprising that Cornwall is the setting for many a ghostly tale… In this article, we take you down the echoing corridors and deserted lanes of haunted Cornwall, pausing to listen out for a phantom footstep or spectral scream…

From creepy castles to spooky pubs, here’s our guide to haunted Cornwall.

Haunted castles in Cornwall
Pengersick Castle is a surprise. The medieval tower rises up among the neat and much-newer houses of beachside Praa Sands, and it’s hard to imagine that it’s the most haunted place in Cornwall. The picturesque castle is said to be home to over 20 ghosts (there are even spectral pets). A monk walks the grounds, while in one of the bedrooms, a woman clutches her stomach in agony. Watch out for the boy who grabs skirts or the girl who tries to push people over the battlements. You can book a tour of the castle and grounds, which these days is a popular wedding venue.

Head along the north coast to Tintagel Castle, birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. The ruins of the medieval castle stand on a wild and rocky headland, reached by a narrow (but reassuringly new) bridge: the setting alone is evocative. It’s said that the headland and cove is haunted by Arthur’s mentor, the magician Merlin. Visit the castle on a quiet day, and you’ll certainly feel an atmosphere…

Pendennis Castle, like Tintagel, is an English Heritage site and a popular visitor attraction. The Tudor fortress rises above Falmouth, guarding the entrance to the harbour. Phantom footsteps echo around the former military barracks, while the screams of a long-dead kitchen maid are heard in empty spaces along with the laughter of unseen children… Cheer yourself up with a Cornish cream tea in the Castle’s restaurant (just watch out for the ghostly chef).

Historic sites in Cornwall with ghostly tales
If any place should be haunted, it’s Bodmin Jail. The old county jail originally dates from the 1770s, and during its time has been a debtors’ prison and a naval jail. Convicts came here to await transportation – or their death sentence. Unsurprisingly, the jail is said to be horribly haunted, and even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you’ll still be chilled by the melancholy atmosphere. Recently refurbished, Bodmin Jail has become a must-see Cornish visitor attraction (its lovely new cafe is just the thing for lifting your spirits after your jail tour). Read our blog to find out more about visiting Bodmin Jail.

Its bleak moorland location, association with the old smuggling trade and of course, its role in Daphne du Maurier’s novel, make Jamaica Inn one of Cornwall’s best-known haunted places. Today’s pub is actually a cosy spot for a meal or a drink, but make sure you also visit the adjoining Jamaica Inn Museum, which tells the tales of its darker days…

One of Cornwall’s most chilling ghost stories has to be the tales of the “Knockers”. Believed to be the ghosts of dead miners, the Knockers lurk in the depths of the tin mines, where they warn their living colleagues of impending danger with their knocking. They can also be mischievous: miners would try to appease them by leaving them scraps of pasty. Visit Geevor Tin Mine Museum near Pendeen, which includes a tour of some of the older underground workings.

Spooky Cornish places to explore
Discover Cornwall’s evocative landscape for yourself. Stride out across the wilds of West Cornwall, the scarred old landscape dotted with the dramatic shapes of old engine houses. Walk the paths of Bodmin Moor (watching out for beasts), and see the stone traces of a much older Cornwall. Visit Dozmary Pool while you’re on the moor, the legendary home of the Lady of the Lake and with a definite spooky vibe.

Kennall Vale near Truro is a pretty place for a woodland walk; however, once the site of a gunpowder factory, it has a tragic past and is said to be haunted… The old industrial ruins behind Hayle have a similar beautiful-but-bleak ambience.

If you want to find out more about supernatural Cornwall, visit the incredible Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown are the places to go if you want to learn more about pirates, wreckers and smugglers. Love to hear more spooky Cornwall ghost stories? Book onto the fascinating ghost walk in St Ives.

Some of the best ghostly legends of Cornwall are found in its old pubs. You’ll find both types of spirits at The Bucket of Blood near Hayle, the Dolphin Inn in Penzance and the St Kew Inn near Bodmin.

Don’t have nightmares…
You’ll be so comfortable in one of our guest rooms that you’ll soon forget all about spectral miners and screaming kitchen maids… If you’re coming to Cornwall in search of spooks, take a look at the great choice of accommodation at The Cornwall Hotel and Spa, built on the site of an ancient Anglo Saxon treasure hoard…