Cornwall isn't just about stunning beaches and picturesque fishing villages - it also has a darker, mysterious side that comes alive after sunset. If you're staying at our cosy chalets this Halloween and fancy a spine-tingling adventure, these ghost walks offer the perfect opportunity to discover Cornwall's haunted history and folklore passed down through generations.
Bodmin Jail After Dark
The imposing 18th-century Bodmin Jail offers one of Cornwall's most chilling experiences. Once home to countless criminals, including those awaiting execution, the jail now opens its doors for evening ghost tours. Walking through the cold stone corridors where prisoners once languished, you'll hear tales of the supernatural occurrences that have been reported over the years.
The jail's execution pit, where public hangings took place until 1862, is particularly known for strange phenomena and unexplained cold spots. Many visitors have reported feeling unseen hands touching them or hearing whispers when nobody is there. The most famous ghost is that of Selina Wadge, hanged in 1878 for murdering her child, whose sorrowful presence is often felt in the cells.
Haunted Pendennis Castle
Standing guard over Falmouth for over 400 years, Pendennis Castle has accumulated its fair share of ghostly residents. Join a guided evening tour to hear about the phantom soldiers still patrolling the ramparts and the spine-chilling sounds of battle that echo across the grounds on quiet nights.
The most famous spirit is that of a kitchen maid who fell to her death down a well - visitors often report hearing her terrified screams. Another renowned spectral inhabitant is the "Lady in Blue," believed to be the wife of a castle governor, who appears on the battlements gazing out to sea, perhaps waiting for her husband to return from a naval expedition. The castle's tunnels are particularly active with paranormal activity, with staff and visitors reporting sudden temperature drops and the feeling of being watched.
The Jamaica Inn Experience
Made famous by Daphne du Maurier's novel, Jamaica Inn sits on the desolate Bodmin Moor and has a well-earned reputation as one of Britain's most haunted inns. Monthly ghost hunting events allow brave souls to explore the 18th-century coaching inn after hours.
Many visitors have reported hearing hooves and coach wheels in the courtyard, footsteps in empty corridors, and the murmur of foreign voices speaking in an unrecognisable language. The ghost of a murdered smuggler is said to walk through closed doors, while a small man in a tricorn hat and cloak has been spotted sitting in the corner of the bar. The inn's museum contains a detailed history of the supernatural occurrences, including photographs and visitor accounts that might convince even the most hardened sceptic.
Ghostly Truro
Cornwall's only city offers an excellent ghost walk through its historic streets. As twilight falls, follow your guide through narrow alleys and past ancient buildings while learning about the highwayman who still rides through the city, the phantom monk of Kenwyn Street, and the ghost of the Red Lady who haunts Truro Cathedral.
The walk combines local history with supernatural tales for a fascinating evening out. One particularly active location is Lemon Street, where the ghost of a young woman who died of a broken heart is said to appear in the windows of the Georgian townhouses. The Old Grammar School is another hotspot, with reports of children's laughter echoing through the empty building and the ghost of a stern headmaster who still keeps watch over his domain.
The Mining Ghosts of Poldark Country
The landscape around St Just and Botallack is dotted with the ruins of Cornwall's mining heritage, and many believe the spirits of miners lost in accidents still haunt these atmospheric locations. Specialised evening tours take you along the dramatic clifftop paths, stopping at engine houses and mine entrances where paranormal activity has been reported.
The sounds of picks striking rock and the calls of miners who perished underground have been heard by many visitors. At Wheal Owles, where 31 miners lost their lives when the mine flooded in 1893, people report seeing ghostly lights and shadowy figures moving around the ruins. The tour guides often recount the tale of the "Knockers" - mythical little people believed by Cornish miners to inhabit the mines, whose knocking sounds were either warnings of danger or indications of rich ore seams.
The Haunted Coast: Tintagel to Boscastle
This stretch of North Cornwall coastline is steeped in Arthurian legend and supernatural tales. Evening walks between these two historic locations take in ancient ruins, hidden coves, and windswept headlands where the veil between worlds seems particularly thin.
At Tintagel Castle, the supposed birthplace of King Arthur, visitors report encounters with knights in armour and ladies in medieval dress. Meanwhile, in the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, the extensive collection of occult artefacts has led to numerous paranormal experiences, with objects reportedly moving of their own accord and visitors feeling unseen presences watching them from shadowy corners.
Planning Your Spooky Adventure
Most ghost walks operate year-round, but autumn and winter evenings provide the perfect atmospheric backdrop for these spooky tales. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and should be booked in advance. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a torch and warm clothing - Cornwall can get chilly after dark, even in summer.
For the most authentic experience, consider visiting during a full moon or on significant dates like Halloween or the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (October 31-November 1), when paranormal activity is said to peak. Many of the tours offer special extended versions on these dates, with additional locations and stories not included in the regular walks.
After your ghostly adventure, you'll appreciate returning to the comfort and warmth of our chalets even more! Our reception team can help arrange bookings for any of these ghost walks and provide directions. Some tours offer special discounts for our guests - just ask when making your reservation.
