Last Updated on 8 September 2025 by Vanessa

 

Are you looking for haunted hotels in the UK to add to your Halloween bucket list? And are you hoping to bring your cat along for the adventure?

You’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of the UK’s spookiest hotels and bed and breakfasts, and personally checked which ones welcome feline guests. While these are all cat-friendly, keep in mind that some may charge an additional fee.

So, which of these eerie stays will you and your cat be checking into this Halloween?

Wishing you and your furry friend a frighteningly fun and unforgettable Halloween trip!

 

Haunted hotels in the UK for you and your cat

 

 

The Mermaid Inn – Rye, East Sussex, England

 

• Address: The Mermaid Inn, Mermaid Street, Rye, TN31 7EY, England.
• Book here!

 

Contrary to what you might expect, Rye in East Sussex, England, is not just known for its quaint buildings, but also for its ghosts. Several inns, such as The Mermaid Inn and The Union Inn, claim to have their own supernatural visitors.

In Watchbell Street, a boy wrapped in a white sheet supposedly makes a regular appearance.

In Mermaid Street it’s a girl dressed in blue.

And in Turkey Cock Lane, there’s the ghost of a monk who was bricked up alive.

Even author Henry James, who used to live in Rye, said that the spirit of an old lady helped him with the writing of his most famous ghost story, The Turn of the Screw.

No wonder Rye is called the most haunted town in England.

However, The Mermaid Inn is the only spooky getaway in Rye where cats are welcome. The inn dates back to the 12th century and is well-known for its ghostly stories. It is supposedly one of the most haunted inns in England.

Guests and staff have reported various paranormal experiences, including sightings of ghostly figures, unexplained noises, and mysterious footsteps. The inn’s rich history and atmospheric setting contribute to its reputation as a haunted location.

There is also a connection to the notorious Hawkhurst Gang. This has given rise to tales of apparitions in period clothing, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own.

 

 

The Castle Hotel – Taunton, Somerset, England

 

• Address: The Castle Hotel, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1NF, England.
• Book here!

 

The haunted legacy of Taunton Castle traces its origins to the Monmouth Rebellion.

Built in the 12th century upon the foundations of a Saxon fortification, the castle now serves as both a hotel and museum.

The tale intertwines with that of James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of King Charles II. In a bold bid to seize the throne from his uncle, James landed in Lyme Regis in 1685 and captured Taunton Castle, where he was declared king. However, jubilation turned to despair when his forces suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor. Subsequently, the notorious Judge Jeffreys convened the Taunton Assize in the Great Hall, condemning hundreds of Monmouth’s supporters to the gallows or slavery.

 

 

As the present-day museum occupies the Great Hall, many visitors claim that echoing footsteps and phantom soldiers persist.

The hotel has a spectral narrative of its own. In November 1878, Matilda Lock, a 36-year-old cook, was ill and retreated to her room. Unbeknownst to her colleagues, she was secretly pregnant and soon dismissed from her job. However, in January of the following year, a workman discovered the lifeless body of a newborn baby in a drain near Matilda’s room. Matilda faced trial, but circumstantial evidence led to her discharge. Many guests say that can still hear the ghostly cries of the infant within the Castle Hotel.

The Castle Hotel welcomes both cats and dogs. They charge £15 per night for pets to stay with you. Should you make a reservation, please inform them that you are bringing your cat with you so they can let housekeeping know.

 

Craig-y-Nos Castle – Swansea Valley

 

• Address: Craig-y-Nos Castle, Brecon Road Pen-y-cae Swansea Valley SA9 1GL Wales.
• Book here!

 

This little-known castle is rumored to have its share of resident ghosts and has been featured in TV shows exploring the supernatural.

One of the most prominent apparitions haunting Craig-y-Nos Castle is that of Adelina Patti, a world-famous opera singer who once owned the estate. Her ethereal presence still lingers within the castle’s walls, with sightings reported in areas like the opera house, where she once graced the stage with her performances.

 

 

Additionally, the castle is no stranger to ghostly children, their laughter and playful activities heard echoing through its corridors and rooms, even in the absence of living children.

The spirit of a maid is said to roam the castle as well. The scent of lavender accompanies her presence.

However, the enigmatic “White Lady” is perhaps the most common. You can supposedly see her the castle’s gardens and hallways.

Craig-y-Nos Castle also hosts regular ghost tours and murder mystery dinners. All of the tours culminate at Halloween with their Castle Spectacular every October.

They are also proud to be one of Wales’ most pet-friendly accommodations.

 

The Baskerville Hall Hotel – Wales

 

• Address: The Baskerville Hall Hotel, Clyro, HR3 5RZ, Wales.
• Book here!

 

The Baskerville Hall Hotel in Wales is not really haunted. However, it’s deeply intertwined with one of the most iconic and enduring tales of the mystery genre: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles.

This renowned Sherlock Holmes novel finds its roots in the eerie and atmospheric moors of Devon and Dartmoor. The legend itself draws parallels to the broader folklore of spectral hounds and haunted landscapes that exist throughout the British Isles. In the novel, Baskerville Hall serves as the ancestral home of the ill-fated Baskerville family, and its moody, isolated setting contributes significantly to the story’s sense of foreboding.

 

 

As a guest of the Baskerville Hall Hotel, you can immerse yourself in the ambiance that inspired the classic tale. While the hotel has evolved over the years to offer modern amenities and accommodations, it still retains elements of its historical charm.

The surrounding Welsh countryside, with its rolling hills and misty moors, provides an opportunity to also explore the landscapes that played a role in inspiring one of literature’s most enduring mysteries.

For those with an interest in literary history and a penchant for atmospheric settings, a stay at the Baskerville Hall Hotel offers a unique and immersive experience.

 

The White Hart Hotel – Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England

 

• Address: The White Hart Hotel, Bailgate, Lincoln, LN1 3AR, England.
• Book here!

 

The White Hart Hotel weaves its haunted reputation from its past as a former coaching inn.

One of the most prominent apparitions that frequently haunts the hotel is that of a highwayman.

Long ago, this highwayman met his untimely demise at the hands of a courageous coachman who thrust a torch into his face within the former stables. These stables now house the Orangery restaurant. Many say the highwayman’s ghost is still there, shrouding his face with his cloak as he darts through the restaurant.

Another ghostly resident is the “Mobcap” girl. She used to be a maid at the hotel, who caught the unwanted attention of the hotel’s rat-catcher. Her rejection of his advances led to her murder. To this day, many claim they have seen her on the first-floor landing of the hotel, cowering in a corner.

 

 

One of the hotel rooms also holds a grim history, as it was the site of a suicide in the 1960s. Although no apparition has materialized within, an overwhelming sense of melancholy often envelops the room. Ghostly sobs, seemingly without source, have echoed through its confines, haunting the living.

Among the corridors of the lower floors, staff have encountered spectral occurrences of their own.

An elderly woman in period attire often glides down one particular corridor before vanishing into thin air.

In a different lower-floor corridor, an eerie sensation of being trailed, accompanied by inexplicable unease, has gripped staff, only for them to whirl around and discover no one in pursuit.

 

The Jamaica Inn – Bolventor, Cornwall, England

 

• Address: The Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Bolventor, PL15 7TS, England.
• Book here!

 

This remote and rugged establishment in Cornwall was once a hub for smugglers and pirates.

Guests have reported mysterious incidents during their stays, and even the popular TV show Most Haunted deemed Jamaica Inn’s episode in season 4 one of the spookiest ever recorded.

The Ghost Society conducted in-depth investigations, focusing on areas like The Smugglers’ Bar, the Stable Bar (now a museum), old bedrooms on the upper floors, and the rear restaurant/gift shop area.

The Inn’s history is also peppered with tales of spirits, from conversations in a foreign tongue heard by previous managers to the eerie sound of horses’ hooves during the night.

Jamaica Inn offers ghost hunters the chance to explore its haunted history during weekend stays and late-night investigations.

Cats are welcome at the Jamaica Inn, but they are not allowed on the bed, furniture, or in Pedlars restaurant.

 

 

The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel – Wells, England

 

• Address: The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel, 20 Sadler St, Wells, BA5 2SE, England.
• Book here!

 

Situated in the historic city of Wells, this hotel is said to be haunted by a ghostly monk who roams the corridors.

Wells itself is steeped in history, with its stunning medieval architecture and the grandeur of Wells Cathedral (which is also home to a resident cat), making it a perfect setting for ghostly tales. The combination of the hotel’s age and the city’s rich history creates an eerie and atmospheric experience for guests seeking a taste of the supernatural amidst the backdrop of a medieval gem. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a paranormal aficionado, this haunted hotel in Wells promises a unique and unforgettable stay in one of England’s most charming cities.

 

Plas Nanteos Mansion – Aberystwyth, Wales

 

• Address: Plas Nanteos Mansion, Aberystwyth, SY23 4LU, Wales.
• Book here!

 

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, the Plas Nanteos Mansion is reached via a long road that winds through a shadowy forest, setting the stage for a night of ghostly exploration. While this accommodation looks peaceful and cute, it is known to be one of the most haunted places in Wales.

Constructed in 1739 as a Georgian manor, the mansion’s roots are believed to stretch back to the 1500s and possibly even earlier, with intriguing ties to the fabled Holy Grail. Spread across its sprawling 30 acres, every corner seems to echo with whispers of the past. The spectral tales here are as diverse as they are numerous. The shrubbery harbors the spirit of William Griffiths, murdered in 1782 by the head gardener, now forever haunting the grounds. Within the mansion itself, the Grey Lady, once known as Elizabeth Owen, endlessly roams the halls in search of hidden jewels. Mysterious voices have echoed in the entrance hall, and spectral disputes have been overheard emanating from what was once the laundry room, with unexplained stacks of towels and soap left behind as eerie evidence.

The ghostly ensemble extends beyond, with apparitions like Gruffydd Evans serenading unseen audiences with his harp amidst the woods, and the ghost of David Rowlands, who met his fate in the lake and is glimpsed tending to phantom livestock. Venture into the stable yard, and you may encounter phantom voices, mysterious equine presences, and even the plaintive cries of a spectral infant. Adding to the spectral tapestry, whispers suggest that the cellar conceals the remains of seven monks. Eager to share these spectral stories, the hotel regularly hosts ghost hunts and themed evenings for those daring enough to delve into the mysteries of Plas Nanteos Mansion.

 

Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

 

• Address: Effington Park Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8BU, England.
• Book here!

 

This beautiful Neo-Gothic mansion served as the filming location for the 1963 horror film The Haunting. It’s now a luxurious hotel with a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in the UK.

The hotel’s most famous ghost is believed to be Lady Emma Shirley, who lived at the mansion in the 19th century. Her presence is often felt in Room 2, where she’s been seen and sensed by many guests. Other reported paranormal occurrences include mysterious footsteps, unexplained cold spots, and doors opening and closing on their own.

The Great Drawing Room, a grand and opulent space within the mansion, is also said to be haunted. Guests have reported hearing ghostly laughter and conversations coming from this room, even when it’s empty.

Today, Ettington Park Hotel is a luxurious hotel and spa that offers guests a chance to experience both its opulent charm and its haunted history. Despite its reputation for being haunted, the hotel provides modern amenities and comfortable accommodations for guests. The hotel’s Gothic architecture, beautiful gardens, and proximity to the Cotswolds make it a popular destination for weddings and special events.

 

The Red Lion Hotel – Colchester, Essex, England

 

• Address: The Red Lion Hotel, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DJ, England.
• Book here!

 

The Red Lion Hotel is known for its connection to the English Civil War and stunning historic architecture. However, it’s equally famous for its ghostly apparitions and unexplained occurrences.

Among the notable apparitions is the ghost of Alice Catherine Millar, who met a tragic end within the hotel’s confines in 1638. Her ghostly presence has been documented as far back as the 1800s. So terrifying was her specter that an innkeeper bricked up the door to her former room (supposedly the site of her murder).

Guests have seen Alice in several rooms, particularly in rooms five, six, and ten. She has also been spotted in the kitchen and walking towards her former room, even though the entrance has been sealed.

One strange account involves the assistant manager who was awakened in the middle of the night by what felt like a jolt of electricity coursing through his body. In his room, he saw an old rocking chair gently swaying and a woman materializing on the chair. She spoke to him briefly and enquired about his well-being before vanishing.

 

 

Another spectral figure roaming the hotel is that of a hooded monk. He typically appears during the early hours, especially near the reception area and corridors. Legend has it that it’s the ghost of a monk who perished in a fire at the inn many centuries ago while attempting to rescue children in his care.

The third ghostly presence is that of a small boy, frequently seen in the parliament room. Interestingly, it is children who have most often reported encountering him. Some guests have captured his image in photographs taken within the hotel.

The Red Lion Inn was featured in the 1971 folk horror movie The Blood on Satan’s Claw.

 

The Feathers Hotel – Ludlow, Shropshire, England

 

• Address: The Feathers Hotel, 24-25 Bull Ring, Ludlow, SY8 1AA, England.
• Book here!

 

The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow embraces its timber-framed architecture and extensive history with accounts of spectral encounters and peculiar phenomena.

Many visitors claim that a malevolent and jealous spirit resides in rom 211.

Witnesses have also reported the apparition of a gentleman and his dog strolling through rooms 232 and 233, only to vanish without a trace.

Among the more peculiar accounts is that of a naked woman in wooden clogs. She has been sighted in the hotel’s car park and crossing the road nearby. She appears exclusively to men.

 

 

The Golden Fleece Inn – York, North Yorkshire, England

 

• Address: The Golden Fleece Inn, 42 Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1LL, England.
• Book here!

 

This pet-friendly inn dates back to 1503. It exudes a lot of authenticity thanks to its crooked floors, slanted ceilings, and uneven doorways, emblematic of 16th-century construction.

Overlooking The Shambles, York’s ancient row of shops, The Golden Fleece offers a unique York experience across its four distinctive bedrooms.

Renowned as York’s most haunted pub and among Britain’s paranormal hotspots, The Golden Fleece boasts a history rife with ghostly encounters.

 

 

Lady Alice Peckett, wife of a former York mayor and the inn’s proprietor, is a prominent spectral resident, known for her nocturnal furniture rearrangements and stairway journeys.

Other ethereal occupants include a Canadian airman who perished during WWII and “One Eyed Jack,” a man donning a 16-17th-century red coat, seen frequently in the lower bar.

The inn also houses a grumpy old man and a young Victorian boy tragically trampled by horses. Guests often report seeing them in the upper bar.

Roman soldiers are said to haunt the cellar, once a temporary morgue for unidentified criminals.

 

The Ancient Unicorn Inn – Bowes, County Durham, England

 

• Address: The Ancient Unicorn Inn, The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL, England.
• Book here!

 

The Ancient Unicorn Inn has welcomed famous people such as Charles Dickens in times gone by.

Nearby stands the castle, which holds the spirits of the Roman garrison, who supposedly return each year on the anniversary of a local tragedy.

St. Giles Church, a medieval gem with a Norman doorway, played a role in Dickens’ literary inspiration. In the churchyard, Dickens stumbled upon the grave of George Ashton Taylor, who was the muse for the character Smike in Nicholas Nickleby.

Adjacent to this, in the churchyard, lies the grave of Edward and Emma, whose ethereal presence is still haunting the Ancient Unicorn.

Guests at the inn also recount sightings of a bearded man in a bowler hat, 12-year-old boy in the inn’s cellars, eerie pranks played on guests, and accounts of unexplained noises and feelings.

 

Dalhousie Castle – Edinburgh, Scotland

 

• Address: Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg EH19 3JB, Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Book here!

 

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle is one of Scotland’s most haunted hotels.

Chief among these apparitions is the restless spirit of Sir Alexander Ramsay, who wander the halls and grounds since his tragic starvation in 1342 at Hermitage Castle, orchestrated by William Douglas.

Lady Catherine, the ‘Grey Lady,’ is another ethereal resident. Guests often see her amidst the castle’s turrets and within its somber dungeon.

Given the abundance of ghostly occurrences at the hotel, Dalhousie Castle now plays host to regular ghost tours.

Yet, even guests unassociated with these tours have been privy to spine-tingling events.

Regrettably, cats aren’t allowed in the bedrooms, spa, or restaurant areas of Dalhousie Castle. However, for a fee of £25.00 per night, well-behaved cats are welcome in the lodge house, Castle Rocks, just a two-minute walk from the main castle.

 

 

Airth Castle Hotel & Spa – Airth, Scotland (permanently closed)

 

• Address: Airth Castle Hotel & Spa, Airth, Stirlingshire FK2 8JF, Scotland.
• Book here!

 

This ancient stronghold above Airth village, just a half-hour drive from Glasgow, boasts a history dating back to the 14th century.

Its 125 rooms and suites come with chilling tales. Room nine is reputedly haunted by the spirits of a nanny and two children who perished in a fire. There are reports of their laughter echoing through the corridors.

Downstairs, guests visiting the restrooms may even glimpse these lost souls, as it’s where their room originally stood.

In Room 14, guests have heard eerie reports of a maid’s screams as she was allegedly attacked by her master and left for dead, with heavy footsteps approaching the door before falling ominously silent.

And if that’s not eerie enough, there are also accounts of a ghostly dog that roams the medieval hallways and nips at guests’ ankles. Your cat is not going to like that one.

 

 

The Skirrid Mountain Inn – Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales

 

• Address: The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Llanvihangel Crucorney, NP7 8DH Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales.
• Book here!

 

Standing proudly for more than nine centuries, The Skirrid Inn stands as Wales’ oldest and most unique pub. Nestled within the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park, this inn exudes an irresistible blend of character and charm, from its roaring fires to its sturdy stone walls and intricate wooden paneling.

The Skirrid Mountain Inn has a history of being a courtroom and execution site. This dark past is associated with reports of paranormal activity, including the apparition of a hanged man and eerie footsteps.

You can stay a night or two, or take part in one of their thrilling ghost hunts, where you might just find yourself face-to-face with a spectral surprise, if the legends are to be believed.

 

 

The Ancient Ram Inn – Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, England.

 

• Address: The Ancient Ram Inn, 8 Potters Pond, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7HF, England.
• Book here!

 

This 12th-century inn is rumored to have been built on a pagan burial ground and has a history of being a site of dark rituals. Eerie tales of poltergeist activity, spectral figures, and an overall disconcerting aura have solidified its reputation as one of England’s most haunted structures.

Among the unsettling legends that surround the inn is the story of a supposed witch who met her grim fate at the stake during the 1500s. Many believe that her tormented spirit still lingers within the inn. According to the lore, she sought refuge in one of the rooms before her capture and execution. This room is now known as “The Witch’s Room.”

Another notorious haunt within the inn is “The Bishop’s Inn” on the first floor. Many guests have found it nearly impossible to stay the night, with some fleeing in the midst of darkness. They say that the ghost of a monk frequently visits this room.

 

Update: The Ancient Ram Inn no longer serves as a bed & breakfast. However, the house still organizes official ghost tours.

 

 

The Langham Hotel – London, England

 

• Address: The Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, Westminster, Londen, W1B 1JA, England.
• Book here!

 

The Langham Hotel is a splendid five-star establishment in the heart of London.

As London’s oldest grand hotel, The Langham bears witness to centuries of historical events. Five ghosts that make regular appearances at the hotel, including a Victorian doctor who met a tragic end by his own hand and a German prince or nobleman, met his demise by plummeting from an upper-story window.

Room 333 is supposedly the most haunted.

By the way, did you know that this luxurious hotel served as the backdrop for the horror film The Haunting of Julia (also known as Full Circle) released in 1977?

 

Read next: Staying in a five-star hotel with a cat: a review of The Langham Sydney.

 

 

Trevor Arms – Wrexham, Wales

 

• Address: Trevor Arms, Marford Hill, Wrexham, LL12 8TA, Wales.
• Book here!

 

Once a bustling coaching inn, the Trevor Arms is now also offering guest rooms. One room stands out, because it’s notorious for having a mysterious whirling mass of air within.

Nestled in the spectral village of Marford, this pub shares its space with the lingering apparition of Lady Margaret Blackbourne, whose life met a tragic end at the hands of her husband, George Blackbourne, in 1713.

Lady Blackbourne is supposedly not alone in her ethereal visits to the Trevor Arms.

There’s also a spectral young girl, a Victorian gentleman with distinctive mutton chops, a mysterious woman who often takes her place by the fireside in the bar, and a loyal supporter of King Charles I.

 

Can I bring my cat to the UK?

 

Yes. You can take your cat to the UK if you live abroad. However, there are strict regulations and requirements to ensure a smooth entry for your feline friend. Here are the most important ones:

 

Microchipping

Your cat must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip. Make sure the microchip is registered in your name and with your contact information.

 

Rabies vaccination

Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies. This vaccination should be administered AFTER the microchipping. The order of these steps is crucial. You will also need to wait 21 days after the rabies vaccination before traveling.

 

Pet Passport or health certificate

You’ll need an EU Pet Passport if you’re traveling from an EU country. If you’re traveling from a non-listed country (such as the USA or Canada), you’ll need an Official Third Country Veterinary Certificate. This certificate should be issued by an official veterinarian.

 

Tapeworm treatment

If you’re entering the UK from a country that is not considered free from Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm, your cat must be treated for tapeworm by a veterinarian 24 to 120 hours before entering the UK.

 

Approved routes and carriers

Ensure you use an approved route and an authorized carrier when entering the UK. You can’t bring your cat in as excess baggage or as part of your own luggage.

 

Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

The UK follows the Pet Travel Scheme, which outlines all the rules and regulations for bringing pets into the country. Familiarize yourself with these rules.

 

Tapeworm treatment for reentry

If you plan to re-enter the UK after traveling abroad with your cat, you’ll need to follow the tapeworm treatment requirement again before re-entry.

 

Blood tests

If you’re traveling from an unlisted country, your cat may need to undergo a blood test for rabies antibodies. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, followed by a three-month wait before entering the UK.

 

Approved points of entry

Make sure you enter the UK through an approved point of entry. Failure to do so could result in quarantine or refusal of entry.

 

It’s essential to start the preparation process well in advance of your planned travel date, as some steps, like the waiting period after the rabies vaccination, can take time.

Additionally, the regulations may change, so check with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) or consult your veterinarian for the most up-to-date information before traveling with your cat to the UK.

 

Which of these haunted hotels in the UK have you visited? And which ones made your Halloween bucket list?

 

These are 20 of the spookiest UK accommodations. Have any of these made your Halloween bucket list? Which ones have you already visited? Seen any ghosts? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

As you may have noticed, some of the UK’s most infamous and spine-chilling hotels, like Chillingham Castle in Northumberland or Ballygally Hotel in Northern Ireland, didn’t make the cut. That’s only because their pet policies didn’t align with cats.

If you enjoyed this article about spooky UK getaways that are cat-friendly, don’t hesitate to spread the ghostly delight with your friends and on social media.

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links, Traveling Cats will get a small commission, with no extra cost to you.

 

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