London’s colourful history ensures there are plenty of spooky stories of the unrestful dead. Much like many Londoners today, these characters chose to spend eternity haunting pubs, theatres and parks. Whether you believe in spirits or not, we’ve picked 5 ghost-hunting spots which are worth the trip – and worth the fright!
1. The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead (Hampstead Station, Northern Line)
This sixteenth-century inn has a remarkable literary legacy, counting Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and William Blake among its literati patrons. The Spaniard’s Inn is memorialised in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker’s Dracula – it is even rumoured that tales heard here inspired the latter. John Keats (whose nearby house is now a museum) penned lyrics ‘with purple stained mouth’ in this oak-panelled oasis. A combination of writers and wine could well be how The Spaniards Inn became the setting for so many chilling stories. Allegedly where the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin plotted ambushes, many swear to still see him loitering. Better yet is the Inn’s namesake: the story of the Spanish landlords – Francesco and Juan Porero – who were love rivals. Francesco killed Juan in a duel and buried him in the garden, where his mournful ghost wanders to this day. Coincidentally, the delightful beer garden seats 300 – on a sunny day book in advance; getting a table can be murder.
2. The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (Covent Garden, Piccadilly Line)
Professed to be the ‘world’s most haunted theatre’, the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane has stood since 1812. In-house superstition states the sighting of a spectre to be a good omen for a production. However, you may not feel so lucky if you see the ‘Man in Grey’, an eighteenth-century nobleman wearing riding boots and a distinctive tricorne hat. The apparition makes his passage across the fourth row of the upper circle, and staff have reported him rocking seats and telling them to “Shh!” – perhaps he could begin helpfully reminding audiences to switch their mobile phones to silent.
Most bloodcurdling detail? During renovations in 1848 builders found the skeletal remains of a man who had suffered fatal dagger wounds. Where did they find them? Behind a wall in the upper circle. If you fancy your chances and want to catch the Broadway musical 42nd Street, playing until February 2018 – visit the Theatre Royal.
3. Theatre Royal Haymarket, Trafalgar Square (Charing Cross, Northern & Bakerloo lines)
Another phantom thespian – those bloody luvvies! Sir Patrick Stewart was left dumbfounded when he saw a ghost watching him from the wings during a performance of Waiting For Godot in 2009. Walking off stage for the interval, Sir Ian McKellan asked what had thrown him off. Sir Patrick instantly replied, “I saw a ghost!”. Others have seen the same figure – a man dressed in beige coat and twill trousers. Theatre lore says it is the spirit of John Baldwin Buckstone – a friend of Charles Dickens who enjoyed a long career at the theatre: from performing as a comic actor to serving as its manager from 1853-1877. A glimpse of the ghoul is considered his approval from beyond the grave – high praise indeed. Today visit the Theatre Royal Haymarket and be stunned by Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer in Venus in Fur running now until the 9th December 2017.
4. Charles Dickens House Museum, Doughty Street (Russell Square, Piccadilly Line)
Although this one isn’t actually haunted (as far as we know) Dickens’ ghosts are some of his most memorable characters. Dickens’ house at 48 Doughty Street is the only of his residences open to the public and has been preserved exactly as the prolific author left it. Evening opening hours give visitors the opportunity to travel back in time to an atmospheric Victorian evening. Observe the study where Dickens hand wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby by candlelight. If weather permits you can enjoy coffee and cake in the great novelist’s garden. The museum even offers historical walks curating the history of the streets that inspired Dickens’ London.
5. St James’s Park, Westminster (St James Park, Circle & District Line)
“This the blest lover shall for Venus take
And send up vows from Rosamonda’s lake.” – The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Pope, 1712
At the site of this former swamp, James I established a zoo full of exotic animals – including elephants, crocodiles, and the fanciful birds that give Birdcage Walk its name. North-west of Birdcage Walk once lay ‘Rosamond’s Pond’ – a secluded spot popular for lovers to rendezvous. However, beneath the surface of romantic paradise lurks a miserable fate. The pond soon became an iconic place for heart-broken women to drown themselves. The tragic reputation lead to the pond being filled in 1770. Since the 1800s, people have witnessed headless women rising from the earth in this same place and drivers swerving to avoid frantic spectres as they dart across the road. Nestled between landmarks, London’s oldest royal park is a beautiful day trip. Admire the resident pelicans who have wandered the park since being gifted to King Charles II from a Russian ambassador 400 years ago.
If you don’t feel too spooked and are thinking of buying or renting in London click here to see the list of high-end properties we have to offer.