Spooky Hotels and Haunted Inns That Keep the Legends Alive

15. The Mermaid Inn – Smugglers and Specters

Nestled in the heart of Rye, The Mermaid Inn is one of England’s most atmospheric and eerie inns, with a history stretching back to the 12th century. Steeped in tales of smugglers, duels, and ghostly apparitions, the inn was once the hideout of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang, a violent group of smugglers who dominated the area in the 18th century. The gang operated in secrecy, using underground tunnels and hidden passages to transport contraband—and sometimes, to dispose of those who got in their way. The ghosts of these ruthless criminals and their unfortunate victims are said to linger, making The Mermaid Inn a paranormal hotspot. Guests and staff have reported rocking chairs moving on their own, fireplaces reigniting with no apparent cause, and mysterious shadows flickering across the dimly lit rooms. One of the most haunted rooms, Room 17, is infamous for the spirit of a ghostly woman in white. She has been seen sitting on the edge of the bed, silently watching guests before fading into the walls. The sounds of footsteps pacing above—on a floor that no longer exists—have unnerved many who stay the night. The bar area is no safer, with reports of a spectral man in old-fashioned clothing appearing by the fireplace before disappearing into thin air. Some visitors have even reported the sensation of unseen hands brushing against them or an icy breath on the back of their neck.