Naked phantoms and eerie poltergeists lurk at North Devon’s haunted pubs

With All Hallows Eve upon us it is likely the spirits reported to be haunting some of North Devon’s historic pubs and hospitality venues will be gearing up for an evening of serious paranormal activity.

According to new research, Devon has been named one of the UK’s most haunted regions and Where The Trade Buys has revealed some of the haunted hospitality hotspots for Halloween.

The company, one of the UK’s leading print suppliers to the hospitality industry, has analysed more than 1,300 recorded ghost sightings from The Paranormal Database – and North Devon and Torridge have their fair share of the uncanny.

In Buckland Brewer, the historic 13th century Coach and Horses Inn is reportedly haunted by a woman in black, spotted by several previous proprietors, plus a phantom Roundhead from the English Civil War and disembodied footsteps have been reported too.

Above: The Coach and Horses Inn at Buckland Brewer is said to have a spectral woman in black on the premises. Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Ghost hunters visiting the George Inn at Hatherleigh may get more than they bargained for as a naked female phantom was once reported inside the building! The 15th century inn was rebuilt in 2010 following a fire and the database does not contain recent sighting reports.

Above: The George Inn at Hatherleigh has reports of a naked woman among its ghostly activities! Credit: Martin Bodman

Sadly closed in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and never reopened, the former Black Horse Hotel at Torrington has a much more recent report of spooky goings-on.

According to a TripAdvisor review, a couple staying at this hotel in 2019 heard someone trying their door handle. When they opened the door, no one was present, but footsteps could be heard entering their room, walking towards the bathroom, and then back towards the bed.

Above: Unfortunately closed as a pub since 2020, the former Black Horse Hotel was reviewed for the wrong reasons on TripAdviser when an unwelcomed ghostly visitor knocked on a guest's door in 2019. Credit: Derek Voller

Another witness encountered a figure wearing what resembled Civil War era clothing in their room in 1998.

Still very much open for business, at the Puffing Billy Café in Torrington, a former stationmaster and his wife are said to haunt this old station.

The database report dates to 2016 and says the female ghost is said to have been heard walking around, moving towards the room where her children once slept.

Above: The Puffing Billy at Torrington is said to still be haunted by a former stationmaster and his wife. Credit: Sarah Charlesworth

The Pier House at Westward Ho! may not be directly haunted, but two ‘wandering spirits’ from the nearby ‘haunted’ Seafield House made the national press in 2023 when they were blamed for a basement fire at the pub and restaurant which destroyed two tumble dryers and a washing machine.

Two days before, Seafield had featured in the television programme ‘Help! My House is Haunted’, with locals quick to point out the alleged contact with spirits Henry and Elizabeth must have riled them up enough to seek their otherworldly revenge.

Above: Two wandering spirits allegedly trashed the laundry room at The Pier House in Westward Ho! Credit: Lewis Clarke

Owner Rob Braddick, who recently unveiled plans to redevelop the Victorian Seafield House into holiday accommodation, said at the time the theory was rather nebulous and he remained to be convinced.

READ NEXT: Full plans revealed for renovation of iconic Westward Ho! ‘haunted house’

Above: Westward Ho!'s 'haunted house' aka Seafield House, was alleged to be the home of the culprits of the infamous Pier House laundry fire. Credit: Viral PR

One pub that appears to be more active in recent times than most is the Farmer’s Arms at Woolsery, which in recent years have been transformed thanks to investment from its owners Michael and Xochi Birch.

According to the Paranormal Database, the 350-year-old pub has had reports of poltergeist activity from 2007 right up the present day.

Above: The Farmer's Arms at Woolsery is alleged to have a very busy poltergeist! Credit: Emily Harmon

It says doors have been reported to open unaided, bells ring and items fly from the walls and shelves since the extension of the bar area.

If you visit your local pub tonight for Halloween, be wary of the spirits!