Discover Cornwall’s Darker Side This Halloween
If you’re planning a couples’ holiday in Cornwall this October, why not add a touch of mystery to your trip? Step away from the beaches and explore Cornwall’s most haunted pubs, where eerie legends and centuries of history create the perfect spooky adventure.
Whether you love a good ghost story or want to experience Halloween in Cornwall, these famous pubs promise a night to remember.
1. Jamaica Inn – Bodmin Moor
Perched on the edge of the rugged Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn is one of Cornwall’s most haunted pubs. Built in 1750, this historic coaching house is filled with tales of smugglers, mystery, and restless spirits.
Visitors have reported encounters with a ghostly highwayman, seen wandering the corridors in his three-cornered hat. Guests have also heard raised voices speaking in Cornish and spotted a weeping mother with her baby in Room 5.
If you’re searching for a truly haunted experience, Jamaica Inn is a must-see.
2. The Molesworth Arms – Wadebridge
In the heart of Wadebridge, gateway to the Camel Trail, stands the Molesworth Arms, a 16th-century coaching inn.
Every New Year’s Eve, locals say a headless coachman rides into the courtyard at midnight — a haunting that’s been reported for generations.
After your ghostly encounter, you can enjoy a scenic cycle or walk to Padstow, one of Cornwall’s prettiest harbour towns.
3. The Bucket of Blood Inn – Hayle
With a name like that, you already know this is one of Cornwall’s creepiest pubs. The Bucket of Blood Inn, located in Hayle, got its name centuries ago when a landlord drew water from the well — only to find a bucket full of blood. A murdered smuggler (or taxman, depending on the tale) had been hidden inside.
Today, a ghostly monk is said to rearrange the furniture when no one’s around. Between its spooky legend and its proximity to Godrevy Lighthouse and St Ives Bay, this pub is perfect for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike.
4. The Ship Inn – Mevagissey
In the quaint fishing village of Mevagissey, the 400-year-old Ship Inn boasts its own supernatural protector: former landlady Lil Baron.
When her photograph went missing from above the bar in 2012, the pub mysteriously began to flood. Once the photo was restored, the flooding stopped — even as other pubs in the village continued to suffer. Locals say Lil still keeps watch, ensuring her beloved pub stays safe.
5. St Austell Brewery – St Austell
Beer lovers with a taste for the paranormal should visit St Austell Brewery, founded in 1851. Staff have reported the scent of cigar smoke and the echo of footsteps — signs that the brewery’s founder, Walter Hicks, still lingers among the barrels.
Enjoy a brewery tour and raise a glass to Walter… if you dare.
Plan Your Haunted Holiday in Cornwall
From ghostly coaching inns to eerie coastal taverns, these haunted pubs in Cornwall are full of history and mystery — perfect for exploring this Halloween.
And after a night of spooky stories, you’ll want somewhere cosy to unwind. Hendra Holiday Park offers the perfect couples’ getaway, with a range of accommodation options — from budget to premium — all just 1.5 miles from Cornwall’s best beaches.
With great public transport links, on-site facilities, and easy access to Cornwall’s top attractions, it’s the ideal base for your Cornwall ghost-hunting adventure.
