With it being October, we must indulge in the dark, spooky and supernatural side. Cornwall is steeped in myths, legend and spooky tales. Make sure you make time to explore Cornwall’s dark beauty and visit one of the most haunted places in Cornwall this Halloween.
Trerice Manor, Kestle Mill, Newquay, where Elizabethan spirits walk…
Minutes from Hendra, Trerice Manor was built in 1572, and up until the 18th of October you can visit for free with a National Trust Pass. Parts of Trerice date back to the 14th century, but most of the house was built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled from 1558 to 1603.
With any old house comes stories of the past, and ghost stories: Trerice is no exception.
The Arundell family inherited Trerice through marriage around 700 years ago. By 1572 John Arundell V had begun building the house that still stands today.
Trerice is said to have two ghosts, one of a servant girl who is supposed to be spotted in the library. Her presence is said to be felt rather than seen, with the dramatic drop of temperature, and the smell of lilac in the air.
The other is that of a young stable boy, who is said to roam the stables. He was tragically killed by horses bolting and trampling him.
Aside from tragic and spooky tales, Trerice also has some lovely gardens, perfect for an autumnal walk. Complete with an Elizabethan knot garden, and apple orchard where you can pick your own apples for a small donation.
Kennall Vale, Ponsanooth, the haunted woodland…
In Ponsanooth, near Truro. This is an atmospheric woodland, and it was once the site of the Kennall Vale gunpowder. The ruins remain today: relics of the woodland’s explosive and tragic past.
In the 1830s, the Vale was home to The Kennall Gunpowder Company, which made gunpowder for evacuating mines across the UK. Kennall Vale was chosen because it was remote and the the dense trees would absorb any explosion.
The Kennall Vale river was used as a source of steam power and coal was burnt, which, even with precaution being taken, still it wasn’t enough to avoid an accident. On a warm May afternoon in 1838, the burning coal ignited a large cache of gunpowder. The explosion destroyed five of the buildings in the complex.
Miraculously everyone, accept one person survived. Father of 10, William Dunston was tragically killed. A shadowy figure, thought to be William Dunston, is said to haunt these Cornish woods today. He is said to follow people around the ruins, and even try to grab them in the hope that they will not face the same fate. He is said to have been mistaken for a real person, only to disappear when approached.
Sounds of the explosion are rumoured to have been heard on the anniversary as well as orbs and lights are being seen.
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin, past inmate paranormal activity…
Well-known for its paranormal activity, Bodmin Jail is a Cornish, historical landmark. Bodmin Jail has a dark past, with many people suffering and being hanged there years ago. Past residents are said to roam the jail, including Matthew Weekes, who goes around pleading his innocence, several spirits that were wrongly executed, and many noises, cold feelings and voices have been heard.
The Jail has a series of Paranormal Tours and different spooky experiences. The nighttime tours give you the chance to find out if it is haunted yourself.
Lanhydrock House, near Bodmin, a Victorian House, with some lingering past residents…
A Victorian family home in a Jacobean mansion, which was home to the Agar-Robartes family. Lanhydrock has stunning formal gardens, along with acres of woodland and cycling trails, and a kids play park area.
Lanhydrock is said to be haunted by a variety of ghosts, including a Victorian gentleman, a grey lady, and a man who was hanged by the Royalist army during the Civil War. Also, sightings of a little old lady dressed in grey who has been seen in the Long Gallery and the Drawing Room.
The Jamaica Inn, an ancient smuggling inn, sat on the edge of the moors…
The Jamaica Inn has been perched on the edge of the windswept moors since 1750, blowing in many a weary traveller or smuggler.
The Inn offers paranormal tours and significant areas of paranormal activity have been reported, especially in The Smugglers’ Bar, The Stable Bar (now the museum), upstairs in the old bedrooms, and the rear restaurant/gift shop area.
Also, a stranger once was enjoying a tankard of ale, before leaving half and stepping out into the night. The next day he was found dead outside. He is said to roam the Inn looking for the remainder of his ale.
The Moors by Adam Gibbard.
Come and join us at Hendra for our end of season, half-term spooktacular, with lots of family fun!
We also have availability for grown-up breaks, and cheaper autumn holidays in Cornwall before half-term, with up to 40% off.
So book your October break, enjoy the autumn and explore the most haunted places in Cornwall.
