Plymouth's top 11 'haunted' places with spooky happenings
by Richard Amofa, Katie Timms · PlymouthLivePlymouth, a city steeped in rich heritage, is a treasure trove of historical gems waiting to be discovered. However, as one delves deeper into its past, some chilling truths emerge that are impossible to ignore.
With Halloween now upon us, it's the perfect time to explore Plymouth's most haunted locations and learn about the spectral residents and the stories surrounding them.
Let us know if you have seen any spooky happenings in the city, or if there's a tale you've been told about a ghostly sighting in and around Plymouth.
Get in touch via email at news@plymouthherald.co.uk. Take a look at the list below.
The Elizabethan House
The Elizabethan House was built in 1584 and over the years, it has been the site of numerous eerie occurrences.
One such incident took place over 40 years ago when a cradle inexplicably began to rock with no wind or draught present. It's said that the ghost of an infant child has been spotted in this small wooden cradle.
Additionally, there have been multiple sightings of a young girl's apparition peering out from the top floor window, drawing the attention of passersby.
Kapadokya
In its previous incarnation as Shirley Valentine's Taverna, staff frequently heard the sound of people running up the stairs when there was no one present. Patrons have also reported sightings of a pair of feet floating near the ladies' toilets.
Royal William Yard
Royal William Yard, one of Plymouth's top tourist attractions, offers stunning views and a variety of eateries. But it's also a hotspot for paranormal activity.
A case in point occurred in 2010 at the Old Police House, where a man reported seeing another man sporting a handlebar moustache and dressed in an old-fashioned police uniform. However, upon a second glance, the figure had vanished.
Something Different
There has certainly been something unusual in this antique store and rumour has it that there has been since 2012. A seven-inch toy of Mickey Mouse, now known as 'Haunted Mickey' was seen on CCTV walking by itself.
Made of foam with a metal inner frame and no mechanical parts, the toy cannot even stand by itself. However, in the middle of the night, it got up and walked from one spot to another, roughly 16 inches away.
Devonport Dockyard
Despite the venue being His Majesties Naval Base, it certainly hasn't avoided poltergeist activity over the years.
In addition to people hearing phantom footsteps in floors above them, there are also stories of furniture mysteriously moving and even being overturned.
Reel Cinema
Both guests and staff have witnessed ghastly activity at this now-closed historic cinema. Indeed, back in the day, the venue is believed to have been a burying ground for a number of Napoleonic prisoners of war, leaving all sorts of spooky activities behind.
A full manifestation of a woman in white has been seen in the cinema, screen two, while there have also been sightings of her just outside the ladies toilets.
Plymouth Gin Factory
It's probably apt that the building is home to a spirit-making distillery, as its past is full of paranormal activity.
Dating back as far as the 14th Century, the Barbican building was previously monastery inhabited by the Black Friars, and has also been a debtor's prison in its time.
A young girl named Lucy is said to roam freely around the building, while a ghost named Charles haunts the Still room. Sightings of a ghostly prostitute named Elizabeth have also been reported.
The Minerva Inn
The Minerva Inn, Plymouth's oldest pub dating back to 1540, is reputedly one of the city's most haunted sites. The pub has hosted a rich tapestry of characters and countless colourful incidents over the centuries.
Numerous first-hand experiences of ghosts and paranormal activity have been reported, including a levitating spoon, the cellar gas mysteriously being turned off, the jukebox playing after it has been switched off, and a small figure standing at the bar.
Past landlords and locals have shared tales of ghostly prostitutes sitting directly under the dart board where the original entrance door used to be.
Admiral MacBride
At the Admiral MacBride, staff members have reported seeing dark shadows moving from the kitchen area through to the bar, with the figure slamming the door behind itself.
This was reportedly captured on CCTV, but there was no one there. Spooky indeed.
23 Southside Street
The former Art2Frame Glass store on Southside Street is another location rumoured to be haunted. A former tenant of the flats above claimed she heard someone in the attic room above her making a scratching noise, which was strange as the room was unoccupied.
On a separate occasion, while she was enjoying a bath, a heavy door that would have required significant force to move, slammed shut.
Annabel's Cabaret and Discotheque
As staff were tidying up after another bustling night at the venue, they all heard what sounded like footsteps running on the top floor. However, upon investigation, there was no one to be found.
Regular sounds of feet scampering up and down the stairs, with no visible source, have also been reported.
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