Haunted Places & Ghost Stories in South Devon

Looking for a spooky adventure this Halloween? From historic castles and centuries-old inns to eerie moorland legends, South Devon has plenty of stories to send a shiver down your spine.

With a rich history stretching back hundreds of years, it's no surprise that the region has inspired tales of ghostly figures, mysterious happenings and restless spirits. Some stories have been passed down through generations, while others are linked to reported sightings and local folklore.

Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or simply love a good ghost story, these 11 places offer a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of South Devon's history. Read on if you dare…

Powderham Castle

Located near the village of Kenton, just outside of Exeter, Powderham Castle is a historic family home with a history dating back to the 14th century. Its grand rooms, intriguing past and imposing architecture make it an atmospheric place to explore.

Among the legends associated with the castle is the story of the Grey Lady, often identified as Lady Frances, a member of the Courtenay family. According to local lore, her ghost is said to appear as a warning of impending misfortune for the family.

Another chilling tale tells of the remains of a woman and baby allegedly discovered within a hollow wall during building work. The story claims they had been bricked up alive, although this should be treated as legend rather than established historical fact.

With centuries of family history behind its walls, Powderham Castle certainly provides plenty of inspiration for a spooky story.

The Cridford Inn

Tucked away in the Teign Valley near Dartmoor National Park, The Cridford Inn is a traditional thatched inn surrounded by beautiful Devon countryside. Its historic character makes it a natural setting for tales of the unexplained.

Local ghost stories associated with the inn include sightings of a nun and a cavalier, with the latter sometimes linked to the English Civil War period.

Although the precise origins of these stories are difficult to establish, they add another layer of intrigue to this atmospheric corner of Devon. If you're exploring the Teign Valley, it's a place with plenty of character and a history worth discovering.

Saltram House

Overlooking the River Plym on the outskirts of Plymouth, Saltram is an impressive historic house cared for by the National Trust. Its elegant interiors, decorative plasterwork and beautiful parkland offer a glimpse into life in a grand Georgian home.

But alongside its history and architecture are stories of ghostly residents. Local tales tell of a murdered kitchen maid and a mysterious child said to have appeared in the bedrooms.

As with many historic properties, these stories belong to the house's folklore rather than its documented history. Nevertheless, they add an eerie twist to a visit to this beautiful estate.

If you plan to visit, check the National Trust's website for current opening times and visitor information.

Buckland Abbey

Near Yelverton, on the edge of Dartmoor, Buckland Abbey was originally a Cistercian monastery before becoming a private home. One of its most famous residents was Sir Francis Drake, the Elizabethan seafarer who acquired the property in 1581.

Drake's connection to the abbey has inspired one of Devon's best-known ghost stories. According to legend, his spirit still haunts the property after making a pact with the Devil. Some versions of the tale also describe a supernatural pack of dogs accompanying him.

The National Trust itself acknowledges the legend, making Buckland Abbey a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the darker stories surrounding Devon's historic buildings.

Of course, there's much more to discover here than ghost stories, including the abbey's fascinating religious history and its connections to one of England's most famous seafarers.

Okehampton Castle

Standing in the countryside on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park, Okehampton Castle was once an important medieval stronghold. Over time, it developed into a residence for the powerful Courtenay family before falling into ruin.

Its most famous ghost story centres on the mysterious Lady Howard, a figure associated with an old Devon folk song known as My Lady's Coach. In the tale, a ghostly white woman travels in a silent coach drawn by horses, accompanied by a fearsome black hound.

Different versions of the legend describe her journeying between castles across Devon, with Okehampton featuring prominently in the story.

English Heritage explores the origins of this folklore, including the possible historical figure behind Lady Howard. The legend has changed over the centuries, making it a fascinating example of how local history and storytelling can become intertwined.

Old Church House Inn

The Old Church House Inn in the village of Torbryan, near Newton Abbot, is a historic pub with a characterful setting and plenty of stories attached to its past.

Its traditional features and old-world atmosphere have helped inspire tales of unexplained noises and mysterious encounters. Accounts associated with the inn include strange sounds in the building and a reported sighting by a guest who claimed to have seen an arm pointing towards a wall.

As with many ghost stories connected to historic inns, these accounts are anecdotal rather than verified evidence of paranormal activity.

Even so, the combination of old architecture, local history and spooky tales makes the inn an intriguing name to add to a Halloween list.

Holy Trinity Church and the Cabell Tomb

High above Buckfastleigh stands Holy Trinity Church, a historic church with a fascinating story connected to the nearby moorland.

The churchyard is home to the Cabell tomb, sometimes known as the Sepulchre. Local legend centres on Richard Cabell, a landowner who died in the 17th century and acquired a fearsome reputation in folklore.

According to the story, his tomb was enclosed and secured with iron railings to prevent his spirit from returning. Other versions tell of supernatural black dogs racing across Dartmoor after his death.

The legend has long been associated with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles, although the precise inspiration behind the novel is more complex than a single local tale.

Historic England confirms that the tomb is a listed structure and records the folklore surrounding it. The building and its legends offer a fascinating glimpse into the relationship between local history and supernatural storytelling.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Hidden in a wooded valley near Totnes, Berry Pomeroy Castle is one of South Devon's most atmospheric historic sites. The ruins include the remains of a medieval castle and a later mansion built within its defences.

The castle is particularly famous for its ghost stories, including tales of the White Lady and the Blue Lady.

The White Lady is commonly identified in folklore as Margaret Pomeroy, who is said to have been imprisoned by her jealous sister and left to starve. The Blue Lady's story varies between versions, but often involves a tragic figure associated with the castle's towers and dungeons.

These are legends rather than established accounts of events at the castle, but they have helped make Berry Pomeroy one of Devon's best-known locations for spooky storytelling.

Explore the ruins and surrounding woodland, and it's easy to see why the castle has captured the imagination of visitors for generations.

Royal Castle Hotel

Overlooking Dartmouth's historic Boat Float, the Royal Castle Hotel occupies a prominent position in one of South Devon's most picturesque harbour towns.

The hotel has a long history, with connections to notable visitors and the maritime heritage of Dartmouth. It is also associated with a particularly atmospheric ghost story: the phantom coach.

According to local accounts, the sound of horse hooves can sometimes be heard on the cobbled streets outside, followed by the noise of a carriage arriving and a door slamming shut. Some versions of the tale suggest the mysterious coach appears during the quieter hours of the night.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it's a wonderfully evocative story to accompany an evening exploring Dartmouth's historic streets and waterfront.

Torquay Museum

For a different kind of spooky experience, head to Torquay Museum, where local history and fascinating collections provide plenty to explore.

The museum houses a diverse range of exhibits, including natural history, archaeology, ancient Egypt and palaeontology. It also has a long-standing connection to stories of unexplained activity, with reports over the years of strange noises, footsteps and objects seemingly moving without explanation.

Some accounts have focused on the museum's historic collections, including its Egyptian exhibits. These stories remain reports and anecdotes rather than verified paranormal events.

Even without the ghost stories, Torquay Museum offers a fascinating way to discover more about the history of the English Riviera, making it an interesting stop for curious visitors and history enthusiasts alike.

Jay’s Grave

Set on Dartmoor near Manaton, Jay's Grave is one of the moor's best-known folklore landmarks. It is traditionally associated with a young woman known as Kitty Jay, whose tragic story has been retold in different forms over the years.

One version describes Kitty as a young housemaid who was betrayed by her lover and died by suicide. According to local tradition, she was buried away from consecrated ground, at a crossroads.

The grave is particularly famous for the fresh flowers that are regularly found there, despite no one publicly taking responsibility for leaving them. This enduring mystery has helped keep Kitty Jay's story alive.

Dartmoor National Park shares the legend as part of its collection of local folklore. The exact details of Kitty's identity and life remain uncertain, but her story continues to be one of Dartmoor's most poignant and intriguing tales.

If you visit, remember that Dartmoor's weather can change quickly, and the grave is in a rural location. Take care when exploring the surrounding area and respect the site.

The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor

No collection of Devon ghost stories would be complete without mentioning the Hairy Hands of Dartmoor.

This famous local legend centres on the road between Postbridge and Two Bridges. Stories tell of disembodied hands appearing to seize control of a vehicle's handlebars or steering wheel, forcing travellers off course.

The legend became particularly well known in the early 20th century, following reports of accidents on this stretch of road. Over time, the stories grew and changed, becoming part of Dartmoor's rich tradition of supernatural folklore.

While the cause of the reported incidents is not evidence of anything paranormal, the Hairy Hands remain one of the moor's most enduring mysteries.

Dare to discover South Devon's spooky side?

From mysterious castles and historic inns to tragic legends and eerie moorland tales, South Devon has no shortage of stories to make Halloween a little more atmospheric.

Whether you're exploring the ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle, discovering the legends of Okehampton or hearing about the Hairy Hands of Dartmoor, these stories offer another way to connect with the region's fascinating past.

And remember, many of these tales are folklore passed down through generations, rather than proven paranormal events. Perhaps that's part of what makes them so compelling.

So wrap up warm, plan a visit to one of South Devon's historic spots and keep an ear out for the unexplained. After all, who knows what stories the old buildings and ancient landscapes might have to tell?

Happy Halloween!