Home > Holiday Inspiration Blog > Things to do: Check in... if you dare! ...
THINGS TO DO:
Check in... if you dare! Spooky stories from our historic hotels
Autumn has arrived, and with October just around the corner, spooky season is creeping closer by the day! For those who can’t resist a good ghost story or an intriguing old wives’ tale, we’ve gathered a few of our own - chilling legends tied to our hotels and their fascinating locations. Are you brave enough to read on?
Littlecote House: Home to haunted happenings
Reportedly home to the ghosts of midwife Mother Barnes and The Grey Lady, 1575 saw the birth of William 'Wild Will' Darrell’s illegitimate child. As soon as the child was delivered, Wild Will threw it in the fire, ignoring the protestations of the mother. According to legend, The Grey Lady has been seen roaming through Littlecote House in search of her baby. There have also been rumoured sightings of the phantom black dog on the Jerusalem Staircase, who appears waiting to be petted, only for people’s hands to pass through it.
Sherwood Forest: Rich in history
Not far from the stunning Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire lies Sherwood Forest. Steeped in legend, the forest has stories linked to Robin Hood, witchcraft and mystical feelings. Many paranormal investigators have claimed to see hooded figures and merry men sightings at night – believed to be one of Robin Hood’s men. The area of the forest called Witches Bowl is linked to pagan rites and witchcraft rituals and where ghost hunters have experiences eerie feelings and strange occurrences. Twilight walks around this area and the Major Oak, an ancient oak tree thought to be over 800 years old, often features on ghost tours if you’re interested in feeling intrigued by the folklore!
Notable legends in Windsor
Not far from our riverside retreat, The Runnymede on Thames, lies Windor – home to stories about royals, hunters and haunted cloisters. The famous Windsor Castle is rich in royal history and where ghost stories arise. Henry VIII is said to haunt the cloisters of the Deanery with one of his wives, Ann Boleyn, having been sighted looking out a window in Dean’s Cloister. Windsor Great Park provides plenty of atmospheric walks and links back to Herne the Hunter, a spectral huntsman who has been sighted riding through the park, especially at night.
Play detective at our Murder Mystery weekends
This October and November, put your crime-solving skilss to the test. Shrouded in mystery and oozing with suspense, our murder mystery breaks promise a thrilling weekend of putting your crime-solving skills to the test! Gather clues, interrogate suspects and unravel the secrets as you get closer to catching the killer!
Your invitation to history, mystery and autumn adventures
Whether you air on the side of facts or folklore, there’s plenty of interesting tales and history to uncover at our hotels and their surrounding areas. Why not explore one of the unique destinations for yourself this autumn? Cosy comfortable rooms, crisp autumn walks and quality dining, entertainment and experiences are included as standard.
Related articles
A new chapter for Thoresby Hall
2nd September 2025
Say hello to something truly extraordinary as Thoresby Hall transforms to become our third Reserve, by Warner Hotels property.
Get up close to the stars this Autumn
17th September 2025
Discover our Star Breaks for thrilling shows from top-class musicians, high-energy dancers and laugh-out-loud comedians - all in an intimate setting.
BBC History Magazine weekends return
6th August 2025
Join us this autumn for two history-filled breaks with BBC History Magazine, featuring top historians, talks, and Q&As on topics from Tudors to espionage.