The Most Haunted Pub in Britain?: A Ghost Hunter's Dream

When you’ve spent years investigating the paranormal, certain locations develop a reputation so legendary they find their way onto every ghost hunter’s bucket list. For me, one of those places is the Jamaica Inn, perched on the wild expanse of Bodmin Moor. It’s not just the whispers of restless spirits that draw me there but the weight of history, intrigue, and a touch of literary fame. Now, as we prepare for a focused overnight investigation at what’s often called the most haunted pub in Britain, my excitement is barely contained.

A Haunting Legacy

The Jamaica Inn has stood since 1750, originally serving as a coaching inn for weary travellers making the arduous journey between Launceston and Bodmin. With its remote location and tumultuous history, it’s no wonder that the building has become a magnet for ghost stories. In fact, its fame reached new heights when Daphne du Maurier immortalised it in her 1936 novel, Jamaica Inn, inspired by her own stay in Room 3 after a rather unsettling night lost on horseback.

Over the years, countless reports of paranormal activity have surfaced. The first recorded sighting dates back to 1911, when a man in old-fashioned clothing was seen perched on the wall outside. He reportedly ignored attempts to engage him before gradually vanishing into thin air. Since then, staff and guests alike have shared tales of ghostly footsteps, doors that knock on their own, and apparitions that appear both in the historic sections of the inn and, surprisingly, the newer extension.

Rooms 3, 23, 27, and 34 are said to be particular hotspots. Guests in these rooms have reported everything from inexplicable cold spots to the eerie sensation of being watched. The thought of spending a night in one of these rooms both thrills and unnerves me. Will we experience the infamous ghostly footsteps? Or perhaps an uninvited guest at my door?

Setting the Scene

As I pack my gear, IR camera, EMF meters, digital recorders, and infrared cameras, I can’t help but think about the duality of the Jamaica Inn. On one hand, there are the preserved old-world bars and “ghost rooms” that exude charm and history. On the other, a modern wing with sweeping views over the moor reminds you of how much time has passed. Yet, the paranormal activity seems to pay no heed to the calendar, manifesting as vividly today as it did over a century ago.

One of the things I’m personally most looking forward to is exploring the Smuggling Museum, which houses artefacts and tales of Cornish wreckers and smugglers. It’s hard not to feel a connection to the past while surrounded by the belongings of those who once walked these halls. Perhaps that connection is what stirs the spirits into action. History and energy often go hand in hand, and the Jamaica Inn is brimming with both. It is a well known theory that spirits are said to attached themselves to objects.

The Plan for the Night

Our investigation will start in the oldest parts of the inn. We could begin in Room 3, where du Maurier herself stayed and where many guests have reported unexplainable occurrences. Equipped with a spirit box, we will attempt to establish communication. Will the restless energy of the moor seep into our sessions? Or will the spirits be as elusive as the smugglers they may have once been?

Later, we will then move from the older wing to the bar areas, especially those with a reputation for activity. It’s always fascinating to see if spirits can traverse the boundaries of time, moving freely between spaces. The team will also conduct EVP sessions in the Smuggling Museum, where we’ll ask questions about the artefacts and the lives of those who used them.

Midnight until 0200 will bring us to the heart of Bodmin Moor itself. The moor’s haunting beauty seems almost alive, and it’s easy to understand why so many legends are tied to it. Standing under the stars with the cold wind howling, we will listen for whispers carried on the breeze, and perhaps something more.

What Awaits Us?

I’ve learned over the years that no two investigations are alike. Sometimes the spirits are willing to engage; other times, they remain frustratingly silent. At the Jamaica Inn, I’m hoping for the former. Whether it’s a knock on the door, an EVP, or even just a strange sense of unease, any sign of the paranormal will make the long hours worthwhile.

More than just a quest for evidence, this investigation is about stepping into history. It’s about feeling the same chill that Daphne du Maurier might have felt, hearing the same creaks and whispers that have haunted visitors for over a century. It’s about connecting with the past in a way that only a place like the Jamaica Inn can offer.

The Anticipation Builds

As I count down the days to this overnight investigation, I can’t help but wonder: what stories will the Jamaica Inn reveal? Will the spirits of Bodmin Moor welcome us, or will they keep their secrets hidden? One thing is certain though, this iconic location will offer an experience we as a team won’t soon forget. For a ghost hunter, it doesn’t get better than this.

So, wish me and the team luck. By the time dawn breaks over the moor, I hope to have a story to tell and perhaps a glimpse into the otherworldly history of one of Britain’s most haunted pubs.