The Ghosts of The Pilchard Inn, Devon: Spirits Beneath the Salt Air

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Perched on the rugged shoreline of Burgh Island, off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon, the Pilchard Inn is one of the oldest inns in the UK, with a legacy stretching back over 700 years. Originally built in 1336, this tiny, timeworn tavern was once a haunt for smugglers, fishermen, monks, and, if tales are to be believed, phantoms that still walk its creaking floors.

As the waves crash on the shore and the sea mist rolls in across the causeway, The Pilchard Inn becomes a place where past and present blur, and where some guests never seem to check out.

A Storied Past on a Tidal Island

The Pilchard Inn was established to serve the needs of workers at the nearby monastic fishing community, as well as the sailors and smugglers who frequented the waters. The inn sits just a stone’s throw from the famous Burgh Island Hotel, a glamorous Art Deco haven once visited by Agatha Christie, but the Pilchard’s vibe is something altogether older and more mysterious. With a single bar, low ceilings, and flagstone floors, stepping inside feels like crossing into another time and according to locals, you might not be the only one who’s done so.

The Haunting of Tom Crocker

The most famous ghostly figure associated with The Pilchard Inn is Tom Crocker, a notorious smuggler said to have met a grisly end right at the pub. Legend has it that in the 14th century, Crocker was caught by the authorities after years of illicit activity and was shot dead at the inn, possibly at the very bar where patrons still drink today. Some even claim he was executed on the doorstep, marking the pub with blood and infamy.

Since then, stories of Tom’s ghost have circulated for generations. Regular reports include:

• Cold spots in the bar, even when the fire is roaring
• Phantom footsteps pacing late at night
• A shadowy male figure seen by staff closing up alone
• Doors opening and closing by themselves especially near the old entrance

Some say Tom is a restless soul, bound to the place of his betrayal. Others think he guards the inn, keeping watch over his former den of smuggling.

Whispers in the Mist

Because of its isolated tidal location accessible only via a causeway at low tide, The Pilchard Inn is often shrouded in sea fog, giving it an eerie, otherworldly feel. Guests have reported whispers on the wind, disembodied voices, and the feeling of being watched, especially when the island is cut off from the mainland. There are also stories of lights appearing in the upstairs windows when no one is staying overnight and strange faces glimpsed in mirrors and reflections.

Atmosphere That Lingers

Though the Pilchard Inn is quaint and welcoming, it holds an undeniable air of mystery. Visitors intrigued by the paranormal often describe it as one of the most atmospheric pubs in England, where the weight of history presses against the thick stone walls, and where every creak and gust of wind might carry a message from centuries past.

Whether you're a ghost hunter, a history lover, or simply in search of a pint in a place steeped in legend, The Pilchard Inn offers an unforgettable experience. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just memories.

Would You Dare Stay Past Midnight? Come for the ale, stay for the legends and if you see a shadowy figure near the fireplace, raise your glass. It might just be Tom Crocker, keeping an eye on his old haunt.