The Ghosts of The Mermaid Inn: Rye’s Haunted Historic Pub

The Mermaid Inn, nestled in the picturesque town of Rye, East Sussex, England, is not just one of the country’s oldest and most historic inns—it is also considered one of its most haunted. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the inn has seen everything from secret tunnels to notorious smugglers and deadly duels. Today, it is infamous for its ghostly apparitions, paranormal activity, and eerie encounters. Many guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, making The Mermaid Inn a must-visit for both history lovers and ghost hunters alike.

A History of Smugglers and Secrets

The current building of The Mermaid Inn was rebuilt in 1420, but its cellars date back to 1156. In the 18th century, the inn became the meeting place of The Hawkhurst Gang, a ruthless band of smugglers who ruled the area with fear and violence.

The gang used secret tunnels and hidden passageways within the inn to transport illegal goods, and bloody confrontations were said to be common. Many of their victims—along with some of the gang members themselves—are believed to have never left the inn, even in death.

The Ghosts of The Mermaid Inn

The Duelists

One of the most famous ghostly encounters involves two phantom men engaging in a duel in one of the rooms. The story goes that a smuggler, after being betrayed by another gang member, challenged his rival to a duel. After losing, his body was discarded down a secret tunnel. Guests who stay in the Kingsmill Room have reported seeing spectral figures fighting, only for one to vanish before their eyes.

The Lady in White

A pale, ghostly woman has been spotted roaming the hallways and appearing in rooms at night. Some guests report waking up to see her sitting silently by the fireplace, staring into the flames before slowly fading away.

The Ghostly Maid

A spectral maid dressed in old-fashioned attire is often seen going about her duties in Room 1 (James Room). Witnesses claim she appears briefly, as if repeating her work from centuries past, before vanishing.

The Rocking Chair Mystery

A frequently reported occurrence involves an old rocking chair that moves on its own in The Elizabethan Room. Guests staying in the room have heard the chair creaking in the dead of night, only to find it swaying as if someone invisible is sitting in it.

The Shadowy Figure in the Courtyard

Several guests and staff have reported seeing a dark, hooded figure lurking in the courtyard, believed to be the spirit of a smuggler keeping watch. Some even say they feel an unseen presence following them as they walk through the area.

Paranormal Activity

The Mermaid Inn has been featured on numerous ghost-hunting TV shows, including "Most Haunted" and "Ghost Hunters International". Investigators have recorded unexplained cold spots, ghostly whispers, and even sudden movements of furniture.

Staff members have also reported eerie experiences, including:

Objects moving on their own, such as glasses sliding across tables.

Unexplained knocks and footsteps in empty hallways.

Doors opening and closing by themselves, even when locked.

Would You Dare to Stay?

Despite—or perhaps because of—its haunted reputation, The Mermaid Inn remains a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. The inn embraces its supernatural history, offering guests the chance to stay in the very rooms where spirits are said to roam. For those brave enough to visit, The Mermaid Inn promises a night of history, mystery, and maybe even a ghostly encounter. Would you check in for the night?