You don’t have to travel far to find spooky things to do in Cornwall. From ancient castles and smugglers' coves to stories of shipwrecks, murders and magic – Cornwall’s colourful history and untamable landscapes have been inspiring writers, artists, and visitors to the county for centuries.
This is a land of rugged coastlines, remote moorlands, ancient monuments and abandoned mines, all echoing with voices of the past. And whether you’re here for the ghost hunting or not, you’ll soon discover that many of the most haunted places in Cornwall are also some of our most captivating.
But with so much hauntingly good stuff going on, where should you start? Try our must-visit guide to the seven spookiest spots in all of Cornwall…
Jump to:
1. Jamaica Inn, Bolventor (nr. Launceston)
For any paranormal enthusiast, the world-famous Jamaica Inn is an absolute must, which is why it’s first on our list!
This 18th-century Cornish coaching house is renowned as one of the most haunted places in Britain (let alone Cornwall) – largely thanks to its remoteness deep in the middle of a bleak and windswept Bodmin Moor.
‘Most Haunted’ and the Ghost Society have both been here to investigate the sightings and recorded high levels of paranormal activity across the site, especially in the Smugglers’ Bar, Stable Bar, and room number four.
Among the most reported ghost sightings is the menacing Jamaica Inn Highwayman, usually seen wearing a three-cornered hat and cloak, and said to roam the corridors and even walk through locked doors….
This spooky smugglers' hideaway is also famous as the setting for Daphne Du Maurier’s novel ‘Jamaica Inn’ (and the later Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation), which she wrote following an unplanned stay here in 1930 after getting lost on the moor. If you’re a de Maurier fan, they now have a room at the inn dedicated to the memory of the author where you can see her writing desk and other personal items.
They host monthly late-night investigations and themed murder mystery evenings here – and you can even stay overnight… If you dare!
While you’re on the moor, be sure to keep an eye out for the legendary, savage Beast of Bodmin Moor, too.
📍Bolventor, Launceston PL15 7TS
2. Bodmin Jail, Bodmin Moor
With such a dark and sinister past, it’s probably not surprising that Bodmin Jail is considered one of the most haunted places in Cornwall.
This 18th-century jail housed some of the most notorious prisoners of the Georgian and Victorian eras, and was the site of a chilling number of public executions up until the middle of the 19th century. The original 4.5-metre Victorian hanging pit is still there in all its grisly glory – the only working execution pit still to exist in the UK.
Ghostly sightings of one famous inmate, Selina Wadge (said to have murdered her own son on the promise of marriage) are often reported by young children. And pregnant women in particular are said to feel her eerie presence within the walls of Bodmin Jail.
Learn about the life and death of her and other notable criminals, and maybe even bump into one or two of them as you explore this dark and fascinating place. It’s also home to Cornwall’s newest scare attraction, Lights Out. But, beware! They say it’s not for the faint of heart...
There’s even a hotel, bar and restaurant if you feel brave enough to linger for longer…
📍Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin PL31 2NR
3. Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
Heavily caught up in the legend of King Arthur, the historical remains of Tintagel Castle are set high on top of the imposing headland, overlooking Tintagel Haven and beyond.
At least five well-known ghosts are said to roam the castle – the most famous being King Arthur’s friend, Merlin the Wizard, who it’s believed lives in the magnificent cave below the castle. Aptly named ‘Merlin’s Cave,’ you can even pay him a visit from the beach when the tide is out.
The site of the castle was inhabited from the late Roman period, and the footprints of an early Medieval settlement can also be explored – so who knows what other souls you might encounter!
Now owned by English Heritage, you can buy timed tickets to explore Tintagel Castle Island either online or at the entrance. At the time of writing, it’s open Weds-Sun between 10am-4pm, but in really rough weather the access footbridge may be closed, so it’s best to ring ahead and check.
📍Castle Rd, Tintagel PL34 0HE
4. Pengersick Castle, Praa Sands
This is the ultimate Cornish haunted house! With 20 different ghostly apparitions believed to reside here, Pengersick Castle is easily one of the most haunted locations in Cornwall.
The family who once lived in this creepy castle had a notorious reputation for pillaging and murder – especially Henry Pengersick, who seemed to have a particular dislike for men of the cloth and is thought to have assaulted the Vicar of Breage and killed a monk after he’d come to collect a payment. But the site itself dates all the way back to the Bronze Age, so there are even more layers of history and intrigue to unpeel.
The castle was abandoned in the late 1500s and fell into ruin, giving rise to many local ghost stories. Among the most commonly witnessed phantoms at Pengersick is a robed monk in a wide-brimmed hat who’s frequently spotted wandering the castle corridors and the grounds outside. Then there’s the figure of a woman, thought to be the former lady of the house, often seen crawling onto one of the beds clutching her stomach in pain. Visitors have also reported seeing strange white mists creeping towards them, orbs of light being caught on film, a demonic dog, a spectral black cat, and various other ghostly figures.
Pre-book directly to see inside the castle, or get yourself onto one of the regularly planned ghost tours for a full paranormal experience. Situated between Penzance and Helston, Pengersick Castle is set on one of the most remote and untamed spots in Cornwall, and can even be hired as a wedding venue – if you don’t mind a few extra guests…
📍Praa Sands, Penzance TR20 9SJ
5. Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
As one of Cornwall’s oldest buildings and the site of many battles over the centuries, it’s no wonder Pendennis Castle is in our top 7 most haunted places in Cornwall.
Originally built in the 16th century as an artillery fortress for Henry VIII, its colourful history dates right up to World War II. Beyond the imposing granite walls, you’ll find twisted staircases, haunting gunrooms, and a collection of weaponry from the Tudor period, Napoleonic wars and beyond, some of which you can even see in use on firing days.
During a famous siege at the castle in 1646, the Royalists were trapped inside for six months and forced to eat their dogs and horses to stay alive before eventually having to surrender
At least eight spirits are thought to reside here, including a screaming kitchen maid known as Maud who is said to have fallen to her death while carrying a tray of food. Phantom footsteps on a disused staircase and children’s laughter are also often reportedly heard. Take a visit and listen out for yourself!
📍Castle Dr, Falmouth TR11 4LP
6. Prideaux Place, Padstow
Prideaux Place near Padstow has been home to the Prideaux-Brune family since they first built it in the 16th century, making it one of Cornwall’s oldest current residences. But they are not alone, it seems.
They are said to share the Elizabethan manor house with a number of spirits– from a scullery boy who runs around in the kitchen, to a lady who sits in the corner of the morning room, sewing. But perhaps the most famous ghostly resident is Honour Fortescue, the widowed wife of Henry Prideaux, who is reported to have thrown herself from a balcony following her husband’s death. Aptly nicknamed the ‘Green Lady,’ her spirit is most often seen wearing a green dress, and apparently scares visitors out of the bedrooms on a regular basis!
However, there’s even more to this stately home than first meets the eye. It was built on the site of an ancient monastery that had been abandoned following a Viking attack in 981 AD. This might explain why so many other apparitions, including a Roman soldier, a monk, and the sounds of a growling dog, have also been sighted in and around the grounds.
House tours are available to book on weekdays at selected times of the year (with weddings taking place on weekends). The 40-acre landscaped gardens also feature original 18th-century outbuildings, a classical temple, and a stone arbour containing ancient funerary urns – so you’ll easily get a full day of ghost hunting here!
📍Padstow PL28 8RP
7. Wheal Coates Mine, St Agnes
The 19th-century Wheal Coates mine on the cliffs near St Agnes has become a bit of a Cornish icon, with the remains of Towanroath Shaft engine house often used as an emblem for the county. It’s part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is synonymous with the breathtaking beauty of the North Cornish coastline.
But all is not what it seems… Deep below ground are said to be the spirits of the many men and children who died working in the cramped and dangerous conditions of the mine during the 1800s. Industrial accidents from rock blasting, machinery entanglement, respiratory diseases, drowning and falling were all very real dangers and claimed many miners’ lives during the Industrial Revolution.
It’s said that their ghostly whispers can still be heard on the wind and the waves crashing on the rocks below.
The mine shaft is still accessible at low tide through a cave at the far end of Chapel Porth beach. Enter if you dare…!
📍Saint Agnes TR5 0NT
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