Discover the Spooky Side of South Devon
As the crisp autumn air settles over South Devon, the region’s misty moors, ancient castles and centuries-old inns take on an extra touch of mystery. Halloween is the perfect time for the supernatural, but explorers can discover haunted spots and eerie legends all year.
Wherever you’re staying in South Devon, you’re never far from a ghost story, haunted ruin, or folklore-filled walk. Moreover, from headless monks to phantom carriages, the region’s history is alive with tales that are sure to send a shiver down your spine.
So, pull on your walking boots, grab your camera (and maybe a torch), and set off to uncover the haunted heart of Devon.
Haunted Highlights Across South Devon
Berry Pomeroy Castle – The Blue & White Ladies
Berry Pomeroy Castle, near Totnes, is renowned as one of England’s most haunted sites. The most frequently reported apparitions are the Blue Lady and the White Lady. Legend tells that the Blue Lady was once a young woman who tragically took her own life after a series of misfortunes. Visitors often spot her near the castle’s ramparts, where she beckons them to follow her into the woods. The White Lady, thought to be Margaret Pomeroy, haunts the dungeons where her sister imprisoned her. Witnesses have reported hearing her mournful cries echoing through the ruins. Additionally, some have claimed to see ghostly horses and mounted soldiers roaming the grounds.
Visiting tips: Enjoy a circular walk through the village or stop for lunch at a cosy Totnes café.
Kents Cavern – Echoes in the Dark
Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave complex with a long history. Human habitation dates back tens of thousands of years, plus fossils of sabre-tooth tigers, mammoths, etc.
Reported hauntings include:
- Disembodied voices heard deep in the tunnels, when no one else is around.
- Footsteps or sounds of people walking in passages that are otherwise empty.
- Objects moved of their own accord – stones or pebbles reportedly thrown, helmets shifting, unexplained cold spots.
- On certain nights, paranormal investigation groups organise events such as vigils, guided night tours, and hands-on equipment demonstrations.
Visiting tips: It’s atmospheric in daylight of course, but some of the special evening/ghost-investigation nights offer an extra thrill. Good with a torch, and best for older children or teens interested in history and mystery.
Powderham Castle – Secrets Beside the Exe
Powderham Castle, located near Exeter, is home to the Grey Lady, believed to be Lady Frances, who married Viscount Courtenay in 1741. Visitors often spot her wandering between the castle and Powderham Church or flitting about the library, leaving a cold chill in her wake. Locals consider her appearances an ill omen, often preceding the death of the head of the family.
Visiting tips: Combine your visit with a riverside walk along the Exe Estuary Trail and a stop at a local pub along the river.
Saltram House – The Haunted Hallways of Plymouth
Visitors say the ghost of a murdered maid haunts Saltram House, near Plymouth. According to legend, she died in the house. Visitors sometimes see a hooded spirit gliding across corridors into the dining room. She never reappears on the other side of the door, adding to the mystery.
Visiting tips: Stroll the riverside paths or enjoy tea in the National Trust café overlooking the gardens.
Torre Abbey & The Spanish Barn – Love, Loss, and Lingering Spirits
Torre Abbey has rich history and several well-known ghost stories.
Some of the legends include:
- The Spanish Barn: Once the tithe barn for the abbey, but in 1588 housed ~397 prisoners from the Spanish Armada, including one young lady (fiancée of a lieutenant) who disguised herself as a sailor. Legend says harsh conditions in the barn caused her death, and visitors report seeing her ghost, ‘The Spanish Lady,’ wandering the Spanish Barn and surrounding grounds, sobbing and searching for her love.
- Headless Monk / Cleric: Tradition says that in the 1300s, an abbot beheaded a canon, and visitors report seeing the headless cleric’s ghost riding around the grounds on a spectral horse.
- Lady Cary: A former mistress of the house. Her spectre is said to appear dressed in a ball gown and to ride in a phantom carriage around the grounds.
Visiting tips: The Abbey and Spanish Barn are open to the public and host events, while the grounds are very walkable. Additionally, dusk enhances the atmosphere of the stories. You can also combine your visit with café stops, garden strolls, and harbour walks.
Torquay Museum – Haunted by History
Torquay Museum, Devon’s oldest museum, has long been rumored to be haunted. Staff and visitors have reported unexplained occurrences, including leaflets mysteriously flying off shelves in the gift shop. In 2016, CCTV footage captured these eerie events, leading to increased interest in the museum’s supernatural reputation.
Visiting tips: Pair your visit with coffee on Torquay’s harbour side or a stroll around Torre Abbey Gardens.
Brixham Theatre – The Show Must Go On
One of Brixham’s most historic landmarks, Brixham Theatre has long been a hub of local culture and, some say, lingering spirits.
- The ghost of John Slater, an actor who performed there, is said to linger. After the theatre’s refurbishment in the 1970s, he directed or performed summer seasons there; since his death in 1975, people claim to see him still walking onstage in costume from his final show.
- Other reports include curtains moving on their own, lights flickering on/off, and an unseen presence backstage.
Visiting tips: After your visit, take a stroll around Brixham Harbour to see the Golden Hind replica, or relax with a drink at one of the harbour-side bars, soaking up the atmosphere of this charming seaside town.
Exeter Cathedral – Shadows Beneath the Spires
Exeter Cathedral is another anchor for ghost lore in your area. More than just architecture, it’s got legends, reported hauntings and hidden history.
Some of the ghostly / haunting reports:
- A nun is said to appear in the nave, particularly in early evening, walking from the south wall of the nave to the church house, passing through walls.
- Walter Lechlade, a 13th-century choir master described in some sources as unpleasant, was murdered on the Cathedral Green in 1283 on his way home. Visitors report seeing his ghost in the top vestry of the Cathedral.
- The Cathedral Green itself used to be the city’s main graveyard. People buried bodies many deep (some sources say up to ten layers), which eventually caused the ground level to rise. Many stories of spectral forms, shadows, disembodied hands touch passers-by, etc., around the Green and in the alleyways into the cathedral.
- Witch marks (symbols meant to ward off evil) exist on fireplaces, doors, and windows throughout the Cathedral, reflecting folk beliefs about spirits and protection. These markings also add to the building’s eerie atmosphere.
Visiting tips: Exeter Ghost Walks are available and often include Cathedral Green, alleys, and tales around the Cathedral. Even visiting in the evening or attending evensong can feel atmospheric. These experiences are ideal for older children, as well as anyone interested in history, architecture, or a touch of the uncanny.
Berry Head, Brixham – Spirits on the Clifftop
Perched on the rugged cliffs of Brixham, Berry Head is a place where history and mystery intertwine. This headland, now a National Nature Reserve, has witnessed centuries of human activity, from Roman settlements to Napoleonic fortifications. Its strategic location made Berry Head a focal point during the Napoleonic Wars, with fortifications defending Torbay’s naval anchorage. Amidst this history, the headland gained a reputation for ghostly inhabitants. Locals whisper of a ghostly couple dressed in Victorian attire, strolling along the cliff paths at dusk, adding to the area’s mysterious atmosphere. Whether spirits or shadows, the headland offers an unforgettable view across Tor Bay. Some believe these apparitions are linked to the area’s military past, perhaps the spirits of soldiers who once manned the fortifications.
Visiting tips: Explore the nearby coastal paths, or take a boat trip around Tor Bay.
Jay’s Grave & The Hairy Hands – Dartmoor Legends
Dartmoor is Devon’s spiritual heart of folklore. Jay’s Grave, near Manaton, is said to be the resting place of Kitty Jay, a young maid who took her own life in the 18th century. A simple stone marks the grave, and people regularly place fresh flowers on it, even though no one admits doing so. Meanwhile, The Hairy Hands legend pertains to a stretch of road on Dartmoor, particularly the B3212 near Postbridge. Drivers have reported a pair of disembodied hands that appear suddenly, grabbing at the steering wheel or handlebars, causing them to lose control and veer off the road. These incidents have been reported since the early 20th century.
Visiting tips: Visit during daylight, walk to Hound Tor or Haytor, and take in the haunting beauty of the moor.
Ghostly Days Out & Family Adventures
Haunted Attractions & Halloween Events:
- Kents Cavern: Experience the eerie atmosphere of the caves with events like the Halloween Cave Cinema, a Very Batty Half Term, and the Kid’s Silent Disco in the Caves.
- Torre Abbey: Explore the ancient gardens during “The Abbey After Dark” Halloween Trail.
- Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours: Discover Exeter’s haunted history with the Ghosts & Legends tour, suitable for all ages.
Tips for Planning Your Haunted Day Out:
Combine visits to nearby haunted sites for a full day of thrills, stories, and scenic walks. Many attractions offer family-friendly events during the Halloween season. Check their websites for the latest information and booking details.
Haunted Devon: An Experience All Year Round
South Devon’s ghost stories aren’t just for Halloween; in fact, they’re woven into the very landscape. From the whispering woods of Dartmoor to the candlelit inns of Brixham, these tales also provide a unique way to experience the region’s rich history and natural beauty.
So whether you visit in October’s spooky season or on a quiet winter break, take a moment to explore the eerie, enchanting side of South Devon.
After the day’s adventures, your Saltwater Escapes holiday home awaits – warm, welcoming, and (thankfully) ghost-free… probably. 👻
