Terrible Smell
The Royal Oak in St Neots is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. This phantom, known for its terrible smell, was said to periodically manifest and fill the building with a stench so overpowering that it eventually led to an exorcism in the 1960s. The owners of the inn had grown weary of the smell and its impact on their business, prompting them to take action against the ghost.
Historical records suggest that the haunting occurred pre-1960s, with reports of the smell dating back several decades. The Royal Oak, a long-standing pub in the heart of St Neots, has a rich history that spans centuries. While details of the exorcism are scarce, it is clear that the ghostly presence had a significant impact on the lives of those who worked and lived at the inn. The fact that multiple witnesses reported the smell and its effects suggests that this was a genuine paranormal experience.
The Royal Oak has been a pub in St Neots for centuries, serving locals and travellers alike.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Nanny Izzard Flying Broomstick
1 mile south of St. Neots, Eynesbury
Over Eynesbury, a village nestled near St Neots in Cambridgeshire, a peculiar sight has been reported on numerous nights. Locals claim to have seen the ghostly figure of Nanny Izzard, a woman believed to have been a local witch, flying through the skies on a broomstick. This eerie spectacle has become a well-known aspect of the village's paranormal folklore, with many asserting they have caught a glimpse of her spectral form soaring overhead.
The Tall Man of St Neots
Coach House, St Neots
The Coach House in St Neots has a reputation for being haunted by the ghostly figure of a tall man. This eerie apparition is thought to be the spirit of the Earl of Holland, a title that dates back to the 17th century. Although sightings of the tall man were reported in the 1960s, there have been no recent accounts of his ghostly presence. The Coach House, formerly known as The New Inn, has a long history that stretches back centuries, and it's possible that the Earl's spirit has been lingering here for just as long.
The Blue Lady of Abington
Field next to the churchyard, Great Abington
In the picturesque village of Great Abington, a ghostly figure known as the Blue Lady is said to make an ethereal journey across a field next to the local churchyard. This phantom woman, dressed in blue, is reportedly seen floating over the adjacent river, her path taking her from Great Abington church to Little Abington church, where she vanishes into thin air. The exact timing of her appearances remains a mystery, adding to the enigma of this spectral visitor.
Ghostly Family Apparition
A43, Holcot
At the Holcot and Sywell junction, on a crisp autumn evening in October 2003, a driver caught a glimpse of a man with two children standing in the brambles. They were dressed in 1970s clothing, a detail that only added to the surreal nature of the encounter. The driver, intrigued, circled around for another look, but the figures had vanished into thin air. This fleeting sighting left more questions than answers, and the incident remains a fascinating example of a ghostly apparition.
The Monk of Eight Bells
Eight Bells Public House, Peterborough
The Eight Bells Public House on Lincoln Road in Peterborough is said to be haunted by a phantom monk, a ghostly woman, and occasionally experiences mild poltergeist activity. This pub has quite the reputation among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. While the exact date of these sightings is unclear, reports emerged in the 2000s. The monk, in particular, has captured the imagination of many, with some speculating about his possible connection to the pub's past.
The Crown Inn Ghost
Crown Inn Inn, Great Staughton
The Crown Inn in Great Staughton, Cambridge, is home to a rather intriguing ghost known as 'Old Pork-and-Lard'. This nickname was given due to the belief that the entity was a former landlord who also worked as the local butcher. What makes this haunting particularly poignant is that the landlord died just before the birth of his first child. It's said that this tragic circumstance may have contributed to his spirit remaining earthbound. Guests and staff have reported hearing footsteps in empty rooms, a sound that has become synonymous with the ghostly presence of Old Pork-and-Lard.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Royal Oak, 38 High Street

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Knife & Cleaver
Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire

The White Hart
Ampthill, Bedfordshire