Phantom Bell of Boscastle
Deep in Cornwall's rugged coastline, the Smugglers Cottage in Boscastle stands as a testament to the region's rich history. It's here that a haunting, otherworldly sound has been reported - the tolling of a phantom bell. This eerie phenomenon is said to foretell a shipwreck in the area, or some believe the sound itself comes from an old sunken ship. The bell's mournful toll has been heard by many, leaving them with an unforgettable experience.
The history of Smugglers Cottage dates back to a time when smuggling was rife in Cornwall. The cottage's proximity to the sea made it an ideal spot for smugglers to operate. The phantom bell's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to be connected to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred off the Cornish coast over the centuries. Although the exact date of the last reported sighting is unclear, the phantom bell was last heard in the late twentieth century.
Smuggling and shipwrecks were common in Cornwall during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Sunken Church Bells
Off coast, Boscastle
Out in the stormy waters off Boscastle, a legendary tale of pride and tragedy has been etched into Cornwall's rich history. The story begins with a shipment of bells destined for Forrabury Church, carefully crafted and blessed for their sacred purpose. But as the captain of the ship boasted that he, not God, had safely transported the bells, a fierce storm suddenly blew in, sending the vessel to the bottom of the sea. The bells, it seems, were not meant to rest in peace.
Ghostly Coachman of Boscastle
Wellington Hotel, Boscastle
The Wellington Hotel in Boscastle, Cornwall, is home to a most intriguing ghostly presence. Locals and visitors alike have spotted a phantom coachman, resplendent in a frilly shirt and ponytail, as he vanishes into thin air near the reception area. This spectral figure is said to appear in the late twentieth century, leaving many to wonder about the story behind his haunting. Some believe he might be connected to the hotel's rich history, while others think he could be a lost soul searching for something or someone.
The Tweed Ghost of Boscastle
Harbour, Boscastle
Boscastle Harbour, a picturesque fishing village in Cornwall, is home to a rather unusual ghostly encounter. Fishermen have reported seeing a strange man dressed in tweed who appears to stare at them before vanishing into thin air. This eerie apparition was first spotted in the 1970s and has since become a topic of interest among paranormal enthusiasts. The man's presence seems to be confined to the harbour area, where he is said to appear to fishermen, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Colonel Hawker's Ghostly Haunting
Penally House, Boscastle
Penally House in Boscastle is home to a most intriguing haunting. Footsteps belonging to Colonel Hawker are said to wander around the property, while a figure has been seen passing by windows. It's as if the Colonel is still patrolling his estate, even in death. On calm nights, the sound of a horse can be heard outside the house, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Local folklore claims that secret tunnels connect the building to the beach, which could be a clue to the Colonel's restless spirit.
Plucker Poltergeist Inn
Napoleon Inn Inn, Boscastle
The Napoleon Inn in Boscastle, Cornwall, is home to a mischievous poltergeist known as Plucker. This ghostly entity is known to move small items, cause pictures to fall off walls, and even tug at people's clothing. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, from objects being relocated to unexplained knocks and bumps. While Plucker's antics can be startling, they are generally harmless and add to the inn's reputation as one of Cornwall's most haunted locations.
Sunken Bells of Forrabury
Off coast, Forrabury
Off the rugged coast of Forrabury in Cornwall, a haunting sound can sometimes still be heard ringing out across the waves. The pealing of bells, lost at sea, is said to echo through the misty air, a ghostly reminder of a tragic event from the past. According to local legend, a ship carrying a precious cargo of bells sank just off the coast, and to this day, the eerie sound of their pealing can still be heard on certain evenings.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Smugglers Cottage

The Wellington Hotel
Boscastle, Cornwall

Camelot Castle Hotel
Tintagel, Cornwall

Molesworth Arms
Wadebridge, Cornwall

Bodmin Jail Hotel
Bodmin, Cornwall