Phantom Bride of Colchester Hotel Haunting
The Rose and Crown hotel in Colchester has a reputation for being haunted by a phantom bride. She's often seen in the honeymoon suite, dressed to impress in her white lace wedding dress, pearl necklace, and matching earrings, not to mention the red flower on her attire. But it's not just this apparition that's been spotted - staff have also caught glimpses of 'Val', an elderly woman dressed all in black, strolling from the bar towards reception. Whether you're a ghost enthusiast or simply staying for a romantic getaway, The Rose and Crown is sure to leave you with more questions than answers.
Dating back to the hotel's operational years, it's believed that 'Val' was once a staff member at The Rose and Crown. Her spirit remains, and staff continue to report encounters with her - often as an elderly woman in black walking towards reception. Despite the modern renovations and updates, the hotel still retains much of its original charm and character. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, staying overnight here promises an unforgettable experience.
The Rose and Crown hotel in Colchester has a rich history, but details of its operational period are not specified. However, it is believed that the hauntings date back to this time.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Beast of Essex Sighting
Outside police station, Wivenhoe
Wivenhoe's High Street was the scene of a bizarre encounter in the early hours of 27 January 2009. A police officer on duty claimed to have spotted a large black cat, which has since been dubbed the Beast of Essex. The creature was seen fleeing down the side of the police station, leaving the officer and subsequent search teams baffled. Despite a thorough search of the area, no sign of the mysterious feline could be found.
Phantom Penny Farthing Cyclist
Boundary Road, Colchester
Colchester's Boundary Road is home to a rather unusual ghost sighting. In the spring of the 1990s, a child travelling with her grandmother in a car spotted a man cycling alongside them on a penny farthing bicycle. The cyclist was dressed in a light brown shirt with rolled-up sleeves and dark brown trousers, and his hair was also brown. What's intriguing is that the grandmother didn't seem to notice the apparition, leaving us to wonder if the child was the only one who caught a glimpse of this spectral cyclist.
The Woman in White of Abberton Road
Abberton Road, Fingringhoe
On a dark November night in 2009, a motorcyclist and their passenger were travelling along Abberton Road in Fingringhoe, Essex, when they witnessed a bizarre and unsettling sight. A distressed woman in white stumbled across the road, holding a blanket over her head as if trying to shield herself from the world. The witnesses drew closer, but as they approached, the woman suddenly vanished into a hedgerow, leaving them with more questions than answers. What was she doing out here all alone, and what had driven her to such distress?
The Tall Stalking Man of Greenstead
Greenstead woods, Colchester
Deep in Greenstead Woods, a sense of unease settles over those who venture into this eerie landscape. It's here that a chilling encounter took place back in 1983, when two children claimed to have seen a tall, imposing figure with a wide-brimmed hat, but no discernible facial features. The witness reported that the entity kept pace with them as they ran away, its presence lingering long after they'd fled the scene. This unsettling experience has left a lasting impression on those who've heard the tale.
The Headless Nun of Colchester
Area close to Birch Brook, Colchester
Deep in the Essex countryside, near Colchester, lies a spot where locals and travellers alike have caught a glimpse of a rather unsettling apparition. This eerie entity, known as the Headless Nun, has been described as a figure clad in nun's attire, but with one glaring and terrifying difference - its head is missing. One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted a harrowing experience where he spotted the ghostly figure while taking a shortcut across the area at night. The encounter was brief, as the figure suddenly stopped and vanished into thin air right in front of him. What's more, this wasn't an isolated incident, as the witness later shared his story with a friend, who revealed that his own brother had also had a run-in with the Headless Nun.
The Black Cat of Mersea Road
Mersea Road, Colchester
Mersea Road in Colchester has been the site of a mysterious and intriguing haunting. From January 1996 to 1999, multiple witnesses reported seeing a large black cat along this stretch of road. The creature was described as being unusually big, with no other distinguishing features noted. It's unclear what the cat's presence might signify, but its impact on local residents and travellers has been lasting.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Rose and Crown

The Rose and Crown
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The Blue Boar Hotel
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