Hollytrees Museum, Colchester

Hollytrees Museum in Colchester is home to a rather mischievous spirit known as Anne Lisle. Staff at the museum are quite familiar with her antics, which include the sound of footsteps running past the Gun Room. It's not just the staff who have experienced her presence - young children have also caught glimpses of her. Anne seems to be fond of making an appearance, particularly in the rear of the building, where faces have been spotted in the windows late at night.

Colchester Castle, Colchester

Colchester Castle has stood tall for centuries, its stone walls bearing witness to the tragic tale of James Parnell, a Quaker martyr who met his untimely demise within these very walls. In 1652, Parnell was arrested for being 'idle and disorderly' after upsetting a local priest, and was imprisoned in the castle. His treatment was brutal - he was forced to climb a rope each time he wished to eat, and it was during one of these climbs that he suffered fatal injuries. It's said that Parnell's ghost haunts the dungeon where he was held, a place of dark history and suffering.

St Botolph's Priory, Colchester

St Botolph's Priory in Colchester has a long history of paranormal activity, but one of the most intriguing accounts is that of a dark smiling figure seen by a young girl in 1993. While playing with friends around the gravestones, the girl caught sight of a dark figure standing by a tomb. What's remarkable about this encounter is the figure's unsettling smile, which seemed to be directed at her before it vanished into thin air. This brief yet intense experience has left a lasting impression on those who have heard the story.

Brook Red Lion Hotel, Colchester

The Brook Red Lion Hotel in Colchester is a historic inn with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. It's said to be haunted by the ghost of Alice Miller, who was murdered on its premises after discovering she was pregnant by an influential figure. Guests and staff have reported various paranormal activities, including sightings of Alice's apparition walking between rooms 5 and 6 through a connecting door that was later bricked up. They've also seen her as a blur, interacting with them in the hotel.

Red Lion Hotel, Colchester

The Red Lion Hotel in Colchester's bustling Lion Walk Shopping Precinct is home to a rather unsettling presence. Alice Mellor, a woman who met her demise in 1633, is said to haunt one of the hotel's rooms. Her ghost was reportedly so terrifying that the room was sealed up and forgotten about for many years. Thankfully, it seems that her malevolent energy has subsided, as no recent sightings have been reported. However, the hotel does share its space with another restless spirit - a monk who tragically lost his life in a fire.

Hippodrome, Colchester

The Hippodrome in Colchester, Essex, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former worker named George. He is believed to have met a tragic end, falling to his death at the very site where he once worked. Cleaners would often greet George, acknowledging his presence as if he were still among the living. They would see him appear, while others would hear strange voices and knocking sounds. It's a peculiar phenomenon that has been observed over the years, particularly during the 1980s when the haunting was most active.