Nelson's Ghostly Procession
Somerset House on the Strand is home to a most intriguing haunting. During the spring months, the ghostly figure of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson is said to appear, striding purposefully across the courtyard towards his former office. His presence is fleeting, however, as he vanishes soon after being spotted. This reoccurring manifestation has been reported for many years, with Nelson's ghost seemingly following a well-worn path.
Historically, Somerset House has been associated with Nelson since his time as a naval officer. He worked in the building, and it's little wonder that his spirit is drawn back to the place. In addition to Nelson's appearances, a wispy female ghost has also been spotted drifting along a corridor. This apparition was seen in 1972, adding to the building's reputation for paranormal activity. While the exact nature of these hauntings remains unclear, they contribute to Somerset House's mystique.
Somerset House was built in the 18th century and has served various purposes, including as a naval office where Nelson worked.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Woman in Brown Apparition
Gibraltar Public House, E2
Gibraltar Public House in Bethnal Green was once home to a rather unsavory landlord named John Harris. His life took a dramatic turn when he encountered a phantom woman dressed in brown sitting in his pub. This eerie apparition didn't just vanish into thin air; she also issued a chilling warning that if John didn't shape up, his daughter would meet a violent end. The encounter was said to have a profound effect on John, who subsequently turned his life around and became a better man. However, despite his change of heart, tragedy struck when his daughter was hanged for a crime that remains unknown to this day.
Ghost of Displaced Actress
Aldwych Underground Station, WC2
Deep in the heart of London, where the city's theatre district meets its historic transport network, lies the abandoned Aldwych Underground Station. This forgotten relic, built on the site of the former Royal Strand Theatre, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a female actress. According to reports from cleaning staff working the night shift, the apparition is often seen standing on the tracks, a spectral presence that seems to have migrated from the original theatre building to the station shortly after it opened its doors.
Severed Head Ghost
Lyceum Theatre, WC2
Deep in the heart of London's West End, the historic Lyceum Theatre stands tall, its ornate facade hiding a dark and intriguing secret. A married couple, seated in a box, gazed down into the stalls one fateful evening in the 1880s, only to be met with a sight that would haunt them forever - a woman with a severed head resting in her lap. The sheer horror of the moment was compounded when they later recognised the head in a painting of a family that once lived on the site of the theatre.
Temple Duel Ghost
Temple, WC2
The Temple in London is home to a rather unusual haunting. It seems that a certain room within the Temple is plagued by the ghostly reenactment of a duel that took place there many years ago. One man lost his life in this fatal encounter and it appears that his spirit has been reliving the moment of his death ever since. The manifestation is said to be a repeat of the fight, with no clear indication of when it occurs or who witnesses it.
Ghostly Ballerina of Palace Theatre
Palace Theatre, WC2
The Palace Theatre in London's West End is home to a ghostly presence that's said to be none other than the legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. While there's ongoing debate about the identity of this phantom performer, one thing's for sure - the theatre has a long history of paranormal activity. Pavlova's ghost is thought to roam the theatre, although some believe it might not be the real deal. Either way, it's a fascinating phenomenon that's captured the imagination of theatre-goers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Theatre Royal Ghost Sighting
Drury Lane Theatre Royal, WC2
Drury Lane Theatre Royal is home to a rather charming ghost known as the Man in Grey. This spectral figure, dressed in a long grey coat and Tricorn hat, is considered a good omen for the theatre's productions. If he appears during rehearsals, either in the morning or afternoon, it's said the performance will be a great success. But the Man in Grey isn't the only ghost believed to haunt this historic theatre. King Charles II, a renowned theatre enthusiast, is also thought to make an appearance, as is Joe Grimaldi, who helps actors struggling with their lines.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Somerset House

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey