The Scole Inn
The Scole Inn
Scole, Norfolk
Book Your Stay
Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near emma's room on the first floor is the epicenter of supernatural activity for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
The Resident Spirits
The Scole Inn is home to two distinct supernatural presences tied to violent historical events. The primary ghost is Emma, a young woman who was brutally murdered by her jealous husband in the 1750s after he accused her of having an affair with a highwayman staying at the inn. Emma was innocent of the accusations, making her death particularly tragic. She now manifests as the 'White Lady of Scole,' most commonly seen on the main staircase and in the first-floor room known as 'Emma's Room.' The second haunting involves a phantom highwayman whose galloping horse can be heard throughout the inn as he attempts to escape from authorities, a supernatural echo of the dangerous times when the inn provided refuge to outlaws.
Emma's Tragedy: Emma's story centers on jealousy and false accusations that led to murder. In the 1750s, Emma and her husband were staying at the Scole Inn when a highwayman also took refuge there. Emma's husband became convinced she was having an affair with the outlaw, despite no evidence of wrongdoing. In a fit of jealous rage, he murdered Emma, leading to her becoming the 'White Lady of Scole.' She appears most frequently on the main staircase, manifesting as a woman in white who seems to be searching for something or someone. Guests staying in 'Emma's Room' on the first floor report the most intense encounters, including the sensation of someone sitting on their bed and unexplained movements of objects.
The Phantom Highwayman: This supernatural presence manifests primarily through sound - the thundering of horse hooves galloping through the inn as the phantom rider attempts to escape pursuit. The ghostly horse and rider represent the dangerous period when the Scole Inn served as a refuge for outlaws traveling the treacherous roads between London and Norwich. Guests report hearing the distinct sound of galloping hooves, often accompanied by the feeling that someone is desperately trying to escape from unseen pursuers.
Recent Encounters: Ghost hunters staying in Emma's room have reported beds shaking violently after lights out, as though someone was at the foot of the bed trying to get attention. The activity suggests Emma's spirit is still trying to communicate her innocence or seeking justice for her wrongful death.
Historical Background
Building Age
Built in 1655 (17th century coaching inn)
Original Purpose
17th-century coaching inn serving travellers between London and Norwich
Historical Significance
The Scole Inn was built in 1655 by wealthy merchant John Peck as a coaching inn on the major route between London and Norwich. The building has retained many of its original features including hand-carved staircases, hand-painted sundials, fireplaces, and luxurious four-poster beds. Historical records show King Charles II stayed at the hotel, cementing its reputation as a premier establishment. The inn also has connections to highwaymen who used it as refuge, with a gate reportedly placed across the staircase to prevent a particular highwayman from bringing his horse inside. The building survived centuries of use and various ownership changes while maintaining its historic character.
Architecture
17th-century timber-framed coaching inn architecture with original Tudor and Stuart period features. The building showcases hand-carved wooden staircases, exposed oak beams, original fireplaces, and period four-poster beds. Many original structural elements including hand-painted sundials and period decorative features remain intact.
What Guests Experience
Reported Activity
The most common supernatural experiences at the Scole Inn include bed disturbances in Emma's Room, where guests report violent shaking of the bed after lights out, as if someone is desperately trying to get their attention. Phantom footsteps are heard on the main staircase, often accompanied by cold spots and the sensation of an unseen presence. The sound of galloping horse hooves echoes through the building, particularly at night, representing the phantom highwayman's eternal flight. Doors open and close on their own, objects move without explanation, and guests report feeling watched or sensing sadness in certain areas of the inn. The overall atmosphere is one of unresolved tragedy rather than malevolence.
Most Active Areas
Emma's Room on the first floor is the epicenter of supernatural activity, where guests experience the most intense encounters including bed disturbances and direct spiritual contact. The main hand-carved staircase is Emma's primary manifestation area, where she appears as the White Lady searching eternally for resolution. The ground floor areas where the galloping sounds are most frequently heard represent the highwayman's desperate escape routes. Period rooms with four-poster beds seem particularly active, suggesting the spirits are drawn to the inn's most historically authentic spaces.
Witness Accounts
Recent paranormal investigators and guests have documented significant activity, particularly in Emma's Room. In 2022, new ownership under the Verve Hotels group brought fresh attention to the inn's supernatural reputation. Ghost hunters specifically requesting Emma's Room have reported dramatic bed shaking incidents that occur consistently after lights out. The current management acknowledges the inn's reputation and the 'friendly ghost called Emma' as part of the property's character. Multiple independent witnesses over the years have described identical encounters, lending credibility to the haunting claims.
Paranormal Investigations
The Scole Inn has attracted paranormal investigators for decades, with Emma's Room being a particular focus of investigation. The inn's management is welcoming to paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters, often accommodating special requests to stay in the most active areas. The building's well-documented history combined with consistent supernatural reports has made it a favorite among paranormal researchers studying historic coaching inn hauntings. The recent change in ownership has brought renewed interest in properly documenting and preserving the inn's supernatural heritage.
Experience These Encounters Yourself
Ready to witness the paranormal activity firsthand? Book your stay and join the ranks of guests who've encountered the supernatural.
Check Availability & RatesContact Details
Special Packages
Character rooms featuring original fireplaces and four-poster beds available. While no specific ghost packages are advertised, the hotel welcomes paranormal enthusiasts and can arrange accommodation in Emma's Room for those seeking supernatural experiences.
Accessibility
Limited accessibility due to 17th-century building structure. The historic nature of the building with original staircases and period features means limited wheelchair access. Ground floor areas may be accessible for dining.
Share This Hotel
Help others discover this haunted hotel
Explore the Area
12 haunted sites, 0 attractions, and 0 ghost tours within 10-20 miles
Filter by Entity Type
The Scole Inn & Surroundings Legend
Stay & Explore the Paranormal
Book your stay at The Scole Inn and explore 12 haunted locations within walking or short driving distance.
Book Your Paranormal AdventureReady to Meet Our Ghosts?
Book your stay and experience the supernatural activity firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.