Binley, Warwickshire
Coombe Abbey has earned its reputation as one of Warwickshire's most actively haunted locations, with paranormal activity reported consistently over hundreds of years. The ancient walls of this former Cistercian monastery seem to harbour restless spirits from multiple eras, creating a tapestry of supernatural encounters that continues to captivate visitors and investigators alike. The most frequently witnessed apparition is that of a hooded monk, believed to have been murdered on the abbey grounds in 1345. Witnesses describe seeing this spectral figure floating through the grounds, his form semi-transparent yet unmistakably that of a religious brother in traditional Cistercian robes. The circumstances of his violent death remain shrouded in mystery, though some historians speculate it may have been connected to internal conflicts within the monastery or perhaps the political upheavals of the 14th century. Equally compelling is the tale of the young gypsy girl whose phantom footsteps echo across the stable yard cobbles on quiet nights. According to legend, this unfortunate soul was mistreated by the family who owned the abbey, and in her dying moments, she placed a powerful curse upon them and the property itself. The sound of her footsteps, light yet distinct upon the ancient cobblestones, has been reported by numerous witnesses over the years, particularly during the twilight hours. Perhaps the most unusual apparition is that of a Victorian woman on a bicycle, observed on the road just outside the former abbey. This phantom cyclist appears suddenly, pedalling silently along the thoroughfare before vanishing into thin air. Her identity remains unknown, though her period attire and the style of her bicycle firmly place her in the late 19th century. The property is also said to be haunted by a spirit known as Matilda, often referred to as the Green Lady, who roams the corridors and has been witnessed by countless guests and staff members throughout the years.
The Lost Monk (murdered monk from 1345), The Gypsy Girl, The Phantom Cyclist (Victorian woman), Matilda (the Green Lady), Abbot Geoffrey
## The Lost Monk of 1345 The most enduring and frequently encountered spirit at Coombe Abbey is the mysterious monk whose life was violently cut short in 1345. Witnesses consistently describe a hooded figure in traditional Cistercian white robes, gliding rather than walking through the ancient grounds. His face is rarely visible beneath his cowl, yet those who have glimpsed it describe features frozen in an expression of profound sadness or perhaps lingering terror. One particularly detailed account comes from a guest who was walking the grounds at dusk. They reported seeing the monk emerge from near the old cloisters, moving with an unnatural smoothness across the grass. When the witness called out, the figure turned slightly, seeming to acknowledge their presence, before dissolving into the evening mist. The temperature dropped dramatically during this encounter, leaving the witness shivering despite the mild weather. ## The Cursed Gypsy Girl The phantom footsteps attributed to the tragic gypsy girl have been documented by numerous credible witnesses over the decades. Staff members working late shifts have reported hearing the distinct sound of light footfalls crossing the stable yard cobbles when no one is visible. The sound is described as purposeful, as though someone is walking with determination rather than merely wandering. According to the legend passed down through generations, this young Romani girl came to the abbey seeking help or shelter, only to be cruelly turned away and mistreated by the family in residence. As she lay dying from their abuse, she cursed the family and the property, vowing that her presence would never leave these grounds. The fact that her footsteps continue to be heard suggests her curse—and her spirit—remain very much active. ## The Victorian Phantom Cyclist The apparition of a Victorian woman cycling along the road near the abbey is perhaps the most unusual ghost associated with Coombe. Multiple motorists and pedestrians have reported near-misses with this spectral cyclist, only to watch in astonishment as she vanishes before their eyes. She is described as wearing period-appropriate clothing, with her hair pinned up beneath a hat, pedalling a high-wheeled bicycle characteristic of the 1880s or 1890s. One witness account describes a driver who swerved to avoid hitting the cyclist, only to find no one there when they stopped to check. The shaken driver reported the incident to local police, who informed them they were far from the first to report such an encounter on that particular stretch of road. ## Matilda, the Green Lady The spirit known as Matilda, or the Green Lady, is said to roam the corridors of the abbey itself. Guests have reported waking to find a luminous green figure at the foot of their bed, or glimpsing her reflection in mirrors when no one is standing behind them. Her identity remains debated, though some believe she may have been a noblewoman connected to the property during its aristocratic era.
The spectral figure of a Cistercian monk, believed to have been murdered in 1345, has been witnessed floating through the grounds of Coombe Abbey for centuries. His silent, sorrowful presence is just one of several spirits haunting this ancient religious site turned luxury hotel.
Founded in 1150 - 12th century Cistercian Abbey
Cistercian monastery and abbey
Coombe Abbey stands as one of England's most historically significant buildings, with a rich and tumultuous past spanning nearly nine centuries. Founded in 1150 by Cistercian monks, the abbey served as a thriving religious community for almost four hundred years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1539. The dissolution brought dramatic change to Coombe Abbey, as the religious community was forcibly disbanded and the property was seized by the Crown. Following the dissolution, the abbey passed through several noble hands before coming into the possession of the Craven family in 1622. It was during this period that Coombe Abbey played a pivotal role in English royal history. Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King James I and later known as the 'Winter Queen,' was raised at the abbey under the guardianship of Lord and Lady Harington. This connection to royalty nearly proved disastrous when the Gunpowder Plot conspirators of 1605 planned to kidnap the young princess from Coombe Abbey following the intended assassination of her father and the destruction of Parliament. The abbey underwent significant architectural transformation during the 17th and 18th centuries, with much of the original medieval structure being modified and enhanced to create a grand country house befitting its aristocratic owners. The surrounding parkland was landscaped by the renowned Capability Brown in the 1770s, creating the magnificent 500-acre grounds that visitors enjoy today. The property eventually became a hotel, allowing guests to experience its extraordinary heritage while sleeping within walls that have witnessed some of England's most dramatic historical moments.
Gothic Revival and Tudor elements blended with original 12th-century Cistercian abbey foundations, featuring medieval cloisters, ornate Victorian additions, grand baronial halls, and period features including vaulted ceilings and historic stonework throughout
Full-bodied apparitions of the hooded monk, disembodied footsteps on stable yard cobbles, phantom cyclist sightings, cold spots throughout the grounds, temperature drops during encounters, luminous green figure (Matilda), mirror reflections of spirits, shadowy figures in corridors, unexplained sounds in the cloisters, feelings of being watched, doors opening and closing, electrical disturbances
The stable yard cobbles (gypsy girl footsteps), the grounds near the old cloisters (Lost Monk sightings), the road approaching the abbey (Victorian cyclist), various guest corridors (Green Lady Matilda), the original medieval sections of the building, areas near the former monastery grounds
Staff members have consistently reported hearing phantom footsteps crossing the stable yard during evening and night shifts. Multiple guests have documented encounters with the hooded monk figure on the grounds, particularly during dusk hours. Motorists on the approach road have filed reports of near-collisions with the phantom cyclist. Hotel guests have reported waking to find spectral figures in their rooms, and numerous accounts describe sudden temperature drops and feelings of unseen presences throughout the property.
Paranormal investigators have conducted extensive research at Coombe Abbey, revealing compelling evidence of supernatural activity. According to documented investigations reported by the Coventry Telegraph, researchers have gathered significant findings that support the long-standing reports of hauntings. The property's rich paranormal reputation has attracted serious investigators who have documented various phenomena including electronic voice phenomena (EVP), temperature anomalies, and photographic evidence. One notable ghost photograph claiming to show a spectral figure at the abbey has been examined and discussed by paranormal researchers, though its authenticity remains debated. The hotel's willingness to acknowledge its haunted heritage has made it a destination for both casual ghost enthusiasts and serious paranormal research teams.
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📅 Sample dates:2026-01-27 to 2026-01-29 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near the stable yard cobbles (gypsy girl footsteps) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
Brinklow Road, Binley, CV3 2AB
Status: Operating
Ghost tours and paranormal evenings are occasionally offered, seasonal packages including Halloween events, historical themed stays, murder mystery weekends, and romantic breaks in haunted surroundings
Set within 500 acres of parkland with car parking available, the historic nature of the building means some areas may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users, ground floor rooms available
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Book Your Paranormal Adventure Discover the haunted heritage of Coventry and its surroundings with Coombe Abbey as your supernatural base. From cursed abbeys to phantom monks, this guide reveals the dark history lurking in Warwickshire's ancient stones.
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Coombe Abbey's extraordinary journey spans nearly nine centuries, from its founding as a Cistercian monastery in 1150 to its current incarnation as one of England's most haunted hotels. The abbey's turbulent history of religious upheaval, royal intrigue, and untimely deaths has left an indelible mark on this magnificent Warwickshire estate.
Read HistoryBook your stay and experience The Lost Monk and other supernatural activity firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.