‘England’s most haunted village’ is actually one of Kent’s prettiest – and just a short drive from London
A VILLAGE in Kent crowned the most haunted village in Britain is also one of the most picturesque places in the county to visit.
Pluckley was once recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the most haunted village in Britain, although the category is longer in use.
The village is said to be haunted by 12 ghosts – althoughsome claim there’s more.
Among them are The White Lady, a young woman who is said to haunt the local church and the library of her former family home, Surrenden Dering.
The Lady of Rose Court, a woman who is said to have poisoned herself in despair over a love triangle.
And a phantom coach and horses has been seen in various locations around the village.
Many supernatural television programmes have featured Pluckley as well.
This includes Most Haunted and Ghostly Legends, and visitors can join the Pluckley Ghost Walk led by locals who know all about the village’s history and paranormal activity.
But that’s not all Pluckley is known for.
Visit Kent, official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Kent and Medway describes Pluckley as Kent’s prettiest village.
The village has been deemed so attractive it featured in the original Darling Buds of May series, between 1991-1993.
First off, the village is surrounded by beautiful apple, plum, and cherry orchards – the fruit sold in Pluckley Farm Shop.
Beyond these, to the northwest of the village, are the lowest slopes of the Kent Downs, meaning there’s plenty of beautiful views to take in.
The village itself is quaint, with many old properties including the Grade 1 listed parish church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.
Many of the buildings have round-topped windows, a style that originated with the Dering family, who were the Lords of the Manor from the 15th century until World War I.
Right in the heart of the village is the 15th Century Black Horse Pub.
The beautiful beamed country pub steeped in history was built in the 1470’s as a dry-moated farmhouse for the Dering Family, with five log burning fires throughout the bar and restaurant.
Today, the pub is popular among locals and visitors for its real ales and local food (and maybe a ghost story or two).
From London, the train journey to Pluckley takes around an hour and a half.
If you’re driving, it will take you around two hours.
Other spooky places in the UK
Pendle Hill – A hill in England that is believed to be the most haunted place in the UK. It is the burial site of the twelve Pendle Witches who were hanged in 1612.
Tower of London – A popular historic attraction in London that is also considered one of the most haunted places in the UK. The tower has a dark history of torture, imprisonment, and execution.
Chillingham Castle – A 13th-century fortress in Northumberland that is said to be home to many ghosts and ghouls.
Berry Pomeroy Castle – A castle in Devon that is said to be haunted by the Blue Lady and the White Lady.
Blickling Hall – A grand hall in Norwich that was once home to the Boleyn family and is said to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain.
Hampton Court Palace – A palace in England that is known for being one of the most haunted attractions in the UK.
Here’s another UK village found in the “Garden of England”.
And we’ve found a town in Italy so scary that locals won’t even say its name,