Apparently, more people believe in ghosts in Torbay than anywhere else across the UK and there’s a fascinating theory as to why this may be.

Torquay is built on the Sticklepath Fault, a geological fault line that was caused by the earth’s movements some 300 million years ago. It begins near Clovelly on the North Devon Coast and runs right across Dartmoor, before passing through Newton Abbot and reaching Torquay. Along the whole route, there are numerous myths and legends, as well as more ghosts than you can shake an EMF meter at.

The theory is that the limestone can influence how you see things, making you more likely to believe in the supernatural. Either that or these phantoms are escaping through this fault like a scene from Ghostbusters and making the English Riviera one of the most haunted places in the UK.

If you are feeling brave, read on as we take you on a spooktacular virtual tour of the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and introduce you to some of the most famous seaside spectres who are said to haunt the Bay.

Haunted Church in Torquay, Devon

St John’s Church on The Terrace in Torquay is said to be haunted by its former organist, Henry Ditton-Newman. Henry’s funeral took place in November 1883, and according to the vicar at the time, he was seen playing the organ and accompanying the singing at his own memorial service. Over the years, the organ has often been heard playing itself before it was finally removed in 1956 after (a living) organist said he felt the presence of the organ-playing organism sitting next to him.

The Spanish Barn, hauntings in Torquay

The Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey in Torquay is said to be haunted by the ghost of “The Spanish Lady”. In 1588, 397 prisoners of the Spanish Armada were captured and held in the building. Among them was said to be the fiancé of one of the ship’s lieutenants, who realising they were about to be captured, disguised herself as a sailor. Crammed in the barn in appalling conditions for two weeks, she caught a chill and died. Ever since, the spectral senorita has roamed the barn and the gardens outside, quietly sobbing as she hunts for her long-lost love.

The most haunted place in Torquay: Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey itself is one of the most haunted places in Torquay and even has a headless monk roaming the gardens, dating back to the 1300s. For reasons lost in the mists of time, it is said that an Abbot beheaded a young cannon and then covered up his dastardly dead. The headless ghost is said to gallop around the grounds on a spectral steed. Fortunately, he has company, as the ghost of Lady Cary has also been seen dressed in a ball gown and riding in the back of an illuminated phantom carriage.

Haunted theatres in Devon

Brixham Theatre is said to be haunted by the ghost of actor John Slater, a character actor who appeared on everything from Pinky and Perky to Jackanory and Z Cars. He took over the theatre after a refurbishment in 1973 and ran two summer seasons there performing Whitehall Farces. The Brixham venue was one of the last places he performed before he died in 1975, but it wasn’t necessarily curtains for him. He has been seen still treading the boards wearing the costume from the show, while the curtains have also been known to draw themselves, which is probably quite annoying if you are an actor in the middle of your big soliloquy.

The most haunted pub in Devon

Churston Court is a 12th Century Grade I listed hotel and restaurant located between Paignton and Brixham and is apparently one of the most haunted pubs in Devon. Monks have been seen to appear through walls and then disappear again, while Lord Churston has also been spotted in a flat cap and tweed suit. Candles have also been known to blow out and relight themselves. 

Haunted Castles in Devon

Berry Pomeroy Castle off the ring road above Paignton is said to be one of the most haunted places in Devon. There’s both a White Lady and Blue Lady, two guardsmen on the ramparts in full suits of armour and riding horses, the Child Isabella (who apparently follows visitors home), a ghostly gardener who scythes the grass, two spectral hounds and a cane bearer who apparently pokes people. Now run by English Heritage, you can visit the creepy castle on your way to Totnes. 

The haunted side of Brixham

Brixham is one of the most haunted places to visit in Torbay, although some of the ghosts and legends were created by smugglers to scare people away while they transported their illegal cargos of rum and tobacco. The Old Coaching Inn, which is located on the main high street even has a rapping ghost, although rather than spitting rhymes, the entity knocks and taps on the walls, keeping previous landlords awake. The rhythmic poltergeist has also been known to hide various belongings around the establishment, so there is always someone (or something) to blame when you lose your car keys.  

If you are interested in spooky tales, why not book on the Ghosts, Ghouls & Goosebumps haunted hike, which is a favourite walk on the twice-yearly English Riviera Walking Festival? If you dare...