Uncover the Secrets of the UK's Most Haunted Inn: The Old Well Inn!
Uncover the Secrets of the UK's Most Haunted Inn: The Old Well Inn! - A Review That's Actually Haunted (By My Thoughts, Anyway)
Alright, buckle up buttercups and biscuit-eaters, because we're diving deep into the cobweb-dusted, spirit-laden world of The Old Well Inn! I went. I stayed. I maybe saw a ghost. (Okay, probably not, but the creaky floorboards definitely played tricks on my mind.) This isn't your typical hotel review. This is a journey. A rambling, slightly hysterical, and hopefully helpful journey through the good, the slightly spooky, and the…well, let's just say "character-filled" aspects of this legendary UK inn.
First Impressions (and a Dose of Reality): Accessibility & Getting There
So, first things first. Accessibility? Well, let's be honest, this isn't a purpose-built, gleaming, modern hotel. The Old Well Inn is old. Super, super old. Think creaky stairs, uneven floors, and a distinct lack of a modern elevator. Wheelchair accessibility is, sadly, not fantastic. They're trying, bless 'em, but the historic nature of the building presents some serious challenges. There's also airport transfer available, but honestly, I just drove myself. Car park [free of charge] is a major plus – always appreciate a free spot! Speaking of which, the drive itself is gorgeous. Rolling hills, quaint villages…it's a proper British experience, and the car park [on-site] is convenient.
The Tech Stuff (Because We All Need Internet, Apparently)
Okay, so I needed to Instagram all my spooky adventures, right? Internet access is available. No, not like “sky-high speed, every corner covered internet.” Think more like, “You'll get a connection, eventually.” There's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – kind of. Worked better in some rooms than others. And Internet [LAN] – I didn't even bother trying; too much hassle. Internet services – basic, not fancy. Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit spotty, but hey, you're there to escape, right? (But seriously, if you NEED constant connectivity, this might not be your ideal haunted haven.) Didn't use the Laptop workspace.
The Comforts of Home (and Not-So-Home): Rooms & Amenities
Right, the rooms! The whole point of any hotel, I suppose. My room was genuinely charming, although also, let's say, “rustic”. A lot of the Available in all rooms features were there, but the Blackout curtains definitely weren't pitch-black. Fine by me, I wanted a bit of a scare I was waiting for the spook to say 'Hello to you' in the middle of the night. Air conditioning? Nope. (But it is the UK, it wasn't really needed, plus the open window added to the atmosphere.) The alarm clock definitely reminded me of when I was a kid in the 90s. Alarm Clock, Desk, Coffee/tea Maker, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, In-room safe box (always a good thing). In-room safe box (always a good thing). Mini bar – stocked! (Essentials only). Non-smoking (thank goodness). Refrigerator (handy for the midnight snack). Satellite/cable channels (who watches TV when there's a ghost to hunt?). Separate shower/bathtub (score!). Towels, Toiletries, Wake-up service. Okay, essential are covered. The Bed was comfy, and the Sheets and Linen were clean enough.
Let's talk about the features! The Additional toilet would have been nice in my small room, but I think that they would have had to build a whole extra room to accommodate.
The Big Picture: Cleanliness, Safety, and the "Spooky" Factors!
This is where things get interesting. Cleanliness and safety, in the time of COVID, are paramount. The Old Well Inn seems to be taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely being used. The staff (bless their hearts!) had put the Hand sanitizer everywhere. Seemed to have the staff trained in safety protocol. Lots of sanitizing going on everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays. The Safe dining setup, with Tableware items was great. Daily disinfection in common areas was great. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Breakfast takeaway service was great, and the Individually-wrapped food options were welcomed.
Now, the spooky stuff! This is the main draw, isn't it? The Old Well Inn isn't just saying it's haunted; it FEELS it. (Okay, it mostly feels old and a bit drafty, but you get the idea.) There are Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher for safety. The CCTV in common areas felt reassuring (though I’m not sure who they're watching), and Security [24-hour] made me feel a lot safer, even with a ghost walking around.
The building gives you a real hit of Room decorations with the style it's in. The Exterior corridor was a plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Ghost Hunt!
Okay, food! Crucial for energy and courage, right? There's a Bar. The Coffee shop was a great place to collect our courage, or maybe just because they had Coffee/tea in restaurant. Desserts in restaurant. There is an A la carte in restaurant, but I can't see that you'd need any food besides that. They also offer an Asian breakfast. A big plus, I'd say. Asian cuisine in restaurant. The best perk, the Happy hour. The Poolside bar seemed like a great place to soak up the sun, but I didn’t see a pool. The Restaurants were pretty okay. They had a Room service [24-hour]. The Vegetarian restaurant seemed a bit limited, but the Western breakfast was amazing. Western cuisine in restaurant. Lots of Soup in restaurant.
Something REALLY Cool? The Spa/Sauna Experience (Sort Of)
The Spa/sauna might need a slight overhaul. I'm not sure I'd call the facilities that are available a real spa. The Foot bath, Gym/fitness, and Sauna didn't seem to be around, but I could have gotten a Body wrap.
Things to Do (Besides Being Scared Silly)
Well, you're here to experience an adventure right? What's the point of travelling to the UK's most haunted inn, if not to be scared? They have a Business facilities, the Concierge, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Laundry service. They also have a Meetings and Seminars, with the use of a Projector/LED display.
For the Kids (Because Even Ghosts Need Company?)
Family/child friendly. There's also Babysitting service. I didn't bring my kids, but it seemed like it could be a pretty spooky experience for them! There's also Kids meal. Kids facilities.
Services and Conveniences (The Practical Stuff)
Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store was pretty stocked! I could withdraw cash, and had a bit of a concierge. I was really impressed by the Daily housekeeping. The Doorman was great. The Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, was sadly limited. I had a chance to use the Invoice provided during my stay. In general, the Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Shrine where pretty basic.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking are on the cards here.
My Ghost Story (Or, Did I See Something?)
Look, I'm not going to claim I saw a full-blown apparition. But…the atmosphere! The creaks, the shadows, the feeling of being watched. On the second night, I swore I heard someone whispering my name. (Probably the wind, or a squirrel, or my imagination running wild…) But the point is, the inn creates that experience. That frisson of fear. The staff is great, by the way – genuinely friendly and enthusiastic. They're clearly used to dealing with both the living and…well, the possibly not-living.
The Verdict: Should You Brave The Old Well Inn?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a polished, generic hotel experience, look elsewhere. If you're after an unforgettable adventure, a touch of spookiness, and a truly unique stay, The Old Well Inn is a must. It's not perfect, but that's part of its charm.
Escape to Paradise: The Golden Bay Hotel Batam Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a whirlwind tour of The Old Well Inn, a place that promises quaint charm and… well, let's just say, it delivers on some of that promise, and spectacularly fails on others. This isn't your sterile travel brochure, folks. This is real life, unfiltered and slightly caffeinated.
The Old Well Inn: A Chaos-Fueled Adventure (Because Honestly, What Else?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pub Debate (Or, Where Did I Park the Bloody Car?)
- 1:00 PM: Landfall. Or, More Accurately, "Land-and-Almost-Crashed-in-the-Parking-Lot." Okay, I might have taken a wrong turn… or three. Finding the Old Well Inn was a mission in itself. That narrow lane? Terrifying. My nerves were already shot before I even saw the place. But, hey, I'm here! The alleged "quaint" parking situation involved squeezing my poor, slightly bruised rental car between a rusted Land Rover and a very suspicious-looking patch of grass. Fingers crossed the landlord likes my car.
- 1:30 PM: Check-In: The Smiling Landlady and the Mystery of the Missing Luggage. The landlady, bless her heart, was all smiles and floral prints. I swear she could charm the socks off a badger. Then came the realization: My suitcase? Vanished. Arrived on my flight, I'm sure of it… but nowhere to be found! She assured me I'll get it later. "Don't you worry, love," she chirped. "It'll turn up." Her optimism was almost as unnerving as the thought of spending the next few days in the same travel outfit.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Pub Reconnaissance Mission: A Pint and a Prayer. Ah, the pub. The heart of the beast. First impressions? Cozy. Definitely cozy. Like, your-grandma's-living-room-after-a-bottle-of-sherry cozy. The beer selection was decent - a local bitter, naturally. So, I ordered a pint of it. I also ordered a bite to eat - fish and chips. It was everything you want it to be, though it took a good 30 minutes. The bartender, a man with a beard that could house a small family, was an encyclopedia of local gossip. He told me about the last time they caught a fox in the garden and the village's ongoing debate about potholes. Honestly, I liked the pub. It was…honest.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Room Reveal (and the Curious Case of the Lumpy Mattress). Okay, so the room. Let's just say, it had "character." Thick, old wallpaper, a slightly wonky window frame, and a view of the garden that's a pretty good one. I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10. The mattress, however… Oh, dear lord, the mattress! A mountain of lumps, dips, and what felt like strategically placed boulders. If I don't sleep well it's going to be a long few days.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Pub Dinner, Round Two: The Potato Issue. Back to the pub for dinner. The food was, well, let's say it was hearty. I went for the steak and ale pie. Delicious! Though I would have liked less potatoes, there were so many potatoes. I'm pretty sure I've consumed more potatoes in the last 24 hours than I have in the last six months. The people were good, the beer was good, but the potatoes…
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Reading, Worrying, and the Pursuit of Sleep. I should probably try and get an early night. My suitcase, I am told, will be arriving in the morning. I'm going to spend tonight with my face in a book, and praying to the gods of good sleep that I survive that mattress.
Day 2: The Local Delights (and the Battle Against the Mattress)
- 8:00 AM: The Wake-Up Call (and the Glorious Absence of My Luggage). The mattress nearly won. I woke up feeling like I’d wrestled a rhino. And, surprise surprise, no sign of my luggage. I'm starting to seriously consider buying some new clothes.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast with the Locals: Gossip and Scones. The landlady, still beaming, served up a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and… more potatoes! This time, though, they were mashed and delicious. I sat with a couple of regulars, a retired farmer with a twinkle in his eye and a woman who could knit a sweater in her sleep. The gossip flowed freely – the new vicar's unfortunate haircut, the local cat's questionable taste in garden beds… It was an education.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring the Town: I took a stroll through the town. It's small and charming and beautiful.
- Lunch: The Great Scone-Off! Back for a midday treat: scones. Every place in town offers a scone. My goal? Find the best scone in England. Right now, this place is in the lead.
- Afternoon: Relaxing and Resting. I needed to recharge my batteries after the hard morning I had.
- Dinner: The Landlady's Special - "A Surprise!" Apparently, the landlady is cooking up a special dinner for me. I'm a little scared, but I'm also oddly curious.
Day 3: Departure (and the Emotional Fallout)
- 8:00 AM: The Farewell Breakfast (and the Unexpected Tear) Breakfast was the last hurrah! And the landlady was right, I'd gotten my bag. I opened it after breakfast and burst into tears. I'd never been more happy to wear some of my clothes.
- 9:00 AM: Final Goodbyes: All good things must come to an end, and, I'm sad that I need to depart from this Inn. But, here's to the next adventure!
- 12:00 PM: Home… or the next adventure.
This is just the beginning. The Old Well Inn – with its quirky charm, dodgy mattress, and the unpredictable joys of Britain – is a destination that stays with you. It’s not perfect, but that’s the point. It's a place where the unexpected is the norm, and the stories -- oh, the stories -- are worth their weight in pints. Now, excuse me, I need to find a good tailor. My clothes don't quite fit after all those potatoes.
Escape to Paradise: Huentawan Resort Thailand Awaits!
Uncover the Secrets of the UK's Most Haunted Inn: The Old Well Inn! - Your Totally Unofficial FAQs (Because, Let's Be Honest, Official Ones are BORING)
Okay, So, Is The Old Well Inn ACTUALLY Haunted? Like, *Really*?
Oh, honey, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I'm not going to sit here and tell you "YES, DEFINITELY, BOO!" 'cause that's just clickbait. But... I've been there. Twice. And let me tell you, the air... it's *different*. You feel it in your bones. It's like a thick, cold blanket that only *some* people can feel. Or maybe it's the damp cellar and my fear of spiders. I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to creepy crawlies, so who knows?
My *first* night? Nothing. Crickets chirping, me snoring, the usual. *Second* night, though... let's just say I had a rather vigorous debate with a… *thing*. More on that later.
Bottom line? It's a place that *tells* you stories. Whether you believe them is up to you. I'm leaning towards yes, with a side of "maybe it's the ale."
What's the Deal with This "Thing" People Keep Talking About? The One That Likes to Mess With Guests?
Ah, you mean the resident poltergeist? The mischievous one? Okay, this is where it gets... messy. So, I went to "Room 4" because everyone said that's the most activity. You know, the one overlooking the well. I walked in and it was completely still, like when you're the only one in the room, and my heart was starting to slow down. Just a normal, old room, you know, peeling wallpaper, creaky floorboards... perfect for a good night's sleep. Right? WRONG.
So I think I was almost asleep, and the door slowly starts to open... no wind, nothing. I swear that was a creepy ghost moving in. Then, a gust of wind, which I thought was very odd, and the window shutters crash open. Wind howling. I scrambled out of my sleeping bag and got the door closed and the shutters closed. Heart pounding. I was petrified. I didn't want to be the guy who got scared in the middle of the night, but there I was, staring at the door. After a while, I locked it, wedged everything I could at it including a big heavy chair, and hoped the wind wouldn't be coming back again.
And it all stopped. I was so freaked out I didn't sleep at all until the sun came up. I'm also pretty sure I heard *something* whisper my name, but maybe that was sleep deprivation. Now, do I have concrete proof? No. But would I go back? Absolutely! Just with more ale and a stronger chair. I still don't know if I can tell you if it was really him messing with me. But I have to admit I got scared and I had been staying up all night. It's something you don't easily forget.
What Rooms Are Supposedly the "Most Haunted"? Should I Book One? (Or Run Away?)
Oh, the rooms! They're like little haunted battlegrounds. The usual suspects are Rooms 4, 7, and the Well Room itself (obviously). And let's not forget the cellar! That's where a lot of... "activity" is reported. Some people love it, some people, well, they run screaming with their bags. I think it is the best experience. I love old buildings and really enjoy being in the dark.
**Should *you* book one?** It depends. Are you looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway? Then maybe stick to a Premier Inn. But if you're craving a bit of spooky fun, and a night where sleep is optional, then go for it! Just remember to pack a spare pair of underwear... just in case.
What's the Best Time to Visit The Old Well Inn for Maximum Spookiness?
Well, the obvious answer is Halloween. But please do me and everyone else a favor and go during the week. It gets so crowded on the weekend it's difficult to enjoy any kind of experience. Seriously, you can't swing a cat-- not that you *should* -- without hitting a ghost hunter.
But I'd say October or November. The nights are longer, the air is colder, and the whispers... they're often a lot louder. Plus, you can get a pint by a roaring fire, which helps with the... nerves. Don't forget to bring friends! They are going to experience the same stuff as you.
Are There Any "Non-Spooky" Aspects of The Old Well Inn? Like, Is the Food Good?
Okay, okay, let's talk about something other than ghosts for a hot minute. YES! The food is actually really good. Proper pub grub, hearty portions, and a decent selection of ales to calm the nerves. Especially after you've spent the evening talking to... *things*. Get the steak and ale pie. Just do it. You won't regret it – maybe the next morning, when you wake up terrified for reasons unknown, but trust me, in the moment, it's pure bliss.
The atmosphere is wonderful. Wood-panelled, crackling fires, lots of nooks and crannies. It's just a lovely, old inn... until something *else* decides to be part of the experience. Then all bets are off.
What Should I NOT Do at The Old Well Inn? (Besides Annoy the Ghosts, Obviously)
Okay, some practical advice:
- **Don't be a jerk.** Treat the staff with respect. They deal with this stuff *every day*.
- **Don't get too drunk.** Trust me, the ghosts are a lot less scary when you're sober. Or MORE scary. It's a toss-up.
- **Don't go wandering around in the dark alone.** Safety in numbers, people!
- **Don't antagonize anything.** A good piece of advice.
- **Don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep**. No matter the experience, rest helps.
Is This Place Actually a Real Inn? Or Just a Movie Set?
Yes, the Old Well Inn is a real inn! A very real and very old inn! While I haven't asked for a movie to be made about the Inn, one day if I get the chance, I would, the building has a rich history and the staff are really nice. They are used to the questions and they know how to help the guestsStayin The Heart
