Folklore and Phantoms at The Pantiles
30th September 2024
30th September 2024
As the air grows crisp and the nights get darker, there’s no better time to explore the rich folklore and ghostly tales that surround The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells.
This historic area, known for its 17th Century architecture and the Chalybeate Spring, has long been the heart of the town, but it is also home to legends, hauntings and myths to send a shiver down the spine!
Whether you’re a firm believer in the paranormal or simply enjoy a good ghost story, The Pantiles and its surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for an eerie, atmospheric experience. With Halloween fast approaching, let’s dive into the stories of spirits and supernatural happenings.
For centuries, The Pantiles has been a focal point of the town, attracting visitors from far and wide. However, not all its visitors have left. The area is said to be home to more than a dozen spirits who wander the Georgian colonnade to this day.
One of the most famous hauntings takes place at The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, a building with a tragic past. Before it became the hotel we know today, it was known as “High House,” where a heartbroken young woman leapt to her death after being denied access to her lover. Her restless spirit is said to haunt Room 16, where guests have reported seeing furniture move by itself and bed sheets being thrown across the room. In 1997, staff and visitors alike reported seeing the ghostly figure of a woman in grey, wandering the hotel halls.
Not far from the hotel, the restaurant La Casa Vecchia is said to be home to another “grey lady.” This spirit, believed to be the former madam of an 18th Century house of ill-repute, reportedly looks out of the windows to this day, perhaps still waiting for one of the girls who mysteriously disappeared.
One of the central attractions of The Pantiles is the famous Chalybeate Spring, which drew visitors to Tunbridge Wells in the 1600s for its purported healing properties. The spring itself has a somewhat mythical quality, believed by early visitors to have magical powers that could cure everything from digestive issues to melancholy. While its medicinal reputation has waned over the centuries, its mysterious origins and links to natural healing continue to enchant locals and tourists alike.
Outside of The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells is no stranger to hauntings. Calverley Grounds is also known for its supernatural connections. One particular tale involves a woman who reported experiencing a “time slip” in the 1960s. While walking along Calverley Road, she entered a shop and found herself in a room filled with well-dressed people from a bygone era. After researching the location, she discovered the room had once been part of the now-demolished Tunbridge Wells Constitutional Club.
Even the woods around Tunbridge Wells carry spooky stories. In the mid-18th Century, smugglers used these dense woods to transport their goods. A phantom horse and rider are said to gallop along the former pony track near Broomhill Road, while some claim to have seen the figure of a ghostly highwayman, waiting in the trees for an unsuspecting victim.
The Pantiles is a fitting location for a spooky stroll this October. Whether you’re hoping to glimpse one of the grey ladies, hear ghostly whispers or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere, The Pantiles promises an experience unlike any other.
Plus, we will also be hosting a spooktacular Halloween Market on the 26th and 27th October. Visitors can expect to find a ghoulishly good mix of seasonal treats, spooky decorations and unique handmade items that are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
Whether you’re hunting for last-minute costume accessories, autumnal crafts or simply want to enjoy the hauntingly fun atmosphere, this market will have something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a spine-chilling adventure this October, The Pantiles is waiting for you!