Beneath the Isle of Sheppey’s scenic beauty lurks a chilling history of restless spirits and haunted legends that beckon thrill-seekers and ghost hunters alike
The Isle of Sheppey, just off Kent’s coast, is known for its maritime history and stunning views. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover a more eerie side to the island.
Tales of restless spirits and haunted places have become part of Sheppey’s allure.
From ghostly figures to unexplained phenomena, the island has more than its fair share of eerie stories.
If you’re curious about the supernatural or a keen ghost hunter, here are seven of Sheppey’s most haunted locations, based on real-life accounts.
The Old House at Home
158 Queenborough Road, Sheerness
Dating back to the 17th century, The Old House at Home pub is one of the island’s oldest, and some say, most haunted.
Locals report strange noises and furniture moving on its own.
A particularly chilling tale comes from former owners, who claimed they were thrown from their bed by an invisible force.
The pub’s basement is especially notorious. A barmaid was reportedly hit on the head by a barrel top, supposedly thrown by a ghost.
With over 300 years of history, many believe the spirits are old patrons who couldn’t bear to leave their favourite haunt.
Shurland Hall
High Street, Eastchurch
Shurland Hall, a grand manor in Eastchurch, has long been the site of ghostly encounters.
The spirit of Grace Davis, who tragically drowned herself in a nearby pond in 1769, is said to haunt the grounds.
She is often spotted at night, dressed in black silk, and the sound of horse hooves has been heard, despite no horses being nearby.
Once a site of wealth and power, Shurland Hall is now in ruins, but its haunted atmosphere continues to attract those intrigued by the paranormal.
The Royal Fountain Hotel
High Street, Blue Town
The Royal Fountain Hotel, once a luxurious stopover for the likes of Lord Nelson and King George II, is now a residential building. However, some residents claim that the spirits never checked out.
Reports of a crying phantom baby and women in 18th-century dress are common.
One of the most famous sightings occurred in the 1950s, when a guest claimed to see a gaunt man in bandages accompanied by the sound of chains. Though no longer a hotel, the building’s haunted history remains a local talking point.
Deadman’s Island
Off the River Medway, Queenborough
Few places on Sheppey send as many chills down the spine as Deadman’s Island. Once a burial ground for prisoners who died on 18th-century prison ships, its eroding coastline has recently revealed human remains.
Skulls and bones now protrude from the mud, adding to the island’s eerie reputation.
In the 1950s, a local investigator claimed to find headless Napoleonic soldiers buried there.
There’s also talk of a ghostly hellhound with glowing red eyes patrolling the area. Due to its status as a bird sanctuary, the island is off-limits, but those who have visited describe an overwhelming sense of unease.
The Ferry House Inn
Harty Ferry Road, Harty
This charming 16th-century pub, overlooking the Swale Estuary, hides a dark secret.
After a local fisherman drowned nearby in 1954, strange occurrences began to be reported, especially in the cellar. Staff often feel watched, and eerie noises are frequently heard.
A paranormal investigation in 2004 is said to have captured evidence of the fisherman’s ghost.
Despite these tales, the pub continues to attract visitors, curious about its haunted reputation.
Minster Abbey Gatehouse Museum
Union Road, Minster
Dating back to the 12th century, the Minster Abbey Gatehouse Museum is home to Sheppey’s most famous ghost, the “Grey Lady”.
Some say she was a nurse when the site was used as a hospital, while others believe she was a nun. She has been seen floating silently through the halls, and ghostly monks are also rumoured to wander the grounds.
The site’s long history and eerie presence make it a popular destination for those hoping to witness the paranormal.
Kingsferry Bridge
Kingsferry Road, Isle of Sheppey
In the late 1970s, motorists near Kingsferry Bridge reported seeing a strange figure. Some described it as an ape wearing something akin to a space suit. Despite the unusual nature of the sightings, reports were so consistent that the police took them seriously.
To this day, no one knows what was seen. Some speculate it could be linked to old shipwrecks or Sheppey’s military history. Whatever the explanation, it remains one of the island’s most puzzling paranormal mysteries.
Have you visited any of these spooky spots on the Isle of Sheppey? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
