Swindon in Wiltshire has history that spans centuries. It’s no surprise it’s home to a number of haunted places. Here are five of them!
Health Hydro, Swindon
Milton Rd, Swindon SN1 5JA
The Health Hydro in Swindon is a popular destination for paranormal investigators seeking to make contact with the spirits believed to inhabit the building.
The Victorian-era structure, originally built in 1891 as a medical dispensary and swimming baths for the Great Western Railway, was later used as a hospital for returning soldiers during World War One.
The Hydro’s historical hotspots remain largely unchanged, and visitors have reported experiencing cold spots, the presence of children, and active poltergeists.
Additionally, a young soldier who passed away during the war is said to haunt the room where exercise classes are currently held.
While the spirits are generally described as harmless, there are reportedly areas of the building where even seasoned investigators prefer not to linger.
The Clifton Inn
59 Clifton St, Swindon SN1 3PY
The Clifton Inn, formerly known as the Clifton Hotel, is a historic pub located in Swindon.
Built in 1878, it has a long history, and like many old buildings, it has its own spectral presence. The pub is said to be haunted by a hooded figure, which some believe to be a nun from the site’s ancient priory. However, there is no documented evidence to support this theory.
In 1988, during Christmas Day celebrations, a poltergeist reportedly joined the festive revellers. Glasses jumped from shelves behind the bar, and an eerie presence was felt in the beer cellar. The pub has had several landlords over the years, including Henry Jefferies and his wife Frances, who lost two of their sons during their occupancy of the pub.
Despite its ghostly history, the Clifton remains a popular local pub, hosting regular events such as quiz nights, darts, pool, and occasional live music. The pub has even welcomed TV psychic Litz Butcher as a guest.
Although the nun ghost may have slipped out of fashion in recent years, the Clifton Inn continues to hold a special place in Swindon’s history and community.
Lydiard House
Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA
Lydiard House is an ancient property located in Swindon originally built in the 14th century and extensively renovated in the 17th century. It’s now owned and maintained by the Lydiard Park Trust as a museum and event venue.
The property is said to have several ghosts, including Sir John St John, the first baronet who died in 1648, who has been seen giving directions to lost visitors on the grounds.
A nurse who stayed at the house in 1940 claimed to have seen a blood-stained hand on the wall and a model of a knight in armour on the staircase.
The daughter of the first caretaker also reported ghostly sightings, including a mischievous small figure dressed in a dark brown cloak and a woman in white seen on the stairs.
Visitors have reported the smell of tobacco and a drop in temperature when Sir John is present, and sightings of a drummer boy and a phantom carriage have also been reported.
The Savoy
40 Regent Street, Swindon SN1 1JL
Originally built in the mid-1930s as The Savoy cinema in the Art Deco style, this Swindon landmark seated nearly 2,000 patrons and played a pivotal role in the town’s cinematic history.
It hosted Swindon’s first recorded film screening in 1907 at the Faringdon Road swimming baths.
Today, The Savoy Theatre has been transformed into a pub while still retaining its historic charm.
Renowned for its historic performances, the pub is also infamous for its ghostly resident, ‘George’.
Local legends suggest George, a former stagehand or actor, met an untimely demise during the theatre’s early years.
Reports of paranormal activity include sightings of a shadowy figure in backstage areas and dressing rooms, mysterious footsteps in empty corridors, and lights flickering inexplicably.
These eerie tales add to the pub’s allure, drawing both sceptics and believers to experience its supernatural phenomena.
The Freke Arms
Swanborough, Swindon SN6 7RN
The Freke Arms, located in Swanborough near Swindon, is reputed to be haunted.
The pub’s ghostly resident is said to be a former landlady named Florrie.
Visitors and staff have reported various paranormal experiences, including sightings of a woman in Victorian-era clothing and unexplained footsteps and sounds.
The Freke Arms has gained a reputation among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike as a place where ghostly encounters may occur, adding to its charm and intrigue for visitors seeking a spooky experience.
Have you seen a ghost in Haunted Swindon? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
