Spectres and spires: A paranormal tour of Pluckley’s Grade I and II listed buildings

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant

Aerial view of a small village with a central church, surrounding trees, grassy fields, and scattered houses.

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A Glimpse into Pluckley's past

As the nights grow longer, we get closer to Halloween, a spooky season filled with tales of ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. While many towns in the UK embrace the Halloween season with costumes and carved pumpkins, there is one village that doesn’t need to try very hard to be frightening.

Located in the Kent countryside, Pluckley is a beautiful village that appears idyllic at first glance, with its beautiful cottages, ancient church and peaceful fields. But hidden behind it all, this quaint village is home to over a dozen reported ghosts, earning it a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in the 1980s as Britain’s most haunted village.

Pluckley’s history stretches back over 900 years, first appearing in the Domesday book of 1086. It was developed around the 13th century church of St Nicholas, and is surrounded by orchards, fields and ancient woodlands. It was always a peaceful agricultural community; However, it is also one with an unusually high number of strange tales, tragic deaths and eerie encounters. As stories were passed down in generations, Pluckley attracted more attention.

Pluckley isn’t only known for its paranormal activities, it was also chosen as the filming location for the Darling Buds of May, which was a very popular ITV drama series in the 1990’s.
Pluckley’s spine-chilling legends and eerie atmosphere make it a magnet for ghost hunters, thrill-seekers and curious tourists, especially as Halloween approaches.

Local businesses often embrace their reputation; Pubs serve themed drinks and ghost walks guide visitors through the haunted sites during the scary season, so Pluckley definitely does not disappoint.

There are many listed properties within the village that are said to be haunted, and they all hold their own stories and tales to tell. Here are just a few of the most famous spirits said to wonder the village that we thought we would share.

The Red Lady of St. Nicholas Church

St Nicholas Church is a Grade I listed building in Pluckley, and it is said that a ghostly woman in red roams the graveyard looking for her lost baby. Some believe she’s the spirit of Lady Dering, buried in a lead-lined coffin in the church. The Red Lady is arguably Pluckley’s most famous ghost.

Old stone church with arched windows and a steeple, surrounded by gravestones at sunset.

Aerial view of a dense forest with fog covering the treetops on a cloudy day.

Greystones

This former rectory is a Grade II listed property and is home to “The Phantom Monk”, a figure from the 1500s who haunts the grounds and the surrounding woods. This large house was built in 1863 and is typical of the local style with ‘Dering’ windows.

The monk was reportedly in love with the lady of Rose Court, who killed herself with poison after their love affair was discovered. He later died of a broken heart, his ghost is known to walk the fields between Greystones and Rose Court, searching for his love.

Rose Court

This Grade II listed building is said to be haunted by “the Lady of Rose Court” a woman who died in 1862. Legends suggest that she committed suicide after being involved in a love triangle and some sources say that she took a poisonous cocktail of berries and ivy and is sometimes seen near the Rose Court house.

The Black Horse Inn

This historic Grade II listed pub is known for many unexplained occurrences, with reports of moving objects such as glasses and cutlery being thrown. A small child spirit has also been seen and believed to be associated with the moving and missing items around the pub. There have been reports of a sinister spirit that is mean and controlling but also a compassionate female spirit who is said to protect people from the sinister one.

Close-up of a map showing Pluckley, Headcorn Vineyard, Smarden, and surrounding locations in southeast England.

Stone building with ornate gabled roofs, arched windows, and ivy growing on the facade under a blue sky.

The Dering Arms pub

The Dering Arms is a Grade II listed building and was originally an old hunting lodge, built in the 1840’s for the Dering family but today is a pub which holds so much mystery. People have witnessed ghostly figures standing at the bar and some have seen an old lady dressed in 19th century clothing sitting in the window and it is said that if anyone approaches her, she disappears.

Each spirit is said to emerge more frequently as Halloween draws closer, feeding into the chilling ambience of the season in Pluckley and here are a few more resident ghosts that are said to make an appearance in the Village from time to time: –

The Watercress Woman: At a now dry bridge, the ghost of an elderly woman who used to sell watercress is said to appear in smoke and flame which is the supposed result of her tragic, fiery death, as it is said that she died after setting herself on fire whilst drinking and smoking.

The Screaming Man: Near the site of a former brickworks, this ghost is said to be a worker who met a violent end in an explosion. Locals claim to still hear his screams on quiet nights.

The Highwayman of Fright Corner: A shadowy figure said to have been ambushed and pinned to a tree with a sword, reportedly appears at the crossroads, especially around Halloween.

If you dare to visit Pluckley this Halloween this is not just a village of stories; it’s a real place, with real people and centuries of living history. But if you pause at the crossroads or walk through the misty graveyard, don’t be surprised if you get a sudden chill running down your spine, the kind that you only get when you are certain that you are alone, even when no one is there.

There are so many listed properties up and down the country that have Halloween events and activities going on and here are just a few that we have found if you are looking for something to do over the spooky season.

Hempstead House Hotel Sittingbourne Kent: -Participate in a paranormal investigation at this Grade II listed hotel on 31st October 2025. There will be psychic experiments you can get involved in as well as ghost hunting vigils and seances in different locations around the hotel and all complete with a buffet dinner. You can find out more information here: – Events at Hempstead House

Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire: – This Grade I listed home of the Duke of Marlborough hosts an exciting Halloween trail through its beautiful grounds which is suitable for all of the family.

Find out all the information to visit Blenheim Palace here: – Halloween at Blenheim Palace 2025 | Family Trail & Activities

Culzean Castle Ayrshire Scotland: – This Grade A listed castle has an ongoing Halloween event that is running up to 2nd November 2025. It has a family friendly trail where visitors can help witches find missing ingredients for their potions. The trail takes you through the stunning country park. Find out more about visiting Culzean Castle here: – Culzean Castle | National Trust for Scotland

Bodmin Jail, Bodmin Cornwall: -The original Jail building is Grade II listed and at Halloween you can explore the secrets and stories of Bodmin Jail with award-winning tours, paranormal experiences, and the immersive dark walk, this is great for thrill seekers and history lovers. Find out more here: – Cornwall Historical Site and Attractions | Bodmin Jail

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire: -Tatton Park and gardens is listed as Grade II and this Halloween it is offering a variety of spooky events across its grounds and also in the Grade I listed mansion located in in the gardens. Find out everything that they have going on here: – Autumn at Tatton Park

Listed building insurance, keeping you save should anything hair raising happen

The eerie tales of Pluckley and other storied buildings remind us that history lives not only in textbooks, but in bricks and beams. These haunted and historic properties are more than curiosities; they’re irreplaceable pieces of the Uks heritage.

At Abode, we are listed property insurance specialists, and we are passionate about protecting listed properties for generations to come.

If you own a listed property and would like to speak to us about ensuring your home is properly protected, call us on 01622 476 433 or fill in our online form, to speak to our specialist team today.

Happy Halloween to you all… if you dare.