Bristol might be best known for its vibrant street art, maritime history and having famous statues thrown into the harbour, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a darker, spookier side that’s been captured on camera more than once.
The city has been a backdrop for tonnes of films and TV shows, but did you know that some of its most cinematic buildings come with chilling reputations for paranormal activity?
Bristol’s Most Spine-Chilling Sets
There are plenty of allegedly haunted locations to choose from in a city as rich in history as Bristol, but here are a few of the most well-known:
Arnos Manor Hotel
This Georgian-era building has played host to wedding parties, weekend travellers and, according to local legend, a nun who never quite checked out. Rumours suggest the young nun was locked away within the walls by other nuns to avoid a scandal. Guests have reported everything from strange noises to unexplained cold spots.
The Paranormal 5 (S1E6) features an investigation at Arnos Manor and the 2016 film Golden Years shot scenes there.
The Llandoger Trow
Few pubs can boast a guest list that includes Robert Louis Stevenson, who is said to have been inspired here while writing Treasure Island. But the Llandoger Trow also has its share of spectral regulars. Patrons have claimed to see phantom sailors and chairs moving of their own accord.
Most Haunted Live! — Pirates’ Curse (2007) devoted its third night to the Llandoger Trow.
SS Great Britain
Brunel’s iconic steamship has been restored to her Victorian glory, but not all the spirits aboard are in the history books. Ghostly apparitions have been reported in the first-class cabins as well as the sound of footsteps echoing through empty corridors.
Look out for The SS Great Britain in Freeze (2023), an award-winning indie creature feature.
When the haunting is too close to home
Of course, haunted locations aren’t limited to famous landmarks. Some Bristol residents have found themselves sharing their own homes with what they believe to be paranormal presences. For a few, the eerie experiences have even been enough to prompt a move.
While it’s the stuff of horror films, there are real cases of homeowners deciding that life is too short to co-exist with things that go bump in the night. For those who want a clean break, a quick sale can be appealing. Services like We Buy Any Home in Bristol offer a fast, straightforward way to move on, by offering a cash buying service. This means money in the bank in as little as seven days. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy the thrill of a well-told haunting, Bristol’s blend of cinematic history and eerie folklore makes it a city where the line between film and reality feels thin and sometimes, chillingly easy to cross.
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