Halloween 2024: Hereford's most haunted places revealed

Being a city with a lot of history, it is no surprise that several spots across the area are believed to be haunted.

Author Paul Lee has mapped "sightings" of ghouls across the country. His interactive map pinpoints where ghosts or other paranormal activity have been witnessed, and Hereford does not disappoint with several map entries.

From haunted pubs to phantom monks, here are some of the spookiest places people reported around Hereford.

Oxford Arms

The Oxford Arms (Image: Jaggery) The Oxford Arms is apparently haunted by a girl who died in a fire when the building was used as a bakery centuries ago, and a phantom monk who has been seen walking around the pub.

The Wellington

The Wellington (Image: Google Maps) The Wellington is thought to have been the setting for some paranormal activity, with reports of mysterious rustling and movement in the ladies toilets, and lights turning on and off.

A dark figure has also reportedly been captured on camera in the pub's kitchen.

Byster's Gate

Bath Street (Image: Google Maps) This gate once stood in Bath Street near Hereford Magistrates' Court.

The story goes that the ghost of a former cathedral staff member named Hoskins was sealed in a bottle during an exorcism and buried near here.

After the gate was destroyed it is believed that Hoskins was freed and a shadowy old man in black has been seen in the area.

Horse and Groom

The Horse and Groom (Image: Paul Rogers)

Another pub on this list that is thought to be haunted is the Horse and Groom.

According to the haunted locations database, "the ghost here is invisible and its favourite antic is to pat women's backsides".

A heavy object has also apparently been heard being dragged across an upstairs room.

Hereford County Hospital

Hereford County Hospital The hospital is another of Hereford's paranormal hotspots, according to the haunted locations database.

Muffled voices have been heard at the main entrance and car park, where a slaughterhouse used to stand.

There have also been reports of sheets being "ripped off" sleeping patients in the night.

The Old House

The Old House As a building with so much history, it's no surprise that people have speculated about ghosts in the Old House.

Apparently one of the bedrooms has been found with curtains mysteriously closed, and another with the bed unmade and in disarray.

St Peter's Church

St Peter's Church Sightings have occurred here, usually in December, of a hooded figure approaching the church door and disappearing. 

Shire Hall

The Shire Hall Cigar smoke can sometimes be smelt around the building, with a figure spotted in the jury waiting room.

A little girl has also apparently been seen playing outside the front door.

Queens Arms

Queens Arms

Another pub on the list is the Queens Arms.

The Hereford Times shared past experiences at the pub in the 1980s, which included the spirit of an Anglo-Saxon warrior.

The Lichfield Vaults

The Lichfield Vaults Apparently there is a ghost at the Lichfield Vaults that moves barrels around in the cellar and throws beer mats around.

Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's (Image: David Smith/Geograph) An elderly woman has been seen wandering around the car park and shop.

She is thought to be a passenger who died at the train station, which Sainsbury's was built upon.

The Orange Tree

The Orange Tree (Image: Google Maps) According to the haunted locations database, the Orange Tree is built on the site of a convent's graveyard, and an apparition of a nun has been seen.

Legend says that she had a relationship with a monk but became pregnant; he was punished and she never saw him again, and her baby was taken to an orphanage when it was born.

Hereford Cathedral

Hereford Cathedral As another building with centuries of history, it is only to be expected that there are some stories of ghosts at the cathedral.

The Hereford Times has previously shared the ghost story of a Canon dressed in white who was butchered in the 11th century by invading Welshmen. 

Gwynne Street

Gwynne Street (Image: Google Maps) The street, believed to be the birthplace of Nell Gwyn, is believed to still be home to her ghost.

ALSO READ:

• The Bridge Thai Street Food in Hereford can now open late
• Hereford cafe confirms closure
• Locals blast plans to turn Herefordshire pub into home

Wye Way

Wye Way (Image: Fabian Musto) Now a block of flats, this building used to be the General Hospital.

It is home to one of the most famous ghost stories from Hereford, the Grey Lady. 

It is said that she was a nurse who had an affair with a married doctor but ultimately killed herself when she realised that he would not abandon his wife for her.