Exmouth is best known for its beaches and seafront, but the town holds quieter, older stories tucked away in its streets and buildings. Historic pubs, long-standing houses, and leafy corners of the town have all been linked to unexplained sightings and eerie experiences over the years. These tales offer a new perspective on familiar places and reveal a side of Exmouth that many visitors don’t usually see.
The Manor Hotel and the Cellar Rumours
Perched on the Beacon, the Manor Hotel dates back to the early 19th century. Over time, both guests and staff have reported unusual occurrences in the older parts of the building – particularly the cellars.
One of the most enduring stories is that the hotel was once connected to hidden tunnels, possibly used for smuggling along the Exmouth coastline. While these tunnels have never been officially confirmed, the town’s history of small-scale smuggling in the 18th and early 19th centuries gives the idea some weight. Visitors have described unexplained footsteps, sudden cold patches, or the feeling of someone standing just behind them. Whether it’s a hidden passage or just the presence of history beneath your feet, the stories continue to intrigue those who visit.
The Beacon Vaults and Smugglers’ Passages
Just a short distance away, the Beacon Vaults pub was also tied to tales of underground passages. Its name itself hinted at storage and cellaring, and although the pub is now closed, it was long associated with old wine vaults beneath the Beacon.
Local tradition suggests that these vaults may once have formed part of a network of concealed routes used to move contraband inland at night. While no full network has ever been mapped, the building’s age and position above the old shoreline make the idea plausible enough to fuel whispers. People have spoken over the years of faint voices, closing doors, or a presence felt on quiet evenings after closing time.
Manor Gardens
Today, Manor Gardens is one of Exmouth’s most peaceful green spaces, but its long history has left a quiet mark. Formerly part of the grounds of the town’s manor house, the gardens are said to be visited by a “lady in grey,” with occasional reports of footsteps crossing the lawns after dark.
Unlike many ghost stories, this one doesn’t stem from a single tragedy or news report. Instead, it has grown gradually, shaped by memories of former residents and the stillness of the gardens at night. It’s a story more of gentle folklore than fright – a glimpse into the town’s past rather than a scare.
Exploring Exmouth’s Haunted History Today
Many of the buildings and streets mentioned are still part of everyday life in Exmouth. You can pass them on a regular walk, stop at a café nearby, or include them in a casual tour of the town. The stories add an extra layer of interest to familiar places, showing that even ordinary streets and buildings have a history worth noticing.
Next time you’re out and about in Exmouth, keep an eye and an ear open – you never know what might catch your attention, and maybe you’ll spot something worth sharing yourself.
