Paranormal Hunters UK have published a book on some of the most haunted pubs in the county – with Portsmouth and Fareham watering holes featuring.
The book blurb reads: “Hidden behind oak-panelled bars, black Smokey fireplaces and wood-burners, timeworn stone walls hide stories that refuse to fade away. From shadowy figures caught in the corner of the eye to unexplained whispers or whistles after last orders, Hampshire’s most haunted pubs are just brimming with secrets ready to be told.
”Ghosts on Tap, isn’t just a list of historic drinking spots or stories of the paranormal, it’s a journey through eerie encounters, chilling legends, and importantly, first-hand paranormal investigations. Whether you're a believer, a sceptic, or just looking for a decent pint with a side order of the supernatural, these actively haunted pubs promise more than just beer, this is Ghosts on Tap.”
Find out what the 9 most haunted pubs are in Hampshire below.
1. The Bugle in Titchfield
Dr Iain Lightfoot and Barry Depp wrote on their findings: I would like to start with a wonderful quote by one of the team at The Bugle. "The fun starts when it gets dark..." how right they were! Nestled in the historic heart of Titchfield village, the Bugle Hotel is a place where time feels stretched thin. Just metres from the ruins of Titchfield Abbey, the canal and River Meon, and opposite the medieval St Peter’s Church, this 400-year-old coaching inn stands proudly as a relic of Hampshire’s past. Yet behind its welcoming bar and cosy rooms lies something else, something mostly unseen but often heard. We were invited to investigate following staff reports of paranormal activity. Pint glasses tipping over, disembodied footsteps, whispered voices, shadows in empty rooms, classic signs of a haunting. What we found confirmed what many already believe: the Bugle Hotel is very much alive with its past. The Investigation Begins at The Bugle We focused our efforts on Rooms 1, 5, and 6, the function room, the bar, and, albeit briefly, in the cellar. From the moment we arrived, the welcome from staff was warm, yet the air around us held a quiet charge. A quick walkaround and baseline EMF checks helped us identify key hotspots. We placed cameras, spirit balls, REM pods, and trigger objects across the property. It didn’t take long for the activity to start. The kitchen door opened and closed on its own. Suspecting a draft, we positioned a camera, but the motion remained odd even when the doors were closed, I suspected the breeze was responsible however. The function room became our base, and from there, we observed numerous orbs and heard bangs, whispers, and even whistles and what sounded like a growl. Rooms of Energy and Memory Room 1 delivered our first jolt. A previously upright lampshade had twisted to one side, repositioning itself... When I lifted it back in place it proved difficult; it had to be lifted and angled to recreate the effect. I also sensed strong emotional energy, what I described Photo: Paranormal Hunters UK
2. The Jolly Sailor in Bursledon
Extract from Ghosts on Tap book: We arrived on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. The air was still, and uncomfortably so. Yet both Barry and I experienced sudden chills, significant goose bumps, and even headaches, this is while sitting enjoying the ambience. These are classic signs that something is stirring, and in our experience, not just from the heat. It felt like the spirits were already watching, and the proof came quickly. As I began recording some initial footage, literally one of the largest string orbs I’ve ever seen drifted through the viewfinder, so clear, so deliberate, it was as if the night was officially beginning and yet I only captured the tale end of it. It felt that the spirit moved out of the way purposefully. Back in the oldest room, the activity ramped up. Orbs of all types made appearances, some quick and darting, others slow and pulsating and, I thought, very beautiful. One spirit, communicating via the cat balls, kept the light on persistently, as if to say, "I’m still here. Don’t stop talking to me." From our interaction, we believe there are five primary spirits residing at the Jolly Sailor. The spirit we connected via significant Spirit ball activity on request, most strongly had ties to the river / sea, not through ships or the nearby boatyard, but possibly someone washed ashore… a body, not a sailor. That impression was chilling and poignant. We attempted some table tipping and glass movement, but it seemed there just wasn’t quite enough energy in the room nor maybe the spirits were still 'sussing' us out. This wasn't unsurprising following the human pendulum activity. Photo: Paranormal Hunters UK
3. The Eclipse Inn - Winchester
The Eclipse Inn in Winchester is a building steeped in history, sadness, and spirit. Nestled in the heart of the city’s ancient streets, this Grade II listed timber-framed building dates back to 1540. Originally built as the rectory for St Lawrence’s Church, the building has long outlived its religious roots. Now, it’s known as a warm and welcoming pub boasting over 100 gins, a strong local following, and is said to also be home to the sorrowful presence of Lady Alice Lisle. Injustice at the Hands of Judge Jeffereys Lady Lisle’s story is one of tragedy and injustice. On the 20th of July, 1685, she was approached by two desperate fugitives following the failed Monmouth Rebellion. She offered them shelter, a decision that would ultimately cost her life. Despite jury sympathies, the infamous Judge Jeffreys, already dubbed "The Hanging Judge," forced a guilty verdict after only fifteen minutes. Originally sentenced to burn at the stake, Lady Lisle’s status as a noblewoman earned her a final act of mercy: beheading. Her last night was spent in the upper floor of the Eclipse Inn. Just outside the front window, carpenters hammered and sawed through the night, constructing the scaffold that would end her life. On the morning of September 2nd, 1685, she walked with quiet dignity from the back room, through the 'Red Room', and finally through the window into Winchester marketplace to lay her head upon the block. She was the first execution of the Bloody Assizes and the last woman in England to be beheaded. Many staff and visitors claim she never truly left. Is the Eclipse Inn haunted? After listening to and reading the interviews, I do believe so. Yet I also believe it is not a place of chaos or malevolence. It is a place of deep history and sorrow. If Lady Lisle lingers here, it is not to frighten but perhaps to remind us—to carry forward the story of a woman who met injustice with grace. If you visit, take a moment to pause near the Red Room window. Imagine the weight of knowing your scaffold Photo: Paranormal Hunters UK
4. Sally Port Inn, High Street, Old Portsmouth
Extract from Ghost on Taps: Armed with sound recorders, infrared cameras, dowsing rods, and cat balls, we began our vigil. Almost immediately, we encountered... nothing... we captured a few small orbs on camera and experienced occasional EMF spikes. On the main stairs, motion sensors were triggered while we were upstairs, and there were subtle cold spots. Yet, overall, the night was surprisingly quiet... TOO QUIET. On reviewing the evidence, we did capture movements, EVPs and knocking... but no direct contact. This raised questions. Was it simply a low-activity night, or were the spirits deliberately avoiding contact? In most locations, I would fully expect to see at least some orb movement, as I rarely believe any place is entirely devoid of spirit presence. Yet here, the stillness was profound. Why the silence? Were they hiding, wary of our intrusion? Did we fail to ask the right questions or gain their trust? Or perhaps the spirits of Sally Port Inn prefer to reveal themselves on their own terms. Final Thoughts On this night, the verdict is simple: the Sally Port Inn remains an enigma. Despite a few glimpses of activity, very occasional orbs, cold spots, and a motion sensor or two, it was quiet, almost too quiet. This building, with its centuries-old timbers and layers of history, for me holds secrets. Perhaps the spirits are waiting for the right moment or the right people to engage with them. Future investigations may yield more, but for now, the mystery endures. I can say that, when you find yourself next in Old Portsmouth, step inside this historical gem. Enjoy a quiet drink, absorb the atmosphere, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll sense the whispers of the past. Photo: Sarah Standing