Ramsgate’s ghostly presence lingers in its tunnels, alleyways and historic landmarks, telling chilling tales of smuggling, murder and wartime sorrow.
The Kent town is known for its labyrinthine smugglers’ tunnels, haunted pubs and the blood-stained legend of Ellington Park.
These eerie stories form a key part of our Haunted Kent series, exploring the town’s hidden supernatural realm.
Haunted History of Ramsgate
Once a small fishing village, Ramsgate grew into a Georgian seaside resort. Its coastal cliffs made it a haven for smugglers, who carved out a web of tunnels to hide their contraband.
These underground routes still exist beneath the town, silent reminders of its secretive past.
During the Second World War, the Ramsgate Tunnels were expanded as air-raid shelters. They now hold not just historic significance, but strange echoes and unsettling sensations.
Perhaps the darkest tale belongs to Ellington Park. In the 17th century, a brutal murder took place in a manor that once stood there.
Today, the area is calm and green, but some say it remains haunted by sorrow and violence.
Ghost Stories of Ramsgate
- The Deal Cutter Pub Haunting: Visitors have reported sightings of Isaac Jarman, a former lifeboat coxswain, whose ghost is said to linger near the pub’s cellar.
- Ellington Park’s Tormented Spirits: In 1652, Adam Sprackling murdered his wife Katherine and is believed to have hidden in the tunnels beneath their home. Locals still report eerie footsteps, weeping, and the chilling cries of a child echoing through the park at night.
- Screaming Alley’s Phantom Vision: Legends tell of a nun who was bricked up alive after an affair, while another version claims a runaway horse and carriage plunged off a cliff here. On stormy nights, witnesses have reported a woman’s scream and, on one occasion, a soldier claimed to see a desperate figure emerge from a wall.
- Wartime Echoes in the Tunnels: Visitors to the Ramsgate Tunnels often describe icy cold spots, ghostly whispers and an overwhelming sense of sadness, possibly linked to the wartime trauma suffered within.
Haunted Sites in Ramsgate
- Deal Cutter Pub – Haunted by the ghost of lifeboat coxswain Isaac Jarman.
- Ellington Park – Site of a 17th-century murder and persistent paranormal activity.
- Screaming Alley – A lane steeped in tales of ghostly screams and tragic deaths.
- Ramsgate Tunnels – WWII shelters known for unexplained cold spots and sounds.
Haunted Places near Ramsgate
- Margate – Home to the ghostly Theatre Royal and the eerie legends of Dreamland.
- Broadstairs – Known for its smuggler-filled past and haunted coastal cottages.
- Canterbury – A city of ancient churches and cloisters where medieval ghosts still roam.
Ramsgate holds a unique place on Kent’s haunted map.
Ellington Park draws ghost hunters intrigued by its history and hidden passageways. Screaming Alley remains drenched in legend, and the Ramsgate Tunnels host frequent paranormal tours.
After nightfall, these sites are often described as heavy with stillness and an eerie presence difficult to ignore.
FAQs about Haunted Ramsgate
Is Ramsgate haunted?
Yes. Reports speak of a lifeboat hero’s ghost, a murdered woman’s cries, a screaming nun, and wartime spirits throughout the town.
Where can I find ghosts in Ramsgate?
You can explore the Deal Cutter Pub, Ellington Park and its underground passages, Screaming Alley and the Ramsgate Tunnels.
Has Ramsgate been investigated by paranormal groups?
Yes. Many ghost hunters and tour operators have explored Ellington Park and the Tunnels, both known for unexplained phenomena. Daryl Evans, aka Daryl Paranormal, is a paranormal investigator, who grew up in Ramsgate, who discusses a local Ramsgate poltergeist haunting on Spooky Kent, which you can read.
Have you seen a ghost in Ramsgate in Kent? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
