Ghostly figures, phantom footsteps and unexplained voices have all been reported in and around Clacton-on-Sea. Here are five of the area’s best-known haunted places
Clacton-on-Sea is one of Essex’s favourite seaside resorts, known for its beach, pier and family attractions.
But there is another side to the town.
Away from the arcades and promenade are stories of ghosts, unexplained events and local legends that reveal the dark side of Clacton.
Whether you’re looking for haunted Clacton, spooky Clacton or simply unusual things to do, these five locations have all earned a place in the town’s supernatural folklore.
Jaywick Martello Tower
Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 2LF
Visitors to Jaywick Martello Tower have reported hearing footsteps echoing through the empty fort, along with strange voices and the feeling that someone is watching them. Some have also experienced sudden cold spots while exploring the building.
The round brick tower was built in 1809 as part of Britain’s coastal defences against a possible invasion by Napoleon.
Today it is an arts, heritage and exhibition space, but its military past continues to fuel stories of restless spirits. Whether the strange sounds are caused by the building’s thick walls or something more mysterious is left for visitors to decide.
The Kingscliff Hotel
55 Kings Parade, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 5JB
A woman in old-fashioned clothes has reportedly been seen walking through the corridors of The Kingscliff Hotel before disappearing without trace. Staff have also spoken of unexplained footsteps, doors opening by themselves and an uneasy feeling when parts of the hotel are empty.
Standing on the seafront since the late 19th century, the hotel has welcomed generations of holidaymakers.
Its Victorian character and long history have helped make it one of the best-known haunted buildings in the Clacton area.
Clacton Pier
No. 1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1QX
Shadowy figures have been seen on Clacton Pier after dark, only to vanish as people get closer. Workers have also reported hearing footsteps and unexplained voices when the pier should be deserted.
Opened in 1871, the pier has survived storms, fires and two world wars.
Millions of visitors have walked its boards over the years, and its long history has inspired plenty of ghost stories.
Whether the sightings are tricks of the light or something more unusual remains a mystery.
St John’s Church
St John’s Road, Great Clacton, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4BP
Ghostly figures have reportedly been seen walking through the churchyard at St John’s Church, while visitors have described hearing whispers and footsteps when nobody else is nearby.
The church dates back to the twelfth century and is one of the oldest buildings in the Clacton area.
It served the ancient village of Great Clacton long before the seaside resort was created, and its historic churchyard has inspired local ghost stories for generations.
Legends of smugglers using the surrounding area have added to its mysterious reputation.
West Cliff Theatre
Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE
Staff and performers at West Cliff Theatre have spoken of unexplained noises backstage, footsteps in empty parts of the building and the feeling that they are not alone after audiences have gone home.
The theatre opened in 1894 and has entertained visitors for well over a century.
Like many old theatres, it has gathered its share of ghost stories over the years, with generations of actors and staff adding to its paranormal folklore.
Bonus: Haunted Places Near Clacton-on-Sea
If Clacton’s ghost stories have whetted your appetite, some of Essex’s most famous haunted locations are only a short drive away.
St Osyth Priory
The Bury, St Osyth CO16 8NZ
The ghost of St Osyth is said to walk the grounds of St Osyth Priory, carrying her own head after being beheaded by Viking raiders in AD 653. Witnesses have also reported shadowy figures, unexplained footsteps and strange noises around the ancient buildings.
Parts of the priory date back to the twelfth century, although much of what survives today was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is one of the oldest and most important historic sites in Essex and has attracted ghost stories for centuries.
The Cage
St Osyth, Essex CO16
Screams, disembodied voices and violent poltergeist activity have all been reported at The Cage in St Osyth. Visitors and paranormal investigators have claimed to witness apparitions, objects moving on their own and dark figures inside the building.
The small red-brick house is believed to have been used to hold people accused of witchcraft before their trials. Over the years it has gained a reputation as one of Britain’s most famous allegedly haunted houses, appearing in books, documentaries and paranormal investigations.
