From crying children and phantom footsteps to mysterious figures in white, these Dorset pubs are said to be among the most haunted places to enjoy a pint.

If you believe the stories, not every spirit served in a Dorset pub comes from behind the bar.

Across the county, landlords, staff and customers have reported unexplained noises, ghostly apparitions and eerie encounters that have become part of local folklore. Some tales date back hundreds of years, rooted in tragic love stories, suspicious deaths and long-forgotten legends.

With Halloween upon us, Pub Social has gathered some of the most famous haunted pubs in Dorset and the surrounding area.

Would you dare stay for one last drink?

Crown Hotel – The Crying Children of Poole

Front view of the Crown Hotel in Poole, one of Dorset's most famous reportedly haunted pubs — The Crown Hotel in Poole is said to be haunted by the spirits of two children whose cries are reportedly heard in the building.

Tucked away in the historic Old Town of Poole, the Crown Hotel has long been linked to unsettling tales of two children whose voices are allegedly heard late at night.

According to local legend, the children were locked inside the building by their parents and left to die. Guests and staff have since reported hearing crying and shouting echoing through the corridors.

Other paranormal claims include lights turning on and off without explanation and the haunting sound of a piano playing when no one is nearby.

Ye Olde George Inn – A Tragic Love Story

Dating back to the 14th century, Ye Olde George Inn in Christchurch is one of the county’s oldest coaching inns.

Front view of Ye Olde George Inn in Christchurch, Dorset, one of the county's most historic and reportedly haunted pubs — Ye Olde George Inn in Christchurch is linked to one of Dorset’s most chilling ghost stories, involving Margaret Moore and the cries of a newborn baby.

Its most chilling tale centres on Margaret Moore, daughter of the landlord, who is said to have fallen in love with a Royalist soldier during the English Civil War. When she gave birth to his child, her father reportedly bricked both mother and baby into a pantry to preserve the family’s reputation.

Visitors claim that in the quiet hours of the night, they can hear a baby crying and scratching sounds coming from within the walls.

The Acorn – The Ghost Counting Gold

Front view of The Acorn pub in Kinson, Bournemouth, known for ghost stories involving a mysterious figure counting gold coins — The Acorn in Kinson is said to be haunted by the apparition of a man counting gold coins late at night.

Before becoming The Acorn, this Kinson pub was known as The Dolphin.

One witness reported being awakened by the sound of coins clinking, only to discover the apparition of a man sitting on a chest counting gold.

Later occupants also described glasses moving, pool cues falling and footsteps echoing through empty rooms.

King Charles Inn – “Help Me!”

Front view of King Charles Inn in Poole, Dorset, a historic pub associated with reports of ghostly footsteps and unexplained voices — King Charles Inn in Poole is said to be haunted by unexplained footsteps, breathing sounds and a woman crying for help.

Few pubs in Poole have attracted as many ghost stories as the King Charles Inn.

Staff and visitors have described hearing footsteps on the stairs, breathing noises and a woman’s voice repeatedly crying, “Help me! Help me! Help me!”

Others report being nudged by unseen hands and noticing objects moved from where they were left.

Langtry Manor Hotel – The Lady in White

Exterior of Langtry Manor Hotel in Boscombe, Bournemouth, where a mysterious lady in white is said to appear — Langtry Manor Hotel in Boscombe is reputedly haunted by a grey lady often linked to the story of Lillie Langtry.

Although technically a hotel rather than a pub, Langtry Manor is one of Dorset’s best-known haunted buildings.

A grey figure, often described as a lady in white, has reportedly been seen gliding through the property. Many believe the apparition is connected to Lillie Langtry, although historians note there is no firm documentary evidence linking her directly to the building’s original story.

Whoever she may be, the mystery remains unsolved.

The Quay – Poltergeist on the Waterfront

Front view of The Quay pub on Poole Quay, Dorset, where staff have reported unexplained paranormal activity — The Quay in Poole has been linked to reports of missing items, strange breathing sounds and ghostly encounters.

Occupying a converted warehouse on Poole Quay, The Quay has developed a reputation for strange occurrences.

Reports include missing items, unexplained breathing sounds and the sensation of being prodded by something invisible.

Given the building’s long maritime history, some believe restless spirits may still linger within its walls.

Red Lion – The Beast of the New Forest

Front view of the Red Lion pub in Boldre near the New Forest, linked to the legendary Stratford Lion — The Red Lion in Boldre takes its name from the legendary red lion said to roam the New Forest.

Just beyond Dorset in the New Forest, the Red Lion is associated with one of the region’s strangest legends.

The story tells of a giant red lion unearthed centuries ago by John of Stratford, who was dragged through the forest before finally subduing the creature.

Since then, sightings of the mysterious beast have reportedly continued, and the pub takes its name from the enduring legend.

Oddfellows Arms – The Friendly Young Ghost

Front view of Oddfellows Arms in Wimborne, Dorset, where a friendly young ghost is said to play tricks on staff — Oddfellows Arms in Wimborne is said to be haunted by a mischievous young boy who turns lights on and off.

In Wimborne Minster, the Oddfellows Arms is said to be haunted by a young boy.

Unlike many ghost stories, this spirit is described as mischievous rather than menacing, with reports of lights flickering on and off and playful disturbances throughout the building.

According to local tales, the boy even woke the landlord during an earthquake.

Dare You Visit?

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories add another layer of mystery to some of the South Coast’s most fascinating pubs and inns.

From tragic romances and hidden treasure to phantom children and unexplained voices, Dorset’s haunted pubs continue to capture imaginations long after last orders.

Have you experienced anything strange in a Dorset pub?

Share your story in the comments below — if you dare.

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Haunted Pubs of Dorset: 8 Spine-Chilling Inns Where Ghost Stories Refuse to Die