What connects the historic towns of Okehampton and Launceston? Firstly, they both used to sit on the old London to Lands End turnpike but are now bypassed by the modern A30. Secondly, they each host picturesque castle ruins. Finally, they also boast haunted coaching inns named The White Hart, writes Lawrence McNeela former haunted pub landlord and spooky enthusiast.

I first learnt of the White Hart in Okehampton’s haunted reputation when visiting as a beer rep for the now defunct Fry’s Brewery in 2012. A barmaid shared a fascinating tale involving a busy night, a young lad shirking his duties, and a very angry boss.

This manager gave his young receptionist a dressing down, saying he should’ve left his desk to serve thirsty punters. The lad said he couldn’t because he’d been talking to an old woman asking lots of questions. The impression she’d given was of someone wishing to book the place for an event of some kind.

“Don’t lie, there was no old woman!” the angry boss replied.

“No, she was here for ages!” his employee insisted.

CCTV footage viewed to settle the argument proved both men were right. The boy was indeed all alone yet chatting away. His body language made it appear that he spoke with somebody. Only, there was nobody with him…

It seems highly unlikely but folklore claims a witch was hanged inside this historic inn. The ghost of a little boy has therefore been attributed to her son searching the building for his long-lost mother. The boys’ ghost is called Peter and he’s been seen by many people. These include two women sharing incredible stories on Facebook.

Chloe Saunders said her mum worked there during the noughties when she was a toddler. One day she was found in a room upstairs that couldn’t be accessed by such a small child. She’d been playing there with Peter. Sarah Kingdom’s parents ran the inn during the eighties, and she was also found in an upstairs room, also claiming she’d been playing with Peter. She wrote, “My parents said that to get where I was, I would’ve had to go through a very heavy fire door leading to our flat at the top, which would’ve been impossible for 3 year-old me.”

Launceston has been called The Haunted Capital of Cornwall. Its own White Hart Hotel is haunted too. Again, the ghosts of children are among those present.

Eight ghostly children play hide ‘n seek in the ballroom. They’re heard giggling and their faces are seen peering from behind curtains. One evening, a waitress was busy clearing the ballroom tables. Something ghostly tried to help by sliding an empty glass her way. She was so scared she immediately quit her job.

Employees have witnessed a spectral lady walk the corridors upstairs. They’ve heard their names whispered. One member of staff had pillows thrown at them when trying to make an inventory of linen.

Several suites contain ghostly occupants. Room 7 is even haunted by a wraith whose name we know. In 1849, John Hardy, a travelling salesman from Worcester, was found dead in this room. Cholera was suspected and he was quickly buried in a grave fenced with iron railings. John’s ghost remains in Room 7 to this day.

There’s also Florence, a playful spirit with happier memories of The White Hart Hotel. Florence was a fun loving barmaid and lady of the night during WW2. She enjoys listening to old Glenn Miller and Gracie Fields songs.

This November, a second festival of ghost stories takes place in Launceston. The White Hart will host a paranormal investigation in the hope of getting to the bottom of these hauntings. Previous ghost hunts here have yielded amazing results, so I’m excited to see whether Florence or John make an appearance.

If anyone wishes to join in, there are limited places available. Tickets are available from facebook.com/Tarosvan