Ghosts in Devon? Major paranormal activity reported at historic pub in Exeter

A two-day paranormal investigation at one of Exeter’s most historic landmarks, the White Hart Inn, has revealed intriguing signs of spiritual activity, sparking fascination among locals and visitors alike.

Conducted by Paranormal Hunters UK from November 30 to December 2025, the investigation explored the Grade II*-listed inn, which dates back to medieval times and boasts a mix of Tudor and Georgian architecture. 

The team, led by founder Barry Depp and medium Dr. Iain Lightfoot, aimed to assess reported hauntings, collect audio and visual evidence, and understand whether unexplained phenomena could be linked to the building’s long and layered history.

The White Hart has served as a key coaching inn for centuries, hosting travellers, merchants, clergy, and soldiers. 

Its medieval stonework, Tudor priest holes, hidden chambers, and Georgian expansions create a complex layout that investigators describe as “energetically stratified,” meaning different areas of the inn carry distinct emotional and historical imprints.

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Barry Depp said, “Some of the entities seemed willing to communicate, but hesitant, almost as if nobody had spoken to them in a very long time.”

“Both the Bottlescrus Bar and the Ballroom carried a presence the moment I stepped inside. There was a clear sense of energy surrounding us, watchful and curious.”

The team used a combination of full-spectrum cameras, infrared equipment, EVP recorders, and environmental sensors to monitor the inn’s spaces. They documented a range of anomalies, including:

• Bottlescrus Bar: Multiple EVP responses, cold spots, and directed orb movement suggesting both residual and intelligent activity.
• Ballroom: Sudden light flashes, string and spherical orbs moving toward sounds, and temperature shifts.
• Bedroom 21: Footsteps in empty corridors, voice responses to questions, high-density orb activity, and brief bell sounds.
• Beer Garden & Wishing Well: Atmospheric changes, cold columns, and whispering EVPs linked to historical accounts of fatalities.
• Front Bar & Shop Window: Conversational EVP exchanges, including responses in accented voices, possibly reflecting historical connections.

Dr. Iain Lightfoot, who combines academic research with intuitive practice, commented: “From atmospheric shifts to direct EVPs and highly structured orb movement, the White Hart presented a rare combination of emotional history and spiritual presence. This is a location that deserves long-term study.”

The White Hart Inn management said: “We work closely with Paranormal Hunters UK to perform the investigation after guests and our team have consistently reported sightings.”

“They’re always of the friendly kind, but it’s been amazing to read the report, and both our guests and staff have been fascinated by the findings.”

Investigators hope their findings will provide a deeper understanding of the inn’s heritage and encourage further structured research.

Barry Depp concluded: “The White Hart is home to multiple spirits with differing energies and intentions. Our work here is just the beginning.” 

“With careful, respectful follow-up, we hope to build trust with the entities and provide insight for both heritage interest and visitor experience.”

Paranormal Hunters UK recommend continued investigations in key areas such as the Bottlescrus Bar, Ballroom, Bedrooms 20, 21, and 27, as well as derelict sections of the inn where children’s voices have reportedly been heard. 

The team emphasises that future work should be conducted in small, controlled sessions to avoid overwhelming the environment.