Haunted History: Discover the Secrets of The Old Rectory, Brean!
Haunted History: Discover the Secrets of The Old Rectory, Brean!
Haunted History: The Old Rectory, Brean - A Tangled Web of Ghosts, Grub, and Grumbles (Oh My!)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just clawed my way out of The Old Rectory in Brean, Somerset, and I'm here to spill the tea – or possibly the spectral ectoplasm. This isn't your polished travel brochure, oh no. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-too-honest-for-its-own-good review. We’re talking about a place that’s supposedly crawling with ghosts and, frankly, I’m starting to suspect a few of them might have been operating the front desk when I arrived.
First Impressions (and a near-miss with a poltergeist, maybe?)
The Old Rectory. It looks the part. Classic Victorian gothic, the kind of place that whispers "Beware!" on a windy day. I arrived, exhausted from a frankly brutal drive, and immediately hit a snag. Check-in/out [express]? Nope. Check-in/out [private]? Not exactly, unless you count the intense stare-down with a very old portrait in the hallway. It was almost welcoming, then again, maybe I was just delirious from the lack of sleep. The doorman (if there was one) was apparently busy wrestling a rogue breeze because I was left to my own devices to drag my suitcase through the creaky halls.
Accessibility: Navigating the Ghosts and the Gravel (and my own clumsiness)
Right, let's rip the band-aid off. Wheelchair accessible? Hmm. Facilities for disabled guests? My observation suggests a mixed bag. There's an elevator, which is a huge win, but some of the older parts of the building… well, let's just say they predate modern accessibility standards. Narrow corridors, uneven floors, and the general "character" of the place might present some challenges. This is the kind of place where the ghosts are probably also having trouble maneuvering. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are reassuring, I guess, but did they catch that shadowy figure flitting past the window? Probably not.
Getting Around: Parking and the Pursuit of a Decent Espresso
Car park [free of charge]? YES! Sweet relief after the drive. Car park [on-site]? Also yes. Bonus points for that. Taxi service? Available, I believe, which I'll need after my near-death caffeine experience. Airport transfer? Not as far as I could tell.
Rooms: Haunted, and Perhaps a Little Dated (but with Free Wi-Fi, Bless!)
My room! Alright listen, the Non-smoking rooms claim to be true, and there are plenty of Soundproof rooms, too, because you could barely hear the outside world, or the ghosts maybe. There was Air conditioning (a godsend, considering the humidity), an Alarm clock (which I promptly ignored), Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off the previous day's ghost-hunting fatigue), and a Coffee/tea maker which, thankfully, was operational. Free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver, because I needed to research every damn creak and groan for the sake of this review.
BUT… The Closet was… well, let's just say it wouldn't win a prize for organization. The Bathtub was a little worse for wear and I'm pretty sure I saw a stain that definitely predated me. The Linens were clean, thankfully. The extra long bed was great, it's what I needed, even if I did feel like a spirit could be there, too. The Hair dryer was probably from the 1980s, and the Ironing facilities were in a state of advanced disrepair, which is the only reason my clothes looked a mess. The Bathroom phone… I didn’t even try to use it. And the Mini bar was a ghost itself, it was empty.
(Rant Break: One Minute with the Room Service)
I ordered room service the first night to avoid the awkwardness of the dining room. Room service [24-hour]? They claimed, but I waited for a solid hour before I gave them a ring, which I then ended up cancelling in favor of the vending machine. Apparently, the chef was possessed. I will say there was Free bottled water, which was a win, and there was an On-demand movies selection that at least kept me entertained while I waited for the food that never came.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Ghost Hunt (or just trying to survive)
Alright, let's talk food… and the near-spiritual experience that was the breakfast buffet. Breakfast [buffet]? Oh, yes. A sprawling table groaning under the weight of… well, let’s call it "food." There was the usual Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast, and, for the more adventurous, an Asian breakfast.
- The Good: The coffee was decent, despite the aforementioned near-death caffeine experience. And the fruit was fresh. There was Breakfast takeaway service, which, after the room service disaster, I strongly considered.
- The Questionable: The scrambled eggs looked suspiciously like they'd been resurrected. The sausages… well, they might also have been ghosts.
- The Glorious: The pastries. The pastries were actual perfection and are the only reason this went from a 1 to a 2. Thank God for pastries.
Restaurants: I heard a rumor there was a Vegetarian restaurant on site, but I spent a lot of time wandering the (often empty) Restaurants. there was a Bar, but I didn’t see anyone there, except maybe a few ghosts. The menu claimed to have International cuisine in restaurant, and there was a Happy hour, although I was too spooked to stick around for it.
Ways to Relax (or Just Survive Your Stay): The Spa & the Swimming Pool
The Swimming pool [outdoor]? looked inviting, at least on paper. I didn’t dare go in it because I'm pretty sure something lurks in the water, but if the sun is shining, it's probably lovely. Poolside bar? I couldn't tell, because I didn't go near the damn thing. There's a whole Spa setup, with a Sauna, and a Steamroom. I didn't brave any of them. I was already too scared. Gym/fitness? Yes, but probably haunted. Spa/sauna? Nope. Massage? Uh-uh. Body scrub, Body wrap? You're brave if you’re attempting any of these.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Stay Alive (and Avoiding Ectoplasm)
Okay, this is important. The Daily disinfection in common areas was a plus, especially when I realized how many drafty corners there were. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Anti-viral cleaning products? One hopes. Staff trained in safety protocol? Hopefully. Hot water linen and laundry washing was a necessity. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was a must. I also spotted a few First aid kit, and the Doctor/nurse on call was a relief. Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely necessary. Rooms sanitization opt-out available? I wouldn't have opted in, frankly. Cashless payment service? Yes! I needed that so I wasn't distracted by the fear of being robbed.
For the Kids: Ghost-Hunting Buddies?
The Kids facilities are there, apparently. They claim to be Family/child friendly, which is hilarious. Because, kids, you might want to prepare yourself for a serious dose of the creeps. Babysitting service? Possibly. The Kids meal is probably as frightening as the rest of the menu.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Creepy
Concierge? Yes! (I think… haven’t seen one, but the brochures insist someone exists) Dry cleaning? Present. Laundry service? Maybe. Luggage storage? Yes! Safety deposit boxes? YES! (I needed them, trust me). Gift/souvenir shop? I found a nice mug in there and the ghost of a tea cosy. Invoice provided? Yes! They’re still trying to figure out the bill though.
Things to Do (Besides Panic):
Well, there's the obvious: ghost hunting! Exterior corridor - good luck with that at night. Smoking area? There in the garden. Shrine? Is there somewhere to relax? Terrace. (Did I see a ghost on the terrace? Maybe. Did that ghost tell me I had a lot of work to do? Probably.)
In Conclusion: The Old Rectory is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for
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Alright, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your slick, pre-packaged travel brochure. This is me, raw, unfiltered, and possibly fueled by slightly too much tea, trying to navigate… well, Brean. The Old Rectory, specifically. And let's be honest, I'm probably going to get lost, grumpy, and fall in love with a seagull at some point. Here we go:
The Brean Breakdown: A Travelogue of Triumph (and Treachery)
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward Intros (and a Near Disaster)
- 14:00: Landed at Bristol Airport. Okay, that's smooth. Except… my luggage? Seems to be currently enjoying a tropical vacation in… somewhere. Not ideal. "Lovely" start to the trip.
- 15:30: Hire car pickup. This is where things went south. The car's a charming little hatchback, but my driving skills are… debatable. Let's just say I nearly took out a bus stop trying to reverse. The poor guy with the clipboard practically jumped out of his skin. Awkward. But hey, got to The Old Rectory in one piece.
- 16:30: Check-in. The Rectory itself? Delightful! All creaky floorboards, wonky windows, and that smell… the beautiful, comforting smell of old books and damp earth. Instantly felt like an Agatha Christie novel brewing. The owner, bless her, introduced me to the ghost (apparently, a very shy vicar who just likes to rearrange the furniture). I'm already on edge, who needs a ghost? But also…bring on the drama.
- 17:00: Unpacked (eventually). The room is gorgeous. Overlooking the garden. And OH. MY. GOD. The tea situation. They had a whole selection! Proper leaf tea, not that instant rubbish. Crisis averted.
- 18:00: Pre-dinner stroll around the grounds. Okay, the garden is a bit… wild. Lovely, but wild. Like me. Found a pond, nearly tripped into it. Definitely saw a heron eyeing me suspiciously. Pretty sure it was judging my driving.
- 19:30: Dinner at The Rectory's dining room. Roast chicken. Simple, perfect, and exactly what I needed. The other guests? Let's just say a mix of tweed-clad retirees and overly enthusiastic birdwatchers. The silence was almost deafening. I made small talk, failed miserably, and then retreated into my corner table with my book. I will prevail.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and Bird-Related Trauma)
- 08:00: Breakfast. The full English. Glorious. Possibly the best fried egg I've ever eaten. Fuel for the day's adventures, I hope.
- 09:30: Beach time! Brean Sands. Vast, windswept emptiness. Exactly what I needed. The sand… perfect. The sea… cold. I walked for miles, lost in thought. Freedom!
- 11:00: The seagulls attacked! Okay, not really, but they did circle. One of those winged hooligans stole my scone. My scone! I was traumatized. The horror! The indignity! Justice will be mine.
- 12:00: Attempted to build a sandcastle. Failed spectacularly. More like "sand heap." Admired the real castles.
- 13:00: Lunch at a beachside cafe. The usual suspects: chips, cheesy chips, more chips. It's the seaside. What else do you expect?
- 14:00: The Arcade… Oh boy, the arcade. The flashing lights, the incessant noise… I tried skeeball (badly), air hockey (lost), and then, on the advice of a suspiciously enthusiastic small boy, I played a claw machine. The claw… failed. I was robbed! It's rigged!
- 16:00: Back to The Rectory. Needed a lie-down. Recovering from the arcade. And the scone theft.
Day 3: Local Secrets and Seagull Revenge (Maybe)
- 09:00: Walked to the local village. The shops are cute, and not so busy, so found a coffee shop, and even a proper bookstore (whoop!).
- 11:00: A long walk to the river. The wind picked up. It was moody, beautiful. Found a hidden bench, and started writing in my diary.
- 13:00: Found the best fish and chips in the village. Washed down with local cider. Bliss.
- 15:00: I saw the scone-stealing seagull again! This time, I was prepared. Vengeance is a dish best served… with a strategically placed bag of crisps. (Okay, it was a bit mean, but he started it, and I wanted to win.)
- 17:00: The Old Rectory: A quiet afternoon of reading and (possibly) attempting to communicate with the vicar's ghost. So far, no luck. He's a shy one.
- 19:30: Dinner at the Rectory again. The conversations are getting easier. Finding myself enjoying it all, the company, the food, the charming old house, even the vicar's ghost (maybe).
Day 4: Farewell and Fond Reflections (and a Last-Minute Panic)
- 08:00: Another glorious breakfast. Starting to feel genuinely sad about leaving!
- 09:30: Double-checked my luggage. Nope, still MIA. Sigh.
- 10:00: A final walk around the garden. Savouring every moment. Taking photos. Wishing I'd bought those lavender bath salts at the village shop.
- 11:00: Check-out. Said goodbye to the owner. Promised to come back. Considering it.
- 12:00: Departure to Bristol Airport.
- 13:00: Got to the airport. Panic. I've lost my passport!
- 14:00: Found it! A relief beyond words.
- 15:00: Flying home. Thinking, I was worried about flying here, but I think I was already home.
The Verdict:
Brean and The Old Rectory: Surprisingly wonderful. Messy, imperfect, full of unexpected moments, slightly chaotic, and utterly charming. I laughed, I cried (mostly about the scone), and, against all odds, I fell in love. Yes, even with the ghost. (Who, I think, actually likes my writing about the garden.)
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for a little bit of everything. And maybe keep an eye out for those seagulls. And definitely bring your own scone.
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Haunted History: The Old Rectory, Brean - Let's Get Messy!
So, what's the deal with The Old Rectory anyway? Besides being old, I mean...
Is it *really* haunted?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Haunted?" Well, that depends on your definition, doesn't it? I'm not gonna stand here and tell you ghosts are definitely real, but… *something* feels different there. It's the kind of feeling that creeps under your skin, right? Like you're being watched. We’re talking about a place built back in the 1800s, with all the historical baggage that comes with it. They say it's an old rectory, so naturally, there's a history of death, disease, and all sorts of Victorian drama brewing. I've felt it, and so has... well, other people who've been there. Not everyone, mind you. Some folks are oblivious, bless 'em, but others... they're picking up on something too. We're talking cold spots you can't explain, whispers in the dark, and flickering lights. Oh, the lights! Don't even get me started.
What kind of ghosts are we talking about? Polite Victorians sipping tea? Or something... nastier?
Ooh, good question! Honestly? I have no earthly clue. I wish I could say, "Oh, it's just the friendly vicar, still doing his rounds!" But that doesn't feel right. The atmosphere has moments of… well, it's hard to peg. At times it is quite peaceful and other times it feels like the building is actively trying to communicate. It's not all polite whispers, let me tell you. I've heard some odd noises, things that could be bumps and thumps, but also, well, like somebody was almost whispering *right* in my ear. That's… unsettling. And the shadows! They can get really weird. Mostly though there haven't been any truly… aggressive encounters. Thank God because I'm not a fan of the aggressive type.
Tell me about your *personal* experience. What happened to *you* at The Old Rectory?
Right, well… This is where it gets personal, and honestly, a little embarrassing. Okay – imagine this. It was a drizzly, grey evening. Perfect ghost-hunting weather, right? We were in the library, which is a gorgeous room, even though I could swear about how it gets cold. We’d been there for a couple of hours, nothing too intense, you know? Just the usual "is that a shadow?" type stuff. We were trying to use a little spirit box, asking some questions, trying to be polite, and suddenly the room felt like it dropped about twenty degrees. And from this point, something started to happen… I then felt something pushing against my back. I was leaning against the wall, and I *swear* I felt a shove. Like, not a friendly bump, but a *push*. My heart hammered against my ribs. I jumped away instantly. And the worst part? The others didn't see a thing. They asked what was wrong and I just stammered something about being cold. Afterwards I felt like the biggest wimp I could possibly be, but I *felt* it. Not like a fantasy. It was a definite push, against my back, towards the wall. I felt the pressure, the solidity. God, I still get goosebumps thinking about it! I just wanted to run!!! And I almost could, and it would have been so embarrassing! It was so physical, so undeniable… That experience? Yeah, that's what got me thinking maybe I'm not crazy.
What about the equipment? Do you guys use ghost-hunting gadgets?
Oh, yes! Gotta have the toys, right? We have the EMF readers (those things that are supposed to detect electromagnetic fields, that ghosts allegedly mess with... or something), the spirit box (because, why not?), sometimes we have a camera, and we TRY to use temperature sensors, even though they always seem to say it's cold anyway, which is so annoying. To be honest, it's hard to tell what to believe. People can say that things are rigged, but then what do you do? It is fun, I guess.
Are there any specific areas in The Old Rectory that are supposed to be particularly active?
Hmm, good question. They all have their own unique personalities. The library is definitely one. That's where I had *my* little… incident. The bedrooms upstairs often get mentioned. Some people claim that there is a sense of sadness, or unease, in the master bedroom. I will say that the more you go exploring, you begin to get more of a sense about the whole place. It has a history, it’s clear, and it seems like they want to share it...
What's the one thing you think people misunderstand most about investigating The Old Rectory?
Oooooh, good one! I think people misunderstand the *patience* needed. They expect instant drama. They want the ghost to appear at 7:00 PM sharp and start throwing furniture. It doesn't work like that! It might be a slow burn, you might get nothing. Or you might get a push against your back in the library. And mostly, it’s about respect. It’s someone else’s history. You need to be open to *anything* happening, and you need to be okay with nothing happening. And honestly? That's the hardest part. The waiting. The wondering. The self-doubt. The temptation to just pack it in early and go get a pint.
So, should I go? Is it worth it?
Look, I can't tell you what to do with your life, but if you're even remotely curious, then YES. GO. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, just to experience the history, the atmosphere, it's worth it. But… be prepared. Be prepared to feel a little uneasy. Be prepared to question everything you think you know. And be prepared for a possibly life-altering experience. Just joking. Mostly.
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