The Spaniards Inn
Dick Turpin lore clings to this Hampstead tavern—hoofbeats in the lane when the garden empties.
History & haunting lore
The Spaniards Inn is a historic tavern on Spaniards Road at the edge of Hampstead Heath, with parts dating to the sixteenth century and a long coaching-inn career. Literary associations include Dickens and the Gordon Riots tradition of a mob delayed by free beer—an oft-told but simplified tale. Highwayman Dick Turpin is popularly linked to the house in folklore.
Reported ghosts include a woman at upstairs windows and unexplained sounds in older rooms. Staff anecdotes circulate online without formal investigation archives. Enjoy the pub’s documented Heath-edge history first.
It is a busy gastropub—book dining if needed, mind the narrow road outside, and keep haunt talk proportionate around other diners.
Current site status
Working pub and restaurant with garden seating; standard UK licensing hours apply. No museum ticket—customers are patrons. Parking is limited on Spaniards Road; public transport or Heath walks are wiser. Private upper areas may be closed during service.
More photos
Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons and other open references where available.
Activity at The Spaniards Inn
Field notes and sightings tagged to this haunt.