The Bell Hotel - Thetford

The Bell Hotel has been an inn since 1493, serving as a principal coaching inn on the London to Norwich mail coach route. The original timber-framed building, which faces King Street, is the oldest part of the hotel. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and expansions, particularly in the 17th and 19th centuries, adapting to the changing needs of travelers and the arrival of the railway.

Throughout its history, the Bell Hotel has hosted various notable events and figures. In the 18th century, it was frequented by travelers on the Norwich to Newmarket Mail Coach. The hotel was also the site of significant social gatherings, including sumptuous dinners for the gentry and turnpike meetings.

Venue History

The Bell Hotel itself has been a hostelry since it was established some 6 centuries ago. Some of its period features include ‘Wattle & Daub’ walls, Samson’s post, Elizabethan wall paintings, a priest’s hole, and the original secret passage out of the Inn. There are 46 en-suite bedrooms, one of which is the main suite bedroom which is reported to be haunted by the hooded monk. Whilst on the ground floor the drawing-room is said to be the spot where people regularly catch a glimpse of the landlady of the Inn several years ago.

Many other hauntings and personal experiences have occurred at this great little gem. Some of which include the feeling of being watched, the unexplainable smell of perfume, the sudden appearance of icy breath, and nearby footsteps. The locals have countless stories to share and if you’re staying there, buy them a drink at the bar in exchange for one of their chilling stories.

Competition on the Night

We will be holding a competition on the day, you could have a chance to win a night stay in one of the rooms we will be investigating. If you would like to enter, you will need to compete in a skill quiz on the night. The Winners will be the top 4 highest scores once it has been marked.

If you would like to enter, please let a member of the team know. Please bring an overnight bag with you if you wish to stay. Rooms are for 2 adults only and does not include breakfast, however, there are loads of places in the town centre if you are peckish in the morning.

While you're in Thetford... why not come to EAPEX?

On Sunday 7th June, there will be a Paranormal Convention held at Guildhall (5 minute walk from the Bell Hotel) from 11am to 6pm. The event is free and there will be lots of paranormal teams to talk to - you can find out more here

How the Event Will Pan Out

Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect this evening:

• Arrival and Welcome (Now!): We're kicking things off right now with this welcome speech and a brief overview of the night.

• Team Assignments: You'll be divided into smaller groups, each led by one of our experienced paranormal investigators. This ensures everyone gets a chance to explore and engage.

• Investigation Sessions: Each group will rotate through different investigation areas. We'll be using a variety of equipment, from EMF meters to spirit boxes, to try and make contact. Our investigators will guide you through the process and explain how everything works.

• Breaks: There will be breaks throughout the night. Your Group Leader will let you know when this is. There will be hot and cold drinks, as well as a tuck shop.

• Lone Time: You may have the opportunity to have some alone time to explore your favourite parts of the location. This will depend on time and the location rules.

• Debrief and Discussion: After the investigation sessions, we'll all gather back together to share our experiences, compare notes, and discuss any unusual occurrences.

• Q&A: We'll then open the floor for any questions you might have for our team.