The Skirrid Inn – How To Visit Wales’ Oldest & Most Haunted Pub
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If you’re looking for spooky places in South Wales, look no further than The Skirrid Inn. It’s Wales’ oldest and most haunted pub.
Today, it’s a warm, inviting place that serves food and drinks. But it has a sinister history, and it’s waiting for you to uncover its dark secrets.
According to legend, more than 180 Welshmen met their untimely end inside. Many say the condemned still haunt it.
You see, this tavern was once home to a courtroom that served swift justice by the hangman’s rope, and the noose is still on display.
I’ve been to this legendary pub a few times now, and I always find it fascinating. I’d urge anyone to visit in Bannau Brycheiniog.
Here is a complete guide to The Skirrid Inn, with the horrid history, hideous hangings and ghostly goings-on.
What is The Skirrid Inn?
The Skirrid Inn is an enchanting pub located in the tiny village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
As soon as you step through the historic doorway, it’s like a portal that transports you back in time to a bygone era.
Old fireplaces, crooked beams, creaking staircases, and traditional kitchenware make the place ooze with character.
Most of what we see today dates back to the 17th century. However, it’s thought to be over 900 years old.
It’s officially Wales’ oldest and most haunted pub, with a spooky story to tell those brave enough to step over its threshold.
Skirrid Mountain Legend
This isolated building sits in the shadow of a mountain called The Skirrid, and the pub gets its curious name from it.
In Cymraeg, it’s Ysgyryd Fawr, meaning the Great Split or Shaking / Trembling Mountain.
According to legend, a great earthquake or bolt of lightning struck the peak at the moment of Christ’s Crucifixion.
It split the mountain in two, giving the mound its current shape. Many more myths of giants, ghosts, and witchcraft are associated with it.
In contrast, it’s also called ‘holy mountain’ with the ruins of St Michael’s Chapel. Catholics secretly worshipped here during the Reformation.
The Skirrid Inn History
The Skirrid Inn is thought to be over 900 years old and dates back to 1100 AD, making it Wales’ oldest pub.
Most of the building we see today dates back to the 17th century, but the doorway has been carbon-dated and is thought to be 1,500 years old!
Legends say that Owain Glyndŵr visited during the 15th century to rally troops for his rebellion against the English.
Traditionally, the inn served as a meeting house and courtroom from the 12th to the 17th centuries.
However, it’s best known as a grisly place of execution because of the “Hanging Judge” George Jeffreys.
The Hanging Beam
Perhaps the most sinister story associated with The Skirrid Inn is the hangings that once took place here.
Years ago, when trying to stop revolts, punishment had to be swift. There wasn’t time to travel to a major assize in the cities.
So many countryside meeting houses had courtrooms installed where they carried out quicker sentencing.
According to the pub, more than 182 men were hanged inside this tavern from the 12th to the 17th centuries.
You can still see the old Hangman’s noose by the staircase, tied to the famous ‘Hanging Beam’ that bears marks from centuries of use.
Unfortunately, it was not a quick or easy death. Many choked to their untimely end, rather than suffering a quick break of the neck.
Local lore says this is why their restless, troubled souls haunt the inn to this day.
Is The Skirrid Inn haunted?
Yes, The Skirrid Inn is doubly famous as Wales’ oldest and most haunted inn.
For years, visitors have felt paranormal activity in the rooms, especially around the old courthouse and hanging beam.
The pub often hosts regular ghost nights, and it even appeared on Extreme Ghost Stories and Most Haunted in 2003.
During series 2, episode 5, they visited the Skirrid Inn and St Michael’s Church in the village.
They felt cold shivers, had their clothes tugged, and heard knocking. Even a fire alarm was set off that wasn’t switched on.
Its sinister reputation often draws paranormal experts and ghost hunters from around the world.
Here are some of the most famous ghosts of The Skirrid Inn:
“Hanging Judge” George Jeffreys
George Jeffreys was an infamous judge who upheld the law with an iron fist.
He earned the nickname of ‘Hanging Judge’ for his cruel and severe punishments during the Bloody Assizes of 1685.
He is thought to have sentenced many men in this pub, including sheep stealers and highwaymen.
Today, visitors can still feel his angry, heavy presence near the bedrooms that used to be the old courtrooms.
Also, the prisoners he condemned are thought to spook this place and torment him for his past transgressions.
Fanny Price
A softer spirit that haunts this tavern is Fanny Price, a former bartender at the inn during the 17th century.
She is thought to have died of consumption (tuberculosis) in the smallest room at the age of 35.
You’ll find her grave in St Michael’s Church next door along with her relative Henry Price.
You can feel Fanny near room 3 at the inn; her presence brings a cold shiver down the spine and a sniff of lavender.
Henry, meanwhile, likes to march around like a soldier and bang on the chimneys to play tricks on guests.
Pwcca Cup
A ghostly presence is so strong here that the landlords still maintain a tradition of setting out a nightly Pwcca Cup.
Pwca are mischievous, shape-shifting spirits in Welsh folklore, and legend says setting down an offering of ale appeases them.
You could also offer milk or bread. But once you’ve started, they won’t let you forget about your side of the bargain easily.
If offerings fail to appear, they will start causing trouble for you and yours and bring you bad luck. Many say you’re inviting the Devil by testing them.
Can you visit The Skirrid Inn today?
Yes, you can, and this legendary inn is open to visitors year-round.
Despite its dark history, the tavern is warm and inviting, with a menu of wholesome food and a bar full of traditional ales and popular drinks.
They have cosy seating in the main room by the fireplace, and a beautiful pub garden on warm days. The service is always friendly too.
I’ve been to the Skirrid Inn a couple of times now, and always love having a good snoop at the noose.
I have to admit, I’ve never felt the presence or seen any spectre inside. I’m not sure if I should be glad or disappointed about that.
I’ve only popped in for a drink as I always miss the last orders for food. I’m determined to eat next time, as the meals always smell incredible.
Things to look out for during your visit
- The studded oak door has been carbon-dated and is believed to be 1,500 years old.
- The Famous Grouse Plaque behind the bar was awarded in 2010.
- The old staircase is traditional workmanship held together by pegs.
- The noose used to hang 182 men for sheep stealing under Oliver Cromwell is visible from ‘The Hanging Beam’ near the staircase.
- Just up the stairs near the noose, you can find the Prison Cell door where convicts would be held awaiting their grisly fate.
- The upper floors used to be a courtroom and judges’ chambers. These are private unless you’re staying the night.
- Lots of traditional Welsh pictures, portraits, and bric-a-brac are dotted about for you to peek at.
Is Skirrid Inn worth visiting?
Yes, The Skirrid Inn is well worth visiting if you’re planning a road trip around Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Not only does it have a long history as a courtroom, hanging place, and haunted building, but it’s also an enchanting pub with lots of character.
It makes the perfect pitstop for a drink or meal while travelling in the area, with welcoming and friendly service.
Better yet, why not stay the night? It makes for cosy shelter in the wilds of the Brecons (more below).
How to visit The Skirrid Inn Wales
The Skirrid Mountain Inn is located in the quaint village of Llanvihangel Crucorney within Brecon Beacons National Park.
The easiest way to get there is to drive, and it’s a quick diversion off the A40 road heading to Abergavenny.
Parking is available at the back, or you can use the free roadside parking opposite.
A Stagecoach South Wales bus service (Route 23) runs between Abergavenny and Hereford and stops opposite the pub.
The journey takes only 10 minutes from Abergavenny, but always plan your transport journeys in advance, as services can be infrequent.
Alternatively, you can alight at Abergavenny railway station and take a taxi.
Opening times & Last orders
The Skirrid Inn is typically open from 12 pm, except on Monday, when it doesn’t open until 5.30 pm.
It typically closes at 9 pm, except on Sunday, when it closes at 3 pm.
Lunch is served 12-2.30 pm, and then dinner is 5 pm (ish) -7:30 pm. A bell announces when it’s time to place your last drink orders.
Check online for official opening hours or call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Can you stay at the Skirrid Inn?
Yes, if you’re feeling brave, you can stay the night at The Skirrid Inn. You can call or email them directly to book.
I was fortunate enough to take a tour of their suites that used to be the old courtrooms where men were sentenced to be hanged.
Each room has character, with antique four-poster beds and furniture, but has been upgraded with all the modern amenities you could wish for.
It looks like a gorgeous place to stay with panoramic views of Skirrid Mountain from the windows.
Just make sure you’re prepared to potentially encounter one (or all) of the resident ghosts that call this place home!
Looking for more spooks in Bannau Brycheiniog?
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is an ancient landscape shaped by settlement, folklore, war, revolt and resilience.
So, it has plenty of spooky places to visit, said to be haunted by restless spirits.
Perhaps the most haunted of them all is Craig-y-Nos Castle. It’s regarded as one of the UK’s most haunted buildings.
Legends say the ghost of Adelina Patti haunts the halls. She was a famous opera singer who passed away there in 1919.
Heol Fanog, known as “Witch Farm”, is a farmhouse in the shadow of Pen-y-Fan and is haunted by angry poltergeists seeking revenge.
Tretower Court is a delightful Tudor museum and Norman castle, said to be haunted by the “White Lady,” who roams the fortress at dusk.
Close to the Skirrid Inn, you can visit some gorgeous ruins like Llanthony Priory or visit St Martin’s Cwmyoy, the most crooked church in Britain.
St Issui’s Church in Patricio is a quaint medieval temple home to a Figure of Doom, a painted skeleton symbolising death.
It holds a scythe and an hourglass in either hand. According to legend, even after the walls are whitewashed, it always bleeds back.
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