The Dunkenhalgh Hotel is set in a former country manor house once belonging to the Petre family. However, a former house existed on this site which belonged to the Walmesley family, whose lines eventually merged through marriage.

 

The building is reputedly haunted by a young woman in white - some suggesting that she wears a shroud. It has been said that this is Lucette, a young French governess of the family during the 1700's who was left heartbroken and pregnant by a soldier. Unable to cope, she threw herself from the bridge over the river in the grounds. She is said to walk the area on Christmas Eve.