One of Wiltshire’s most popular pubs, The Red Lion at Avebury, re-opens today after a six-figure refurbishment.

The 16th Century inn has become a favourite pub for tens of thousands of tourists who come from all around the globe to see the Avebury stone circles, one of the best-known prehistoric sites in Britain, which contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world.

Several ghosts are side to reside both within and outside the ancient pub – including a phantom carriage, drawn by ghostly horses, which is claimed to have been seen clattering across the inn's courtyard.

Another ghost said to haunt the pub is Florrie, the wife of a 17th Century Cavalier who returned there during the Civil War to find her in the arms of another man.

The husband shot her lover dead and slit his wife's throat.

Florrie's ghost is said to have remained behind ever since.

Despite the chilly tale, visitors and locals will now find a warm welcome at the inn which is part of the Chef & Brewer collection of country pubs, which is also owned by the UK’s leading pub company and brewer Greene King.

A spokesman said: “The Red Lion will still boast many original building features including the thatched roof and external detailing.

"The extensive renovation sees the pub maintain its charm as a traditional English pub on the exterior while benefiting from a revamped interior – gaining sleek, stylish furnishings and a new colour scheme that combines both contemporary and classical stylings.

"In addition to the refreshed décor, the pub will be set to treat locals to a delicious new menu including a weekly specials menu made up of locally sourced ingredients.

“At the bar, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of new drink options, including local draught beers and ales such as a local Ramsbury Ale, Avebury Well Water, as well as other seasonal options to compliment the pub’s new menu.”

Ryan Rawal, general manager of The Red Lion said: “We’re so excited for guests to see the new and improved Red Lion. As the pub is a listed site, we’ve made sure that all changes were in keeping with regulations and we were careful to not diminish the history of the building.

“Our core offering of a traditional, relaxing country pub remains unchanged, but we’ll be introducing guests to a delicious new menu and a fantastic revamped interior.”