The Chaser of Bucklebury
Deep in the rolling hills of Berkshire lies the picturesque meadow known as Devil's Steps, a place where locals once whispered about a malevolent entity that would chase travellers across its lush green fields. This eerie phenomenon has been shrouded in mystery for centuries, with many wondering if the Chaser was a ghostly apparition or a mere figment of the imagination. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain - Devil's Steps has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the English countryside.
Travellers in the area were once believed to risk coming across the evil entity, which would relentlessly pursue them across the meadow. Although the exact date and time of these alleged encounters are unknown, the legend of the Chaser has endured for generations. Some speculate that the entity may have originated from a tragic event or a long-forgotten burial site, but concrete evidence remains scarce. Despite this, the haunting of Devil's Steps remains a fascinating case study for paranormal enthusiasts and a chilling reminder of the unexplained forces that may be lurking in the shadows.
The legend of the Chaser has been passed down through local folklore for centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Monks of Bucklebury Fishponds
Fishponds on the common, Bucklebury
Fishponds on the Common in Bucklebury is a spot where the past seems to linger. This tranquil area was once a retreat for monks, and it's said that their presence still resonates here. People have reported seeing two phantom figures dressed in habits wandering the edge of the fishponds. It's a curious sighting that has piqued the interest of many, leaving us to wonder if the monks who once used this place for contemplation and rest still roam these grounds.
The Golden Calf of Grimsbury
Grimsbury Castle, Thatcham
Grimsbury Castle, an ancient hillfort in Thatcham, Berkshire, is said to be connected to a mysterious legend. In the nearby woodland, a golden calf is reputedly buried. The origins of this tale are unclear, but it's thought to be linked to the hillfort's history dating back to the Iron Age. The site has been a subject of interest for local historians and paranormal enthusiasts alike, with many attempting to uncover the truth behind the golden calf.
Lady Bolingbroke's Heartbroken Ghost
Manor House, Bucklebury
Bucklebury Manor House stands tall in the Berkshire countryside, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. One of its most poignant tales is that of Lady Bolingbroke, a woman who died of a broken heart after her husband abandoned her for another. They say her spirit still roams the manor, reliving the pain of her final days. Some claim to have seen her ghostly form, a melancholy presence that seems to embody the sorrow that consumed her in life.
Bushnell's Green Phantom Figure
Bushnell's Green, Bucklebury
Bushnell's Green is a place where the ordinary and the bizarre coexist, at least if reports of a phantom figure are to be believed. This gruesome apparition is said to appear in broad daylight, defying the conventional notion that ghostly encounters only happen under the cover of darkness. Its love of sunlight is unusual, to say the least, and has sparked much interest among paranormal enthusiasts. Despite its fearsome appearance, there is no record of this phantom causing any harm to those who have claimed to have seen it.
Phantom Coach of Brimpton
Lane running through village, Brimpton
In the sleepy village of Brimpton, Berkshire, a spine-tingling phenomenon occurs every January, just after sunset. A ghostly coach, carrying its occupants to a ball, is said to appear on the lane that runs through the village, heading towards Able Bridge. According to local legend, the coach and its passengers met a tragic end when the stormy weather washed away the bridge, sending the vehicle plummeting into the water below. The sound of the phantom coach is a yearly occurrence, marking the anniversary of that fateful night.
Cursed Barrows of Whitchurch
Unidentified barrows, Whitchurch
Deep in the Berkshire countryside lies the mysterious site of Whitchurch's ancient barrows, a place steeped in local legend and shrouded in an aura of unease. For generations, it's been said that earthworks here, once believed to have supported a castle, are cursed and can't be levelled. This eerie reputation has persisted, leaving many to wonder if there's truth behind the whispers. What we do know is that these barrows have stood the test of time, their earthworks still visible, though their current state remains a mystery.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Devil's Steps
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House
Near Hungerford, Wiltshire (on Berkshire-Wiltshire border)

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire