Phantom Party Coach Datchet
Datchet's historic High Street and the area around old Datchet Bridge are said to be haunted by the ghostly apparition of a party coach. Legend has it that a horse-drawn coach carrying revellers came crashing off the old bridge and into the river during the early nineteenth century, resulting in the tragic loss of all on board. Since then, numerous people have reported strange occurrences in the area. In the 1960s, the ghostly coach was allegedly seen on two separate occasions, sending shivers down the spines of those who claimed to have witnessed it. The apparition seems to be linked to a particularly lively and ill-fated party that took place many years ago.
The story behind the haunting dates back to a time when celebrations could turn deadly. It's said that a group of partygoers, enjoying a night out, met a horrific end when their coach collapsed off the old Datchet Bridge. This event has been etched in local memory, with reports of paranormal activity surfacing over the years. In 2014, three people on a boat heard the unmistakable sounds of galloping horses and partygoers, which abruptly ended in screams and splashing. Their investigation yielded nothing, leaving behind only speculation about the ghostly coach and its merry but doomed passengers. Although the old bridge was demolished in 1848, its dark history lives on through these unexplained events.
The old Datchet Bridge was an important crossing point over the River Thames, used by horse-drawn coaches and travellers.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Frozen Handprint Ghost
Royal Stag Public House, Datchet
The Royal Stag Public House in Datchet, Berkshire, is home to a chilling and unexplained phenomenon known as the Frozen Handprint. On a cold winter's day in February 2000, a tour guide and fifty-three other people witnessed a small handprint appear on the outside of a window when it became covered in ice. The handprint is said to belong to a small child who froze to death outside the pub. This bizarre occurrence has left many questions unanswered and has become a popular ghost story among paranormal enthusiasts.
Datchet Monastery Ghostly Duet
Monastery, Datchet
In the sleepy village of Datchet, Berkshire, stands a solitary wall, all that remains of a once grand monastery. It's here, amidst the whispers of the past, that a haunting spectacle has been reported. A pair of ghostly figures, a woman in radiant white and a tall man in sombre black, are said to materialise in the former monastery garden. Their ethereal voices blend in a mesmerising duet, a fleeting moment of beauty before they vanish into thin air, leaving behind only the faintest hint of their presence.
The Dazzling White Woman
Old Monastery between Darchet and Old Windsor, Darchet
The Old Monastery between Darchet and Old Windsor has been the site of a mystifying encounter. In 1923, a woman bathed in dazzling white was seen close to these ancient ruins. Her appearance was all the more striking given the somber atmosphere of the location. Some say that a golden carriage is buried somewhere nearby, adding to the allure of this enigmatic sighting.
Royal Windsor Castle Hauntings
Windsor Castle, Windsor
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, is said to be haunted by the spirits of four British monarchs and a legendary hunter. Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, Charles I, and George III have all been reportedly seen within the castle walls after their natural lives ended. The library is said to be a favourite haunt of Queen Elizabeth, while Charles I is often spotted in the Canon's House on the night of 26 June. George III, who was declared mad and bound in certain rooms, is also believed to haunt the areas where he was held. Meanwhile, the sound of Henry VIII slowly dragging his bad leg down the corridors is a reported phenomenon.
Rothesay Mermaid Sighting
Shoreline within a mile of town, Rothesay
Rothesay's scenic shoreline has witnessed many a curious event over the years, but few have been as captivating as the reported mermaid sighting back in 1826. On a warm summer's day, 19th or 12th July to be exact, three men were enjoying the coastal scenery when they spotted a mysterious creature. She was combing her long, black hair along the shoreline, and it's said that her appearance was that of a mermaid. The witnesses were undoubtedly taken aback by this unusual sighting, and one of them even reported seeing a large sea monster nearby, which had the body of a man but with the head of a brute.
The Grey Lady of Eton
Eton College, Eton
Eton College, one of the UK's most prestigious schools, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. The tower of this historic institution is said to be haunted by the spirit of Jane Shore, a woman who met her untimely demise within these very walls back in 1526. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of a grey lady wandering the tower's corridors, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this restless soul.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near High Street and area around old Datchet Bridge

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire