Queen Mary's Haunting Smile
Sawston Hall stands tall with its secrets, one of which is the enduring presence of Queen Mary's ghost. This majestic hall was rebuilt by the Queen herself after it was ravaged by troops in search of her. They say she appears in the room where she once slept, her gentle smile a constant, wearing the very same dress captured in her portrait hanging elsewhere in the hall. It's as if time has stood still for her, forever trapped in that moment. The Queen's ghostly apparition seems to be a benign one, offering a glimpse into the past.
History plays a significant role in the haunting of Sawston Hall. The hall was burnt down by troops searching for Queen Mary, and it was she who ordered its rebuilding. Another royal figure, Lady Jane Grey, is also said to haunt the halls, specifically in her former bedroom and the corridors. It's reported that this was the only place she felt truly happy. Alongside these ghostly apparitions, unexplained laughter often echoes through the hall, a mystery that remains unsolved. The connection between these royals and the hall is undeniable, their presence a lasting legacy.
The hall was rebuilt by Queen Mary in the 16th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Whittlesford Skeleton Haunting
Barrows, Whittlesford
The Barrows in Whittlesford, Cambridge, hold a chilling tale of a restless spirit. These ancient burial mounds were unfortunately destroyed to make way for farmland, but one story tells of a farmhand who uncovered a human skull, only to be haunted by the rest of the skeleton demanding its return. The farmhand's terrifying encounter has become a local legend, with many wondering if the spirit was seeking closure or justice.
Whittlesford Churchyard Apparitions
Churchyard, Whittlesford
In the sleepy village of Whittlesford, Cambridge, a chilling phenomenon unfolds on St Mark's Eve, 24 April, every year. The churchyard, a place of rest for the departed, becomes a eerie showcase for the not quite dead. It's said that all those destined to be buried within the churchyard over the next twelve months mysteriously appear, laid out in their correct burial spots, before being slowly absorbed into the earth. This bizarre manifestation of the living, a kind of ghostly preview of burials to come, has left many a local and visitor perplexed.
Whittlesford Victorian Road Ghosts
Whittlesford Road to Cambridge, Whittlesford
On Whittlesford Road, a stretch of highway connecting the village of Whittlesford to Cambridge, a most unsettling phenomenon has been reported. In the early 1980s and again on 4 January 2005, motorists have claimed to have seen three male figures clad in Victorian attire stepping into the road. One driver, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted that his car passed straight through the apparitions, leaving him feeling cold, sick, and deeply shaken. The incident left an indelible mark on his memory, a stark reminder of the inexplicable events that can unfold on this seemingly ordinary road.
Poltergeist Cellar Activity
The Verve Bar, Peterborough
The Verve Bar in Peterborough is home to a rather lively cellar, where a poltergeist is said to reside. It's not clear when the paranormal activity first started, but it's been reported that the cellar is not averse to a little poltergeist activity. This could range from unexplained noises to more dramatic events, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal. The bar itself is a popular spot, but it's the cellar that's the real draw for ghost enthusiasts.
Highwayman of Little Abington
The Old Cottage and nearby bridge, Little Abington
The Old Cottage in Little Abington is home to a rather dashing ghostly presence. Around dusk, a figure dressed as a highwayman has been spotted lurking in the garden and crossing the old bridge nearby. It's a curious sighting, to say the least, and one that's sure to capture the imagination of anyone familiar with the area. The image of a ghostly highwayman, complete with period attire, is a compelling one, and it's easy to see why this haunting has become a local legend.
Spectral Knight of Wandlebury
Wandlebury Hillfort, Stapleford
Perched atop Wandlebury Hillfort in Stapleford, Cambridge, lies a legend waiting to be tested. This ancient hillfort, part of the Gog Magog hills, is home to a spectral figure in black armour. They say if a brave soul cries out 'Knight to knight come forth' at the stroke of midnight, the ghostly warrior emerges, ready for battle. With a reputation for being unbeatable, this phantom knight has only once been bested in combat.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Sawston Hall

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire