The Top Hat Ghost
New Court in Cambridge is home to a rather peculiar ghost. Back in 1922, author T C Lethbridge claimed to have spotted a phantom figure while he was a university student. At first, he thought the chap was a porter, but on closer inspection, he realised the man was sporting a top hat - a rather unusual piece of headgear for a porter, especially since it wasn't a Sunday. What's interesting is that Lethbridge's friend was in the same room at the time, but remarkably, they didn't see the ghost at all.
Digging deeper into the history of New Court, it's clear that the building has been part of Trinity College for centuries. It's no surprise that with such a rich history, some rather unusual sightings have been reported. Lethbridge's account of the top hat ghost is one of the most well-documented cases, and it's fascinating to consider what might have led to this apparition. Was it a former resident of the college, or perhaps a passerby who met an untimely demise? Whatever the explanation, the top hat ghost remains a captivating enigma.
Part of Trinity College since the 18th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Cambridge Abbey House Hauntings
Abbey Road, Cambridge
Abbey House on Abbey Road in Cambridge is a place where the veil between worlds seems remarkably thin. This house has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Cambridge, if not the entire country. It's said to play host to a staggering array of ghostly entities, including a poltergeist, ghostly echoes of chains, a butler, a woman in white, a grey lady, a squirrel, a dog, and a hare. The variety of these apparitions is certainly unusual, and it's little wonder that Abbey House has garnered so much attention from paranormal enthusiasts.
Goat Headed River Monster
River Cam close to Stourbridge Common, Cambridge
The River Cam, a tranquil waterway that winds its way through the historic city of Cambridge, has been the site of a bizarre and terrifying encounter. In 1276, a group of fishers claimed to have spotted a monstrous creature with a goat's head and eyes that shone like fire. The creature was said to have plunged itself under the ice, causing a commotion and sending the fishers fleeing in fear. This strange encounter has been documented in 'The Doome Warning All Men to the Judgemente', a historical text that provides a fascinating glimpse into the paranormal history of the region.
Ghostly Car Haunting
Crossroads turning off to housing estate, Milton
At a quiet crossroads in Milton, Cambridge, a strange phenomenon has been reported by locals. This spot, where a housing estate branches off, seems to be haunted by a ghostly car. Though there are no records of fatal accidents here, drivers claim that their vehicles are bumped or nudged by an invisible force, yet no damage or marks are ever found. It's as if a phantom vehicle is making contact, but vanishing into thin air.
The Unlucky Shuck of Arbury Road
Arbury Road, Cambridge
Arbury Road in Cambridge is a place where locals and visitors alike claim to have spotted a ghostly apparition known as a shuck. This eerie entity is said to roam the road and surrounding area, bringing bad luck to those unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it. The shuck's presence has been reported in the twentieth century, and while there's no clear explanation for its origins, its reputation as a harbinger of misfortune has stuck.
Furry Creature of Newmarket Road
Newmarket Road, Cambridge
Newmarket Road in Cambridge is where a bizarre sighting has been reported - a large, furry, penguin-like creature. This strange being has been spotted waddling along the road, leaving onlookers perplexed. The creature was first seen at Merton Hall, but more recent sightings have occurred on Newmarket Road. A local paranormal group investigating the case proposed an intriguing theory - that the creature might be the ghost of a doctor clad in a cloak and wearing a beak-like mask, which was a protective measure against the plague.
Peterborough Poltergeist Haunting
Guest house, Peterborough
On Eastfield Road in Peterborough, a rather bizarre and unexplained incident took place back in 1960. Two men who were staying at a guest house on the road woke up one morning to find that their kitchen was littered with broken cups and plates. The strange thing was that they hadn't heard anything unusual during the night, which suggests that whatever caused the mess did so without making a sound. The men also reported feeling like they were being watched by something unseen, which added to the eerie atmosphere of the situation.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near New Court

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire