Congleton Crocodile Sighting
Astbury Mere Water Park in Congleton, Cheshire, is a popular spot for water sports and outdoor activities, but it has a strange claim to fame. Back in 1995, several people using the park, which was once an old quarry, reported seeing a lizard-like creature swimming in the water. Described as being just under a metre in length, this mysterious creature was seen by multiple witnesses, leaving many to wonder what it could have been.
The site's history as a quarry might hold some clues about the creature's origins. Astbury Mere Water Park was created on the site of an old quarry, which was likely home to various wildlife. While there's no concrete evidence to explain the creature's appearance, it's possible that it was an unusual animal that had escaped or been released into the water. The fact that several people saw it suggests that it was a real creature, but its exact nature remains a mystery.
The site was a quarry before being converted to a water park
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Face in the Fireplace Haunting
Little Moreton Hall, Congleton
Little Moreton Hall has stood for centuries, its timber-framed facade a testament to its rich history. But it's not just the hall's architecture that's intriguing - a thirteen year old girl reported seeing a face appear in the fireplace, giving her disapproving looks back in 1997. This haunting manifestation has left many wondering about the hall's past and the identity of the mysterious face.
Gawsworth Hall Ghostly Lady
Gawsworth Hall and general area, Macclesfield
Gawsworth Hall stands tall in the Cheshire countryside, its grandeur and beauty matched only by the mystery of the ghostly lady said to roam its grounds. A female phantom, dressed in old attire, is reportedly seen drifting around the courtyard, patrolling nearby lanes, and even wandering into the churchyard. Some believe this ghostly figure to be Mary Fitton, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I, adding a touch of royal intrigue to the haunting. As autumn sets in, sightings of this elusive ghost are said to increase, leaving many to wonder if the hall's rich history is indeed home to a restless spirit.
Maggoty Johnson's Ghostly Apparition
Maggoty Wood, Gawsworth
Deep in the heart of Cheshire, Maggoty Wood is home to a most intriguing legend. This woodland takes its name from Samuel Johnson, England's last professional jester, who lies buried within its boundaries. The story goes that if you're brave - or foolhardy - enough to walk around Johnson's grave twelve times, you'll be rewarded with a ghostly apparition. It's said that on certain evenings, Samuel Johnson's spirit will rise from the earth, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, to taunt and entertain those who have proven their dedication to his memory.
Mary Frinton's Ghostly Patrol
Area between Harrington Arms Inn and the Old Hall Inn, Gawsworth
In the quaint village of Gawsworth, Cheshire, there's a stretch of road where locals and visitors alike have reported strange sightings. This spot, nestled between the Harrington Arms Inn and the Old Hall Inn, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Frinton, a member of Queen Elizabeth I's court known for her rather scandalous lifestyle back in the day. Mary apparently had quite the reputation for being promiscuous, but she eventually settled down, married a local, and lived out her days in the area. Now, her restless spirit is said to patrol the very roads near her former home, perhaps reminiscing about old times or ensuring that her legacy lives on.
Floating Trees of Blackmere
Body of water known as Blackmere, Brereton
Blackmere, a body of water nestled in the Cheshire countryside, is home to a rather unsettling legend. It's said that before a death in the Brereton family, tree trunks would mysteriously appear floating in the water. This eerie phenomenon was often accompanied by a strange change in the water's colour, which would turn a deep red hue. The Brereton family, who resided at the nearby Brereton Hall, would have been aware of these ominous signs, knowing that they foretold a tragic event.
The Grey Lady of Church Lawton
Woodland near the lake, Church Lawton
Deep in the woodland near Church Lawton, an unsettling atmosphere often pervades, leaving some to wonder if it's more than just a coincidence. It was here, on an autumnal day in 2016, that two friends walking their dog stumbled upon an eerie experience. As they ventured further into the woods, the air grew thick with an uneasy feeling. Suddenly, an iron gate creaked open and slammed shut, followed by the sound of footsteps heading in their direction. Their dog, sensing something was amiss, began barking frantically and took off towards the gate, with the friends close behind.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old quarry

