Tragic Lovers of Penfound
Deep in Cornwall's rolling countryside, Penfound Manor stands as a haunting testament to a tragic tale of love and loss. This ancient house is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of Kate, her lover John, and her father, whose fatal confrontation has been re-enacted for centuries. On one fateful night, Kate and John tried to escape their predetermined fate, but were caught by Kate's disapproving father. A fierce sword fight ensued, claiming the lives of all three. To this day, locals claim that on April 26th, the sounds of clashing steel and anguished cries echo through the manor's halls at midnight.
Historical records confirm that the tragic events took place in the 17th or 18th century, a time when family honour and arranged marriages were paramount. The incident has become an infamous part of local folklore, with many believing that the spirits of the three victims are doomed to re-enact their final, fatal confrontation. While there are no documented witness accounts, the haunting is said to manifest as a visual and audio experience, with visitors reporting strange noises and apparitions. The lack of specific details about the event has allowed the legend to grow, fuelling speculation about the nature of the haunting.
17th or 18th century, Pre-Victorian era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Sea Serpent
Off coast, Bude
Out in the choppy waters off Bude's coast, a strange creature has been spotted lurking beneath the surface. In October 1883 and again in October 1911, the vicar of the local parish reported a mysterious sea serpent gliding through the waves at a pace of around 25 miles per hour. As it moved through the water, it left behind an oily wake that glistened in the sunlight. The sightings were notable for their speed and the trail of oil that followed the creature.
The Vanishing Castle Figure
The Castle, Bude
The Castle in Bude, Cornwall, is said to be home to a mysterious and elusive presence. A gardener once spotted a shadowy figure within the locked building, which promptly vanished as he gained access. It's as if the figure was a fleeting apparition, a ghostly visitation that didn't want to be seen. The castle's history is long and complex, but this particular incident has left many wondering about the nature of the paranormal activity that seems to occur here.
Ranulph's Haunted Castle Ruins
Blanchminster Castle, Stratton
Blanchminster Castle, nestled in the rolling hills of Cornwall, is home to a rather tragic ghost story. Ranulph, a knight who returned from the crusades to find his wife had remarried, was heartbroken. He spent his days living rough in the surrounding countryside, unable to bear the thought of confronting his former life. Locals claim that his spirit still roams the former moat, a poignant reminder of his lost love.
Giant's Grave Haunting
Warbstow Bury hillfort, Warbstow
Perched atop Warbstow Bury hillfort, a legendary giant lies buried, his massive frame said to be the result of a fatal clash with another colossal figure. Locals whisper that the giant's rest is not a peaceful one, for if his grave is disturbed, a storm will brew, unleashing its fury upon the landscape. This ancient hillfort, with its earthworks and ramparts, has borne witness to the giant's slumber, and the winds that howl through its ruins are said to be a warning, a sign that the giant's grave should be left undisturbed.
Colonel Hawker's Ghostly Haunting
Penally House, Boscastle
Penally House in Boscastle is home to a most intriguing haunting. Footsteps belonging to Colonel Hawker are said to wander around the property, while a figure has been seen passing by windows. It's as if the Colonel is still patrolling his estate, even in death. On calm nights, the sound of a horse can be heard outside the house, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Local folklore claims that secret tunnels connect the building to the beach, which could be a clue to the Colonel's restless spirit.
Knocking
, RAF Cleave
RAF Cleave was a flurry of activity during World War II, with WAAF huts bustling with personnel. But it wasnt just the living who made their presence known. The base was said to be haunted by strange knocking sounds that seemed to emanate from nowhere in particular. Armed guards were tasked with tracking down the source of the noise but they were unable to pinpoint it. The sounds were loud enough to be a nuisance but they didnt seem to be malevolent. They simply started one day and stopped a few weeks later, leaving behind a mystery that has become a footnote in the history of paranormal activity in Cornwall.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Penfound Manor

The Wellington Hotel
Boscastle, Cornwall

Camelot Castle Hotel
Tintagel, Cornwall

The Devil's Stone Inn
Beaworthy, Devon

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon