Lyonesse Haunted Sea Bells
Out in the waters between Cornwall and the Scilly Isles lies the lost land of Lyonesse, a place steeped in myth and legend. This fabled landmass was said to have connected the two areas, with some claiming to have seen flooded woodland as recently as the early twentieth century. The story of Lyonesse is one of tragedy and divine judgement, with some tales blaming Merlin for sinking the land as a punishment for Mordred's men, while others claim it was Heaven's wrath that sent it beneath the waves.
Historical accounts tell us that on Christmas Day, 149 submerged bells are said to ring out from beneath the sea. In days gone by, Cornish fishermen would sail out to listen to the undersea music, a haunting melody that has captured the imagination of many. While the exact date of the sinking is unknown, the story of Lyonesse has been passed down through the centuries, with many believing that the land was lost to the sea as a result of human actions. The phenomenon of the ringing bells has been a source of fascination for many, with some speculating about the possible connection to the mythical land.
Medieval legend and folklore
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Horse Hoof Haunting
Braddock Down, Lostwithiel
Braddock Down, a windswept hillside in Cornwall, is home to a most unusual and intriguing haunting. Every year on January 19th, a ghostly procession of horses is said to make its presence known. The site, steeped in history, was the location of a significant defeat for Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War. It's here that the phantom hoof falls are reported, a spectral echo of the battles that once raged across this very ground.
Poltgeist at Trout Hotel
Trout Hotel, Lostwithiel
The Trout Hotel in Lostwithiel has a reputation for being one of Cornwall's most haunted hotels. In 1987, guests and staff reported a series of bizarre occurrences that would become known as the Pesky Polt haunting. Although details are patchy, it's said that objects moved on their own and strange noises were heard throughout the hotel. The exact nature of the disturbances is unclear, but they were apparently significant enough to gain attention from paranormal enthusiasts.
Grey Lady of Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock House, Bodmin
Lanhydrock House stands as a testament to the region's rich history, its grandeur still palpable despite the devastating fire that ravaged the property in the nineteenth century. Today, visitors to this storied location report encountering a ghostly presence known as the Grey Lady, who is said to haunt the gallery and drawing room - the only parts of the original house that remain standing. Her ethereal form is often accompanied by the spirit of a man who met a tragic end, hanged by Royalists during the tumultuous Civil War.
Murdered Priest of Poundstock
St Neots Church, Poundstock
St Neots Church in Poundstock stands quietly in the Cornish countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to a tale of murder and unrest. A holy man, who met his demise in the mid-1300s, is said to haunt these grounds. He was a priest who dared to speak out against the local smugglers, a decision that ultimately cost him his life. To this day, his spirit is seen drifting around the churchyard and standing by the altar, a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded centuries ago.
Talking Crows of St Neots
Crow Pound, St Neots
Crow Pound, a historic earthwork in St Neots, Cornwall, is home to a most unusual legend. It's said that St Neot, a local saint, impounded a group of crows here, and some of these clever birds learned to speak in human tongue during their imprisonment. This peculiar tale has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder if there's truth behind the talking crows of Crow Pound. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing in curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
The White Hare of Looe
Hill between Talland and the Jolly Sailor Inn Inn, Looe
On a stretch of road between the villages of Talland and Looe in Cornwall, a rather eerie sighting has been reported. The location is marked by a hill that slopes down towards the Jolly Sailor Inn, a spot where locals and travellers alike have claimed to have seen a white creature, known as the Hare, running down the hill. This apparition is said to vanish as it reaches the public house, leaving onlookers with a sense of unease. The creature is thought to be the spirit of a young woman who took her own life, and its appearance is considered an ill omen.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Between Cornwall and Scilly Isles

Bodmin Jail Hotel
Bodmin, Cornwall

Molesworth Arms
Wadebridge, Cornwall

Camelot Castle Hotel
Tintagel, Cornwall

The Wellington Hotel
Boscastle, Cornwall