The Flute Playing Ghost
Dockacre House in Launceston is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. Nicholas Herle, the former owner, is said to play his flute before a death occurs in the household. This eerie melody is often accompanied by his visible appearance, which is considered less threatening to those who witness it. Nicholas's wife, who tragically starved herself to death, also makes appearances. It's said that her presence is part of the reoccurring events that take place before an owner's passing.
Historical records indicate that these events are classified as a crisis manifestation, occurring before a death in the family. The fact that Nicholas Herle's ghostly appearances and flute playing are reoccurring suggests a strong connection to the property and its former occupants. While there's limited information on the specific dates and circumstances of these events, it's clear that the Herle family's presence still resonates within the walls of Dockacre House.
The Herle family were significant landowners in Launceston during the 17th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Freight Train
Area near the old railway station, Launceston
Launceston, a charming town in Cornwall, is home to a rather unusual ghostly phenomenon. The area near the old railway station, where the tracks have long since been removed, is said to be haunted by the phantom sounds of a long goods train. Several people have reported hearing the eerie sounds of a train passing through, despite there being no physical railway line present. The experience is said to be quite unsettling, with the sound of the train seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
Phantom Grey Van Helston
Road between St Teath and town, Helston
The roads around Helston in Cornwall can be a pretty ordinary place, but locals and travellers alike have reported a rather unusual sighting - a phantom grey van that seems to drive around in broad daylight. It's not clear where it comes from or where it's headed, but one thing's for sure, it's left many people scratching their heads. The van is described as a standard grey colour, but beyond that, details are sketchy. Some say it's a pretty nondescript vehicle, which makes it all the more puzzling that it seems to have a presence on these roads.
Kergrim Churchyard Haunting
St Mary Magdalene Churchyard, Launceston
St Mary Magdalene Churchyard in Launceston, Cornwall, is said to be haunted by a ghoul-like creature known as Kergrim. This plot of land has a long history of paranormal activity, with locals claiming to have seen the creature roaming the graveyard. But that's not all - the churchyard is also home to a rather unusual local myth. During the last three days of May, people from the area would visit the grave of the most recently deceased person of the opposite sex to collect dew, which they believed would cure a stiff neck.
Snoring Ghost of Padstow
Cross House Hotel, Padstow
Deep in the heart of Padstow, the Cross House Hotel stands as a hub of paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, including snoring sounds emanating from an empty bed. It is not uncommon for people to hear footsteps and bangs coming from rooms that are vacant, especially during the late hours of the night. These unexplained events have left many wondering if the hotel is indeed haunted by a mischievous spirit.
Dancing Woman of Trebursye
Oak tree at Trebursye, Launceston
Deep in the Cornish countryside, near the town of Launceston, stands an ancient oak tree at Trebursye, a spot shrouded in a centuries-old tragedy. A young woman, overcome with joy, danced on the branches of this very tree, but her merriment was short-lived. She fell to her death, and it's said that her spirit, unable to rest, returned to continue the dance she had so cruelly interrupted. Locals, understandably unsettled by her ghostly waltz, especially as it often startled horses and passersby, took action. They called upon the vicar of Launceston to intervene, to lay the phantom and bring peace back to the area.
Wild Hunt Bridge Warning
Village bridge, Yeolmbridge
Yeolmbridge Village Bridge in Cornwall is said to be haunted by the Wild Hunt, a legendary procession of ghostly hunters. A local man once had a terrifying encounter with the Wild Hunt when he crossed the bridge as they were coming the other way. He was warned that if he ever passed that way again, he would die. For many years he avoided the area, but his fate eventually caught up with him when he accepted a lift from a stranger who crossed the bridge. He was found dead soon after, leaving behind a chilling tale of the Wild Hunt's deadly warning.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Dockacre House

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

The Wellington Hotel
Boscastle, Cornwall

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon