Headless Horseman of Barrowfields
Barrowfields in Newquay is home to a rather unsettling spectre - a headless horseman who travels several metres above the ground. This ghostly apparition has been reported to appear in the vicinity of the ancient barrow, sending shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike. Imagine walking through the fields at dusk, the sun dipping below the horizon, and suddenly catching a glimpse of a horse and rider, floating eerily in mid-air, with one unsettling difference - the rider's head is missing.
The history of Barrowfields and its association with the headless horseman is shrouded in mystery. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or time of the haunting, it's believed to be connected to the area's rich history and ancient burial grounds. The fact that the horseman is seen floating above the ground, metres above the earth, adds to the enigma. Some speculate that the ghost may be a former landowner or a warrior, whose spirit has lingered, searching for peace or justice.
The area has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with numerous ancient burial grounds and barrows.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Theologian of Crantock Manor
Crantock Manor, Newquay
Deep within the walls of Crantock Manor, a place of quiet contemplation has been disturbed by the restless spirit of Doctor Pusey, a theologian from a bygone era. His ghost has been seen sitting by a window, lost in deep thought, as if pondering the mysteries of the universe. A guest at the manor, mistaking the phantom for a real person, attempted to strike up a conversation, only to be left feeling perplexed and somewhat annoyed when Pusey failed to respond. It wasnt until she complained to the owner about the 'rude man' that she was made aware of his true nature - a harmless but intriguing spectre.
Newquay Backpackers Ghost
Fistral Backpackers, Newquay
Fistral Backpackers in Newquay has a reputation for being one of the most haunted hostels in the UK. An employee had a strange encounter when they spotted the reflection of an older woman wearing a flowery dress walking past behind them. They spun around but there was no one there. This wasn't a one-off incident either - the same employee also heard their name being whispered when cleaning an empty room. It's unclear what the connection is between these events, but they certainly left a lasting impression.
Newquay Smugglers' Ghost
Area between Towan beach and Belushi's Public House, Newquay
Newquay's scenic coastline has a darker side, particularly where the old smugglers' tunnel lies hidden between Towan Beach and Belushi's Public House. Locals whisper about a tragic event from the 1930s when a young woman lost her life in a tunnel collapse. They say her spirit still roams these parts, her sorrowful cries echoing through the night air. Some claim to have caught glimpses of her floating apparition, a fleeting but unmistakable presence.
Newquay Vanishing Boat Mystery
Harbour, Newquay
Newquay Harbour, a bustling spot for fishermen and tourists alike, holds a strange secret. On a calm evening in 2009, a fishing boat crew stumbled upon an old, empty vessel close to the harbour. They pulled alongside, thinking it had broken free from its moorings, but as they checked the cabin, they made a chilling discovery - the boat had been lost at sea eighteen years prior. The crew's excitement quickly turned to unease as they left the cabin, only to find the vessel had vanished into thin air.
Woman Speaking Old English Haunting
Unstated road in village, Veryan
In the sleepy Cornish village of Veryan, a chilling encounter took place on a cold January night in 2004. A witness was making his way down an unnamed road when he was suddenly confronted by two bizarre figures. A man wielding a flaming torch and a woman, who was groaning and shouting about the end of the world, appeared to be in the midst of an intense argument. The atmosphere was tense, and things took a darker turn when the witness's presence was noticed - the pair began to chase him, their footsteps eerily silent as they pursued him for several hundred metres.
Newquay Ghost Fisherman
Red Lion, Newquay
The Red Lion in Newquay is home to a rather curious ghost. A visitor to the pub claimed to see an old fisherman cross the courtyard of this building. It was a strange sighting that left staff mystified. What's more, three sets of shutters unclasped themselves and closed over the windows, with CCTV picking no one in the area. This unusual occurrence happened around 2003 and has been remembered ever since.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Barrowfields

Molesworth Arms
Wadebridge, Cornwall

Bodmin Jail Hotel
Bodmin, Cornwall

The Falmouth Hotel
Falmouth, Cornwall