Padstow Phantom Rowing
The sleepy fishing village of Padstow in Cornwall is home to a most peculiar and intriguing haunting. On the beach north of the town, locals and visitors alike have reported hearing the unmistakable sound of oars dipping into the water, particularly after sunset. The eerie thing is, there's never a rowing boat in sight to account for the noise. It's as if the sound is emanating from thin air, leaving those who experience it with a sense of wonder and a dash of unease.
Historical records of Padstow's maritime past are well documented, with the village having played a significant role in the region's fishing industry for centuries. One possible explanation for the phantom rowing sounds could be a connection to the village's rich history, perhaps the ghostly echo of a long-forgotten fishing trip or a tragic maritime event. While there's no concrete evidence to support this theory, the fact that the sound is typically heard after sunset adds to the mystique, leaving many to ponder the connection between Padstow's past and its present-day paranormal activity.
Padstow has a rich maritime history dating back to the 16th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Padstow Poltergeist Haunting
Former Livery Stable, Padstow
In the heart of Padstow, a small town in Cornwall, there stands a former livery stable with a reputation for being home to a mischievous poltergeist. The exact location is unclear, but a 1967 estate agent advert for the site mentioned the presence of this troublesome spirit. While details are scarce, the fact that the poltergeist was noted in a property listing suggests it was causing quite a stir. Imagine walking into a property with a history of unexplained occurrences - it's a tantalising prospect for anyone interested in the paranormal.
The White Hart Ghost
The White Hart, Padstow
The White Hart in Padstow, Cornwall, is said to be haunted by a ghostly presence known as Wilfred. This former inn, now sadly no longer operational, was once a hub of activity in the picturesque fishing village. Footsteps echoing down the stairs and a loud rasping sound emanating from one of the bedrooms are just a couple of the unexplained occurrences that have been reported. It's believed that Wilfred, a priest who met his demise at the inn a few years prior, is responsible for these strange happenings.
Annie Rawlings' Tragic Ghost
St. Petroc Bistro, Padstow
St Petroc's in Padstow is a place where the past lingers, particularly on the staircase and in the kitchen. The ghostly presence said to haunt these areas is that of Annie Rawlings, a woman who took her own life in the nineteenth century. Faced with being forced out of her home, Annie's tragic fate has left a lasting impression on the building. Her pale, slim form is often seen by those who venture into this historic location, now a restaurant.
The Elizabethan Woman of Padstow
Abbey House, Padstow
Abbey House in Padstow is home to a sad and elusive spirit, known as the Elizabethan Woman. She drifts around the house, travelling up the staircase from the basement and vanishing in the oldest part of the building. Her presence is a mystery, with no clear explanation for her appearances. The house, situated on North Quay, has a rich history dating back to the Elizabethan era, which may be connected to the ghostly woman.
King Arthur's Kelliwic Haunting
Hillfort, Padstow
Perched atop a Cornish hill, Kelliwic Hillfort whispers secrets of a bygone era. Legend has it that this ancient stronghold was once King Arthur's Kelliwic, a place of myth and magic. Though the annals of time have shrouded the site in mystery, the essence of its storied past lingers, drawing thrill-seekers and history buffs alike to its windswept slopes. As dusk descends, an otherworldly aura settles over the fort, leaving many to wonder if the legendary king's presence still resonates through these earthworks.
Midnight Horse Riders of Padstow
General area, Padstow
In the sleepy Cornish town of Padstow, a strange and enchanting phenomenon has been reported for generations. When the clock strikes midnight, two tiny horses and their riders are said to spring from a rooftop and ride around the streets and old marketplace. This bizarre spectacle has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, with many wondering what could be behind this nocturnal display.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Beach north of town

Molesworth Arms
Wadebridge, Cornwall

Bodmin Jail Hotel
Bodmin, Cornwall

Camelot Castle Hotel
Tintagel, Cornwall

The Wellington Hotel
Boscastle, Cornwall