Skip to main content

Sleeping Place

, Blencathra, Cumbria Unknown Medieval

Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is a mountain in the English Lake District with a legend that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Concealed under its peak, a story has been passed down through the ages that King Arthur and his troops lie sleeping, waiting for the day when Britain needs them most. This mythical tale has become an integral part of the region's folklore, drawing in those interested in the paranormal and the rich history of Cumbria.

The legend of King Arthur's slumbering army has been a topic of interest for centuries, with many believing that the once and future king will rise again to defend Britain in its time of need. While there's no concrete evidence to support this claim, the story has become an essential part of Blencathra's identity. The mountain itself is a prominent landmark in the Lake District, offering breathtaking views and a sense of awe-inspiring mystery. Visitors to the area can explore the surrounding countryside, taking in the natural beauty and perhaps catching a glimpse of something more extraordinary.

Historical Context

The legend of King Arthur dates back to the 5th century

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Mountain
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
CA12

Nearby Haunted Places

UFO 2.7 mi

Spinning Balls of Goose Green

Crossroads at Goose Green, Caldbeck

Goose Green in Cumbria is a place where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to coexist. On a March evening in 1998, around 20:00h, two witnesses were treated to a bizarre spectacle. They watched in amazement as three large white spinning balls hovered in the air, maintaining equal distance from each other for about twelve minutes. The balls were motionless, just spinning, before they suddenly moved at speed, dispersing in different directions - one flew left, one right, and the third straight up, vanishing from sight within a couple of seconds.

Rural Crossroads Late 20th Century
Read Full Story
Legend 2.9 mi

The Teleporting Skull of Threlkeld

Threlkeld Place, Threlkeld

Threlkeld Place in Cumbria is home to a rather unusual legend about a skull that just wouldn't stay away. The story goes that the property owners, at some point, decided to get rid of the skull but it kept coming back. They tried disposing of it several times but it somehow always managed to return to its spot. Eventually, they gave up and bricked it up behind a wall, presumably hoping that would put an end to the strange occurrences. But what makes this skull so special that it refused to be parted from its home?

Private Residence Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.9 mi

Gibbeted Ghost of Threlkeld

Sawrey Casey, Threlkeld

Sawrey Casey in Threlkeld, Cumbria, is a spot where the dark history of the area comes alive in a rather unsettling way. It's here that Thomas Lancaster, a man found guilty of poisoning several members of his wife's family along with a servant, met his grim end. In 1671, Lancaster was hanged from his own doorway at Hye Wrey, and then his body was gibbeted at Sawrey Casey. The gruesome display of his corpse was meant as a warning, but it seems his presence didn't fade away even after his body was taken down. People started reporting sightings of him still hanging from the gibbet, a haunting spectacle that has become a part of local folklore.

Historic Gibbet Site 17th Century
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.2 mi

The Radiant Boy of Corby Castle

Corby Castle, Corby

Corby Castle stands tall in the Cumbrian landscape, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history and, some say, a healthy dose of the paranormal. It's here that the ghostly figure of the Radiant Boy has been spotted, a child with golden hair who glows like an angel. He's a morning apparition, usually seen at the crack of dawn, and his presence is said to bring a mixed blessing - those who see him are allegedly granted wealth and power, but also cursed with a violent death. It's a pretty unnerving prospect, and one that's understandably captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Castle Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.2 mi

The Gilsland Boy Apparition

Triermain Castle, Gilsland

Triermain Castle stands as a haunting reminder of a tragic past, its stone walls bearing witness to the fleeting presence of a young boy who met his demise on the snow-covered common nearby. The boy's spirit is said to manifest as a shivering form, often seen near the castle walls, and on rare occasions, he'll reach out and grab unsuspecting passersby. This chilling encounter is believed to foretell the witness's impending death, with the area of the body touched being the primary site of fatality. It's a poignant and unsettling phenomenon that has left many to ponder the circumstances surrounding the boy's untimely death.

Castle Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 3.2 mi

Kendal Castle Dairy Poltergeist

Castle Dairy, Kendal

Castle Dairy in Kendal has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. This building, now a restaurant, has been the site of numerous paranormal occurrences. Footsteps echo through the staircase, picture frames fall from the walls, and heavy doors swing open unaided. Customers have reported some pretty frightening experiences, including a butter knife being thrown at one diner and another being grabbed around the neck by an unseen force. The Roman Road Room seems to be a hotspot for activity, where the ghostly apparitions of three men smoking have been spotted.

Historic Restaurant Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near