Burgh Island Smuggler Ghost
The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island in Devon is a place where the past lingers, quite literally. It's here that Tom Crocker, a notorious smuggler, met his untimely demise outside the pub's door. Some say he was shot by customs or perhaps by rivals, but one thing is certain - his spirit refuses to rest. Every year on August 13th, Crocker's ghostly form is said to reappear, a melancholy apparition forever trapped in the moment of his death. The atmosphere around the inn and the surrounding area is said to be heavy with a sense of foreboding, as if the very land itself remembers the tragic events of the past.
Delving deeper into the history of Tom Crocker, it's clear that his life was marked by danger and illicit activities. Some accounts suggest he was hanged, although the exact circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery. What's undeniable is the impact his presence has on those who visit the Pilchard Inn and the shores of Burgh Island. At night, ghostly lights from lanterns held by phantom wreckers are said to appear on the shore, adding to the eerie ambiance of this already haunted location. It's a place where the veil between the past and present seems remarkably thin, allowing visitors a glimpse into a world of smugglers, customs battles, and tragic loss.
18th century smuggling era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ashleigh Barton Death Warning
Manor House, Ashleigh Barton
Ashleigh Barton Manor House stands tall in the Devon countryside, its grandeur a testament to a bygone era. But amidst its beauty, a sense of foreboding lingers. This historic manor is said to be haunted by a crisis manifestation, a shade that appears in the upper part of the building prior to a family tragedy. It's a warning, a spectral messenger that signals impending doom. The exact nature of this warning is unclear, but its presence has been felt by many, leaving a lasting impact on those who've experienced it.
Shute's Vengeful Coachman Ghost
Roads in the village, Shute
In the quiet village of Shute, Devon, a ghostly presence is said to roam the roads, seeking justice for a wrongful death. The story goes that a coachman, notorious for his incompetence, was killed as punishment for his failures. Even in death, his coach has not been returned, and it's said that he continues to drive it, doomed to repeat the same journey for eternity. Locals claim to have seen the ghostly coachman, his coach rattling along the village roads, a haunting sight that sends shivers down the spines of those who catch a glimpse of it.
Plympton Megabowl Ghostly Apparitions
Plympton Megabowl, Plympton
Plympton Megabowl in Devon has been at the centre of paranormal activity since the 1990s. Strange figures and poltergeist-like occurrences have been reported by staff, prompting local medium Mark Cheetham to hold a 'clairvoyant evening' at the bowling alley in 2007. The event was an attempt to understand and possibly communicate with the entities causing the disturbances. It's said that the activity has continued over the years, leaving many to wonder about the identity and intentions of these ghostly apparitions.
Hope Cove Ghostly Pilot
Hope Cove Bunker, Salcombe
Deep in the Devon countryside, the Hope Cove Bunker stands as a testament to the region's wartime history. This former Second World War radar station and later nuclear war bunker is said to be haunted by the ghost of a pilot who wanders the staircase after dark. The atmosphere is thick with tension as disembodied footsteps echo through the corridors, leaving visitors to wonder if they're truly alone. As night falls, the bunker's labyrinthine passages seem to take on a life of their own, making it the perfect setting for a spine-tingling encounter with the paranormal.
Salcombe Ghostly Horse Breathing
B3181 Salcombe to Malborough road, Salcombe
The B3181 road that winds its way from Salcombe to Malborough in Devon has been the site of a most unusual and unexplained phenomenon. On a summer evening in 2004 a lone traveller was making their way along this stretch of road when they were startled by the sound of heavy breathing, like that of galloping horses, but with no accompanying hoof beats. The sound seemed to be moving alongside the vehicle, emanating from a hedge that briefly glowed with an eerie light as the breathing reached its climax. It was as if the very atmosphere was alive with an otherworldly presence.
Salcombe Sea Monster Sighting
Off coast, Salcombe
Salcombe's rugged coastline has witnessed many a mysterious occurrence, but one of the most enduring tales is that of the Barking Beast, a sea monster reportedly seen in August 1970. This serpent-like creature was said to have been spotted in the waters off the town, with some claiming it was a large conger eel. However, what makes this sighting particularly unusual is the accompanying strange barking sounds that were also attributed to the sea monster. The combination of an unusual creature and unexplained noises has made this a fascinating case in the realm of cryptozoology.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Pilchard Inn Inn
