Petrified Quoits of Hel Tor
Perched atop the rugged Hel Tor and Blackingstone hills in Devon, a legendary game of quoits has been etched into local folklore. It's said that the mighty King Arthur and the cunning Devil faced off in a spirited game, hurling discs at each other until the king emerged victorious. The Devil, furious at his loss, transformed the last two quoits into stone, leaving behind a haunting reminder of their supernatural encounter.
This ancient legend has been a part of Devon folklore for centuries, with the exact date of the event lost to the mists of time. While there's no concrete evidence to support the myth, the Petrified Quoits remain a popular tourist attraction and a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can still see the stone quoits, which are said to be the petrified remnants of the Devil's losing throws. The site's natural beauty and eerie atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those interested in exploring the paranormal.
Ancient Devon folklore
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Bride in Black Apparition
Whiddon Park Guest House, Chagford
Whiddon Park Guest House in Chagford, Devon, is home to a rather eerie presence. A bride dressed in black has been seen standing in the doorway of a bedroom on July 10th every year. This reoccurring sighting dates back to 1971, and it's said that she was murdered by a former suitor on her wedding day. Her ghostly appearances are a chilling reminder of the tragic event that took place many years ago.
Maxi Major Highwayman Ghost
Hunter's Hill?, Moretonhampstead
Hunter's Hill in Moretonhampstead is a spot where the past lingers, they say. This is where Maxi Major, a notorious highwayman, is believed to have been buried. Even now, locals claim to hear his presence, a ghostly reminder of the area's rich history. The exact date of his burial is unknown, but the legend of Maxi Major lives on, captivating those interested in the paranormal. If you're exploring the Devon countryside, take a moment to visit Hunter's Hill and see if you can sense the lingering spirit of this infamous figure.
The Headless Woman of Bovey House
Bovey House, Beer
Bovey House in Beer, Devon, is home to a rather eerie presence - the ghost of a headless woman dressed in blue silk. While sightings of the apparition have been scarce in recent years, the location still draws thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. The haunting is characterised by an unexplained smell of lavender wafting through the air, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this mysterious and unsettling phenomenon.
Medieval Horsemen of Dartmoor
Lustleigh Cleave, Dartmoor
Deep within the rugged expanse of Dartmoor, Lustleigh Cleave stands as a testament to the region's mystical allure. It's here, amidst the heather-covered moors and ancient stone circles, that a most peculiar sighting has been reported. In 1956, several witnesses claimed to have seen a group of horsemen, clad in medieval attire, galloping across the landscape. Their appearance was so convincing that it left onlookers in awe, wondering if they had indeed caught a glimpse of the past. The area, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, seems to have a penchant for the unexplained, as another group of witnesses observed what appeared to be cavemen roaming around the stone circle at the Cleave.
Kitty Jay's Crossroads Ghost
Nearby Crossroads, Manaton
On a remote stretch of road near Manaton in Devon, a lonely crossroads stands as a testament to a tragic tale from centuries past. It's here that locals claim to have spotted the ghost of a woman, believed to be Kitty Jay, who met her untimely demise in the 18th or 19th century. According to local lore, Kitty took her own life and was subsequently buried at this crossroads in an attempt to prevent her spirit from returning to haunt the living. Yet, it seems her restless energy persists, with numerous reports of a female apparition seen wandering the area.
Chambermaid Ghost Globe Inn
Globe Inn Inn, Chagford
The Globe Inn in Chagford, Devon, is home to a restless spirit known as the Chambermaid. This ghostly presence is said to be that of a maid who met a tragic end, drowned while being tried on a charge of witchcraft. Her spirit returned in protest, and it's believed that her shade still roams the inn's corridors. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, which they attribute to the Chambermaid's ghost. The inn's long history and picturesque setting only add to the mystique of this paranormal phenomenon.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hel Tor and Blackingstone hills

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon

The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Devon

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
Dunchideock, Devon

City Gate
Exeter, Devon