Important: Locations are approximate and for reference only. Please verify before visiting and always respect private property, local laws, and landowner wishes. Many locations may be on private land or restricted areas.
Off coast, Christchurch
Off the coast of Christchurch in Dorset a bizarre incident took place on 28 October 1988 that left the crew of a trawler scratching their heads. They reported their boat being enveloped by a huge cloud made of sticky cobwebs with an estimated diameter of thirty square miles. It was a strange and inexplicable event that has become a talking point among locals and those interested in the paranormal.
The crew's account of the incident is a fascinating example of an unexplained phenomenon. On that day in October 1988 they were out fishing when their boat was suddenly covered in a massive cloud of cobwebs. The sheer scale of the cloud was impressive with an estimated diameter of thirty square miles. While it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of such an event it's clear that it had a significant impact on those who witnessed it.
The incident occurred on 28 October 1988
Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch
Highcliffe Castle has a reputation for being one of Dorset's most haunted locations. This stunning castle has been the site of numerous paranormal occurrences, including flickering lights and other mischievous behaviours attributed to an invisible spirit. The castle's long history and former residents may be the key to understanding these strange happenings. It's said that an invisible presence lurks within the castle's walls, causing all sorts of trouble for visitors and staff.
Dating back to the 18th century, Highcliffe Castle has a rich and varied history. The castle has changed hands several times over the years, with various owners contributing to its architecture and grounds. The reported poltergeist activity is believed to have started in the twentieth century, with numerous instances of electrical disruption and unexplained events. While there's no concrete evidence to explain the cause of these occurrences, it's clear that Highcliffe Castle is a hotbed of paranormal activity.
Built in the 18th century for the Earl of Pembroke
Candlemas Cottage, Christchurch
Candlemas Cottage in Christchurch, Dorset, has a strange and unexplained phenomenon associated with it. People have seen fire being reflected in the upper rear windows of the cottage, but when they've investigated, they've found no source for the flames. It's a puzzling and intriguing occurrence that has left many wondering what's behind it. Is it a residual haunting, a manifestation of some sort of energy, or something else entirely? The fact that the fire appears in the windows but not elsewhere is a curious aspect of this haunting.
The history of Candlemas Cottage is not well-documented, but it's likely that the cottage has been standing for several centuries. Christchurch is a town with a rich history, dating back to the medieval period, and many of its old buildings have stories of paranormal activity associated with them. Unfortunately, there are no detailed accounts of the witnesses who have seen the fire, but the fact that multiple people have reported it suggests that it's not just a one-off sighting. The fire has been seen at an unspecified time, which adds to the mystery.
Christchurch has a rich history dating back to the medieval period
Ye Olde George Inn Inn, Christchurch
Ye Olde George Inn in Christchurch, Dorset, is home to a phantom known as the Grey Lady. During repair work, a priest hole was discovered containing a skeleton and old clothing, which may explain the ghostly apparition. Staff and guests have reported seeing a grey lady wandering around the inn, and some have even noticed wine bottles being mysteriously collected and moved to a single area.
Further investigation into the history of the inn reveals that it dates back to the medieval period. The discovery of the priest hole and skeleton suggests that the inn may have played a role in the Catholic Church during times of persecution. The Grey Lady is thought to be the spirit of a woman who may have been connected to the inn or the church. While there are no recorded witness accounts, the strange occurrences and sightings have been documented over the years.
The inn dates back to the medieval period and may have played a role in the Catholic Church during times of persecution.
Red House Museum, Christchurch
The Red House Museum in Christchurch, Dorset, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in the UK. This former workhouse, now a museum, is said to be home to a number of ghostly residents who dont seem to want to leave. While the museum is often promoted for its ghost hunting events, the details of what actually haunts the site are less well publicised. The atmosphere is certainly right for paranormal activity, with the museum's history dating back to the 19th century.
Built as a workhouse in the Victorian era, the Red House Museum has a long and complex history. Originally known as Christchurch Workhouse, it was designed to provide shelter and support for the local poor. Over the years, the site has undergone significant changes, but its reputation for paranormal activity has endured. While there are few specific details about the ghostly apparitions, the museum's ghost hunting events suggest that visitors have experienced a range of unexplained phenomena, from strange noises to unexplained movements.
The Red House Museum was built as a workhouse in the 19th century, providing shelter and support for the local poor.
Christchurch Priory, Christchurch
Christchurch Priory is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of several monks. One entity is reportedly seen standing at the top of the tower staircase, while others have been spotted wandering the grounds. In the 1970s, a vicar claimed to have witnessed multiple phantom monks carrying a coffin across the graveyard. These sightings have contributed to the priory's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
Local legend has it that the priory was originally meant to be built on top of St Catherine's Hill, but every night, the building materials would mysteriously move to the site where the priory now stands. This peculiar occurrence may be linked to the priory's long history of reported hauntings. The priory itself has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, and it's possible that the ghostly monks are the spirits of former residents. The vicar's account from the 1970s provides valuable evidence of the priory's paranormal activity.
Christchurch Priory was founded in the medieval period and has a long history of monastic activity.
Castle Tavern, Christchurch
The Castle Tavern in Christchurch, Dorset, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in the area. It's said that several ghostly entities roam the premises, including a ghostly old lady, a man in black, a young boy, and a misty shape. These apparitions were reportedly seen by multiple witnesses back in the 1980s, and their presence has become the stuff of local legend. The old lady ghost is particularly intriguing, but details about her identity or what she might be doing there are sadly lacking.
Interestingly, the Castle Tavern has undergone changes over the years and is now known as the Soho Bar. Despite this, the reports of paranormal activity persist. The variety of ghostly entities seen here suggests that the location may have a complex history with multiple events or people connected to it. While we dont know much about the specific experiences of those who encountered these ghosts, their sightings have contributed to the taverns notorious reputation.
The Castle Tavern has been a Christchurch landmark for centuries, but specific details about its past are scarce.
Nelson Public House, Christchurch
The Nelson Public House in Christchurch is home to a rather unusual haunting - a pair of phantom sailors who seem to have made this historic pub their spiritual home. While there's no record of a specific incident or tragedy that might have led to their presence, their ghostly appearances have become a popular topic of conversation among locals and visitors alike. The sailors are said to be seen wandering the pub's interior, their ethereal forms seemingly at ease in this bustling hostelry.
Dating back to the 19th century, the Nelson Public House has a rich history that spans numerous renovations and owners. Located on Quay Road, the pub has long been a staple of Christchurch's social scene, with generations of families and travellers passing through its doors. While the phantom sailors' story is largely anecdotal, it has captured the imagination of many, and their reported appearances have become an integral part of the pub's folklore. Although there's no concrete evidence to support a specific connection between the sailors and the pub's history, their haunting presence continues to fascinate those who experience it.
The Nelson Public House dates back to the 19th century.
Ship in Distress Public House, Christchurch
The Ship in Distress Public House in Christchurch, Dorset, is a place where the past lingers, quite literally. This old pub has a reputation for strange happenings, all attributed to the ghost of Sam Hookey, an old smuggler who met his demise in the nearby river. His spirit is said to roam the pub, making its presence known through loud, unidentified sounds and unpleasant odours. It's as if Hookey's adventurous life hasn't ended yet, and he's still causing a stir in the quiet town of Christchurch.
Sam Hookey's story begins and ends with the sea. An old smuggler, he pushed his luck too far and drowned in the river that flows into Christchurch Bay. The Ship in Distress Public House, with its rich maritime history, seems a fitting haunt for Hookey's restless spirit. While there aren't specific dates or times for the paranormal activity, the consensus is that Hookey's ghostly presence is felt throughout the pub. Witnesses report a range of unexplained phenomena, from inexplicable noises to strange smells, all hinting at Hookey's mischievous nature even in death.
The Ship in Distress Public House has a long history dating back to the Georgian era, a time when smuggling was rife in the coastal towns of England.
Skies above and off coast, Christchurch
Christchurch has long been associated with a terrifying legend from the medieval period. In the early 12th century, a monstrous creature emerged from the sea and took to the skies, wreaking havoc on the town. The beast, described as a five-headed dragon, was said to have destroyed the local church and many surrounding houses, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The event was documented by the third abbot of Saint Martin of Tournai, providing a rare glimpse into the town's paranormal history.
Historical records suggest that the dragon's arrival occurred around 1113, a time of great turmoil and upheaval in England. The dean of the destroyed church attempted to flee by boat, but the vessel was also incinerated, although the dean himself escaped unharmed. This remarkable account has been passed down through the centuries, with many regarding it as a factual event rather than a mere myth. The dragon's appearance has been interpreted as a sign of divine retribution or a harbinger of doom, adding to the town's rich history of supernatural legends.
The event occurred during the reign of King Henry I of England.
Town Bridge, Christchurch
Christchurch Town Bridge is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to converge. People have reported hearing strange, disembodied sounds here - singing, pipes, and drums - that seem to emanate from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. It's as if the bridge itself is somehow bringing these sounds into being, or maybe it's just a conduit for something more mysterious. Whatever the explanation, the effect is undeniably eerie and intriguing.
The history of Christchurch Town Bridge stretches back centuries, and it's possible that some of the reported sounds are residual echoes from the past. The bridge has been a vital crossing point over the River Avon for many years, and it's seen its fair share of comings and goings. While there's no concrete evidence to link specific events to the haunting, it's clear that the bridge has a unique atmosphere that some people find compelling. The singing, pipes, and drums are said to be heard occasionally, but there's no clear pattern to their appearances.
The bridge has been a crossing point over the River Avon for centuries
Bypass, Christchurch
On the Christchurch Bypass in Dorset, a strange encounter took place on a summer's night. A driver and passenger were heading towards Bournemouth when they spotted a man dressed in military-style clothing standing on the central reservation. The figure was noticed at around 01:30 on August 4, 2017. When the car was turned around to take another look, the man had vanished into thin air. The sudden disappearance was accompanied by a chill in the car's temperature and some mild electrical interference, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the encounter.
Digging deeper into the story, it's clear that the witnesses were shaken by what they saw. One of them even suggested that the figure might have been a friend who had passed away a couple of years prior, which adds a personal and poignant layer to the experience. While we can't confirm the identity of the soldier, the fact that the witnesses were driving on a bypass, a route that likely sees a lot of traffic, makes the sighting all the more unusual. The incident is a classic example of a visual and audio haunting, with the unexplained cold spot and electrical interference adding to the mystery.
The Christchurch Bypass is a relatively modern road, but the area has a rich history dating back to the medieval period.
Priory Cottage, Christchurch
Priory Cottage in Christchurch, Dorset, is home to a most intriguing ghostly presence. This phantom verger, affectionately nicknamed Old Joe, has been seen milling around the garden. The sightings date back to the 1950s, a time when the verger's presence was first reported. It's said that Old Joe wanders the grounds, perhaps still attending to his duties as a verger, even in death. The verger's ghostly apparition is a harmless one, and those who have spotted him describe the experience as more curious than unsettling.
Further adding to the mystique of Priory Cottage, the history of the property and its connection to the church may hold the key to understanding Old Joe's lingering presence. As a verger, Old Joe would have been responsible for the care and upkeep of the church and its grounds. It's possible that his dedication to his duties has transcended even death itself. While there aren't multiple detailed accounts of Old Joe's appearances, the fact that he has been seen by various people over the years lends credibility to the claims. The exact nature of his duties and the circumstances of his death remain a mystery, leaving us to speculate about the reasons behind his ghostly wanderings.
Priory Cottage is located near Christchurch Priory, a historic church that dates back to the 11th century.
Christchurch Castle, Christchurch
Christchurch Castle stands tall in the heart of this Dorset town, its ancient stones bearing witness to a multitude of secrets and stories. Among the most intriguing are the unexplained disembodied voices and orbs that have been captured by ghosthunters in recent years. These bizarre occurrences have sparked intense interest and debate, with many left wondering what could be causing such strange phenomena. The voices, often faint but unmistakable, seem to emanate from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, leaving investigators to ponder their origin.
Delving into the history of Christchurch Castle, it's clear that the site has a rich and complex past, with roots dating back to the Norman Conquest. Over the centuries, the castle has played host to numerous significant events, including sieges and battles. It's possible that the recorded voices and orbs are connected to these historical happenings, perhaps even residual energy from a bygone era. Equipment malfunctions and large EMP spikes have also been reported, adding further credence to the claims of paranormal activity. While the exact cause remains a mystery, one thing is certain - Christchurch Castle is a hotspot for ghostly activity.
Christchurch Castle was built in the 11th century and has played a significant role in the town's history.
Regent Centre, Christchurch
The Regent Centre in Christchurch, Dorset, has a rather intriguing reputation for being haunted by a couple of ghostly watchers. These phantom individuals are said to sit in the stalls, silently observing the stage. It's a curious phenomenon that has been reported to occur over several decades, with the first recorded sightings dating back to the 1980s. The fact that these ghostly apparitions seem to be interested in the performances on stage has led to much speculation about their identities and motivations.
Further investigation into the history of the Regent Centre reveals that it has a long and storied past, having hosted numerous theatrical productions and events over the years. Given its rich history, it's perhaps not surprising that the theatre has developed a reputation for paranormal activity. The 'watchers' as they have come to be known, are reportedly harmless and don't seem to interact with the living. Their presence is simply felt, adding an air of mystery to the theatre's already impressive atmosphere.
The Regent Centre has been a hub for theatrical productions in Christchurch since its opening.
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