The Running Boy of Poole
High Street in Poole, Dorset, is a bustling shopping area, but on one summer's day in 2008, a witness spotted something that made their heart skip a beat. A young boy, dressed in loose-fitting knee-length trousers and a tweed cap, came running past, his feet pounding the pavement. The witness followed, curious, but when they reached the spot where the boy had vanished, they were confronted with a high brick wall and no obvious exit. It was as if the boy had simply melted into thin air.
Digging deeper into the history of High Street, it's clear that Poole has a rich and varied past, dating back to the medieval period. While there's no specific record of a young boy matching the witness's description, it's possible that the apparition is connected to the town's history or a past tragedy. The fact that the boy was seen running towards the quay suggests a possible link to the town's maritime past or a long-forgotten event. Whatever the explanation, the sighting remains a fascinating and unexplained phenomenon.
Poole's history dates back to the medieval period, with a rich maritime and cultural heritage.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Courtyard Cafe Ghost
Courtyard Cafe, Poole
The Courtyard Cafe in Poole's bustling High Street is home to a mischievous resident ghost nicknamed Annabelle. This cheeky spirit has been known to turn lights on and remove bin lids, causing a stir among customers and staff. While the exact date and time of these events are unknown, one thing is certain - Annabelle loves to make her presence felt. The cafe's daily operations seem to be the perfect backdrop for her antics, and it's not uncommon for patrons to wonder if they'll catch a glimpse of her ghostly form or experience one of her playful pranks.
Captain Jolliffe's Mischievous Ghost
Jolliffe House, Poole
Jolliffe House in Poole, Dorset, is home to a ghostly presence that's as playful as it is puzzling. The building's cleaning staff have reported that the ghost, believed to be that of Captain Jolliffe, likes to leave its mark by making handprints appear in freshly polished areas. It's not just a visual trickster, either - equipment mysteriously turns on and off, and footsteps echo through empty corridors. One former occupant, who lived in a now-demolished wing, even felt a ghostly hand tugging at her ankles, and saw a shadowy face materialise on her bedroom wall.
Carter's Customs House Haunting
Customs House, Poole
The Customs House in Poole, Dorset, has a dark history that's said to be still very much alive. This building, now home to a restaurant, was once the scene of a gruesome murder. Carter, a gang member, met his demise here after betraying his smuggling associates. They discovered his treachery and took matters into their own hands, ending his life in a violent and tragic manner. Locals believe that Carter's spirit still roams the upper parts of the building, a restless presence that's a chilling reminder of the events that took place here.
Ghostly Child of Baiter Park
Baiter Park, Poole
Baiter Park in Poole, Dorset, is a spot where the ordinary and the paranormal seem to intersect. A ghostly figure of a small, thin child has been spotted standing by a bench. One witness was lucky enough to lock eyes with the entity before it faded away. The encounter likely took place in the late 1990s, leaving us with a brief but chilling glimpse into the park's haunted past.
Poole Guildhall Ghost
Guildhall, Poole
The Guildhall in Poole, Dorset, is home to a restless spirit believed to be that of a clerk who took his own life by hanging in the building. This tragic event is thought to have occurred many years ago, and it's said that the clerk's depression and despair have lingered, leaving behind a ghostly presence. Those who have ventured into the upper regions of the Guildhall have reported hearing the sound of footsteps and movements, suggesting that the clerk is still wandering the halls, trapped in a state of sorrow.
Oppressive Bedroom Ghost
Byngley House, Poole
Byngley House on Market Street in Poole has a rather unsettling reputation thanks to reports of a strange, oppressive presence in one of its upstairs bedrooms. It's said that some people who have ventured into this room have experienced a deeply uncomfortable, almost suffocating feeling that seems to come out of nowhere. Imagine walking into a room and suddenly feeling like the air has been squeezed out of it - that's what some visitors have described. This eerie sensation has left many wondering if there's more to Byngley House than meets the eye.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near High Street

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire