Portland Black Dog Haunting
Deep within the rugged coastline of Portland, Dorset, lies a mysterious cave known as Cave Hole. This foreboding location is said to be home to a large, black dog with a sinister reputation. According to local legend, the dog roams the cave, waiting to pounce on the unwary and drag them to their doom by drowning them in the sea. The dog is often referred to as a Shuck, a type of ghostly canine said to haunt the coastlines of England. Its presence strikes fear into the hearts of locals and visitors alike, and many believe that the dog's malevolent spirit still roams the cave, searching for its next victim.
Historical records of the black dog date back to the Victorian era, although the exact date of the haunting is unknown. The dog is said to appear to lone travellers, often near the old lighthouse on Portland. Some believe that the dog may be a harbinger of doom, or a manifestation of the area's treacherous coastline. While there have been no recent sightings, the legend of the Portland black dog remains a popular tourist attraction and a chilling reminder of the area's dark history.
The Portland black dog is a legend that has been passed down through generations of locals, with roots in the area's rich maritime history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Executed Soldiers Ghosts
The Red Post, Corscombe
The Red Post on the boundary of Corscombe village is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Civil War soldiers who met a grisly end there. According to local legend, these soldiers were executed and brutally cut into chunks at this very spot. It's believed that their restless spirits still linger, unable to move on from the traumatic events that took place. The post, a simple marker on the landscape, has become a focal point for paranormal activity, with many reporting strange occurrences in the area.
The Lady in Brown Apparition
Portland Hotel, Portland
The Portland Hotel in Dorset is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in a long brown Victorian style dress. This eerie apparition was spotted by six sailors who had taken refuge in the hotel after their ship was unable to leave the docks due to bad weather. The men had spent some time in the bar before heading to their rooms, where two of them caught a glimpse of the mysterious woman standing outside one of the rooms. She was wearing a white bonnet and shawl on her shoulders, but vanished into thin air before the other four men could see her.
Red Eyed Dog of Horton
Bagman's Lane and Pot Lane, Horton
In the sleepy Dorset village of Horton, a stretch of rural lane has been home to a most unsettling spectre - the Red Eyed Dog. This shuck, with eyes glowing like embers and fur as black as coal, has been making appearances on Bagman's Lane and Pot Lane for who knows how long. Locals will tell you that if you're unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this ghostly hound, it's a bad omen - a sign that something's amiss. The dog's passing is said to be a harbinger of doom, and we can't help but wonder what dark history has led to this canine spirit roaming the lanes.
Nanny Diamonds Fairy Haunting
Road between Southwell and Cheyne, Southwell, Portland
The road between Southwell and Cheyne on Portland, Dorset, is said to be home to a mischievous haunting. Locals have long reported strange occurrences, which they attribute to the 'little folk', also known as Nanny Diamonds. These fairy-like creatures are said to dance and cause trouble along this stretch of road. While there's no record of exactly when these sightings began, the folklore surrounding Nanny Diamonds has been a part of local culture for generations.
Mermaid of Portland
Church Ope Cove, Portland
Church Ope Cove on the picturesque Isle of Portland in Dorset is said to be the spot where a mermaid came ashore, but sadly didn't survive for long. According to local legend, the mythical creature was discovered by people heading to church, who were understandably shocked to see a half-human, half-fish being lying on the beach. The story has been passed down through the years, and while its authenticity is impossible to verify, it remains a fascinating footnote in the island's history.
Smugglers Ghosts in Bournemouth
St Andrews Church, Bournemouth
St Andrews Church in Bournemouth stands sentinel over the town, its graveyard harbouring secrets of a bygone era. Legend has it that beneath the church and its grounds, a network of tunnels once facilitated the illicit activities of smugglers, who used these hidden passages to spirit their contraband away from prying eyes. It's said that the ghosts of these smugglers still roam the area, their restless spirits a testament to the clandestine lives they led.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Cave Hole
