Scratching Monkey Ghost
Athelhampton House in Puddletown is home to a multitude of ghostly residents, but one of the most intriguing is the Scratching Monkey. Legend has it that a mischievous monkey was accidentally bricked up behind a wall, and now tries to escape, scratching and making its presence known to visitors. But that's not all - headless figures have been known to sit down to dinner, duellists re-enact their final fights in the grounds, and a grey lady glides effortlessly through walls in the east wing.
Built in the 16th century, Athelhampton House has a rich history that may be connected to its paranormal activity. The house has changed hands several times over the centuries, but its atmospheric interior and beautiful grounds have remained a constant draw for visitors. The Scratching Monkey is just one of many ghostly entities said to haunt the house, which is also home to reports of unexplained noises, movements, and sightings. While the origins of the monkey's imprisonment are unclear, its restless spirit is said to still roam the house.
Athelhampton House was built in the 16th century for the Broke family
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Encounters at Athelhampton Hall
Athelhampton Hall, Dorchester
Athelhampton Hall, a historic house with accommodation, has been associated with paranormal activity. The hall, located near Dorchester in Dorset, offers guests a chance to stay in a piece of English history. However, some guests have reported experiencing ghostly encounters during their stay. The hall's long history and former occupants may be the source of these paranormal occurrences.
Betsey Caine's Woodland Apparition
Betsey Caine's Corner and local woodland, Dewlish
Deep in the Dorset countryside, near the village of Dewlish, lies a woodland area where the restless spirit of Betsey Caine is said to roam. Betsey, a local girl, took her own life many years ago and was buried at a nearby crossroads. Her shade, or ghostly apparition, has been spotted by locals and visitors alike, stalking the trees and undergrowth of the woodland. The exact circumstances of her death are shrouded in mystery, but it's said that her spirit has been unable to rest, doomed to relive the tragic events that led to her untimely demise.
Roman Legionnaires Haunting
Roman Road, Thorncombe Woods
Deep in Thorncombe Woods, a phantom contingent of Roman legionnaires is said to march along a piece of ancient road. It's a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. In 1969, a group of youths and two adults were camping in the woods when they spotted a single Roman soldier, a fleeting glimpse of a bygone era. The incident remains one of the most well-documented cases of paranormal activity in the area.
Mysterious Fire at Candlemas Cottage
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.
Golden Coffin Barrows Haunting
Cowleaze Barrows, Milborne St Andrew
Deep in the Dorset countryside, the Cowleaze Barrows stand sentinel, a trio of ancient mounds shrouded in mystery and legend. One of these barrows is said to conceal a glittering golden coffin, tempting treasure hunters to try their luck. But beware, for a storm is said to blow in if anyone dares to dig for it, as if the barrow itself is protecting its secrets. Some claim that headless phantom coffin bearers haunt the area, their ghostly presence only visible to the D'Urberville family.
The Vanishing Headlight of Rogers Hill
Rogers Hill, Briantspuddle
Rogers Hill in Briantspuddle, Dorset, is a spot where a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon has been observed by multiple people, including a police officer. In 1983, the officer was driving his patrol car at night when he spotted a single headlight coming from the other direction. He dipped his headlights, expecting to see the other vehicle's full lights, but when he turned the bend, there was nothing there. This strange occurrence has been linked to a fatal accident that happened at the same spot several years earlier.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Athelhampton House

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Golden Lion Hotel
Weymouth, Dorset

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset

The Bull Hotel
Bridport, Dorset