Old Harry's Haunted Cliffs
Studland Cliffs, with their rugged charm and breathtaking views, have long been associated with the supernatural. This stretch of coastline in Dorset is famously known as Old Nick's Ground, a name that hints at the mischievous presence said to inhabit these windswept cliffs. At the heart of this legend is Old Harry, a sea stack made of chalk that stands sentinel over the sea. The name Harry, by the way, is another name for the Devil, adding a layer of intrigue to this already fascinating location. Locals claim that the caves within these cliffs remain warm, a sign that Harry still likes to spend time here, watching over his domain.
The history of these cliffs is as captivating as the ghost stories that surround them. In the 1890s, a storm led to the collapse of another rock stack known as the Devil's Wife or Daughter. Although the stack itself no longer stands, remnants of it can still be seen during low spring tides, a testament to the relentless power of nature. This area has been a point of interest for centuries, with its unique geological formations and the legends that have grown around them. The presence of Old Harry, or the Devil, as he's also known, has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing those interested in the paranormal to these haunted cliffs.
The cliffs have been a part of local folklore for centuries, with stories of Old Harry dating back to the Victorian era.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Pale Donkey of Newton Heath
Newton Heath, Studland
Deep in the Dorset countryside, Newton Heath is home to a rather poignant and puzzling ghostly apparition - a small white donkey. This phantom is said to appear briefly around Christmas each year, reenacting a tragic event from centuries past. According to local lore, the donkey's master was brutally robbed and murdered while crossing the heathland, but the poor animal vanished into thin air. Some say the donkey's spirit roams these rolling hills, searching for its beloved owner or perhaps trying to relive happier times.
The Woman in White Studland
Pathway from Studland beach to road near The Banks Arms pub, Studland
Studland's serene coastal path has been the site of a rather unusual and intriguing encounter. On a summer's day in August 2004 a group of four friends were strolling along this very path when they spotted a woman dressed in a crisp white coat and matching trousers her hair flowed down to her shoulders. She casually walked past them and said 'I have just been for a swim' before vanishing into thin air. The sudden disappearance left the group bewildered and wondering if they had just imagined the whole thing.
Excalibur's Mysterious Resting Place
Little Sea, Studland
Little Sea, a tranquil body of water in the picturesque village of Studland, Dorset, has a fascinating legend attached to it. This serene spot has been linked to the legendary sword Excalibur, said to have been wielded by King Arthur himself. According to myth, Arthur may have disposed of his trusty sword in Little Sea, adding a layer of mystique to this already enchanting location. While there's no concrete evidence to support this claim, the story has become an integral part of the area's folklore, drawing in curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
The Demon of Brownsea
Brownsea Castle, Brownsea Island
Brownsea Castle stands eerily on Brownsea Island, its stone walls bearing witness to a century of secrets and sorrow. In May 2003, a photograph taken from a window in the castle revealed a strange face, only visible after the film was developed. Some believe this apparition is Mary Bonham Christie, infamous as the 'Demon of Brownsea'. She purchased the island in the 1920s, forcibly removing two hundred residents. For 33 years, Mary lived alone in the castle, her life marked by isolation and tragedy.
Agnes Beard Haunting
Scaplen's Court, Poole
Scaplen's Court in Poole, Dorset, is home to a restless spirit believed to be that of Agnes Beard, a maid who met a tragic end in the late sixteenth century. Alongside her mistress, Agnes was brutally murdered during a robbery, a crime that was attributed to a man who was surprisingly found not guilty. It's said that Agnes still protests this miscarriage of justice, making her presence felt in the building to this day. Her ghostly apparition has been captured on CCTV, wearing a bowler hat and lingering on the screens for over two hours.
Slamming Doors of Poole Quay
Former mill and forge on the quay, Poole
The former mill and forge on Poole Quay is a place where the past seems to be lingering. This old building has a reputation for strange occurrences, particularly at night. Slamming doors and unexplained noises have been reported by those who have ventured into the building after dark. It's said that the building's history of smuggling and illicit activities may be connected to these paranormal happenings.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Cliffs

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire