Brown Fairy Figures of Branksome
Branksome Park estate in Bournemouth, Dorset, is said to be home to a rather charming and unusual ghostly phenomenon. Several little people, dressed in brown, have been spotted playing in and around the bushes of one of the estate's gardens. These tiny figures, reportedly seen in the early twentieth century, seem to have been enjoying themselves immensely before being scared off. Their presence has left many to wonder about the nature of these mysterious brown-clad entities.
The history of Branksome Park estate dates back to the Victorian era, a time when folklore and tales of mythical creatures were very much a part of everyday culture. The sighting of these little people in brown, often referred to as fairies, adds a touch of magic to the estate's history. Although details about the witnesses and their accounts are scarce, the fact that these figures were seen on multiple occasions suggests that they may have been a local legend or a commonly held belief among the community. The fairies' harmless nature and their fondness for playing in the garden only add to the enchantment of this paranormal occurrence.
The estate was developed during the Victorian era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Smuggler's Ghost
The Acorn Public House, Bournemouth
The Acorn Public House in Bournemouth, Dorset, has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted pubs. It all started back when the pub was known as The Dolphin. A guest staying overnight woke up to the sound of clinking and, upon investigation, caught a glimpse of a man sitting on a chest, counting gold coins. This apparition has been linked to the pub's history as a hotspot for smugglers in the 18th century.
Bournemouth Ghost Soldier
Bournemouth Town Hall, Bournemouth
Bournemouth Town Hall seems like an unlikely place for a ghostly encounter, but locals and visitors alike have reported strange sightings here. Every year on October 31st, an incorporeal soldier of Indian heritage is said to appear, helping himself to a drink of water from the building's facilities. This unusual haunting has been documented for many years, with multiple witnesses describing the soldier's calm and matter-of-fact demeanour as he goes about his business.
Mysterious Tasmanian Wolf Sighting
Western Avenue, Bournemouth
Western Avenue in Bournemouth, Dorset, is a quiet residential road that's been home to many a family over the years. But on one fateful evening, 7th April 1974, a female driver caught a glimpse of something that would leave her and many others baffled. She described the creature as a strange cat-like being, which she later identified as a Tasmanian wolf - an animal thought to be extinct. The sighting was brief, but it was enough to spark curiosity and debate among locals and cryptozoology enthusiasts alike.
Bournemouth Puma Sightings
West Cliff Road, Bournemouth
West Cliff Road in Bournemouth has been the site of some pretty unusual sightings over the years. In 2005, a salesman from Wiltshire claimed to have spotted a puma making its way along this very road. Fast forward to 2018 and another resident reported seeing a panther on their patio, just a stone's throw away from the original sighting. Now, it's highly unlikely that the same creature was roaming around all that time, but it's interesting to note that these sightings have happened in the same general area.
The Four Figures of Bournemouth
Upper Gardens, Bournemouth
Upper Gardens in Bournemouth has been the site of a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. On a couple of occasions, four men dressed in long black coats with brimmed hats have been seen standing in a row. The identities of these men are unknown, but their presence has left a lasting impression on those who have witnessed it. It's not clear what they're doing or why they're there, but their uniformity and synchrony are quite striking.
Shadowy Hound of Talbot Woods
Talbot Woods, Bournemouth
Deep in the heart of Talbot Woods, a sense of unease settles over visitors as they catch glimpses of a shadowy figure from the corner of their eye. This elusive creature, described as a large dog, roughly the size of a Saint Bernard, is said to roam the woods, leaving behind only whispers of its presence. The scraping sound of claws on concrete is often heard, but the creature itself remains frustratingly out of sight. It's as if the hound is intentionally evading detection, adding to the mystique of this enigmatic sighting.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Branksome Park estate

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight