The Four Figures of 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.
Historical records of the area don't provide much context for these apparitions, but it's worth noting that Bournemouth has a rich history dating back to the Victorian era. The town grew rapidly during this time, and it's possible that the four figures may be connected to this period in some way. While there aren't many details about the witnesses or the exact dates of the sightings, the fact that there have been multiple reports suggests that something unusual is going on. Further research is needed to uncover more information about these mysterious figures.
Bournemouth grew rapidly during the Victorian era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Sailors Christchurch
Nelson Public House, Christchurch
The Nelson Public House in Christchurch is home to a rather unusual haunting - a pair of phantom sailors who seem to have made this historic pub their spiritual home. While there's no record of a specific incident or tragedy that might have led to their presence, their ghostly appearances have become a popular topic of conversation among locals and visitors alike. The sailors are said to be seen wandering the pub's interior, their ethereal forms seemingly at ease in this bustling hostelry.
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.
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.
Lillie Langtry Ghost at Langtry Manor Hotel
Langtry Manor Hotel, Bournemouth
The Langtry Manor Hotel has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity. The hotel's history is deeply intertwined with that of the famous courtesan Lillie Langtry, who was said to have had an affair with King Edward VII. According to local legend, Lillie's spirit still roams the halls, particularly in Room 4, where she and her lover supposedly shared romantic trysts.
Langtry Manor Ghost
Langtry Manor Hotel, Bournemouth
Langtry Manor Hotel in Bournemouth is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman, believed to be Lillie Langtry, the mistress of Edward VII. The hotel was commissioned in 1877 by the king himself as a gift for his lover, although there's no concrete evidence to support this claim. What we do know is that the building became a hotel in the 1930s and it was during the 1970s that staff began reporting sightings of a grey form, thought to be Lillie. The hotel's chef was one of the first to spot her, and his accounts of the ghostly apparition have become a key part of the hotel's paranormal history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Upper Gardens

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight