Puck's Down Fairy Haunting
Pokesdown, a suburb of Bournemouth, has a name that hints at a mystical past. The area was once known as Puck's Down or Fairy Down, a name that has been corrupted over time. While the reason for this name has been lost to history, it's clear that the area has a unique and intriguing heritage. The name Puck, after all, is associated with mischievous spirits in English folklore, often linked to the supernatural and the fae.
Delving deeper into the history of Pokesdown, it's evident that the area's connection to the supernatural is rooted in its name and the mythology surrounding it. Although there's no concrete evidence of fairy sightings or encounters, the persistence of the name Puck's Down suggests that the area has a lasting reputation for being a place of otherworldly fascination. The fact that the name has endured despite the passage of time speaks to the power of local legend and the enduring appeal of the mysterious and unknown.
The name Pokesdown is derived from the earlier name Puck's Down or Fairy Down.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Bournemouth Poltergeist Haunting
Unidentified flat, Bournemouth
In the sleepy Bournemouth suburb of Boscombe, a most peculiar and intriguing haunting took place back in 1964. A woman living alone in a flat began experiencing strange occurrences that would leave any homeowner perplexed. She would wake up in the dead of night to find her bed sheets being tucked in around her, as if an invisible presence was ensuring she was snug and comfortable. But that wasnt the only bizarre event - a particular book would also move itself onto the bed, leaving the woman baffled as to how it got there.
White Lady of Millhams Lane
Millhams Lane, Bournemouth
Millhams Lane and the surrounding Longham area are said to be haunted by a ghostly presence, known as the White Lady. This phantom is reportedly a woman who was killed in a tragic accident involving a horse and trap along the road. The story goes that she appears as a white or grey figure, and some claim she tries to entice men to jump off the nearby bridge. The exact circumstances of her death are unclear, but her spirit is said to reappear every February, a sighting that has been reported for many years.
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.
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.
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.
Christchurch Sea Dragon Legend
Skies above and off coast, Christchurch
Christchurch has long been associated with a terrifying legend from the medieval period. In the early 12th century, a monstrous creature emerged from the sea and took to the skies, wreaking havoc on the town. The beast, described as a five-headed dragon, was said to have destroyed the local church and many surrounding houses, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The event was documented by the third abbot of Saint Martin of Tournai, providing a rare glimpse into the town's paranormal history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Pokesdown area

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight