Aunt Charlotte's Ghostly Apparition
Bryanston's Portman estate has a long history of paranormal activity, dating back to the pre-twentieth century. The ghostly presence of Aunt Charlotte was so strong that the original building was actually pulled down and rebuilt in an attempt to rid the living of her spirit. Although Charlotte's ghost may have disappeared, her legacy lives on in the form of a phantom horse and carriage that now haunts the estate's drive. This eerie apparition is said to be a manifestation of the estate's complex and intriguing history.
Historical records suggest that Aunt Charlotte was a prominent figure at Portman, and her death had a profound impact on the estate's inhabitants. The fact that the original building was demolished and rebuilt is a testament to the enduring power of her ghostly presence. While there are no documented accounts of Aunt Charlotte's ghostly appearances, the phantom horse and carriage that now haunts the drive is a chilling reminder of the estate's rich and haunted history. This phenomenon has been observed by multiple witnesses, adding credibility to the claims of paranormal activity.
The Portman estate has a long history dating back to the 17th century, with the current building serving as Bryanston School since the 20th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Hand on Shoulder Encounter
Unnamed shop in the town, Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum, a charming town in Dorset, is home to a mysterious shop where a rather unsettling experience took place. A shopper, browsing through the shelves, suddenly felt a large hand on her shoulder. Assuming it was her husband, who was also in the shop, she turned around, but to her surprise, there was no one near her. The incident left her with more questions than answers, and it's an experience that she won't soon forget.
Decapitated Jockey of Cranborne Chase
Edge of Cranborne Chase, Blandford Forum
Deep in the rolling hills of Dorset, on the edge of Cranborne Chase, a ghostly rider is said to haunt the rural route that was his undoing. This ill-fated jockey met his demise in a tragic accident, his horse and carriage crashing into a low-hanging branch that severed his head from his body. Now, centuries later, his spirit is doomed to relive that fatal moment, forever riding the same stretch of road that claimed his life.
The Woman in Black of Blandford
Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum
In the heart of Blandford Forum, the Crown Hotel stands tall, its historic walls bearing witness to a multitude of paranormal sightings. One of the most enduring and eerie is that of a ghostly woman clad in a black crinoline dress, seen wandering the first floor. A member of the cleaning staff caught a glimpse of her entering a room, only to find it empty upon investigation. This fleeting encounter has left many questions unanswered, fuelling speculation about the woman's identity and her connection to the hotel.
Flying Bottle Poltergeist
Nelson's Wine Bar, Blandford Forum
Nelson's Wine Bar in Blandford Forum has a rather unusual reputation. It's said that a mischievous presence, possibly a female prisoner from the past, likes to throw bottles around. This poltergeist activity has been reported over the years, with some speculating that the restless spirit might have been locked up in the building at some point. The atmosphere upstairs is said to be particularly unsettling, with reports of children crying and unexplained noises.
The Old House Footsteps
The Old House, Blandford Forum
The Old House in Blandford Forum, Dorset, is home to a rather unusual haunting. It's said that when the house is empty, loud footsteps and dragging sounds can be heard coming from within. A neighbour, understandably spooked by the strange noises, reportedly called the police to investigate. Although the authorities found nothing out of the ordinary, the unexplained sounds persisted, leaving the neighbour and anyone else who might have heard them with a mystery on their hands.
Blandford Forum Ghostly Hunt
Woods in the area, Blandford Forum
Deep in the woods near Blandford Forum, a spine-tingling spectacle has been reported by locals and visitors alike. The sound of ghostly dogs, yelping and running through the underbrush, has been heard echoing through the trees. This eerie phenomenon is thought to be part of a phantom hunt, with some claiming to have seen a headless shuck roaming the woods, although its connection to the ghostly pack remains uncertain.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Portman

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset